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Photography Question 

Allena
 

Canon 30D VS. A Mark II etc.


I'm looking to purchase an SLR. I am pretty much set on a Canon 30D. However, I'm wondering what the major differences are between the 30D and an upgrade to a Mark II, or any type of 1D or 2D. I have read the specs, but if someone could put it into photographic lamens terms for me, that would be great. I'm planning on going into photography professionally. Right now I can afford a 30D. Essentially my question is this: Is it worth it to wait till I can afford a Mark II etc., or, for someone just starting out, will a 30D suffice? What are the major benefeits of upgrading now? From a professional stand point. Thanks!


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July 29, 2007

 

Oliver Anderson
  I would start with the Rebel or 30D. The lenses and Talent of the photographer are more important than the body. I unfortunately must rely on my equipment to help me out...JK


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July 29, 2007

 

Raymond Parsons
  Allena - the differences are significant, and so is the increase in price.

First, the 1D Mark II N, Mark III, and 1Ds Mark II are all built to handle the demands of a professional. They have rugged, fully-water sealed bodies, while the 30D does not. In addition, the number of shutter actuations with the 30D is 100,000; the pro models are double at 200K. Most amateurs would not consume more than 100K photos during the life of their camera, but pros certainly do. Simply put, the pro models are built to withstand the demands of pros.

Next, you're down to the various features that the 1D line will offer. The Mark II N shoots at 8 frames per-second (FPS), while the Mark III is 10 FPS, and the 1DS Mark II at 4 FPS. I believe the 30D can do 5 FPS.

On to resolution...the 30D is 8.2 MP with a 1.6x field-of-view crop factor (FOVCF). The 1D Mark II N is the same, but only a 1.3x FOVCF, while the Mark III is 10.1 MP with a 1.3x FOVCF. Finally, the 1Ds Mark II is 16.7 MP with no crop factor. The crop factor will make a difference if you’re doing any wide-angle work, while it might help you for telephoto work.

Pricing for the 30D is around $1,200, while the 1D Mark II N is around $3,200, the Mark III around $4,500, and the 1Ds Mark II at $7,100.

My suggestion is twofold - if you can wait, I'd suggest saving up and getting a pro body, assuming you'll need it. This is better than buying a 30D and then having to save again for a 1D model. On the other hand, if you need something now, get the 30D, and use it as your backup when you purchase the pro model.


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July 29, 2007

 

Michael A. Bielat
  There has been a decrease in price for the MK II N camera bodies ever since the MK III came out. The 30D is also near $1k now.

You would be looking into about a $2k difference at least just for the body.

I would say, go with a new 30D (I consider myself pro and use the 30D) and spend the rest on really good glass! The lenses will always have a decent resell factor. The bodies are what is disposable because they are obsolete within a few years. Plus when you shoot a ton professionally, you almost have to have a backup camera or keep getting new bodies due to them being used so much.

I started by first knowing what to do and having the fundamentals (granted I knew about 1/8 of what I do now) and lined up some jobs to buy equipment. Bought the gear, did the jobs, paid off the gear...

It also depends on what your "needs" are and what type of field you want to pursue. for example, Sports photography = lots of frames per second, and so forth...

Just think back, pros who's photos were plastered all over at one point used the first digital cameras (like $2k+ for 4 megapixels) The Rebel XTI has 10 megapixels and newer technology... So you can make any camera work well, the better the model, the more luxury and chance of getting a successful shot due to the increased features and reliability!


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July 30, 2007

 

Samuel Smith
  welcome allena.
aren't you curious as to wether your lenses will work with a new dslr?
kinda naked there in info.


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July 30, 2007

 

Allena
  Thank you, guys. All that info was amazingly helpful.
I appreciate you taking the time. Really good stuff...

Sam, I don't have any lenses to be curious about just yet.


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July 31, 2007

 

Samuel Smith
  could you possibly explain the one photo in your gallery?
you ask for info on high end cameras?no idea as to lenses.capture/time of day.
that camera ain't gonna drive itself.
ya wanna sit in that go-cart and then want to drive for nascar?
just curious.


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July 31, 2007

 
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