Digital Camera recommendations
Discussion
After many happy years with my Canon EOS-3, I am preparing to take a dive into the digital market. (Basically since my son arrived, the cost of developing my 35mm films has gone through the roof!!!)
I'm after something decent, and that gives a similar user experience to a decent SLR.....
I'm expecting it not to be cheap.... but I'm not a lottery winner!!
I'm after something decent, and that gives a similar user experience to a decent SLR.....
I'm expecting it not to be cheap.... but I'm not a lottery winner!!
If you already have a bunch of Canon lenses, and want an SLR, then it would make sense to go for a Canon DSLR like the 300D (approx £700 body only) or 10D (approx £1100 body only). Of course, if you did happen to win the lottery, then you could consider a 1D Mk II (£3500) or 1Ds (£4800) 
I know a few people with the 300D. Biggest problem is that you are used to the EOS 3 and the 300D offers far less capability in terms of camera control.
I know an EOS 1 user who decided not to go digital because the 300D just didn't cut the mustard and everything else was too expensive. However, since then things have moved on and they should be recieving their 10D about now
All depends on what you want out of the camera.
I know an EOS 1 user who decided not to go digital because the 300D just didn't cut the mustard and everything else was too expensive. However, since then things have moved on and they should be recieving their 10D about now
All depends on what you want out of the camera.
Canon digital SLR is your best bet as you've already bought into the Canon system (as noted).
Main "easy to spot" difference between 300D and 10D is build quality. The latter is far superior in this respect.
The 10D also handles more like the better film EOS cameras, so you'll have slightly less hassle getting to grips with it (note that the jump is easy anyway, so this isn't much of a concern!).
Manual controls are also more flexible on the 10D, but again, not by a massive margin.
Is the 10D worth the premium over a 300D? If you have the lenses already and are used to the EOS system, I would say yes (I bought a 10D in November from the US). It's definitely more "pro" than "consumer". The 300D is the other way round, hence the price (but a blindingly good piece of kit for the wedge).
If you wanted a cheaper "in" to digital, have a look at the Canon Ixus range, or the S50. Both take great pictures and the S50 has plenty of manual control. Neither have the flexibility with lenses though.
Check out the "SLR recommendations..." tread on this forum, and also have a look at the Canon Digital EOS forum (put these words into Google and you'll get a URL for something like photography-on-the-net.com).
One footnote - all these cameras have enough resolution to go to A4 prints easily, and the EOS can go to A3 at a push and you'll not tell the difference between them and film by and large. However, this means that they chew disk space. You should consider a 512Mb the minimum you'll want. Several 256Mb cards would also be an option...
Main "easy to spot" difference between 300D and 10D is build quality. The latter is far superior in this respect.
The 10D also handles more like the better film EOS cameras, so you'll have slightly less hassle getting to grips with it (note that the jump is easy anyway, so this isn't much of a concern!).
Manual controls are also more flexible on the 10D, but again, not by a massive margin.
Is the 10D worth the premium over a 300D? If you have the lenses already and are used to the EOS system, I would say yes (I bought a 10D in November from the US). It's definitely more "pro" than "consumer". The 300D is the other way round, hence the price (but a blindingly good piece of kit for the wedge).
If you wanted a cheaper "in" to digital, have a look at the Canon Ixus range, or the S50. Both take great pictures and the S50 has plenty of manual control. Neither have the flexibility with lenses though.
Check out the "SLR recommendations..." tread on this forum, and also have a look at the Canon Digital EOS forum (put these words into Google and you'll get a URL for something like photography-on-the-net.com).
One footnote - all these cameras have enough resolution to go to A4 prints easily, and the EOS can go to A3 at a push and you'll not tell the difference between them and film by and large. However, this means that they chew disk space. You should consider a 512Mb the minimum you'll want. Several 256Mb cards would also be an option...
Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff