New Camera Time!

[beanbag]

I was at my friends wedding this week in Croatia and after checking out everyone else's DSLR's, I've decided it's time I upgrade mine.

I've currently got a Canon EOS 300D with the following kit:

EF-S 18-55mm standard wide lens.
EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM
Speedlite 430EX Flash

I played around with a few of the camera's my friends had including the 400D and 5D and of course since i've already got a bit of Canon kit, I'd like to stay with Canon.

The 5D really was a stunning piece of kit and coupled with the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM he had attached, brought out some amazing photos. The only problem with this however is that it's out my price range....totally out of it!

So coming back to Earth, i've been examining the 400D and 30D. Both have excellent specs, however I'd really like to get some help comparing the two. I've use the 400D and it's very fast and nice to use but I sometimes feel it's a bit small. I only used it with the same 18-55mm wide lens I have on my 300D so although it's a good comparison, it doesn't bring out the best in the camera. I can buy the body for just €621 so not a bad price.

Over to the 30D. I've not seen this camera but for just €834, it's not much more than the 400D and is meant to be much better, but is it?

You get the magensium body so it's a lot tougher but less MP (not that this is a key issue), and the features seem to match so what are the main differences?

Ta all!

BB

[jagdpanther]

Hey BB

I posted in the SLR for sale thread

Im really interested in the 300d you're looking to sell matey and I tried to PM you but PH isnt permiting it for some reason!

Reply to this message or drop me an email through my profile with the full details old boy as Ive been looking for an SLR for a while, but working on a tight budget in photography doesnt always work

Cheers

~S~

[SpydieNut]

i have the 30D and love it. i haven't used the 400D so can't give a comparison i'm afraid.

the 30D just felt right in my hands and it *is* a solid bit of kit. it'll do far more than i probably ever will ask of it oh well. all i have at present is the 18-55 kit lens and the 75-300 USM. still really just getting the hang of itand using mostly in full auto to learn.

is it worth extra over the 400D - not sure i can answer that - there are far more clued up people on here that can answer that.

all i can say is you won't regret it. yes i know the 40D is meant to be out soon, but if you always wait for the *next thing* in technology you'll never buy.

now all i have to do is save up for some L glass

[flat-planedCrank]

Hi

I recently bought a 30D, its pretty cool
As SpydieNut mentioned, the 30D just feels like a proper bit of kit. I read that many 400D users end up getting the battery grip to 'bulk up' the size, i just don't find this to be a problem with the 30D.

As far as 30D vs. 400D spec's go (this is from memory, so don't quote me ):
30D has...
-metal body (400d is plastic (though lighter))
-Spot metering (400d does not)
-5/3fps mode (400d has 3fps)
-1/8000s shutter speed (400d has 1/4000s)
-Max ISO of 3200 (400d has 1600 max)
-1/3 ISO steps (400d has full steps only)
-Top LCD monitor for current settings (400D has only the main monitor on the back)
-other stuff as well

One point i would look at would be the speed of access for common settings like ISO - With the 30D you can change the ISO without even taking your eye from the viewfinder. (2nd button on top left, rotate the rear dial, iso displayed in the bottom of the viewfinder ). To my eyes the common settings were more accessible on the 30D.

All that said, the 30D is more money