Investing Canon 30D

[apicturepaints]

I've been looking to upgrade from my p&s camera and so far this is the one I've been wanting the most. Before I put in any major effort in obtaining it... what do you all think of the model? I enjoy a wide-range of photography... from people and outdoors... and for my boyfriend, the infamous tank pictures. Right now I own a simple Canon sd350, which is great for on-the-go, but is also frustrating. Whatever camera that I get... I will be taking a class, so that I can better understand all the fun things to fiddle with. Oh... I'm excited!

Thoughts? :rollface:

Just to keep the post slightly interesting... some random pics from my simple camera.

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[Ognid]

Nice pics!
I think the 30d is really nice. It also has allot of great reviews.
Other models to consider would be the Nikon D80 or D200 and even the Canon xti as it seems to do very well(it is not the same quality of the 30d but a good solid camera for the money)
I use a Nikon D80 because I started with Nikon and wanted to keep the same Lens(I love this camera), regardless of which camera you get i.e. Canon or Nikon both are great.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Matt

 

[apicturepaints]

Yes... I read a lot about Nikon, but I naturally love Canon. Quality wise: I believe the two brands are similar. I guess it's user preference. For a while there, I did want the Nikon D200. Oh geeze. You got me all confuzzled again. I would love to own them BOTH.

 

[MCary]

Nikon and Canon are like Ford and Chevy. Both are about the same and both have their loyalists. I have a 30D and I am very pleased. I bought my girlfriend a Rebel XT at the same time so we could enjoy the hobby together. I like the size and solidness of my 30D more. The most important aspect of a new DSLR purchase is the lenses. As a noob we bought lenses without alot of knowledge and now I kinda regret a few of my purchases. Not because they are necessarily bad lenses, but because now that I know more I want different ones.

Your otter shot would have looked much better with a polarizing filter. Something you'll have with your new camera, I'm sure.

Get back to us when your ready to pull the trigger.

Mike

 

[apicturepaints]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10303319#post10303319 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MCary
Nikon and Canon are like Ford and Chevy. Both are about the same and both have their loyalists. I have a 30D and I am very pleased. I bought my girlfriend a Rebel XT at the same time so we could enjoy the hobby together. I like the size and solidness of my 30D more. The most important aspect of a new DSLR purchase is the lenses. As a noob we bought lenses without alot of knowledge and now I kinda regret a few of my purchases. Not because they are necessarily bad lenses, but because now that I know more I want different ones.

Your otter shot would have looked much better with a polarizing filter. Something you'll have with your new camera, I'm sure.

Get back to us when your ready to pull the trigger.

Mike

Any suggestions on starting out lenses? This will be my first DSLR and I'm very excited. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to gain knowledge of different lenses and such and such. That's where my mini class comes in. Just something to do as a past time, so I can better understand everything, but what do you suggest as for lenses to purchase with the camera as a start?

 

[apicturepaints]

Oh and if anyone knows of any good sites to reference as to lenses and different equipment for the model that I'm interested in. Please post! I'd really appreciate the offering of knowledge.

 

[marino420td]

www.fredmiranda.com is a photography forum. Lots of equipment reviews and lots of knowledgeable people to help.

Also www.dpreview.com for equipment reviews. HTH

 

[MCary]

With lenses it is going to depend on your use and budget. Even with inexpensive lenses your going to think you have an amazing one until you compare your pictures with the ones you take with your first expensive lens. Kind of like, you think your TV gets great picture and then see a HD demo and that idea is ruined. Now you know you have crap.

The great thing about DSLR lenses is that there are so many options.

If you want to take tank pictures you'll want a good macro. Now your not going to hear this recommendation much, but if your on a budget, look at the Sigma 50mm f/2.8. My girlfriend loves her's and as always your macro can often double as a very nice small telephoto prime.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=133&sort=7&thecat=13

I use the Canon 100mm myself. It is very well respected. Here's a shot. It's a little noisy but show's what it can do. This is from last weekend. Its a sweat bee on a thistle.

I would stick with the kit lens to start out with until I learned my camera. Save up for a good lens you can add later, or take the plunge and get that 28-80 with the red ring right away. Or the next best option, get body only and a 50mm f/1.8 and still save for that L lens. Later you'll need a longer zoom. Then we can talk about 70-200 L with IS.

Mike

 

[ssbreef]

I own the 30D. Fantastic camera!!
The lenses I own are the 100mm Macro and the 17-85mm IS USM. I wish I never bought the 17-85 and instead saved up for the 24-70L. If money is no issue by the 24-70 otherwise pic up the 50mm 1.8 as suggested by Mike and save up for the 24-70.

 

[Maxxumless]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10288958#post10288958 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by apicturepaints
Yes... I read a lot about Nikon, but I naturally love Canon. Quality wise: I believe the two brands are similar. I guess it's user preference. For a while there, I did want the Nikon D200. Oh geeze. You got me all confuzzled again. I would love to own them BOTH.

I believe you would love the 30D â€"œ however, don't discount the Xti. The 30D has a better build and comes with a few more features, but the Xti will fit better in a smaller hand, costs less (money that you can use on lens) and is actually more innovative than the 30D. Here is what I would recommenced:

Canon XTi (body only) ($674)
Opteka Battery Pack Grip w/ batteries for Xti/XT bodies ($89)
Flash, camera bag & CF memory cards extra $$$

My Choice
Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR LD Aspherical (IF) $400 â€"œ Everyday use
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX HSM $890 â€"œ Zoom
Canon EF 100 f/2.8 USM Macro $470 â€"œ Macro

Budget Choice
Sigma 18-200 mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS - $530 (There is a ton of compromises with this lens, but for the average consumer most of its issues are non-issues.)

or

Kit 18-55mm Lens - $90 w/ Body
Sigma 70-300mm F/4-5.6 APO DG Macro $220 â€"œ Make sure its the APO version!

'The' place on the net for talking Canon photography is here:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php

As far as Nikon's go, I'm borrowing a D200 right now and it's down right complicated with all its functions, dials and buttons! The D40x has no less than 6 steps to change ISO while the Canon XT/XTi only have 3. There is a reason Canon dominates the digital camera arena.