Should I...shouldn't I...30D

[ManualFocus-G]

I'm about this (<--------------->) close to buying an EOS 30D. I can get a nice one for £250.00 ish which I think is a bargain, given that the 40D is still selling for nigh on £500.00.

I love my Sony a100 and a200 for size, but the cameras struggle at high ISO settings. I have an old EOS 300D which does a better job at ISO 400 - 1600.

Basically I'm not a fan of flash photography, which is why I'm interested in the decent high ISO performance of the EOS models. I had a play with one earlier this week and was very impressed. The viewfinder isn't quite as big as the 40D, but the 0.9x magnification is still better than the 0.83x I'm used to. And the burst mode is frightening

Unless someone tells me not to, I'm going to take the plunge! If anyone has any experience of this model, please post here.

Thanks

[poilu]

40D offer liveview and replaceable mate screens, important for manual focus

[ManualFocus-G]

[Photomac]

Hi there,
My first DSLR was a Canon 350D, with an AF superzoom, and I became so disconnected from the photograph-taking process that I almost gave up photography!
Then I found a few enthralling websites, plus the MF forums, and I sold the 350D and bought a 30D. It was like getting a real camera back again, and I wouldn't hesitate if I were you. Yes the 40D is better (I've upgraded to one, along with a Nikon D200 - see some of my other posts), but if your budget says 30D it will still be worth it.
I tried some of the eBay focusing screens on the 30D, with mixed results. If you want a different screen I would look at www.focusingscreen.com, I think they would be better. I've gone to a Katzeye for the Nikon.
Hope this helps.

Regards

Angus

[ManualFocus-G]

Hi Photomac

Thanks for the advice. I took the plunge and purchased it! It feels very beefy if comparison to my smaller DSLRs, so I'm pleased with the decision. Just need to sell some stuff to pay for it now

[trifox]

EOS 30D?

It's a good camera! I used it for half year -- it has still good quality accepted by stock image companies --

8 mpx only but it does a nice job with MF lenses --

tf

[dave_t]

I went from the 30D to the 40D basically primarily for the extra 2mpix and the live view. If I didn't need these features, then I would've been very happy with the 30D all the way. Changing the screen also isn't that difficult. I had the Haoda screen which was pretty good.

[ManualFocus-G]

I've only been out with the camera once, but so far impressions are good!

I don't need exposure compensation anywhere near as ,much as with the Sonys, and the camera feels really solid. My only gripe with it is one small bit of dust on the sensor which my rocket blower won't remove. Looks like I'll need some wipes!

[martinsmith99]

30D looks a nice camera. I like the live view on my 40D, but I can live without it.

What's the focus screen like? Is it the same as the 40D? If so, I've a cheap split prism that I may get rid of.

I have a sensor cleaning kit. Very useful!

[ManualFocus-G]

[Photomac]

I'm glad you are enjoying the 30D - I found it well worth while changing to it.

If you want to try one of the ebay chinese focusing screens, I'm sure I can find one around in my pile of bits (oops - collection of stored spare parts!). You are welcome to it. Just send me a pm with your address and I'll stick it in the post.

Regards

Angus

[ManualFocus-G]