The new Canon 30D D-SLR
 

All,

I've pretty much decided to buy this camera for my upcoming trip to New Mexico for the Balloon Fiesta - does anyone here currently have it (or the 20D) and what are your thoughts on it? Care to share any photos you've taken with either?

It will be my fourth digital camera but my first D-SLR. any specific tips you'd recommend?

thanks...

Well, I have the 10D - two generations old camera and still perfectly happy with it. You can see a lot of photohraphs I made with it on my site - www.olegis.com.

Some tips - use the lowest ISO possible for best quality pictures, but don't hesitate to use higher ISO if needed. Shoot in AV mode - set your aperture to control the depth of field and the camera will set the shutter speed accordingly. Check the histogram and re-shoot the picture if it goes bad - never trust the LCD screen for exposure.

Buy the highest quality optics you can afford - it's more expensive, but also much more rewarding (in picture quality and overall shooting experience).

Have fun :-)

I don't know if it makes any diference to you but there is no movie mode on SLRs.

thank you Olegis - stunning photos, wow!

Gretchen, I've still got my SD500 Canon which will also go with me. I don't take many movies though but it's a nice perk...

Gretchen,

I beg to differ with you. But I have the Nikon D50 digital SLR, and it DOES have a movie feature on it.

Tom

I know the Balloon Fiesta is coming up soon, but Canon is releasing the new digital Rebel XTi this month, which is a lot of the features of the 30D, an even higher resolution (10MB vs 8), but at a lower price. It has a less robust construction, which may or may not matter to you.

I have one pre-ordered at jr.com. $799 body only.

I use the 20D and am very happy with it. In addition to the forthcoming Rebel, the rumor mill has it that an upgraded version of the 30D incorporating the larger sensor and the dust control device will be released in the near future.

With a dSLR you may find yourself doing more processing with photoshop than you do with a point and shoot, which often perform in camera enhancement -- brightening colors, heightening contrast, etc. Also, as a previous poster noted, you will need good lenses to fully enjoy the benefits.

Finally, before you decide, I'd visit a good camera shop and handle the cameras you are considering, as well as the Nikons and Pentaxes and others, because ergonomics can make all the difference.

Features and specs of the Rebel XTi are already on Canon's website. One can compare and contrast that with the 20D and 30D.

I have the 20D and the 10D. Great cameras. You can see photos here (each picture you see on this page is a different photo album so click on the photo to open the album). http://pbase.com/CJW

I will bow to first hand knowledge. I was quoting from a friend (and I can't remember the make) whose SLR did not have it. I was surprised--and there was some explanation for it that I think had to do with the "SLRness"--hence my inferrence that it would be any SLR.

Oh, I just checked. The silver XTi and XTi kit (with 18-55mm kit lens) are already shipping from various vendors. The black XTi kit is also shipping. Just that my black body-only is still pre-order.

Most vendors are selling them for $799 body-only and $899 with lens. Free shipping.

Tom, there is no movie mode in DSLR, please check your D50 again :-)

Olegis,

You had me doubting myself. So I turned on the camera and sure enough, THERE IS a video mode.

Tom

I have the Digital Rebel XT/350D and thoroughly enjoy it. (My first real trip with it will be to Montreal in a couple of weeks.) Keep in mind the 20D is the older model (replaced by the 30D), but is still very capable. You can check out the review as well as the 30D/20D/etc. forum at http://www.dpreview.com for lots of images.

One thing I wanted to mention that catches many people coming from P&S digital cameras to SLRs is that SLRs don't have live preview on the LCD screen. You have to compose with the viewfinder. (The screen does show the image after the shot.) This is inherent in the design of SLRs except for one(?) that uses a digital viewfinder.

Paul

I too have the 350D. The difference between the 350D and the new 400D are negligable to someone who is using a DSLR for the first time. I would get either model, but please rest assured that if you get the 350D XT, which is nicely priced right now, you are still getting an excellent, excellent camera.

dpreview is a great website, and the forums there are terrific for helping you decide which body is right for you.

My apologies to both Gretchen And Olegis. Yes the D50 has a video mode. But it is not for taking movies. It is for recording a slide show of your shots. Since I never make movies, I didn't read that part of the manual. Boy is my face red. Sorry.

Tom

That's OK, Tom :-)

Thanks to Sanschag and Faredolce. I've been doing some preliminary research on dSLRs myself, specifically focusing (no pun) on the XTi, 20D, and 30D. The nice thing about both the new Rebel and the 30D is the larger LCD. That said, I'm not sure my Windows 98 format (what can I say? I love to travel--can't have everything!) will be able to handle downloading all those 10 megapixel images.

Any feedback will be most appreciated. Right now I have a Canon 4MP point and shoot.

WT

WT, I'm not sure that I understand your question. What's "Windows 98 format" ?

honestly? I'd update the laptop first. You can get a decent new one for about the cost of a camera right now...

WT, it's been a while now since I upgraded from Windows 98 to Windows XP, but as I recall, if you have Service Pack 2 (SP2) installed you should be okay with the downloads. I am open to correction on this point, though.

Flygirl and WT, regarding the switch to dSLR, I would say go ahead. As a veteran film SLR user, I prefer using the viewfinder anyway, so not being able to use the lcd monitor to compose my pictures is no problem at all. Also recommend you have a look at both Nikon and Canon. I have Nikon D70 and D70S, bodies, and love the camera. Many people are equally enamored with the Canons. Either is an excellent choice, but once you start buying lenses and other accessories you are likely to stick with that system for life.

ps. thanks for all the advice.

flygirl, it's on my list, just not at the top (camera, trip to Europe are first!).

Heimdall, thank you for the feedback. Yes, I do plan to look at the Nikons. I've read that they provide a grainier photo, which resembles film photography. I'm sure both Canon and Nikon make excellent SLR cameras.

Oh, just want to add that don't overlook the new Sony alpha 100. It's extremely competitive at its price point. Similar features to the Canon Rebel XTi, but adds on-camera stablization.

And even though Sony is a new name in dSLR, they actually bought out the Konica/Minolta operation, so the camera is compatible to many lens and accessories from Minolta and Konica/Minolta.

I got this camera in May and I LOVE it!We went to Phoenix/Grand Canyon over 4th of July weekend and got fabulous photos. Friday night I let my 12 year old daughter shoot photos at my 17 year old's birthday party and the 12 year old shot great action photos.

I was tired of missing shots waiting for my previous digital cameras to be ready to take the next shot. I take this to my kids lacrosse games and have no trouble capturing action shots.

You will love the camera! I purchased an additional lens and my next purchase will be an additional flash.

wjh - what you mention is the one thing that drives me crazy! my current camera will lock onto something, but no click! it makes me nutty. sometimes it is moving which I can understand (but dislike). it's when it's a stationary object and still no shot that I want to hurl the camera! hahaha

1) buy the absolute best quality lens you can afford - and make sure you have a zoom range that you are comfortable. My 'primary' lens extends to 200mm - I'd love a faster lens, but gets out of control expensive for my use.

2) TEST IT before you travel -

3) buy the Lantern guide that goes with it. The manuals are less than great, but the Lantern guide is great! Read it, re-read it, read it on the plane - it gives excellent specific advice with pictures to help you shoot.

have fun!!!

Flygirl, with all self focusing lenses if you push your shutter half way down for focusing and then the rest of the way it doesn't lock up. check your batteries also.

What additional FLASH would you recommend for the 20d, i'm curious?
I need one...

The top of the line is the EX 580, but it might be overkill for an amateur photographer. The EX 430 will be just fine for occasional user.
In the past I also had a great experience with Sigma 500 ST DG Super flash - it's almost like the Canon EX 580, only cheaper.

It came in last week! I should have some great Balloon Fiesta photos to share when I return on Sunday...

I just got back from a trip to Romania where I used my digital camera (Canon Powershot S410) and my film SLR (Canon EOS Rebel 2000 with 28-105 and a 75-300 lenses) I have no particular camera expertise, but I do enjoy shooting good pictures.

I love the SLR - being able to precisely frame the picture, the wider angle, the better telephoto, the fast shutter, the way the camera is on and ready. I can capture a fleeting shot far faster than I can with my digital point and shoot.

I came home wondering about getting a digital SLR. It would be Canon because of the lenses. My question is: how does shooting digital SLR differ from film SLR? I know that the lenses work a little differently, and I think I read that the viewfinder only shows 95%. Do you have the issue of it turning off if not used for a few minutes? Anything else that you can share would be very welcome.

noe847 -

I've used a Canon Elan film SLR for many years, and just got the Rebel XTi dSLR 2 weeks ago. Here are some answers to your questions:

1. The shooting process is basically the same as film.

2. The viewfinder is the same. What you see is about 90-95% of what's recorded.

3. What's different is focal length multiplication. Because the digital Rebels' sensor are smaller than a 35mm film, you have to multiple the lens focal length by 1.6. Your 50mm lens will act like a 80mm. If you need 28mm coverage, you need to get a lens that has 17mm focal length, etc.

4. You can set the time the camera will turn off, at least on my Rebel XTi. You can have it never turn off by itself, if desire. But the switch is a hard one; so as long as it's in the "ON" position, even if the camera's shut off, a press on any button (including pressing the shutter half-way) will turn it back on, and you can shoot in under a second after it turns back on.

Anyways, so far I'm super super happy with the camera. I can shoot so many more pictures without having to worry about the cost of film, developing and printing. And I can review the result with the LCD right away - it's especially useful in low-light and flash situation.

But the "price" I pay is that I'm finding myself right now upgrading many of my lenses. I bought Canon's excellent 10-22mm super wide-angle and the 430EX flash, thinking I will use my other lens. But now I've bought another 17-85 IS (used) to go with the camera. In the end, the only things I'm reusing are my 50mm 1.8 and the RC-1 remote. :)

FYI all

I took it to ABQ with me for the Balloon Fiesta and wowee are the photos great. I'll post them up on the US board, hopefully before too long. They are absolutely stupendous photos (it's easy to take great photos of ballooning...)

I was going through fodors to find any postings I made on ABQ and came across the thread I started about my camera.

I JUST got the Canon 35mm 1.4L lens - it's pretty sweet. This is going with me to Italy.

Wow, I'm drooling :-)
The 35mm f1.4L is one of Canon finest lenses ever made - I've wanted to get it for a long-long time, but just couldn't justify the cost. It's one of the so called "holy trinity" - 35mm f1.4L, 85mm f1.2L, 135mm f2L.

Have fun with your new lens and bring us some nice pictures :-)

Olegis, you are too sweet! I hope I bring back nice photos.

I have to say though, the same day the lens arrived was the day I saw your beautiful photos of Rome and I was crestfallen - there is no way I will bring something back as beautiful. The main reason I got such a fast lens was for church interiors but then after seeing your photos I realized that perhaps I needed a little more wide angle.

I think what I will do is either buy the same tripod you have (since it looks so small) or, I will buy a bag of rice once I am there and use that to steady the camera on various surfaces while I take longer shots. Not perfect and surely not elegant but it should work in many cases and it's not something I need to lug either to OR from Italy - buy it there, leave it there...

The 30D is a wonderful camera I have to say!

Here is a link to my recent post - I just put up my Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta photos. They were taken with the new camera (mostly - the last ten are my SD500) and with the std lens that came with the camera.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...t=0&screen

I should also mention - I am getting the new SD800 to also take to Italy as a backup camera. There are times when you don't want to be weighed down with the equipment but still want to take photos. The other Canon P&Ss I have had take acceptable photos in most instances.

Hi Flygirl,

I chose to go to the "extreme" wide angle after I tried to photograph the St. Peter basilica with a 17mm lens - it was simply not wide enough. For me the choice of Sigma 10-20 was very easy because the Canon 10-22 was not compatible with my camera and the other lenses were not as wide (Tokina 12-24 or Tamron 11-18).

I strongly suggest to get a small tripod because you can use it in all kinds of situations. You can place it on the floor, on the bench or the table, or you can brace it against a wall or a column to get vertical-positioned shots. Very versatile and extremely useful accessory, just make sure to get one that can support your gear - I highly recommend the Manfrotto products (distributed by Bogen in the US, I think).

Regarding the small P&S - this is very smart move. Like you described - there are times when you don't feel like lugging the SLR gear around with you - that's exactly why I took my A630 with me.

BTW, your Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta photos are great - so colorful !


Cheers,
Oleg.

I have owned the 30d for 12 months now and is a great camera particular when you know its capabilities.

If you are looking for a small sturdy tripod to travel with , I recommend this one
http://reviews.cnet.com/Leica_Tablet...-30210727.html

Its compact and strong enough to support a digital SLR and will require the purchase of a ballhead to suit.

Can be purchased from the likes of B & H photo etc.

flygirl, I saw your most recent trip report (Venice and Tuscany) - they are great! And I've read this thread with interest.

I have the original digital Rebel and having problems with my workhouse lens - getting the dreaded 'err99'. I think I've narrowed it down to one lens as the problem.

I leave for Paris in 2 weeks. While I will be traveling with kids and won't have the ability to wander and take photos as much, I still count on taking many photos. I don't have time to get my lens serviced between now and then.

Do I:
1) take a different lens and deal ?
2) hope I can jury-rig this lens to work (cleaning the contacts, etc.)
3) just invest in a new one ?

My lenses:
- Tamron 28-200 (my workhorse)
- Canon 75-300 (very large and I was probably not going to even take it)
- Sigma 105 (not flexible enough since fixed focus, but fast so great for shooting kids!)
- 18-55 that came with camera

thoughts ?