The new Canon 30D D-SLR
Sep 14th, 2006, 03:00 AM
#21
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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.
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.
Sep 14th, 2006, 06:02 AM
#23
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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.
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.
Sep 14th, 2006, 06:05 AM
#24
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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.
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.
Sep 18th, 2006, 06:28 AM
#25
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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.
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.
Sep 18th, 2006, 09:19 AM
#26
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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
Sep 18th, 2006, 09:30 AM
#27
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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!!!
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!!!
Sep 19th, 2006, 08:45 PM
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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.
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.
Oct 10th, 2006, 12:13 PM
#32
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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.
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.
Oct 10th, 2006, 12:51 PM
#33
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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.
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.
Oct 18th, 2006, 05:02 PM
#34
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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 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...)
Mar 18th, 2007, 01:17 PM
#35
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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.
I JUST got the Canon 35mm 1.4L lens - it's pretty sweet. This is going with me to Italy.
Mar 19th, 2007, 03:19 AM
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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
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
Mar 19th, 2007, 06:35 AM
#37
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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.
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.
Mar 19th, 2007, 11:12 PM
#38
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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 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.
Mar 20th, 2007, 01:14 AM
#39
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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.
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.
Mar 20th, 2007, 02:44 AM
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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 ?
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 ?
