Canon 30D vs. Canon Digital Rebel XTi

[wolfy68]

I am in the process of upgrading and when I saw the new Digital Rebel XTi. I had my mind set on the 30D but I was just wondering what everyone thought about these two cameras? They seem to be almost identical with the exception of the Rebel being 10.1 mega pixels and the new dust removal system. The other question I have is what classifies cameras in a particular category (amateur, semi pro, pro). Which camera would you choose and why?

[Max@Home]

Hi wolfy68,

...if you think the only difference is MP and dust removal, please read and compare again )

Build and size is another difference, 'plastic' and (still a little too ?) small for 400D versus 'magnesium alloy' and 'mediumsize' for the 30D.

And how fast or how much do you need to shoot? 30D does 5 fps for 30 images, 400D does 3 fps for 27 images.

400D misses spot metering

400D has no ISO HI (ISO3200) capability

Max shutterspeed is 1/4000 for 400D, 1/8000 for 30D

Batterypower: approx 400-500 images w/400D, approx 800-1000 w/30D on one charge

etc...

IMHO the 30D remains the more desireable camera, but they have been getting awfully close...

...so watch out carefully whether you really need the 'added benefits' of the 30D, or like the newer features of the 400D more...

...and if anything: go to a shop that has both, and compare how they feel 'in your own hands'

As for your other question, what classifies a pro, semi pro or amateur camera:

Nothing, really, if a Pro is making his living with a 300D, then that is his 'Pro-camera'. If an amateur uses a 1Ds Mk 2, that is his 'amateur-camera'

Depends on the shooter, NOT on the camera, IMHO

Hope this helps some, *my* little €0.02 worth...

Kindest regards!

Max@Home

[wolfy68]

Thanks for the breakdown....I guess that it all depends if you will be in a situation that you will need the additional features I guess.* I have heard that the 350D was a little small and the 400D has the same body so I guess I'll have to go to the local photoshop and take a look at both.*But I think that I will end up staying with my original choice(30D).* Although it is awefully tempting to wait, thanks for the help.

The reason I ask about the classifications of camera's is because I saw a break down of the different cameras and they didn't really have a reason as to why.* I thought it might be due to the fact that the high end camera's have more customizable features and more megapixels..etc. But who knows it could all be a marketing scheme.

[Mr. Pickles]

For a lot of people, spot metering, iso3200, and 1/8000sec shutter are items they will probably never need. Dust removal is a big deal for some, and that can be more important than the other things I mentioned.

The biggest thing in ANY camera comparison is the camera itself. The body. The way it feels. The way the buttons are placed. The way the menu works. If you can handle the camera and controls, then you can more easily make a judgement on what you want.

[wolfy68]

Mr. Pickles

In your opinion how does the controls and buttons stack up between the to cameras previously mentioned? Do you have a preference? I myself have never shot with either being that this will be my first DSLR. How do they stack up as far as on the fly configuration changes etc.?

[Mr. Pickles]

You are asking the wrong person, and that was part of my point. The person you need to ask is the same person that asked.

Both of these cameras you are looking at, have an abundance of options. Certainly more options than buttons. So they use a combo of buttons, dials, and menus. YOU have to decide if you like one over the other, and how that might impact your ability to make the pics you want. Just because user A thinks it is great, user B may not like it as much.

[GraphyFotoz]

It's just me but......
No matter how many MP's or "neat" lil features they add I hate something that feels like a plastic toy in my hand(XTi)!!

Now if ya took the 2 and combined the good features of the 2 WHOA now you'd have a camera!!
30D I'd choose hands down as they are.
Love the bigger LCD for sure and it has the heft and feel in my long fingers the XTi don't.

But that's just me. <<<Shrug>>>

[M. Worthington]

I agree. I think that even the 5D has a toyish feel.

[GraphyFotoz]

Originally Posted by M. Worthington

I agree. I think that even the 5D has a toyish feel.

GASP REALLY
That's a camera I always dream of having someday cuz of the full format.
Man this is like finding out there isn't a Santa.*

[cyclohexane]

I think it depends on where you're coming from. After you use things like the Nikon D2H, Canon 1D, Canon EOS 3, Nikon FM2... most cameras feel like toy cameras.

[fruler]

Got a hands-on look at the 400D and 30D yesterday at Best Buy.The 400D is much improved in several areas.The new 2.5" screen is really easy for old eyes.The access to ISO settings,etc is better.Focus seems much improved.I find it a definite step up from the 350XT I just sold,in many areas.......BUT.....the high Iso performance is in question,And many early adopters are saying it's 2/3 stop less sensitive than the 20D,30D,350D.
I'm waiting for the reviews before I buy.I really want the 400D to be the one,but have very seriuos doubts as to the ISO + sesitivity issue questions.

[cyclohexane]

The problem with the 20D, 30D, and 350D's ISO sensitivity (well, maybe it's not a problem, but the numbers are wrong) is that they are ~2/3 stops more sensitive than equivalent ISO film.* A friend and I confirmed this in my high school gym pitting my Nikon D2H (which is accurate) and his 20D; he was getting 1/250 second, while I was getting 1/160 second, at ISO 1600 and f/2.8.

Maybe Canon's just trying to reign in their specs?

[matthewlrigdon]

If you're just getting started and you're going to let the camera do most of the work, the 400D is a good choice. It's obviously cheaper, the 10mpx upgrade certainly doesn't hurt.

I'm upgrading from a 300D to a 20D because I find myself using manual mode more and having to hold down the AV button to change the aperture is starting to drive me nuts. That extra wheel comes in handy...

that sensor cleaner looks real tempting, though.

[fruler]

Originally Posted by cyclohexane

The problem with the 20D, 30D, and 350D's ISO sensitivity (well, maybe it's not a problem, but the numbers are wrong) is that they are ~2/3 stops more sensitive than equivalent ISO film.* A friend and I confirmed this in my high school gym pitting my Nikon D2H (which is accurate) and his 20D; he was getting 1/250 second, while I was getting 1/160 second, at ISO 1600 and f/2.8.

Maybe Canon's just trying to reign in their specs?

* What I was referring to were Phil Askey's tests that show the high ISO performance of the 350XT and 20D/30D to be 2000 ISO,when set at 1600 ISO.This equates to a 25%(1/4 stop) increase in sensitivity over true 1600(not 2/3 of a stop).
* The new 400XTi,according to unscientific tests is 2/3 stop (or more) less sensitive than the 8mp Canons.Some are saying the "real" iso, when set at 1600(for 400XTi) is more like 1250-1300 iso.
So,if noise is the same at iso 1600(as set in your camera),then the 8mp cameras are less noisy at high iso than the new 10mp camera(and this would be no surprise as they ARE cramming 2mp more onto the same size sensor).