XTi / 30D Dilema

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Archive 2007 · XTi / 30D Dilema

Rick Happoldt
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p.1 #1 · XTi / 30D Dilema

I'm new to the forums here but I've noticed the sound advice given, so I thought I would share a decision I've been considering in an attempt to get some feedback.

I own an XTi. At the time of purchase, it was between the XTi and the 30D. I prefered the ergonomics of the 30D by far, especially the grip and viewfinder. I had researched it's performance and everything looked great. However, I ultimately opted for the XTi because of the 10MP sensor and the anti-dust feature (camera shop recommendation).

The XTi takes fine pictures and other than a tendency for it to need a little positive exposure compensation, I have not issues with it. However, it's size consistently bothers me as does the small view finder. I have the battery grip but even with that, the feel of the 30D is worlds better to me. I also think the added weight balances a lot better with my lenses.

I was waiting, like everyone else, for the 40D announcement, but that doesn't look like it's going to happen. So, I am once again considering selling the XTi to get the 30D. I've read a number of posts about the difference in megapixels not really being an issue. However, I use the 17-55 IS and the 70-200 f4 IS. The main reason I chose them is that I do a fair amount of cropping (especially nature) and I want all the resolution of fine detail I can get. I'm unsure as to how much of this I might lose by moving to the 30D.

Has anyone else made the move from an XTi to a 30D? What was your impression? Do you recommend it? Am I likely to notice the loss of fine detail resolution if I need to crop the image?

Thanks in advance,

Rick

Feb 24, 2007 at 08:26 AM

rhameed
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p.1 #2 · XTi / 30D Dilema

I think you can do a quick experiment this way: Take the original for one of your favorite photographs which you cropped. Resize it to 8MP and then do the same crop. You would get an approximate idea of what you would have got if you had 8MP.

8MP to 10MP indicates roughly an increase of 12% in each direction. So if you took out a 1600 x 1200 crop out of your 10MP image, you would get around a 1360x1020 out of an 8MP image for the same crop, which does not seem much of a loss (plus the per pixel sharpness of 30D is supposedly better so the actual loss would probably be even less). And personally after going from 350D to 20D, I dont want to go back to 350D.

Feb 24, 2007 at 08:37 AM

elicious
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p.1 #3 · XTi / 30D Dilema

I bought an XTi a few months ago, a camera which I really liked. It was compact yet powerful, met my performance needs, and had many nice features. The underexposure was a non-issue for me as I could dial in +2/3EV as necessary. It was extremely quiet (20/30D users will understand) when taking a shot. But when using my camera for more than a few minutes I began to notice that it made my hands uncomfortable (I am 6'3" and have commensurately-sized mitts). I ended up biting the bullet, returning the XTi, and purchasing a 30D. I am able to enjoy a more comfortable photography experience now. Don't get me wrong: I really wanted to love the Rebel. Perhaps in the long run I will miss the anti-dust feature of the XTi but for now I am confident that taking the ergonomic element out of the equation lets me simply take pictures. After all, there's plenty of time to think about the gear when I'm not shutterbugging so why would I possibly want to think about it during a shoot?

Feb 24, 2007 at 10:00 AM

invalid2
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p.1 #4 · XTi / 30D Dilema

Rick Happoldt wrote:
I own an XTi. At the time of purchase, it was between the XTi and the 30D. I prefered the ergonomics of the 30D by far, especially the grip and viewfinder. I had researched it's performance and everything looked great. However, I ultimately opted for the XTi because of the 10MP sensor and the anti-dust feature (camera shop recommendation).

Rick

I have a 350D, and I have used the 20D and the 30D. I have not found the more expensive models significantly easier to use, but many other people say that they notice a difference. Some prefer the smaller size, some prefer the larger size.

IMHO, You should use the camera that is a better fit for you - if the 30D is it, that is what you should get; if the 400D is it, you should keep it. If you would be happier waiting another week or two for a possible 40D announcement, then you should do that before deciding.

Feb 24, 2007 at 11:11 AM

timbop
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p.1 #5 · XTi / 30D Dilema

The difference between 10mp and 8mp is not particularly large, as someone else pointed out. By putting a 1.4TC on the 70-200 you will get a much tighter angle of view without cropping. You probably could trade your XTi for a used 20D, which is just as good as a 30D and would allow you not to have to spend any cash. Eventually you could upgrade to the 40D, but you would have the luxury of waiting until the initial price settles down.

Feb 24, 2007 at 01:47 PM

DynaSport
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p.1 #6 · XTi / 30D Dilema

I debated between the XTi and a used 20D for a bit. I ultimately decided on the used 20D. If you are unhappy for any reason with your XTi, and are waiting on a 40D, I would recommend getting a 20D instead of the 30D. The reason I say that is that the 20D has already taken a hit on its value and will probably not drop much more when a 40D is announced. The 30D will probably decline more at that point. Plus, the 20D is very similar to the 30D, especially in size and handling. What you give up is a larger LCD screen and Picture Styles on the camera. BTW, if you shoot RAW, you can add the picture styles in DPP if you want to in PP. Personnally, I am very happy with my 20D and plan to keep it until I can swing a 1-series, if that day EVER comes. I have had to clean my sensor, which I admit intimidated me, but it wasn't that hard and seems to have worked. I would like the anti-dust features of the XTi, but aside from the stress I placed on myself regarding cleaning the sensor, it was actually no big deal.

Of course if the money doesn't matter, go ahead and get the 30D with the larger LCD and picture styles. I think it does have a more robust shutter as well, but I can't see that being an issue for you if you are thinking you'll buy a 40D when they come out anyway. The 30D may have a true spot meter as well, which the 20D doesn't. I'm not really sure about that, but it hasn't been an issue for me.

Just enjoy whatever you have.

Dan

Feb 24, 2007 at 02:29 PM

Rick Happoldt
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p.1 #7 · XTi / 30D Dilema

If the 40D isn't going to come out until the fall, then I can justify moving to a 30D for the spring / summer.

If there is still a chance that the 40D will be announced this spring, then perhaps I'll wait a couple of weeks.

Right now the 30D is priced at about $1100 online. How much lower do you think it will go once the 40D hits the streets?

Feb 24, 2007 at 06:26 PM

mfurman
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p.1 #8 · XTi / 30D Dilema

I had (in this order): 30D, 400D, 30D, nothing and waiting.

The bottom line I did not like 400D that much but I will NOT sell it for 30D now! I would wait for 40D if I had XTi. The prices of XTi have been holding nicely but 30D is going to take additional hit when those eight new kits come out. I cannot see 30D as the camera I would keep "for ever".
By the way, I decided to stop thinking about it and pre-paid for 1D mkIII

Feb 24, 2007 at 07:32 PM

UCSB
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p.1 #9 · XTi / 30D Dilema

I can comment on your cropping question. I shoot with the XTi and XT. I find that when I am cropping on the XT I can quickly end up with an end result in the 5 thru 6 MP range. 10 MP is better for cropping.

PMA does not start for another week and a half. I would give it a little longer on th 40D announcement. My expectations are that Canon announced the new PRO equipment two weeks before the show. They will probably announce the new consumer equipment one week before the show ... this Thursday ... but, who knows. They could have done us all a favor and just said these are the dates for our announcements.

Feb 24, 2007 at 07:41 PM

mfurman
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p.1 #10 · XTi / 30D Dilema

Canon said that there will be no other camera for PMA. Did you see all those kits (eight with 30D)? New shiny boxes etc.

Feb 24, 2007 at 07:57 PM

UCSB
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p.1 #11 · XTi / 30D Dilema

Yes ... I saw them ... they are in UK and who knows how widely they will be available. I don't see a conflict between a new marketing push and releasing new products. If there is a 40D and they want lens kits for it then they will just announce the 40D and lens kits ... no big deal. They have been marketing the 20D and the 30D for the past year. They could move forward with the 30D and a 40D for this year.

If the lens kits were such a big deal, why were they not announced by Canon more broadly?

Feb 24, 2007 at 08:01 PM

mfurman
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p.1 #12 · XTi / 30D Dilema

I would be shocked if 40D were released at PMA.

Feb 24, 2007 at 08:26 PM

timbop
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p.1 #13 · XTi / 30D Dilema

mfurman wrote:
I would be shocked if 40D were released at PMA.

You aren't the only one. The 40D won't come out until late spring at the earliest, probably not until the fall or even next year. There will defineitely be a 5D and 1dsm2 replacement this year, so the 40D probably will get pushed off

Feb 25, 2007 at 02:51 AM

Rich Swanner
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p.1 #14 · XTi / 30D Dilema

Don't worry about cropping . I use the 30D and love it. It does FEEL like a camera. Wait till the PMA and then sell the XTI and buy a 30D, great camera you will like it.

Feb 25, 2007 at 06:19 AM

Gochugogi
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p.1 #15 · XTi / 30D Dilema

I heard it will be called the Elan Digital, not 40D. 40D is too similar to D40. Hopefully it will have ECF.

Feb 25, 2007 at 10:39 AM

Rubber Soul
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p.1 #16 · XTi / 30D Dilema

Rick Happoldt wrote:
I was waiting, like everyone else, for the 40D announcement, but that doesn't look like it's going to happen. So, I am once again considering selling the XTi to get the 30D. Rick

The replacement for the EOS 30D is certainly coming sometime this year. If it's not a last minute addition at PMA '07 in March, it will still arrive by August. I doubt anybody really believes that Canon will keep the commercially disappointing EOS 30D in the market past its standard 18 month life cycle.

The real question is: When the 40D does finally does arrive, and you already have a 30D in your hands... will you honestly be content to stay put? Because if you can't, then you may end up having bought three cameras in a span of less than 12 months. 400D to 30D to 40D. That would make you crazy. And that would also make you Canon's favorite kind of customer!

Feb 25, 2007 at 12:05 PM

Steve Torelli
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p.1 #17 · XTi / 30D Dilema

The difference in sensors between the 400D and the 30D amounts to around a 10% increase in resolution, something you're unlikely to notice on your moniter. The differences between the two bodies however, are more noticeable.
The 30D build quality is superior, as is the viewfinder and the shutter life which is rated at twice the life of the Rebel.
If you want to wait for the 30D replacement, that could come at anytime.
Whatever the new camera will be called, it will probably have the sensor and the dust thing of the 400D. Expecting much more than that is just wishful thinking by the people that are waiting for a pro camera at a 30D price.
If you need or want a camera now, get one or the other. If you want, you can always upgrade when the new body comes. You'll be able to sell your camera without taking a big hit. It's better than not having a camera, especially when nobody knows when the 30D will be replaced. Nobody but Canon. Good luck.

Feb 25, 2007 at 02:12 PM

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p.1 #18 · XTi / 30D Dilema

It's unlikely that the 30D replacement will have the sensor from the 400D. If that were true, the replacement would surely have been released already. It's not in Canon's best interest to degrade low-light performance of the sensor in order for a meaningless megapixel rating boost.

Feb 25, 2007 at 02:31 PM

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p.1 #19 · XTi / 30D Dilema

jvarszegi wrote:

It's not in Canon's best interest to degrade low-light performance of the sensor in order for a meaningless megapixel rating boost.

Does Canon think it is in Canon's best interest to increase the pixels (to boost sales)?
Even if most people want to see improvement elsewhere, the (corporate) decision makers may not have figured that out yet.

Feb 26, 2007 at 12:34 PM

gbee
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p.1 #20 · XTi / 30D Dilema

I have a few 1D series cameras, bought a 10D and had a 20D for a trial and could not get on with them alongside my other primary cameras, also they had loud shutters which I was not expecting.

Funnily enough I have a 350D for the past year and its working out stiflingly, it is used where quietness is important and is currently employed in my local FEIS. It also does concert and theatre photography, primarily for its quieter shutter but also for its better AWB colour balance.

If the 400D has not lost any of these advantages, and you work in similar environments then moving to the 30D may lose these benefits.

I do a lot of work from a fixed position routinely, the same areas in concert halls, track & field, soccer matches etc and IMO I certainly noticed the difference from my 6MP Nikons to my 8MP Canons and to be honest, I am getting a run for my money from the 200D 10.1 MP Nikon [I don’t own one, I just compete against it] ~ so lets’ put it this way, I’m delighted that MKIII has more pixels.

A general rule in film photography, and one I think still applies today is “A good big un will beat a good little un any day of the week” it was in reference to 35mm slide competing against 6x6cm and bigger slides, the bigger one almost always won in competition.

Feb 26, 2007 at 01:34 PM

danmitchell
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p.1 #21 · XTi / 30D Dilema

Since you have an XTi and it takes photos that are as good or better than the 30D, why not be patient a bit longer? While you might like the ergonomics of the larger body, will it really make that big of a difference after you actually have it in your hands? (And won't you have this nagging little feeling of "I wonder if 10MP might have made a little difference?)

Some folks get the battery grip for the XTi and XT to make the package a bit larger.

Take care,

Dan

Feb 26, 2007 at 02:36 PM

borderlight
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p.1 #22 · XTi / 30D Dilema

I heard it will be called the Elan Digital, not 40D. 40D is too similar to D40.

Elan Digital (ED). I'm not sure too many guys want to "suffer" from those initials on their camera.

Feb 26, 2007 at 02:54 PM

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p.1 #23 · XTi / 30D Dilema

jvarszegi wrote:
It's unlikely that the 30D replacement will have the sensor from the 400D. If that were true, the replacement would surely have been released already. It's not in Canon's best interest to degrade low-light performance of the sensor in order for a meaningless megapixel rating boost.

I beg to differ. I would argue that it's highly unlikely for Canon to waste a brand new 10 MP CMOS sensor design on only one model. Based on Canon's history, they will milk that technology for all it's worth.

How many times did Canon re-use their 6 MP CMOS sensor for different EOS models? And their 8 MP sensor? By my count, they reused these sensors for three succeeding EOS models apiece. Unlike Nikon, Canon invests a lot of R&D resources into developing their own sensors. They can't afford to simply abandon the fruits of their labor after only 1 camera... unless the sensor itself is prohibitively expensive (ie the 1D/1Ds series sensors).

Feb 26, 2007 at 02:59 PM


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