I've been on the road for a bit and haven't been checking up on this so am surprised to see so many responses -- but thanks for the info.! Just what I needed.
The information I had at the time of my original post is not a full detailed spec. sheet, so it's certainly missing a few things. Luckily you guys filled in the blanks. :-)
I'm still puzzled by a few things, though, such as why Canon bothered with a 30D moniker instead of 20D-N or something. Seems dishonest to me. Also, there are a lot of people posting with 20/20 hindsight that the 30D was an "interim" product and not worth buying -- but I heard no such talk at the time of the 30D launch. No I didn't read *all* of the 30D threads, but that certainly wasn't the prevelant opinion at the time.
Ultimately I'm concerned about purchasing Canon equipment optimally, which prompted the original question. If Canon will update the Rebel & xxD line every 12-18 months, I guess that means the 5D is more in the "pro" category because its update cycle is significantly less frequent thus far. But then again, look what happened with the 1DM2N...Aaaaah!
So when the 5D replacement comes, will it be a tweener I should avoid or a boat I should jump on? How will I know? Those will be the critical questions when it comes to my next purchase, followed closely by camara quality -- it will take a LOT to outdo my 5D. The image quality, IQ, and low-light capability have been absolutely phenomenal so I'll be reluctant to switch in any event. Hopefully then, Canon makes it clear when the time is right for upgrading.
I think a buyer upgrades for many different reasons. If the 5D "II's" development is more along the route from the 20D --> 30D, then it's you who should make the determination based on your shooting: there's nothing like hands on testing, of course, as well: unless there are flaws, who cares if others say it's a must have? Most of the time, I'd rather have new glass than a new body - and I have two 30Ds...
When I consider the 30D's release, I recall many who criticized it as a barely incremental offering. However, something as simple as the screen size enlargement was enough to win over many shooters I know. Were they wrong to upgrade b/c of screen size? How about 1/3 ISO stops? We cannot judge them based on their expectations. Just like we cannot judge you if you think the 40D is not a worthy upgrade option. But the facts do stand - the 40D offers quite a bit for a (subjectively) reasonable price.
I don't understand your questions, Al. It seems obvious to me that one should buy a camera if it has features you need or want, and the price makes it a satisfactory deal for you. What does it matter if others think of a camera as a tweener? Your reluctance to switch from a camera that serves you well is natural.
Funny, but not exactly what I meant. See: www.willitblend.com
Jim Krupnik wrote:
Sure it will. The new 6.5 fps shutter is made out of pure unobtanium, and with the EF mount, 2 Qt. low dispersion glass blender pitcher attached in place of the kit lens, it will even crush ice..... Perfect for photos and cocktails at the beach.
It's not a question of whether others think it's a tweener, it's a question of whether or not Canon has made a tweener. Clearly, in hindsight, they did with the 30D. Doesn't mean it's not a good camera or doesn't server people well.
But if Canon wants people like me to upgrade to a 5D++ they'll likely need to have a lot more than a bigger LCD screen. I'm hoping that alone will obviate the value of any 5D upgrade propositions from Canon.
For example, the new 1Ds is clearly an upgrade. But at $7K I'll be sticking with the 5D for a bit longer... :-)
Wow, sounds like an incredible camera! I'll try one in a retail store, and if the focussing is close enough in speed to that of my 2001 1D, I'll definitely consider it as a backup body. I wonder if this release will make 20D and 30D used prices drop, and if so, how much and when. I'd love to add a 20D to my setup for use in situations when 8MP would be more beneficial than 8.3 fps or 45 point AF.
Also, what exactly is this micro focus adjustment? I've never heard of it. Does my 1D classic have it, or is it only a feature in the newer 1 series SLRs? Would there be any chance I could upgrade my firmware to obtain this micro focus adjustment?
Will Kamin wrote:
Also, what exactly is this micro focus adjustment? I've never heard of it. Does my 1D classic have it, or is it only a feature in the newer 1 series SLRs? Would there be any chance I could upgrade my firmware to obtain this micro focus adjustment?
Mattbtn wrote:
Some sites still show the kit at $1499 as including the 28-135 IS lens, while Amazon has changed theirs to include the 18-55mm IS instead.
I preordered the 40D with the 28-135mm lens and it says so on my receipt from Amazon but when I click on the link under Order History it says 18-55mm IS. So I'm confused. No big deal since I might just cancel this and just stick with the body because the last thing I need is another kit lens, despite how sexy this sounds.
And tell you what - since I love FM and everyone, I'll be more than happy for our overseas friends to order one from you at cost from Amazon.com and ship 'em FedEx (3% cost overall since PayPal eats it). PM me if you want to know more. I don't want to make any money, I just want to help FM'ers out.
Aug 21, 2007 at 12:42 PM
Allen Maestas Offline Upload & Sell: Off
No really, not looking to make much, just cover costs, shipping, paypal and a few bucks for the time spent. I've never tried to rip anyone off, so I don't want this coming off the wrong way, people are quick to slap ya in the face and have no sense of humor, so I figured I better clarify. Anyway, if your interested look for it on buy and sell and or PM me in a few weeks. I've sold a few things to Canadians on FM.
The answer to your question is that you need to evaluate the updated model for the features, and not the name, before plunking down the $$$$ for it. The name on the body has nothing to do with it, whether its 20DN or 30D.
So when the 5D replacement comes, will it be a tweener I should avoid or a boat I should jump on? How will I know? Those will be the critical questions when it comes to my next purchase, followed closely by camara quality -- it will take a LOT to outdo my 5D. The image quality, IQ, and low-light capability have been absolutely phenomenal so I'll be reluctant to switch in any event. Hopefully then, Canon makes it clear when the time is right for upgrading.
I think you answered your own question here. You determine upgrade-worthiness by the new body itself and not the name.
>> You determine upgrade-worthiness by the new body itself and not the name.
I think that's an understood truism, but the question is HOW that determination is made. Second-guessing what Canon really has planned isn't an easy test, but its' made more difficult when they wait a long time to come out with a 30D from 20D, then pretty quickly come out with 40D. Ditto with 1D2N, but at least they gave us a hint there.
alfarmer wrote:
>> You determine upgrade-worthiness by the new body itself and not the name.
Second-guessing what Canon really has planned isn't an easy test, but its' made more difficult when they wait a long time to come out with a 30D from 20D, then pretty quickly come out with 40D.
Eh? 40D, 30D, and 20D were announced August 2007, February 2006, and August 2004 respectively. That's 18 months between each announcement. The timing followed their typical release schedule for this segment (20D was also 18 months after 10D). They didn't come out quickly with the 40D at all.
"So when the 5D replacement comes, will it be a tweener I should avoid or a boat I should jump on? How will I know?"
It's an emotional issue.
In the simple, if the new version's qualities so outshines your present model that the mere roll out announcements cause your cockles to smile, uncontrollably, like when a light, fluffy doughed, Chicago style deep dish pizza-pie, extra tomato sauce and cheese, with an ice cold top dog draft beer in a properly iced glass is presented in front of you, then like amore, jump right in cause you'll know you're home. If it don't, then it ain't.