Cheap 30D's ???

[repoman]

Hey everyone, I've been reading your forums for a while but just registered. I am looking to buy my first DSLR.

I was set on the 350D and then 400D when it came out, but I'm hearing about all kinds of issues (underexposure, size, etc) so with the fall rebates coming out, I was thinking I'd just spend the extra money and get the 30D which everyone seems to love. I felt one at Circuit City and it was a great size as well, didn't have a charged battery though so I couldn't use it.

Anyway I've found lots of sites that sell the 30D for hundreds below retail such as these-

http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=501564
http://www.ccicameracity.com/canon30d.html
http://www.royalcamera.com/canon30d.html

Why are they so much cheaper than everywhere else? If they are safe I would definetly buy from there, but I'm not so sure..

Thanks

[timmciglobal]

SCAMS!

Buydig.com is good. Buy it after 15th when there is 100$ mail in rebate. 200$ if you buy one of the qualifying lenses.

Tim

[repoman]

yeah, found just the site I was looking for-

http://www.resellerratings.com/seller8754.html

0.21/10, not bad :rolleyes:

Anyway I just checked buydig and they seem to have a pretty good price, $1150 and free shipping so $1050 total. Maybe I'll grab a 430EX flash to bring the rebate to $200. Is the 580EX worth the extra cash over the 430? I honestly have no idea what the difference between the flashes are, time to do some reading!

Thanks

[adam75south]

i've never used the 430EX but i love my 580EX. you can see pics i took with it in this thread (http://dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24690).

[DonSchap]

One of the drawbacks to the 430EX ($250), like the 420EX, is its inability to be a master flash unit. It is a great "affordable" slave, though.

You will need a 580EX ($379) flash or a ST-E2 Speedlight Transmitter ($209) to remotely fire the 430EX flash... not another 430EX.

Personally speaking, I suggest getting the 580EX first... then eventually grab a 430EX as a backup and a slave. The 580EX is significantly more versatile and still within reach at $379 a copy. They both chomp down batteries like there is no tomorrow, but the 580EX just does a better job with telephoto and controlled flash.

[repoman]

I'll keep that in mind, thanks. Damn this is an expensive hobby :o

[adam75south]

do any of y'all really use slaves with the 580EX??? i actually have a 550EX in addition but never use it because i really don't know what to do with it. i've tried but failed. any suggestions?

p.s. i accidentally won the 550EX on ebay with a bid i had put in the day before i decided to go all out and get the 580EX off b&h.

[DonSchap]

If you want to be fair to your hobby, consider about $3100-3500 the initiation fee.

About $1000 for a good beginning camera... not the XT or XTI, but the EOS 20D or the 30D.

A good Wide-angle to Normal lens is the 17-50mm f/2.8 at around $450-$500

A good telephoto = Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 USM lens is roughly $600 (outdoors)

Another good telephoto is the SIGMA APO 70-200mm f/2.8 is around $840 (indoor/outdoor)

still another option for outdoor stuff is the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM at $600. This is a great lens and sharp as heck.

Ultra-wide Angle = Tokina 12-24mm f/4 ATX, should you decide you need one is about $500

now, other than the 70-300mm, all this glass is non-IS (no image stabilization). When you add IS to your lensing, the prices hop up quite a bit.

If you really want bang for a buck, outdoors, try the Tokina 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 ATX II for around $600. This lens delivers top-drawer performance without the sticker shock. If you haven't gotten the 70-300mm or the 70-200mm lenses... try this one first. I really don't think it will let you down.

So... lets do the bag of admission...

UWA (f/4)... $500
WA-Normal (f/2.8)... $450
Telephoto... (80-400mm)... $600
Camera... $1000
Flash (580EX)... $380
and a RiDATA 8GB 150x memory card for $150 (newegg.com)

Roughly $3100... and you're in "the club", dear hobbiest! LOL :D

Oh, don't forget to add a good protective camera bag or backpack ($100+) and a stable tripod ($150)

I know it sounds a trifle messy, in the decision-making department... but those telephotos offer a lot of options. Range, light, stability... it's really your call. :)

Remember, those model-plane hobbiests... spend a lot more on their "fly & crash" hobby than we camera-holics do. I wouldn't feel... too bad about it. ;) After we're done, we still have something that works! Plus... we're the ones taking pics of these knuckleheads and their... remains.

16371

[RichNY]

If you want to be fair to your hobby, consider about $3000 the initiation fee.


Leave a little room in that budget for memory cards.

I passed that today just for an iMac to do post processing. Before the week is out I'll be dropping lots of initiation fee coin- a big upgrade from my 4mpix Kodak EasyShare LS443 point and shoot! Damn you fall rebates;)

[repoman]

haha, I don't have THAT kind of money ;) I already have a cheap Rebel K2 + 50mm f/1.8 for photo class, I'm selling my A620 to pay for that. I'll probably just start off with 30D and Tamron 17-35 (not 17-50, want to use it on film too). I figure I will never use the flash until I learn enough to be able to use it inteligently so I'll hold off on that

I'd love to get something like the 70-200 f/4 as well but with no job and school taking all my time, not gonna happen :(

I'm also a big guitar guy so I have to split whatever money I can scrounge between upgrading guitar equipment and photo.. it's a hard life :p

[ReF]

I figure I will never use the flash until I learn enough to be able to use it inteligently so I'll hold off on that

I'm also a big guitar guy so I have to split whatever money I can scrounge between upgrading guitar equipment and photo.. it's a hard life :p

yeah i dropped my other hobby cuz i got back into photography and it sucked up all my money :p . i even think about selling off my other stuff too :eek: , but it's not technology based so at least collecting dust doesn't cost me anything (might actually be gaining worth).

about the flash, how would you learn to use it if you don't have one?

[repoman]

yeah i dropped my other hobby cuz i got back into photography and it sucked up all my money :p . i even think about selling off my other stuff too :eek: , but it's not technology based so at least collecting dust doesn't cost me anything (might actually be gaining worth).

about the flash, how would you learn to use it if you don't have one?

I meant learn about the camera and how to take good general photos first.

If I have the flash I will just overwelm myself imo, at least that is my excuse for not spending all that money :D

[cwphoto]

You can't not love the 30D - go for it!

[ktixx]

Hey everyone, I've been reading your forums for a while but just registered. I am looking to buy my first DSLR.

I was set on the 350D and then 400D when it came out, but I'm hearing about all kinds of issues (underexposure, size, etc) so with the fall rebates coming out, I was thinking I'd just spend the extra money and get the 30D which everyone seems to love. I felt one at Circuit City and it was a great size as well, didn't have a charged battery though so I couldn't use it.

Anyway I've found lots of sites that sell the 30D for hundreds below retail such as these-

http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=501564
http://www.ccicameracity.com/canon30d.html
http://www.royalcamera.com/canon30d.html

Why are they so much cheaper than everywhere else? If they are safe I would definetly buy from there, but I'm not so sure..

Thanks

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showpost.php?p=87415&postcount=1

[RichNY]

yeah i dropped my other hobby cuz i got back into photography and it sucked up all my money

What was your other hobby?

[PaulG]

30 D's done dirt cheap! :p

[ReF]

What was your other hobby?

wookworking - likely more expensive than photography

[RichNY]

wookworking - likely more expensive than photography

Ever get into boxmaking?

[ReF]

Ever get into boxmaking?

yeah, i've got a design i've been wanting to work on for about a year and a half now but since my free time and $$$ has gone to photography woodworking has really taken a back seat. you do anything with wood yourself?

[Rhys]

I knock out the odd thing in wood. Currently working on a boat for my stepson. Made a lovespoon for my wife.

[DonSchap]

Okay,

you guys are slightly off track, here... so I'm bringin' 'er back! Unnnnggghh... okay, this should do it. Wellah!

The Wooden Camera (http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/10593/olympus_wooden_camera_body/) <--- active link

Olympus released a "wooden digital camera". I know, I know... ain' that something? For people, just like you!

16411

It took something this extreme to make "woodworking" and "photography" work together.

Now, making an EOS 30D out of wood? Whuh? I ain't no miracle worker! :p

[repoman]

:p

Guys I am in need of suggestions.. Fall rebates have had me thinking. I've come up with four different combinations of starting stuff (keep in mind I probably won't buy anything new for AT LEAST 6 months after this.. student with no job as of now and about a grand sitting in the bank).

30D + 17-40 f/4L - $1510 - $1800 up front
30D + Tamron Di 17-35 - $1350 - $1450 up front
350D + 17-40 f/4L - $1220 - $1265 up front
350D + Tamron Di 17-35 - $915

First has anyone had any experience with both of these lenses (or just one)? Both get over 8 on FM consistently, supposedly similar IQ but I like the USM+FTM and extra 5mm zoom. With rebate it is twice the cost of the similar Tamron, or slightly less than that with 30D ($90 double rebate).

I also know that glass is more important than the body, and the 350D seems like it would be *good enough* for my purposes for a while.. what do you think?

That said I'm thinking the middle two choices are my best options.. leaning more towards 350D+17-40L. I don't like the 400D.. too much noise at high ISO, extra cost not worth it etc. Might as well go for the 30D instead.

edit: I should mention that I already have a 50 f/1.8 that I use with a Rebel K2.

[ENTMD]

I would go with 350d and 17-40 in your situation. I own this lens and from my own experience and those on this and most other forums it is well worth the $$ and one that will likely have use to you for many years to come. It sounds like your financial resources will likely change sometime in the next 3-5 years - likely when you'll be getting the itch to buy a new body (if you haven't already done so) You'll have alot less hesitation upgrading from 350D and who knows what improvement bodies will have by then. I own a 30D and love it but have tried relatives 350D and can't say the true performance difference is that dramatic for an amateur like myself - kids sports, recitals, occasional formal occasion photography. If this was going to be your body for the next 10 years I'd definitely say 30D - since it's more like 3 - go with the 350d and you'll have money that much sooner to buy another good lens

[RichNY]

Repo- I wouldn't overstretch to buy a camera. This might be a good time to find a nice used 350 as people are upgrading. There have been lots of really amazing pictures taken with that body.

[repoman]

Thanks for the responses ENTMD and Rich. 350D+17-40L sounds like the way to go. :D

[DonSchap]

:p

Guys I am in need of suggestions.. Fall rebates have had me thinking. I've come up with four different combinations of starting stuff (keep in mind I probably won't buy anything new for AT LEAST 6 months after this.. student with no job as of now and about a grand sitting in the bank).

30D + 17-40 f/4L - $1510 - $1800 up front
30D + Tamron Di 17-35 - $1350 - $1450 up front
350D + 17-40 f/4L - $1220 - $1265 up front
350D + Tamron Di 17-35 - $915

First has anyone had any experience with both of these lenses (or just one)? Both get over 8 on FM consistently, supposedly similar IQ but I like the USM+FTM and extra 5mm zoom. With rebate it is twice the cost of the similar Tamron, or slightly less than that with 30D ($90 double rebate).

I also know that glass is more important than the body, and the 350D seems like it would be *good enough* for my purposes for a while.. what do you think?

That said I'm thinking the middle two choices are my best options.. leaning more towards 350D+17-40L. I don't like the 400D.. too much noise at high ISO, extra cost not worth it etc. Might as well go for the 30D instead.

edit: I should mention that I already have a 50 f/1.8 that I use with a Rebel K2.

Did I miss something, here? What was wrong with an EOS 30D and a TAmROn SP AF17-50mm f/2.8 XR DiII LD? Excellent light coverage and a pretty top drawer optic, under $1500.

Oh well... :rolleyes:

[repoman]

Did I miss something, here? What was wrong with an EOS 30D and a TAmROn SP AF17-50mm f/2.8 XR DiII LD? Excellent light coverage and a pretty top drawer optic, under $1500.

Oh well... :rolleyes:

Yes you did miss something, I want to use it with my film Rebel K2. I thought I mentioned that earlier, guess not :o

I'm also trying to stay with quality full frame lenses from the start (except for maybe a super wide ~10-20mm) so that once I go full frame digital I won't have any glass selling to do

[Rhys]

I'm also trying to stay with quality full frame lenses from the start (except for maybe a super wide ~10-20mm) so that once I go full frame digital I won't have any glass selling to do

Sounds like a plan to me. I'm doing exactly the same. Tamron 17-35, 28-75.

[DonSchap]

The TAmROn SP AF17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD is a great lens and truly affordable. It'll mount on the film and digitals with no issues. Rhys is right on the money with that part.

16417

I almost bought this lens, but opted to hang on for the introduction of the SP AF17-50mm f/2.8 XR DiII LD. For my uses, I already had the SP AF28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD for my film cameras.

For the digital use, the XR diffraction element was worth holding out for... plus the fact that the lens is f/2.8 throughout its range.

[Rhys]

Currently I have a Tamron 70-300 although I find it a bit too dark at the long end to be practical. I would opt instead for the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 or the Tamron 70-210 f2.8 when that comes out. Having said that an IS lens from Canon - 70-300 IS would be very interesting.