XTi after the grip

[dwgriffi]

I'm putting this here rather than the Canon forum because I fear I probably wouldn't hear any disgruntlement, and I want it if it's there! : )


In weighing the XTi against the D80, I agree with many that the Canon doesn't feel good to hold.. It's not a big hand thing, I don't have big hands. I hope to get to a dealer where I can try it with a battery grip, which I haven't been able to yet. But here's my question: The general word is that the grip helps very much with the comfort in use issue. But one thing I really disliked about Canon without it was that I couldn't comfortably keep my finger on the shutter while carrying it, which is something I'm used to. In fact none of my fingers seemed to naturally fall on any of the camera that use fingers. So does the grip help with this as well? Does it make the hand fall more naturally on the shutter, aside from helping the general holding discomfort?


Actually, it seems one has to factor in the cost of the grip if it's such an ergonomic solution, and that wipes out the $165 price difference FWIW.

I'd love to hear some opinions on this. Thanks!!

[LR Max]

The battery grip? Eh, I really didn't like it. A friend of mine has a 30D with the battery grip and it seemed like too much for me. Added a lot of weight and bulk with minimal increase in comfort. It added a lot of battery life, but battery life in new DSLR cameras doesn't seem to really be an issue.

I would err against it, but like you said, go test it out because my friend obviously likes it and you might as well.

[cdifoto]

The battery grip? Eh, I really didn't like it. A friend of mine has a 30D with the battery grip and it seemed like too much for me. Added a lot of weight and bulk with minimal increase in comfort. It added a lot of battery life, but battery life in new DSLR cameras doesn't seem to really be an issue.

I would err against it, but like you said, go test it out because my friend obviously likes it and you might as well.

30D + Grip is bulkier than the XT/XTi + Grip.

The XT/XTi almost requires it for comfort. The 30D does not. I've owned both the XT and the 30D (not XTi though but they're the same body) so I speak from experience.

[nqjudo]

I chose the XTI specifically for it's small size. Nothing to do with comfort. At first I found that the small size was uncomfortable when used for long periods. I guess I got used to it because I no longer have that experience during long shooting sessions. I do have the battery grip as well which I use on occasion. Does it help with comfort? Yes, but there are many times when I prefer to shoot without it.

The only advice that I could give is to go to a camera store and try the XTI with the grip along side the D80. My initial feeling is that if I were in the same position, I would choose the camera that felt the most comfortable without any add-ons. This, simply, is because I find the XTI with the grip heavy and less than convenient when I am using either of my smaller carrying cases - it doesn't fit. Plus you don't want to be bound to an accessory to make an important purchase feel right. Better to have something that feels right that you have the option to accessorize if you want to.

Either way the XTI and D80 are great cameras, each with their benefits and disadvantages so you won't go wrong whichever you choose. Don't worry about the cost of the XTI plus the grip vs the D80. The initial body purchase is nothing compared to what you will spend on equipping yourself with a few lenses, tripods, etc., etc., etc. Better to start off right.

[drama]

Just got a grip for my XT
Why I wanted it:
I was holding the camera with three fingers & it was killing my hand/wrist
Couldnt get a stable grip

Portrait mode was unusable

With longer teles the camera kept drooping on the tripod

All these issues have been well addressed by adding the grip, its a comfortable weight too

[Honest Gaza]

I bought my grip for the XTi about 2 weeks ago. Haven't taken it off since.

I've never had an issue with how the XTi felt (afterall, it is similar in shape to my Panasonic FZ20).

However, there are two distinct positives for getting the battery grip :

Firstly, the obvious one, longer battery support.
Secondly, much greater control of the camera when in "portrait" mode (assuming you get the more expensive unit which includes the "selector" wheel as well as the shutter button)

So I won't try to sway you one way or the other over Nikon V Canon. But I will suggest that if you get the Canon, get the battery grip as well :)

[fractalgfx]

I just ordered a third party Opteka grip from amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-Battery-Canon-Digital-Rebel/dp/B000EDB1II

I did a lot of searching and almost all of the feedback on party grips is positive, most people find them indistinguishable. The makers of the Opteka grip claim that is made in the same factory with the same molds as the Canon, grip. Knowing what I know about Chinese manufactures, this is probably true.

Just be careful, some people are selling battery grips without working electronic buttons, read the descriptions carefully.