30d vs xsi

[adam75south]

ok it was bound to happen since they're the same exact price. so here's the official 30d vs xsi thread.

i've been really on the fence with this one. i'm happy with my 30d, i know the controls inside and out. i can change aperture/ss before my mind even knows i've done it.

buuuuuuut, the xsi has a 50% increase in MP, supposedly ?Better? autofocus system, more than enough fps for most people, live view, larger lcd.

my main concerns...different memory card so i can't just interchange them from my 30d to the xsi. ease of controls(which i'll find out about in person when i go to best buy and play with one...i've went twice now, the first time it had no power, the second they didn't even have it on demo), autofocus speed and accuracy, and ISO performance.

i'd like to hear other people's take on this.

like i said, i'm happy with my 30d, but i'm definitely tired of the few clients i do get asking how many "megapickles" my camera has and being disappointed when i say 8. it would be nice to say 12.

i want this thread to be a general 30d vs xsi thread, so i guess just give your general take on the topic and what you'd do personally if you had the choice.

[GaryS]

30D. No question. Not even a thought. (Not that I know what I'm talking about!)



You hit all the points, the XSi is just going to be a problem for you with the different controls, memory cards, etc....

On the megapickles issue, you can either: 1 - Tell people that you can print a glorious 16x20 (and show one). or 2 - Get a 40D.

[AdamW]

I'm already saving up to buy the 50D next April--that's my solution.

[faisal]

I'm already saving up to buy the 50D next April--that's my solution.

next year april....is this a speculation or is it the usual Canon life cycle of 18 months which requires a new camera to be out by next year??

[Gintaras]

faisal, not sure about 50D but i hope a successor to 5D will be released this year. imagine new Canon FF with all gimmicks at D300 price? and Nikonians moaning loud again and again...:D:p

am i dreaming too much???

[faisal]

hmm...a FF is still some way away for me...if a 50D is coming out next year...maybe I should also start thinking of saving money... :)

[Gintaras]

faisal, FF is away only because it costs, if Canon pulls a 6D or 3D and appoints a reasonable price then i see no point in not having one. while my XTi can do everything i want so i see no point in getting 40D.

[njoy_az]

I would choose the 30D over the 450D - any time.

[cdifoto]

Hey dippy OP, isn't this deja vu all over again? ;)

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38130

[24Peter]

Well I have say based on these samples http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/XSI/XSIA7.HTM the XSi has better image quality than my 40D (pull up the 40D studio still life samples and compare them side by side and you'll see what I mean). So I'd say the XSi is two steps ahead of the 30Din terms of IQ. Improved AF on the XSi also bodes well for that body.

Personally I think you're a little too worried about what other people think when they ask how many MP your camera has. That - to me - is not a good reason to get one body or another (just stick your 70-200 F2.8 IS in their face and tell them to shut the hell up when they ask!)

So it really comes down to controls/ergonomics. And that's easy: try the XSi before you buy (either rent or get one with a good return policy). If you can live with the form/function of the XSi goat for it. Otherwise, pick up a used 40D ;)

[adam75south]

Hey dippy OP, isn't this deja vu all over again? ;)

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38130

haha yea, but the difference is....i actually got the money today!!! uncle sam sent me my tax stimulus rebate...so i'm gonna pump it right back into the japanese economy!!!

seriously though i'm pretty sure i'm gonna go for a used 30d with low shutter actuations. i'm talking to the guy that actually bought aparmley's old 30d from him. weird. i actually might end up with aparmley's old 30d. small world.

i'm having him send me a raw file so i can check shutter actuations. if it's under 15k like he says it's mine. $600 with a scratch on it.

[cdifoto]

You can't check shutter clicks on a XXXD or XXD body. :(

Either way I'd much rather have an XXD over an XXXD if for no other reason than ergonomics. I really sucked at Nintendo so hitting the Av button and the wheel at the same time was a no-go.

[faisal]

unless you never reset the numbering.... :p
thats why I know I've taken 18287 pictures.... :)

[AdamW]

Faisal--I'm hoping for the regular 18 month cycle. I want a better viewfinder, less noise, custom menus, and a control wheel. I love my 400D, but I'm starting to bump up against its limitations.

[adam75south]

You can't check shutter clicks on a XXXD or XXD body. :(

Either way I'd much rather have an XXD over an XXXD if for no other reason than ergonomics. I really sucked at Nintendo so hitting the Av button and the wheel at the same time was a no-go.

you sure can't. the only way i THOUGHT worked turned out to be BS. so i guess i just have to take the guy's word for it.

and yea, i went ahead and paid the guy so it's official. i will be the new owner of aparmley's old 30d. $608 shipped...supposedly less than 15k actuations.

[FLiPMaRC]

:cool: So now you're a double 30D shooter :D LOL! :p

http://www.robocoparchive.com/pd/pd51.jpg

[Rhys]

I have an XT and the 30D. Quite honestly I find switching between the two is frustrating because of the differences. I had this problem years ago when I used both a Cosina CT1 and a Pentax Super A. In the end I went for two Nikon FMs - problem solved. I might get a second 30D in a few months and keep my XT for personal use.

[adam75south]

yea i can't wait. i know the 30d like the palm of my hand...and believe me....i KNOW the palm of my hand. geez it's too early. i need some coffee.

anyway two identical cameras should really come in handy at events. during a timed event like a wedding you can't let changing aperture/shutter speed hold you back. and the fact that it's sturdy and tough...and i could get a cheap used one...all helped my decision. i MIGHT sell my old 30d for $600 and get a brand new one with an extra $200. and since the shutter actuation thing was wrong, i might not have 65k clicks on it. it might be more like 40k. who knows? only lightroom knows haha.

[cdifoto]

believe me....i KNOW the palm of my hand.

I thought you had a girlfriend. :eek: :D

[Rhys]

I thought you had a girlfriend. :eek: :D

Shh.... He doesn't realise that there's a difference between a girldriend and a camera... On the other hand...

I can have two cameras and neither get jealous,
I can use one camera and leave the other on the shelf and when I get back, it's still there,
I can use different camera for different purposes,
I can walk into a camera shop and not get grilled by my camera as to why I was there,
I can try various cameras to see if they're right without having to commit to a long-term relationship,
I can change my camera if I'm not happy with it without things getting nasty,
I can even try out a friend's camera and nobody gets upset :p

[faisal]

hahahahaha.......^^^^^ :D :D

[Nickcanada]

Right on Adam! I knew you would go that way. I want the 5D replacement.... I don't even know what it is but I want it.

[adam75south]

Shh.... He doesn't realise that there's a difference between a girldriend and a camera... On the other hand...

I can have two cameras and neither get jealous,
I can use one camera and leave the other on the shelf and when I get back, it's still there,
I can use different camera for different purposes,
I can walk into a camera shop and not get grilled by my camera as to why I was there,
I can try various cameras to see if they're right without having to commit to a long-term relationship,
I can change my camera if I'm not happy with it without things getting nasty,
I can even try out a friend's camera and nobody gets upset :p
i knew someone would understand!