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Hi, with the release of the new Rebel XTi which is now 10MP do you think it is still worth it to buy a 30D for an extra $400 or so? I love the feel of the 30D, it seems like a more solid camera, and I know it is also faster but it is still back at 8.2MP. How important is MP really? It seems like an update to the 30d to bring it up to at least 10MP must be very close, so maybe I should wait to buy it...? I'm new to SLR cameras so there is probably something I'm missing here. Just seems like the XTi is nearly as good as the 30D right now.

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Depends on what you want to do with it, don't you think? do you need the sturdier body? Otherwise I will just buy a grip for the XTi. You have an extra battery and it is nice and sturdy in the hand.

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I do feel the 30D is a superior camera despite the 400D having more megapixels.

The truth is that there is not a huge difference between 8.2 and 10.1 megapixels. Much more importantly both have very good low noise levels at high ISO settings, both have very good (top of the class!) autofocus, etc.

The 30D basically shares the 20D's autofocus with a few minor improvements, and the 400D gets that from the 30D.

However from what I've seen since owning one, 30D's body is superior (handling, durability and grip for most people), viewfinder brighter & larger, supports a few more features (faster burst rate, 3200 ISO and spot metering).

So I would not go on megapixels alone. In fact that is one of the LEAST important features of a camera to me.

For me, the 400D is an attractive entry level DSLR camera because of the bigger screen and the dust-removal system. (however I've never had a big problem with dust!) but I also like having 3200 ISO and that wonderful wheel on the back, which only the 30D has. I also hate the smaller look DSLRs.

It would be nice if the 30D had the 10mp but canon couldn't do it without increasing noise or affecting buffer depth and shot speed, and 8->10 is more of a marketing feature than a true step up in resolution.

They judged that 30D users would rather have a deeper buffer, 5fps and high-ISO performance than a few extra pixels.


so you have to way up what your needs are and they are both great cameras

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aladyforty

Last edited by aladyforty on Oct 18th, 2006 at 03:05 PM

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I own the original Regel digital (300d), so I guess I am out of touch with only 6.2 megapixels. That said, I have taken some pretty good shots with my equipment. I am considering an African safari in July/Aug, so beginning to look at a second body. This is exactly the comparison I am struggling with. I think more megapixels will allow a more severe crop. Also, since I frequently change lenses, I do hava minor dust issues, so the XTi is interesting. That said, the 30D is getting great reviews on speed, noise, etc. So I am leaning toward the 30D. Canon seems to be on about an 18 mo. cycle for a given line, so I don't expect a "40D" for about a year.

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Buddy

There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer. - Ansel Adams

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Buddy, I have a 300d which has been a supurb camera but once I had the 30D in my hands I could never go back to it. The wheel on the back is great and so easy for photo viewing. The speed of it is awesome. As for dust, I just use a rocket blower every now and again. The 400d looks like a toy next to the 30D

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aladyforty

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From my experience, if you've found something that feels good in your hands and you like it, and then you buy something else, you'll usually have regrets in the near future.

IMO, if you can swing the extra money for the 30D, go for it and be happy.

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Everybodies got to stand for something, I stand to pee.

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i am a beginner and went for the canon 30d. ive had friends that used a 20d before and i was impressed. i did consider the XTI but after reading the reviews, i decided to go for the 30d

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All i have to say with my 30D is freedom

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It's a hard call..

I'm debating between the xti and the 30d now as well. (Upgrading my 300d)

I need a new lense also so I would qualify for the double rebate. I've found the 30d body for $1129 so minus the $200 rebate that's $929 shipped! This is versus the cost of the XTI camera body which sells for $730-$750. Not that much of a difference.

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If you need to look at every $$$ get the XTi. If it's too small for you, get the battery grip. Any money left, invest in better glass!

I personally prefer the better ergonomics of the 20D, but image quality is practically the same to the Rebel series. Is it worth the extra money. Only you can decide.

Triple rebates are great!

If you want to "speculate"you might want to wait till March. Rumors say the 30D replacement might come out.

I summarized my findings about chooseing a DSLR and lenses on my personal blog. You might want to have a look:

tr-photo-blog.blogspot.com

T

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Ahhh bugga. I had'nt really thought about the 30D until now. They're almost the same price. Just looked on e-bay and there's one for $1500 with lens (Oz $) and the 400D is about $1300 with two lens'. Decisions decisions.

HB

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Very interesting topic here and you guys fleshed it out very well. I was planning on avoiding the XTi simply because I usually wait until something like the automatic lens cleaner has been in use by the public longer so that any possible kinks are worked out. I was going to get the XT as my first DSLR, but I have settled on the 30D with the kit that includes two lenses. A lot had to do with the lack of a spot meter on the XT.

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