Any Canon 30D users?

[GlendaleViper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Contrastique /img/forum/go_quote.gif the 20d doesn't have spotmetering. The 30d has.

I know - this is a very critical omission on the 20D. To be honest, I have a hard time believing they actually decided to do that. Every single P&S camera I've owned in the last 10 years, digital or otherwise, has had this functionality and here we have Canon's base prosumer model and... no dice.

It's not critical to a point where I couldn't live without it, it's just a matter of why should I? I certainly use it.

 

[Davesrose]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheChemist /img/forum/go_quote.gif Oh I figured you were pluralizing 1D. I'm assuming you're aware of the 1DsmkII.

LOL....maybe because of the 1Ds, I should just pluralize with 's (since that's accepted too)

Yep, I've been hanging around the Canon forums too much. I now just say 1Ds, 1D, 5D, 30D, 400D, and 350D. The Mk III, II, or in the 1D's case Mark IIN I imply. So yes, I think the next new camera that Canon unveils will be the 1Ds Mk III

Since there's so much fan fare with the 1D mk III, seems like Canon would want to up the auntie with its most expensive camera (the 1Ds Mk II).

 

[Contrastique]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlendaleViper /img/forum/go_quote.gif I know - this is a very critical omission on the 20D. To be honest, I have a hard time believing they actually decided to do that. Every single P&S camera I've owned in the last 10 years, digital or otherwise, has had this functionality and here we have Canon's base prosumer model and... no dice. It's not critical to a point where I couldn't live without it, it's just a matter of why should I? I certainly use it.

When I first heard it I couldn't believe it either. It's one of the basics to have on a camera. I use it quite often if I don't use my external one. For everything else, nice camera though but a strange move from Canon. Personally, that would make go for the 30d. I don't want to be in a position where I need it and don't have it. It still remains quite some money for a second hand 20d so personally I would throw more money in the basket and just go for the 30.

 

[Davesrose]

If it makes you feel any better, my 28 year old Canon AE-1 doesn't have any spot metering either

Since it was a prosumer SLR, it only had center weighted metering. I use evaluative, partial, and center weighted a lot now on my 5D. Every once in awhile I'll use spot if I have tricky lighting or I just want a lot of control. When I first got my 5D, I was only doing spot....as I found evaluative in particular to me an oddball. Now I just setup with AE lock and "forget about it"

 

[GlendaleViper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dimitris /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have both systems (Canon and Nikon). To be honest I would buy a Canon because of full frame and in case I will upgrade in FF in the future.

I was unaware that Canon is the only company that offers full frame models. Wow. Curious that through all my research and interaction with people about various choices, especially when I hadn't settled on a brand to stick with, this never came up. And these are people who know I had an upgrade path in mind!

I'm sure it's only a matter of time before other brands get in on it, but this cinches the deal for Canon.

(PS I recognize the 30D is cropped)

 

[Contrastique]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davesrose /img/forum/go_quote.gif If it makes you feel any better, my 28 year old Canon AE-1 doesn't have any spot metering either Since it was a prosumer SLR, it only had center weighted metering. I use evaluative, partial, and center weighted a lot now on my 5D. Every once in awhile I'll use spot if I have tricky lighting or I just want a lot of control. When I first got my 5D, I was only doing spot....as I found evaluative in particular to me an oddball. Now I just setup with AE lock and "forget about it"

How is your 5d doing by the way? Must be getting quite some love haha!

 

[Davesrose]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlendaleViper /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm sure it's only a matter of time before other brands get in on it, but this cinches the deal for Canon. (PS I recognize the 30D is cropped)

There's a rumor that Sony has a close to a FF sized sensor (apparantly it's not quite a 1:1 lens factor). And since Nikon uses Sony sensors, they may be using that in their pro SLRs. Meanwhile, Canon has developed a 50MP FF sensor. No doubt the 1Ds Mk IV will be that

But yeah, since I liked my old 35mm SLR, I really drooled over FF dSLRs. Since a 1Ds Mk II is a bit overkill for a hobbyist, the 5D really beckoned my name (currently the cheapest FF camera).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Contrastique /img/forum/go_quote.gif How is your 5d doing by the way? Must be getting quite some love haha!

Well it's gotten pampered with way too many lenses and accessories

I got so hog wild that I even bought one of those expensive external battery for my 580 flash......noticed my shutter lagged sometimes when I was taking photos at a wedding. Now that I also have found a split prism focus screen for it, it's everything I ever wanted!!! I really don't know why AF cameras don't have split prism screens included with them (some of us to actually like to manual focus every once in awhile).

The main thing I've had to get used to with dSLRs is dust. Now I know why everyone sounds like babies when they're always complaining about sensor and viewfinder dust. Well at least it's easy to clean those sensors!!

 

[GlendaleViper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davesrose If it makes you feel any better, my 28 year old Canon AE-1 doesn't have any spot metering either Since it was a prosumer SLR, it only had center weighted metering. I use evaluative, partial, and center weighted a lot now. Every once in awhile I'll use spot if I have tricky lighting or I just want a lot of control.

Bingo. My first SLR was an old AT-1, which didn't even have a "program" mode. I preferred the simpler meter. When I ditched film, I didn't have the money for an SLR at the time, so I just kept on keepin' on with Canon P&Ss - all of which had some semblance of manual functionality. I stayed occupied playing with loaners from a camera shop/studio I had worked at. Since then, I've gotten used to the flexibility of messing with the other metering options too.

 

[Davesrose]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlendaleViper /img/forum/go_quote.gif Bingo. My first SLR was an old AT-1, which didn't even have a "program" mode. I preferred the simpler meter. When I ditched film, I didn't have the money for an SLR at the time, so I just kept on keepin' on with Canon P&Ss

That's the great thing about those old SLRs. Simple to use and never goes obsolete.....well until film went by the way of the dodo bird

I never really felt the need to get into AF or other modern conveniences when I could do everything with my AE-1. The other great thing about those old cameras is that one battery would last FOREVER.

 

[Contrastique]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davesrose /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well it's gotten pampered with way too many lenses and accessories I got so hog wild that I even bought one of those expensive external battery for my 580 flash......noticed my shutter lagged sometimes when I was taking photos at a wedding. Now that I also have found a split prism focus screen for it, it's everything I ever wanted!!! I really don't know why AF cameras don't have split prism screens included with them (some of us to actually like to manual focus every once in awhile). The main thing I've had to get used to with dSLRs is dust. Now I know why everyone sounds like babies when they're always complaining about sensor and viewfinder dust. Well at least it's easy to clean those sensors!!

Haha Sweet!! a Split prism is indeed quite handy. If you want to mf without it it is quite difficult to see if it's sharp.
And your shutter lagged sometimes....wow..never heard of that! Glad to see you solved it though indeed quite expensive ! Have fun!

 

[3x331m]

I own a 30D.

IMHO, every upgrade difference from 20D is worthy. The 30D is an entry to the professional capabilities. It won't survive the Amazon jungles or the chill of the Artic, but it would give you what you need if you want to make a living out of photography.

 

[raymondlin]

I own a 30D, played with a 1D MK II n, and a 5D, also have a Elan 7E.

The 30D is at a price point where it is a no brainer, I realise its cropped (comes with its advantages and disadvantages.) but with the 5D about 3 times the price and it's not that much more than the Rebel it's a total bargain.

And to pick Nikon because it's supplied kit lens is better quality is false economy. Since you are buying into a system, sooner or later you will get better lenses, so basing a decision on something that you will probably disregard or sell down the line only to be stuck with that system makes no sense. Nikon do make some nice gear but Canon have a wider range of lenses, you can't argue with that. I've often hear people wising Nikon make this and that lens but seldom vice versa.

As well as the range of lenses, the low light performance of the Canon range is simply superior than the Nikon's. It's not just my experience, but also a friend of mine who is a professional photographer. He has 2 Nikon, a 2DH and a 2DX. Yet 2 months ago he switched to Canon 1D MKII n with a few L-Glass, he finds it better to his Nikon gear, especially in low light.

 

[GlendaleViper]

Thanks man - it's good to get more thumbs up for the 30D.

As far as the lens system, I recognize chosing a camera based on the kit lens is folly, but do remember that I have no vested interest on either side at this point (despite a 15 year bias to Canon), and either of their lens systems is very, very nice. Canon does, of course, get the edge for most 1st party lens options. The thought was that a D80 would satisfy with the body AND lens, whereas the Canon would have me thinking about a glass upgrade almost immediately. As it stands, I think I'll just buy the body and start with a nice, large aperture fixed 55mm.

As far as the price point is concerned, I completely agree as well. It competes well (though doesn't beat) the D200 which is substantially more expensive, and can be had for about the same price as the D80, which isn't quite up to the 30D on a number of levels.

But when I really sit down to think about it, it's a no brainer for me. Canon offers the following (please correct me if I'm wrong):

- Can upgrade to full frame in the future
- Better speed over Nikon
- Wide variety of glass, including the L series (droooooool)
- Personal preference for Canon's ergonomics and layout
- (Specific to my entry point) Canon accepts Compact Flash at this level.

This effectively seals its fate. The 30D will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine.

 

[Eldirial]

Frankly, the "personal preference for Canon's ergonimics and layout" is the deal maker, with all other things considered. If you are going to enjoy using one more, and it's a comparable product, get what you will enjoy!

 

[Davesrose]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Contrastique /img/forum/go_quote.gif Haha Sweet!! a Split prism is indeed quite handy. If you want to mf without it it is quite difficult to see if it's sharp. And your shutter lagged sometimes....wow..never heard of that! Glad to see you solved it though indeed quite expensive ! Have fun!

Yeah, even though my 580 flash is supposed to be good about recharging on the internal batteries, I still had a few instances where it wasn't recharging fast enough for me to feel unconstrained in the number of shots I could take at a time.

Well it actually was my uncle who caught me onto this idea of an external battery. He and my aunt are now wedding photographers (he has a 5D, and my aunt is the main photographer with a 1Ds). When he saw me with a 5D and 580 flash, the first thing he said was that I needed one of these packs. During his own son's ceremony, my aunt insisted that he not take photos....so during those times he would let me borrow his battery. It's certainly worth getting if you're an event photographer doing a lot of low light photography.