30D help

h.r.ford

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Renee
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Ok everyone has been talking about the 30D and has really made me want to purchase one. Today I get my yearly bonus and I want to spend it on a 30D and a Sigma 10-20mm. Unfortunately my husband stands in the way. He says the camera doesn't make the pic the photographer does. I told him that is true to a point but you can reach a point where your camera is not up to what you want to do. Can someone help me explain better how a 30D will help my photography? And is he just telling me I suck at photography and he doesn't want me to spend any more money on it??
 
There are people who use this forum that will tell you that you do not need a 30d - that everything you need to do is doable with the 350d and that upgrading would be a waste of money - the thing about this is that its YOUR money (well, yours and your hubbys) and YOU can do what YOU want with it, regardless of what anyone else thinks or feels about it.

I say, do what you want to do Renee, the 30d has spot metering, it has 5fps, it has a much larger lcd screen, it has more focus points, the viewfinder itself is bigger, the body is bigger, it just "feels" nicer.

Spot metering is good for taking photos of objects against a bright background.

5fps means that if you're taking photos of a running horse (for example) at an equestrian event and you rapid fire that you're more likely to get the shot that you want.

The larger LCD screen is an absolute must, when you sit your 350d next to a 30d/400d your jaw will drop, its an amazing difference. A picture can look amazing on your 350d and be soft as soft can be when you get it home. with the larger lcd screen you will still get soft pictures but you'll be able to tell how they are - you can also display the focal points used on the picture so you can see where you focused (not sure if that was doable or not on the 350)

The extra focal points are a bonus for obvious reasons, means that you can be a little more creative in which part of your subject you focus on.

Google for "350d vs 30d"

Tell your husband that the camera bodies will change as you upgrade, but the lenses you buy will stay with you for a very long time - the money is in the lenses.

All you have to remember is that the 30d grip is different to the 350d (not a problem because you dont have one yet), the batteries are different, the charger is different.

And you can also tell your husband that you'll have no problem selling your old 350d body on. Karamac is still looking for a reasonably priced DSLR.

The most important thing is follow your heart, if you'd prefer to wait and try out my 30d a week on Saturday you're more than welcome to have a play around with it.

The only thing I'd say would be, would it be worth taking the money back in pounds (in terms of your bonus) to the states and buying it when you get back over there? Would it work out a lot cheaper for you that way?

Hope this helps to some extent.

Matt
 
It does Matt thanks. And yes I was thinking of waiting till we go in April to buy a house and buy it then. But thanks for mentioning it. Well you've given me some good stuff for my husband. I'll just have to keep working on him!
 
He says the camera doesn't make the pic the photographer does.

Oh good grief!:gag:

Slap him with this first.
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/many-factors.shtml

If that doesn't work try a brick or something else harder. ;)

My girfriend (who is called H.R.Ford and was brought up on a farm strangely enough:thinking:) would tell you to get another husband as well as a camera! :thumbs: I'll point her this way later. :D

Also, if you are looking for a 30d, I have mint one bought last June that I was toying with the idea of putting up for sale on the classifieds here sometime this week. It's a very nice camera but for me with my 35mm background I prefer the depth of field control I am used to with full frame.
 
Renee - Sound words of advice esp from Matt on the obvious benefits of the highly rated 30D - In respect of your husband's comments: you start by saying you are due YOUR annual bonus so unless it is your husband who is paying you this it is YOUR bonus to do with as you want! - better you spend it on something YOU want rather than fritter it away on strippers & crack :lol:
Paul ;)
 
There are valid arguments from both sides of the fence on this one.

He is right in that it is largely the photographer that makes the photograph and not the camera.

However, you will find it a worthy upgrade.
I went the same upgrade path about 7 months ago. Did I need to? Nope. Did I benefit? Yes.
Spot metering has helped me in a few situations. 5fps has on a couple of occasions, but not much yet (not really had the situation arise to need it yet). The larger viewfinder is much nicer, as the screen certainly makes the upgrade worthwhile IMO.

You're also upgrading your level of camera. Bear in mind the 350 is an old camera now, and has been superceded by the 400D. While it will technically 'do you' for a while, the 30D will last much longer IMO.
How many people still shoot with a 20D? A 10D even? (Mind you I suppose that argument could be given about the 300D).

However, there does become a point where you will outgrow the camera. I would personally prefer to pre-empt that point, and use the upgrade to learn and grow more as a photographer.

Besides the 30D rocks, and that should be argument enough to go and buy one. :D
 
Tell him you'd set your sights on the 1DSMkIII but are willing, if he's nice to compromise with the 30D :D
 
Tell him you'd set your sights on the 1DSMkIII but are willing, if he's nice to compromise with the 30D :D

I tried this because I really want a 5D and said I was willing to settle... didn't work.
 
I'm not sure what's surprised me most: Matts eloquently erudite synopsis or that you need to ask ;)

Its a lovely camera and you'll reap the benefits. It will bring you many years of joy and I cant think of a better way to reward yourself using your bonus. :)
 
Hi, I upgraded from a 300D to the 30D, and much the same as everyone else, because I wanted to, rather than I needed to, but it is sooooooo much better, and for me, though all the advice you'll ever get about shooting in monochrome says shoot in colour and convert in software, the ability to shoot in mono with various filter and toning efects effects means you can instantly see how your shots will be without colour getting in the way. And if you don't like making creative decisions at the point of capture like ol' 35mm users, you can still shoot mono in RAW and make all the changes, or convert to colour, in the software supplied with the camaera. And the 10-20 is a must! you'll never be happy with 18mm again!! and like everyone says, it's your money, without trying to cause a rift in your marriage, everyone deserves their hobby and the right to spend their money on it.
 
:'(
and like everyone says, it's your money, without trying to cause a rift in your marriage, everyone deserves their hobby and the right to spend their money on it.


I have to say....that I have upgraded, and bought a sigma 10-20 unbeknown to my husband!
He isnt into photography...so never noticed the difference between a 350d sitting on the desk or a 30d!!

I do the portrait work...I get the money in...........I spend it!!

And so there are no arguements...........he doesn't know!!!! :D :lol:

Not encouraging you to be sneaky like me....but sometimes I feel I just deserve it. :)


PS: If any mods are reading this...........please give me a title back!
 
:'(


I have to say....that I have upgraded, and bought a sigma 10-20 unbeknown to my husband!
He isnt into photography...so never noticed the difference between a 350d sitting on the desk or a 30d!!

I do the portrait work...I get the money in...........I spend it!!

And so there are no arguements...........he doesn't know!!!! :D :lol:

Not encouraging you to be sneaky like me....but sometimes I feel I just deserve it. :)


PS: If any mods are reading this...........please give me a title back!


"Because I deserve it"?

:lol: :p
 
"Because I deserve it"?

:lol: :p

And you have a problem with that? I do 3 jobs and run the family. I never buy clothes, dont go to the hairdressers etc etc .......I deserve it!! :D :lol:

I am a low maintenance wife....who occasionally does a bit of high maintenance camera shopping!! ;)



AH just realized..................did you mean "Because I deserve it" as my title? SOrry, Johnny....chest infection, feeling bad, very slow today!! :thinking:
 
I do the portrait work...I get the money in...........I spend it!!

And so there are no arguements...........he doesn't know!!!! :D :lol:

Not encouraging you to be sneaky like me....but sometimes I feel I just deserve it. :)

:clap: I like your attitude. :D

Bit late for the OP to get sneaky though. :naughty: Her husband has been alerted now!

I'll consider myself VERY lucky by the looks of it. My girlfriend bought me my 30d! :woot:
 
AH just realized..................did you mean "Because I deserve it" as my title? SOrry, Johnny....chest infection, feeling bad, very slow today!! :thinking:


bless :)

Think it suits you:naughty:

Wouldn't dare comment on whether or not you deserve to spend money :runaway:
 
I dont think thats a good idea for a title, Jonny!

If my husband sees it he will say "What do you deserve?" and I might have to tell him what Ive bought!!! :naughty: :lol:
 
Why do you think a 30D will improve your photography? What is it about your existing camera that makes you think you've outgrown it? To be honest there are loads of times where I pick up the 20D in preference to the 1D MkII.

Are you absolutely sure it's not just a case of "I want" rather than "I need"? (there's nothing wrong with that incidentally)

Just playing a bit of devils advocate because you're asking for other people to explain why you should upgrade rather than complaining about a specific deficiency :)
 
oh well how about "Because she's worth it"?


Now you're talking - fair point on the husband issue Janice:)

Now, where's a mod when you need one? testing CT's UFO juice i suspect...........:suspect:
 
Now you're talking - fair point on the husband issue Janice:)

Because she's worth it................. and how do I explain that one away then?? :D
 
I've already alerted two of them to it, they're ignoring me today, must be busy.
 
Because she's worth it................. and how do I explain that one away then?? :D

Hey - whats going on today - am i the bloody oracle??? :lol: :lol: :lol:
 
Why do you think a 30D will improve your photography? What is it about your existing camera that makes you think you've outgrown it? To be honest there are loads of times where I pick up the 20D in preference to the 1D MkII.

Are you absolutely sure it's not just a case of "I want" rather than "I need"? (there's nothing wrong with that incidentally)

Just playing a bit of devils advocate because you're asking for other people to explain why you should upgrade rather than complaining about a specific deficiency :)

Well there is a couple of reasons. One I really want to start my own real estate photography business when I get back to the states and I think the build of the 350D is a little "plasticy" for everyday use. The 5fps would be great for my equine photography although I know it isn't essential but really the spot metering and higher/better iso is what I'm after. I would truly like to have the 5d but that is out of my price range, as I'd like to have full frame sensor (of course then the 10-20 wouldn't work). I guess for what I use it for today I don't need a 30d but in the future I will need it and I'd rather start the learning curve now. You have a very valid point though.

And maybe I should invest in better lenses and a decent lighting system as those are what consistently let me down... Hrmph gonna have to think some more.

PLUS my bonus was half (I forgot about taxes) what I thought it would be so I now only have £500 to play with.
 
Ouch!

I'll swap you a mint 30D inc P&P for that though. ;) :D

I'll have a think about it... Really not sure a marital fight is worth it and he is right we are buying a house this summer.... But I really want one!
 
Nah I'm not sure anyone else would put up with me. I just gotta get him a "hobby" he likes as much as I love photography so he understands. I tried golf but that is too boring he says, and video games are not an option as far as I'm concerned. I bought us a Mac pro for his gaming and my photography last bonus. But there is no way to make a camera or lens for both of us.
 
And is he just telling me I suck at photographyand he doesn't want me to spend any more money on it??

What a rude comment..:thumbsdown:

Give me the nod Renee, I will be round in 2 minutes .....:bat:

As Marcel says he is correct in one way but wrong in another, It all depends on how serious you want to take your photography of course..;)

The 30D is leagues ahead of the 350D in extra features but having said that I had a 350D and got some wonderful images from it, Only the fact that a friend came round wanting a digital camera in a big rush was the reason I sold it.

My advice is..... If you can afford it and it won't cause a war in your house go out and buy one now while the iron is hot and the money is available..;)
 
Hmmm how about explaining that following the move it will be more use to you and help you produce more saleable photos hence fetching more money in for him to spend ;)
 
eeek double post
 
Remember you can always sell the 350D to help finance the 30D Mrs Ford.

Being an experienced 30D owner (of 25 hours) the things I can say for sure are, the build quality is way above that of the 300D, it's faster, cleaner, has functions that I really missed on the 300D, has the ability to take good shots at far higher iso than the 300D, the noise/grain on the 30D at 1600iso is about equal to the noise at 400iso on the 300D.

Warehouse Express will do 12 months interest free and price match the best you can find. (the way it works is, you pay what you like when you like, as long as it's all paid for inside 12 months)
 
Right - have actually wandered away from the 'puter for a minute to think about what I wanted to say on this one.

First off, I don't think the ins and outs of "it's YOUR bonus so spend it on what you want" are anything to do with us. Every marriage works its finances differently - the way one couple work doesn't tick the boxes for the couple next door so......probably best left alone!

Second - the 30D is a GREAT camera, BUT.....don't expect to see any huge, massive, immediate improvement in your shots. You won't get it. When I upgraded it was from an old D30 (3mp, slow, noisy over ISO200, I could continue!) and as I was doing more and more - not paid for, but published work - at speedway I was won over by the additional megapix, the huge increase in speed (fitrst time I fired off a few shots in high speed mode on the 30D I nearly dropped the b****r as it made me jump!). The ability to shoot happily in ISO1000 and above was wonderful - the increase to ISO in third-stops was wonderful (Again - something I really use at speedway). The image quality just blew me away - all of a sudden printing at A4 size was not only workable - it was actually something I wanted to do!

With upgrading from the 350d you're NOT going to see a massive increase in IQ. The high ISO noise (or lack of it!) will be better - is this something you use much? If the majority of what you do is either well lit indoors or outside in daylight then you need to consider how much use you'll get out of it. Third stop increments in ISO - you might use that for the equestrian stuff perhaps - light can dip and ride in tiny amounts and the small adjustments in the ISO are sometimes enough. Spot metering - to be honest from what you've mentioned wanting to do with it I'm not convinced that you'll use it that much - I don't on mine - occasionally but more often than not I forget its there!

As I say - the 30D is a great camera, but it's not that great that it's worth causing problems (however minor) in your marriage over. My advice (although probably NOT what you want to hear) is sit tight for a bit - bank that bonus money and wait until you move back to the States full time and are settled down and then see if you still want the thing. If you do - then buy it!

Good luck with your choice!
 
I haven't read the thread but the 30D is in a different league in terms of build quality and features. It is the camera that makes the pics that's true, but the 30D is a pic making tool you're unlikely to grow out of as your expertise grows, so it's a sensible option really, and quite possibly will be cheaper in the long run.

I'd always advise people to start with the best they can, and grow into it if need be, than take the inevitable hits to your pocket every time you trade up.
 
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