Advice needed on various Canon bodies

Urban Grimshaw

Urban Grimshaw

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I'm looking to upgrade my trusty, but now well used 350d that I've owned since new.

So far I've looked at everything from the 20d to the 7d. Realistically I think the 7d's out of the question. If I sell my soul to the Devil I might just be able to manage a 550d. But then perhaps a 30d would be a much more comfortable option. The 40d sounds very appealing based on all the positive comments floating around everywhere, but to pay £400 in cash is a bit much at this time...

So I have this massive range of cameras bouncing around in my head, and I don't really know the difference.

Of course, I know the basics...xxxd series, consumer level cameras, plenty capable (I have one..). xxd series, prosumer, robust, fast, etc...

But then you hear people talking of pixel counts. Too many pixels make for harder work. Little things like this. And I wonder where I stand.

For example, the budget option. Canon's 1100d. Surely this would live up to the 350d? Or would it?

The 550d...is it more of the same with less noise and more pixels? Or would I be entering into a revolutionary new world of photography?

The 30d, or even the 20d? Would they cause problems from day one? Or if not, would they outperform something like the 550d?

I know there's a lot of questions, and a lot of answers, but the pros and cons of the various avenues would be great.

Generally I find myself shooting still subjects. Low light abilities would be great. All I want really, is a robust camera that will do me for a few years into the future. None of this auto portrait mode, or super resolution hdr mode...just something simple, reliable, quality, and capable.
 
i have only held a 350d but compared to my 30d it felt like a toy. the 30d has a magnesium body with a more functional layout, slight increase in resolution and a shutter rated to 100,000 actuations if i remember correctly.

i came from a sony a390 with 14mp and the drop to 8mp doesn't bother me much, as the benefits from the build, design and functionality vastly outweigh it.

remember that the higher the resolution of the sensor, the better the lenses you will need to make the best of it. meaning that depending upon your current lens line-up you might need to upgrade to see the full potential of the camera fullfilled.
 
I've been looking around....and the 30d is calling for me. Mainly due to price.

One of the things that puts me off though, is that they say the 40d is a big improvement over the 30d...and the 30d is essentially the same kit (with some upgrades) as the 20d.....which is quite similar to the 350d.

But the 30d has to be a good upgrade from the 350d surely?
 
I have had the 30D and the 40D and I definitely think (EDIT: Know!!) the 40D is an improvement on the 30D. What is your budget?
 
Urban Grimshaw said:
So I have this massive range of cameras bouncing around in my head, and I don't really know the difference.
Click to expand...
This may help:

5630405857_65f1ba3b1f_b.jpg
 
This all depends on what kind of upgrade v's cost you want. The 40D is definately a better camera than the 30D, hell I'd have a 40D over the 30 just for the better user menu but add to that 10.1MP, 14bit, auto ISO, better ISO control, digic 3, larger buffer, faster frame rate, bigger lcd, LIVE VIEW( i like this ;) ), self cleaning sensor and more.
I have no experience with the Canon xxxd range but have owned a 40d and we currently have a 30d and 7d.
I think the 30d is a fine camera but the 40d just makes life a little easier.
 
I gave up photography for a while and therefore sold my 40D but after a couple of years decided to come back to it and bought myself a 550D as I also couldn't justify the expense of the 7D but that didn't stop me wanting one. This of course kept niggling away at me until I had saved a bit more and then traded the 550D for a 7D, it was meant to be money for new glass but I certainly don't regret it, the 7D is a great camera and now I can start saving for new glass.

I know I would never have been truly happy with the 550D even though it is also a good camera.
 
There are a few 40D's in the for sale section and well under £400 (I know as I have just bought one) and I would highly recommend getting one.
 
Thanks guys. The 40d is a bit much of a stretch at the moment unfortunately, even though it does seem to be the better choice for a long term upgrade.

That table is a good help though arad.

I'd be interested to hear peoples opinions on how the cameras handle with things like metering, noise in low light, focusing speed, etc, as well as general image quality. Particularly the 350d against the 30d, and the 30d against the 40d.

It would also be interesting to see how the newer features and technology improve things (or perhaps not?) with something like the 550d (and of course the 60d, etc).

I do think my soul would be more content with the xxd series. So definitely swaying to the more affordable 30d, and I can always upgrade again when finances allow.
 
The 30D was almost a pointless upgrade from the 20D and definitely one of Canons least justified upgrades. You'll see little difference between your current 350D and a 30D, as far as image quality is concerned anyway, they'll be virtually identical.

The 40D was a quantum leap over the 30D and IMHO that's the one you should go for. What's the rush - hang on till you have the cash?
 
CT said:
What's the rush - hang on till you have the cash?
Click to expand...

I have a wedding to photograph ;)

Sure, the 350d will handle it, I'm sure...after the dust has been cleaned off the sensor...but...it's seen better days. I'd sleep easier with a better condition body, and the 350d can then serve as a backup, and I can possibly clean the sensor myself without the fear of killing my only camera...
 
Fair does then - you definitely need a spare body if you're doing a wedding.
 
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