From 350D to ----> 30D/40D or D80?

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Hi all,
After a long spell of hard work, and not being able to get out too much, i've decided to update my gear a bit, ready for the summer (if it ever arrives!!). I currently have a 350D and a couple of lens (listed below). I'm fairly happy with what I have, but really crave a larger viewfinder and LCD screen.

The obvious choice is the 30D, as it may well be dropping further in price with a possible 40D out soon. However, i've always liked the look of the Nikon's, so a D80 could be a contender. Has anyone made this switch?

Cheers,
Matt
 
You have two paths to follow, Canon or Nikon (or technically another brand, if I'm being subjective).

If you decide to go Nikon, you only have two lenses and one body, which means the switch wouldn't be *too* hard. I haven't made this switch myself so I can't comment on that, although I know one or two of our members have.

If you decide to stay Canon, I would advise you to wait, regardless of which model you want to upgrade to. With the impending announcement of the (possibly) 40D (or equivalent), then the 30D prices are sure to start coming down quite soon (is August the announcement time, according to the usual Canon timeline?).

And again, there's the argument for waiting for the 40D too, to at least see if there are any major improvements.
 
Why do you want to change though? Personally i'd be buying more lenses rather than changing the body, unless there's a serious reason why the 350d just isn't good enough for you.
 
I switched from a 10D to the Nikon D80 & it was the best decision I made last year! I had no problems selling the Canon lenses either. My partner's now switched to Nikon with the D200, so we don't argue (too much) about lenses. She's always preferred Nikon from her film days, so now a very happy bunny.
 
Have you thought about the Olympus. The Kits lenses are fantastic quality and some of the ZD lenses are the sharpest you will see this side of the top 'L' Glass for (Compact as well) You also get Body IS to boot.

The 2x crop factor is also a bonus at the long end (makes the ultra-wide a little mre difficult though ) Not the largest selection of lenses, but there is a lot less chance of getting a poor lens than if you went canon.

As you can tell, i am quite Pro olympus (Got the E-510) myself and love it.
 
Well, my reasons for changing are thus:
1) Want a bigger viewfinder, as I find it hard to focus properly with the 350D's
2) Want a bigger LCD - the 1.8" on the 350D makes it a bit hard to check out your shots
3) Would like something that fits my hands a bit better

I'm not after more Megapixels, or faster FPS, or anything like that. I would like to stick with Nikon or Canon though.

Marcel - I think it's a good idea to hang back for the 40D announcement. What camera did you have before your 30D?

Matt
 
350, the same as you and I had similar reasons for upgrading. Although I hadn't stretched the capabilities of the 350, I did feel I'd outgrown it.

I did want the bigger screen (and of course the bragging rights that came with a 30D ;)), but also the extras, inparticular the size, the extra FPS, the spot metering too, which is handy.
 
Did you find the viewfinder to be much bigger/brighter? That's my main gripe i guess.

Matt
 
I did think it was bigger and brighter, yes :)
 
Used 20D? Some bargains around...

Cheers,
James
 
I started off with the 300D and upgraded to the 20D (Best Camera). Then bought a 350D as backup but never needed it. I then upgraded to 5D and sold the almost new 350D to a fellow TP member.

I now consider the perfect match. 20D with the crop factor and the 5D Full Frame, larger viewfinder, LCD screen and spot metering amongst other things. The position of the controls on top and back are the same, so I can go from one to another without thinking of where the controls are. :canon:
 
Thanks for the replies. I think a trip to Jessops is necessary. Just need to find the biggest one near to me :-)

Matt
 
Cant think of any "big" jessops in our vicinity. Meadow Hall and Leeds both have stores though, and seem to stock a fair amount of kit. There used to be one in Wakey also, not sure if that still exists...
 
Have you thought about a used 1D (the original one)? You can pick them up for under £600 in decent condition & they are a whole world apart IMHO.

Edit: Actually, if you want a bigger viewfinder then that may not be a good suggestion tbh but the benefits far outweigh any disadvantages IMO :thumbs:
 
Rich said:
Cant think of any "big" jessops in our vicinity. Meadow Hall and Leeds both have stores though, and seem to stock a fair amount of kit. There used to be one in Wakey also, not sure if that still exists...
Click to expand...

Looks like Halifax is quite a big one:
http://www.viamichelin.com/b2b2c/gb...st=true&wnoss=true&IconFileID=1&ie=iso-8859-1

moomike - i'd prefer to stick to a more conventional body style, and something a bit more up-to-date. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Matt
 
The 30D is just what you are looking for Matt.

Large viewfinder and a beautiful large LCD screen which I found most helpful when "chimping".;)
 
Go for the 30D, or a used 20D, the 30D will not drop dramatically in price, look at the prices the 20D is getting easily.

Just got a 30D to go with my 20D and can't complain, well apart from one thing.....but I'll put that in another thread.

Allan
 
don't mean to hijack, but what's the complaint? Only asking as I'm toying with selling the sony stuff to switch to 30d or Nikon equivalent
 
Thanks again all - i will certainly endeavour to check out the 30D. By the time I do so, perhaps the 40D will be on it's way, and people will be ditching their 30D's into the second hand market :)

Allan - what is the complaint with the 30D?

Matt
 
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