[aimcbt]

Hi, all! First time poster.

Now that the 40D has been announced and pre-orders are being taken, I'm seeing the prices drop dramatically on the 30D. Today I'm seeing $449 for body only w/no frills. That's fine w/me since I'll be upgrading from a 3 year old 300D and have the lenses and stuff. I have a couple of questions:

1. Will the extra battery I purchased for the 300D also work in the 30D?
2. The specs on the 40D do seem to make it the better camera. Since money really is an issue, can I go wrong buying a 30D? I don't make my living shooting, it's merely a hobby. But I want to get past being a rank amateur and maybe one day making some money.

Thanks all for your help and insight! I look forward to being an active member of this community.

[silkstone]

Whatever you buy will be superseded in about 18 months, but will still be just as good as it ever was!

The 30D is a great camera. Maybe the 40D will be better - we'll have to wait for the reviews. But in terms of allowing you to take good pics, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the 30D. If you can get one for that sort of price, you can't really go wrong. (But beware of bad retailers - if it's too good to be true and all that. )

The 300D batteries will work fine in the 30D. The BP511 and BP511A are the same physical size and voltage, but the latter can hold slightly more charge. Many third-party batteries had a higher capacity than Canon's BP511.

[stepheno]

Silkstone is spot on. The 30D is a great camera and still will be in years to come.

[aimcbt]

Thanks so much!

[Dave]

Sounds a steal at that price

[aimcbt]

Originally Posted by Dave

Sounds a steal at that price

Exactly. That's what worries me. I e-mailed one company asking them exactly what I get, and don't get, for that $449. They e-mailed back asking me to call them. Uhhh, I don't think so. If they won't put it in writing then forget it.

Probably is one of those "If it's too good to be true..." things.

[VinnyP]

Do a search on the company name. If it's a great deal there will be happy customers waiting to sing their praises.

There are some where you call and then there are extras that bring the camera package near to everyone elses prices. The "extras" are of course what comes as standard. If you stick with just the camera you will find that it never arrives.

But that is definitely a too good to be true price.

[silkstone]

Check out Discount Shopping and Store Reviews by Real People at ResellerRatings

There are a few companies in New York which try to pull a scam by advertising at a very low price, but then telling you that all the accessories normally included cost extra. Or they try to sell additional items at a high price, and if you won't buy they tell you the camera is out of stock and your order is cancelled.

B&H prices are usually a good guide, and anything much lower should be viewed with suspicion.

[aimcbt]

Excellent advice. Thank you!

[Rob Barron]

Although I am buying a 40D (should be arriving tomorrow and guess who is getting a teensy weensy bit excited <g>) I am upgrading from a 20D, not a 30D. The choice of whether to upgrade from the 20D was an easy one but for those who have a 30D, maybe it is less clear cut.

However, a more important point is this: even the 20D was a superb camera when it came out. Just because another camera came out that had a few more brownie points, that doesn't change the fact the 20D is a superb camera. It was before and it is now! Same applies to the 30D you are looking at and if money is tight I would not hesitate from recommending the 30D for even a nanosecond.

One guarantee I will give you: if you buy a 30D or even a cheaper 20D (they are available for fantastic prices now) you are in no way going to be disappointed :o)

Cheers,Rob

[mikeparker59]

In short NO you can't go wrong. I recently saw the price drop here in the UK for the 30D like you I had (still have) the 300D.

The 30D is worlds apart from the 300D Start up is instant from switching on. The battery seems to last a lot longer. You can fire off a number of shots without having to wait for the buffer to clear. It is better built, and heavier. Being heavier it feels better balanced with lenses other than the kit lens. I have a Sigma 18-200 which feels much nicer to use on the 30D than trhe 300D. High ISO shots seem to be less grainy than with the 300D
The one thing I do miss on the 30D is the infra red remote. I had one for my old EOS 100 film camera which was also compatible with the 300d. But the 30D doesn't have IR built in so it's back to using the self timer for tripod mounted shots, until I get the release cable. A backward step I feel. Other than that you'll love the camera, and at the price you quote it's definitely too good to be true. Mine was £585 body only.

[Soupdragon]

In short, yes, you can go wrong with a 30D.

If you hold your eye to the lens instead of the viewfinder all your shots will be bad.

[Dave Canon]

I have a 20D and the differences to a 30D are not very significant. It is a great Camera which I have had for over 2 years now and never felt the need to upgrade. Unless you have a lot of spare cash, just buy the model that meets your specification and ignore the fact that new models keep appearing.