Second camera - upgrade?

[JonSadler]

Hello all,

I am in the market for a second camera for my eldest son who is using my 400D more than I am and I'd like it back! I am thinking that rather than getting another D400 I was wondering about the D30 (the D40 is a price tag too far). I know several people on the forum use this camera so I seeking some advice on the differences between the two, advantages, disadvantages etc etc. I have read a fair bit on the Canon forum and so on but it all seems confusing and conflicting. Any thoughts?

Thank you.

Regards

Jon

[matt_xyz]

I've owned a 400D for around a year and have recently also bought a 30D, basically because I saw a real bargain! I'm not quite sure whether I'll sell the 400D or keep them both. The practical differences between the two are the greater size of the 30D (more comfortable for larger hands), the increased frames per second (5 compared to 3), and the greater control over ISO settings. I also have a feeling that images have slightly less noise. There are also other more subtle differences.

The disadvantages of the 30D compared to the 400D are that the 30D doesn't have dust removal and is 8MP compared to 10MP. The 40D does have those features.

As you know, the 400D is a very nice camera but I must admit that the 30D does feel nicer in the hand and is just that bit more 'professional' to use. I prefer the dial system for selecting menu options and so on, although this is subjective and others may prefer the layout of the 400D.

By the way, the D30 is an old 35mm SLR and quite different to the 30D. I assume your post was asking about the 30D not the D30!

Matt

[Pete W]

30D is a great camera. I have one as my second body... Well i say me, my wife seems to use it all the time

You can get a really good price on 30D's now that the 40D is out.... but be quick as they will soon go

[JonSadler]

Hi Matt/Pete,

Thanks for your comments. I guess I need to look at a 30D (that's what I meant!) and get a feel for both.

Cheers

Jon

[Ambriel]

One thing to bear in mind, though, if you buy him a DSLR body compatible with yours he'll be borrowing your lenses all the time...

Might be worth thinking about a bridge digital with a fixed lens instead?

[JonSadler]

Hi Ambriel,



This is true but he has done the bridge camera thing. I am fortunate enough to have access to a range of lens so he can access these without too much trouble. Two are 'work' owned so he'll be waiting for those if they are in use, but the rest we can share when we are out together or when he goes out for a daily wander in the park after school.

Cheers
Jon