Canon Digital SLR: 400D or 30D?

Question

I am upgrading my Canon 350D (any offers email me!) as I would like to take my hobby to the next level.

Should I opt for the 400D (and then get a better lens) or the 30D (with standard lens)?

As I have small hands the smaller 350/400D models don't prove a problem. I also prefer the lighter model but am willing to carry extra weight for better results! (Any other Canon Digital SLR's considered within that budget)

Also, where can I offload my 350D either through sell or swap other than ebay? Thanks!!

Answer 1

I personally upgraded to the 30D from a 300D.

I really all depends on how they feel to you. The 400 has a couple of neat features, like the sensor-cleaner and a couple extra mega-pixels. The 30D though has a more solid build, more auto-focus points, and spot-metering.

A 400D with a better lens will take a better picture than a 30D with the Kit lens. The 30D is also a good bit heavier than the Rebels, and offers a better feel when attached to the heavier L lenses.

I don't think you could go wrong with either.

Your best bet to sell the 350 would probably be ebay. A lot of the sites like fredmiranda.com have a swap area, but they are mostly filled with pros that buy/sell there stuff on the low side. Check it out under their forums if you like, but that has always been my experience. You could also try Craigslist, but ebay would probably be the safer bet.

Answer 2

The 400D isn't a sufficient improvement to upgrade. The 2 extra megapixels aren't worth it, the built-in sensor cleaning is a gimmick... the only REAL improvement is the 400D's more advanced AF system - it has the same AF system as the 30D, in fact.
The 30D is a major improvement. As noted, it has better AF, and it also offers more features with more controls to change settings in a hurry. It has a metal body. It does 5 frames per second. It's shutter is rated to last twice as long (100,000 actuations). In short, it's a semi-pro camera.
If those features are what you had in mind, then by all means get a 30D - it's a great camera and good value for money.
I'd personally spend my money on better lenses however. The lenses you use determine your image quality.
Depending on what you use now, you can upgrade your lens collection in a million different ways. As a standard zoom, the $500 Canion 17-85mm is much better than the 18-55mm kit lens. The $1,000 Canon 17-55mm is much better than tha 17-85mm. For more reach, consider the $550 Canon 70-300mm. Or for a larger budget the 70-200mm f/4, or even the $1600 Canon 70-200mm f/2.8. For portaits, get an 85mm prime. For low light situations, you could get a 50mm Canon f/1.4 or a Sigma 30mm f/1.4. Do you have/ want a dedicated macro lens? How about an ultra wide, like the Canion 10-22mm.
Really, invest in your lens collection - this will make a vastly bigger difference than same old lenses on a 400D/ 30D!!

Answer 3

For me, even if there was nothing else about the 30D that I liked better, the fact that it has an actual spot meter and the 400D doesn't would make me choose the 30D.

Otherwise, I will just fall in line with everyone else's comments in favor of either the 30D or a couple of better lenses instead of a new camera. The 350D is a pretty decent camera and you could buy the newest generation body in a few years and use your excellent lens collection with it.

Answer 4

personally I'd invest in a better lens. I did make the initial sacrifice (also going for a 350D) and bought a 28-135 is lens. I now have bought a sigma 28-300 dg lens (for when you need that extra zoom) and I'm looking for something wider now with a high apeture for those landscape shots.

Lenses dont seem to age as quickly as the bodies so I think you're better off aiming for better quality glass before upgrading the body.

Answer 5

I'd go with the Canon 30D, If you want it I saw it one sale at the Ritz Camera site, they also got some promos at http://www.prioritycodes.com/Electronics/RitzCamera.com-Priority-Codes/index.html for a discount

Answer 6

go for canon 30D.. if more need to upgrade regarding pixels.. go for 5d.. if more.. then wait for reviews of mart III ....