By drea | Leave A Comment
A few months ago I was faced with the choice to buy either a 40D canon SLR camera or a 30D. I had heard from many professional photographers that the 30D was a great camera. To go from what I had (a Rebel XT) it would be a big jump.
For me the thoughts that kept running through my mind were “but its the same mega pixels….”
or… “I want the best… or at least close to it.”
When I finally decided to take the advice of those much more knowledgeable and experienced than myself…
I ended up going with the 30D.
For several reasons:
- Because of what they had to say. These photographers owned not only the 30 but also the 40… and loved them equally as much. In fact, one even said if she could do it over she’d own TWO 30D’s, rather than 1 of each… and would have spent the extra money she spent on the 40D elsewhere.
- I only had so much money to spend. I had saved my pennies and had enough to buy either a 40D with nothing else… or a 30D used on eBay with enough money left to spend on new glass (lens).
- The pixel difference between the 40D and 30D didn’t really matter. You can read all about this online and even see comparison photographs between the two cameras. When it came down to it, the 2 extra pixels you get with the 40D wasn’t worth the extra money. At least that’s what I think
- I came across an INCREDIBLE deal on eBay… I was able to get the Canon 30D in mint condition… a Tamrac camera bag (valued at over 100.00) a telephoto lens (which I needed for weddings any way!), battery, charger and what not… all for $509.00 shipped.
With all those different factors I was sold… and knew the 30D was for me.
Now that Ive had my 30D for a little while… what are my thoughts?
LOVE… LOVE… LOVE IT!!
IT IS SO NICE. I cannot imagine going back to using my rebel for portraits now that I have this. I love my Canon Rebel and use it often for personal photos… and it can still deliver great photographs. However, the ISO capabilities of the 30D are above and beyond The Rebel. The 30d also processes images better – there is just a much better feeling. This camera is beautifully made… and you will not be disappointed if you get one.
What I would recommend is search on eBay. Ebay intimidates some people, but just do your home work. Read the eBay history of the seller. If there is no history email the seller! The 30D I found on came from a guy with ZERO eBay history and no live photos of the camera: he used all stock photos. Scary situation at face value, but he was totally legit; he just listed the camera quickly without thinking much.
Ebay has a wonderful thing called “Paypal Protection.” If you buy the listing with Paypal money (you can transfer funds from your bank to your Paypal account) and the camera is damaged or never comes, you will be refunded the money 100% by Paypal. So it is really a risk free deal. You just need to search well and find the best deal!
Below are a few recent photographs I’ve taken with the 30D.
ABOUT drea
Panamerican 25 yr. old, Mother of 2 boys, Professional Photographer and Pastors Wife. "Just Trying T{read more}
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I love my 30D and am so tickled to know that it compares well to the newer 40D.
Thanks sooooo much for this. I’m looking at upgrading in a while and this helped me SO much.
HELLO!! I was looking at your website and blog and your work is wonderful. Do you stil use the 30D or have you upgraded again?? I am also upgrading from the Rebel XT and was considering the 30D. This has helped me make my decision about the 30D. I was in between the 30 or 40D. I do not have a business, I just shoot for family and friends. Also what len are you using?? Thanks for letting me pick ur brain. I am new to this world. I have only had my XT for about a yr now. Love to talk to others that are in to photography.
Thank you so much for this. You’ve convinced me to stop stressing over weather or not the 30D will be “good enough”
Love the shots1 what action are you using for the top two shots?
Its a free action someone gave me. Id be glad to email it to you, just email me at drea.simple[at]gmail.com
I’m still hanging on to my 30D which I bought in 2005. Allot of people said that the 30D was nothing but a 20D with a couple of bells and whistles. Maybe they are right but it is more like a bug-less 20D. We use the 40D’s at work and some of the cameras came with inexplicable bugs that we are still trying to figure out. What I like about the 40D is the sensor cleaning, faster AF and the quiet shutter. Everything else seems pretty much the same to me. I even like the way the buttons are set-up better on the 30D much easier to use, plus the camera fits better in my hands. I think my 30D still has a few more years, maybe by then a 60D with 21 focusing points, weather sealing, well constructed pop-up flash, shock resistant will come out. Thanks