What big advantage does the 30D have over the 400D

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

07/14/2007 11:22:14 AM · #1

I know there are a few differences but what makes the 30D better than (if) the 400D?
One thing I noticed is the difference in sensor size. The 400D has a sensor 22.2x14.8 mm with 10.5 million Sensor Photo Detectors. While the 30 has a sensor that is 22.5x15.0 mm with 8.5 million sensor photo detectors. Even though the 400D has a sensor that is 4.5 sq mm smaller it has 2.0 million more sensor photo detectors than the 30D. Can someone explain the advantage/disadvantage of this?

Other than that the only main difference is ISO, SS, Spot metering on the 30D, FPS, and slightly larger.

I'm thinking of purchasing a new camera. Would love to have the 5D but thats out of the question so my options are the 400D or 30D.

Here is the main question: I like the 10.1 mp of the 400D but does the few extras on the 30D out way the 2.0 mp difference?

Thanks in advance.
Scott

Message edited by author 2007-07-14 11:23:18.

violinist123

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/14/2007 11:34:46 AM · #2

There are no 'big' advantages.

The 30D has

- marginally better noise performance
- iso 3200
- faster fps, more images per burst
- better body
- slightly larger viewfinder
- 40ms less shutter lag
- 1/3rd stop iso incremements
- twice as long shutter life
- pc synch port
- lcd screen on top of the camera

edit: spot metering, how could I have forgotten...

Message edited by author 2007-07-14 12:55:27.

zeuszen

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

07/14/2007 12:33:21 PM · #3

To me, the one big advantage, is the spot meter. I rely very heavily on this feature, and wouldn't buy a camera without it.

Oded

07/14/2007 12:36:45 PM · #4

quality wise you will not see any difference in 99% of the time.
it all depends on what you want the camera for?
if for a hobby shotting - I would get the 400 and save the money for a nice lense.
If your going to shot weddings go with the 30D it will last much longer.

all in all the 30d is stronger and more comfortable.

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

07/14/2007 01:43:08 PM · #5

Thanks everyone for you input.
I guess my main concern is the sensors, which will deliver the best results. 10.1mp on a smaller sensor or 8.5mp on a slightly larger sensor. There has to be a difference, maybe noise?

Message edited by author 2007-07-14 13:46:27.

breadfan35

Nikon D3

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

07/14/2007 01:51:27 PM · #6

Spot metering, and the magnesium alloy body alone would have me choose the 30D over the XTi.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm f/4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

07/14/2007 01:53:22 PM · #7

Originally posted by swhiddon:

As a rule, when you cram more sensors into the same space you get more interference and more noise. Alos, bear in mind the 30D has two wheels for adjustments, so in manual mode you have one for shutter and one for aperture. The 400 requires toggling the same wheel between the two, a PITA in my opinion.

R.

LindaLee

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

07/14/2007 01:57:40 PM · #8

I've never seen a 400 "in person", so don't know for sure about the body build, but the 30D is a tank. That's precisely why we bought them, we are fairly hard on our cameras.

One or the other of us have fallen, or dropped the 30's on numerous occasions, and they barely have a scratch. This alone is worth it for me.

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

07/14/2007 02:46:53 PM · #9

Thanks for the extra help.
Like I said I would love to have the 5D but cannot justify the $$. I have been reading up on sensors and it does seem that the 30D will have less noise at all ISO ranges because of the larger and more sensitive photo sensor (diodes) compared to the 400D.

If I purchased the 5D it would leave cut into my lens fund. So I believe I will be going with the 30D and some good lens.

Now that I have made my mind up on what camera. I would like some input on lens. Currently I have the following lens:
1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
2. Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon
3. Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM
4. Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

I want to learn more about portrait photograph. I also want a true macro lens and a very wide lens. I need good but reasonably price lighting equipment, including flash for camera. Basically I want to make an in home studio. Any suggestions???

fotomann_forever

07/14/2007 02:58:39 PM · #10

FWIW, the 20D/30D share the same sensor as the Rebel XT. So, as far as "quality" goes you're not gonna get an upgrade by going to the 30D.

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

07/14/2007 03:19:37 PM · #11

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

FWIW, the 20D/30D share the same sensor as the Rebel XT. So, as far as "quality" goes you're not gonna get an upgrade by going to the 30D.

What is the pros/cons of having the same type/size sensor with a difference of 2.0 million Sensor Photo Detectors?

alexzen

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

07/14/2007 03:34:03 PM · #12

The new 24-105 4.0 IS is a great walk-around lens. ($1,000+) The IS makes a big difference for me.

Message edited by author 2007-07-14 15:34:33.

LindaLee

Canon EOS-40D

07/14/2007 05:18:02 PM · #13

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

FWIW, the 20D/30D share the same sensor as the Rebel XT. So, as far as "quality" goes you're not gonna get an upgrade by going to the 30D.

It may just have been "our" 20D, but it was HORRIBLY noisy, even at 400-800 ISO. We sent it back to Canon 3 times to try to fix it, and it never did change how bad it was with noise. I have seen others complain about noise with the 20's also, but again, ours may have just been a particularly bad one.

There is absolutely no comparison with the 30D. I routinely shoot 1600 and even 3200 on the 30's with very acceptable noise levels. We've been extremely happy with that.

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6400

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 (E-mount)

07/14/2007 05:21:30 PM · #14

Originally posted by breadfan35:

Spot metering, and the magnesium alloy body alone would have me choose the 30D over the XTi.

I don't care much about the spot metering, but the build quality is a big factor in the decision for me.

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

07/14/2007 05:25:37 PM · #15

Now that I have made my mind up on what camera, the 30D. I would like some input on lens. Currently I have the following lens:
1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
2. Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon
3. Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM
4. Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

I want to learn more about portrait photograph. I also want a true macro lens and a very wide lens. I need good but reasonably price lighting equipment, including flash for camera. Basically I want to make an in home studio. Any suggestions???

Message edited by author 2007-07-14 17:26:00.

alexzen

07/14/2007 05:47:10 PM · #16

For your (soon to be) new 30D you cannot beat the Canon EF-S 10-22. Very wide. Love it. Others can speak for macro, although the pick seems to be the Canon 100mm 2.8.

I use the 580 flash which is excellent, but I also have a set of Lowel tungsten lights that I use all the time - a Pro 250, Omni 500 and Tota 750. This is actually video setup and I rarely use all 3 at once.

Here is a great chart of all the current Canon lenses:

Lens Chart

Message edited by author 2007-07-14 17:47:49.

awpollard