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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Should I Sacrifice Megapixels for Camera Quality.
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 05/03/2006 04:52:53 PM · #1
Should I Sacrifice Megapixels for Camera Quality.

I’m in the market for a new camera and my budget is minimal. My current digital camera is a point and shoot, and the only SLR I have is a 35mm Canon Rebel. I have a 2 Canon Lenses for my Rebel 35mm, which I think are priority Canon lens, therefore I’m in the market for a Canon.

Should I go with a more “professional” quality 6MP cameras like the Canon EOS-D60, Canon EOS-10D, or for the higher 8MP camera like the Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT (which seems to be less “professional")?

Is the difference is megapixel significant enough to warrant me sacrificing a more “professional” type camera. Although I’m not a professional photographer, just you run of the mill guy who uses photography as a creative outlet, I would like to get the best for my money, and any advice would help.

Thanks for you time and have a GREAT day.
Teedoej
05/03/2006 05:03:04 PM · #2
350D isn't a bad camera - little on the small side prehaps.. but if you have small hands shouldn't be a problem - or get the battery grip to give it a little more size and weight

you can pick up a 10D for very little from ebay now.. choice is yours - goto your local store and have a play with the 350 and see how you go :)
 05/03/2006 05:04:20 PM · #3
THere is more than MP in those camera you mentioned.

teh D60 (and older D30) are old tech. forget them.

the 10D or the 300D (pro vs dumbed down) is a viable set of choices. a used 300D can be had for $400 ish ( I have one on ebay - reserve is - oh no, it sold buy it now for $449, sorry for you, good for me)

the 350 is closer to the 20D in features, noise, etc.

I had a 300D and never had an issued of too few MP. I now have a 30D and 20D and some things are nicer to access via buttons and wheels, but the files are larger and that takes CF cards, time and more HD space. The lowe noise at high ISO is a big plus.

the build is not a significant factor IMO - you shouldn't drop any camera, and any will break if they land just so.
 05/03/2006 05:06:41 PM · #4
Nothing wrong with a D60 but a 300D is better. 350D is better than that but costs more and is physically smaller. 10D is excellent, but not much better than a hacked 300D except for physical layout and body style. I love my 300D. Forget the D60.
 05/03/2006 05:08:09 PM · #5
Thanks

But Is there any big difference between the quality of the 350 and the D10 in camera details and not megapixels, and is the difference in Camera quality enought to outway the megapixel issue?
 05/03/2006 05:10:19 PM · #6
You can pick up a Rebel XT for pretty cheap used over at FM.

I would have gone for a 20d or an XT if I had canon lenses already. They both have newer image processors and sensors than the 10d or d60, and will give you better images.

I just hate the grip on the XT is all.

You can pick up a used 20D on fredmiranda buy & sell for about $800-900 depending on the shape of the body and actuations. That's what I'd do.

Message edited by author 2006-05-03 17:10:44.
 05/03/2006 05:11:29 PM · #7
One thing to take into consideration is that unlike in the film world, in the digital world you will upgrade the body at some point. Average is 2-3 years. Right now 6-8 megapixel is the average, but in 3 years it could be 10-15. No one knows.

Go with the less expensive now. Buy some lenses along the way (which you'll keep after you upgrade). Upgrade when it's right for you.
 05/03/2006 05:13:30 PM · #8
In addition to what's been posted, the 350D will be a faster-responding camera. I found the 10D sometimes frustrating because of the slow startup time, and leisurely response to control input on image review. Functionally, it's pretty much the equivalent of the 10D, but is smaller, lighter, and without the full magnesium body.
I don't think the megapixel difference should concern you. Just not that big a difference between 6 & 8, IMO.

05/03/2006 05:13:36 PM · #9
ITs all in the Lens.

But the newer cameras have better noise control than the older ones.

Go with the 350 rather than the 10.
 05/03/2006 05:17:18 PM · #10
Originally posted by kirbic:

I don't think the megapixel difference should concern you. Just not that big a difference between 6 & 8, IMO.

05/03/2006 05:44:31 PM · #11
One difference I noticed between the 10D and 300/350D was that the 10D has a second control wheel on the back. I usually shoot in manual mode and one wheel controls shutter while the other is used for aperature. How are shutter speed and aperature controlled when in manual mode on the 300/350?
 05/03/2006 05:46:40 PM · #12
Originally posted by Nusbaum:
How are shutter speed and aperature controlled when in manual mode on the 300/350?


Hold a button while you are turning the control wheel.
 05/03/2006 05:51:51 PM · #13
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
Originally posted by Nusbaum:
How are shutter speed and aperature controlled when in manual mode on the 300/350?


Hold a button while you are turning the control wheel.

In reality I'm sure that's no more confusing than using your thumb to control the aperture setting. Want I wouldn't give to have that back on the lens where it's supposed to be.
 05/03/2006 05:52:42 PM · #14
I think megapixels matter less than people think. I've won real life ribbons with both 2mp and 5mp cameras over people using professional grade equipment. I would definitely go for quality, and also remember that the equipment matters less than the eye behind it.
05/03/2006 06:05:50 PM · #15
Originally posted by Nusbaum:
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
Originally posted by Nusbaum:
How are shutter speed and aperature controlled when in manual mode on the 300/350?


Hold a button while you are turning the control wheel.

In reality I'm sure that's no more confusing than using your thumb to control the aperture setting. Want I wouldn't give to have that back on the lens where it's supposed to be.


Would love THAT myself.
05/03/2006 06:28:18 PM · #16
get an old lens that D0ES have it... all you need is a cheap adapter on ebay
 05/04/2006 07:58:10 AM · #17
SO between a 300D and 10D what would be the better buy.

05/04/2006 08:27:48 AM · #18
For me, I had the choice of the 300D and 10D and went for the 10D for the following reasons:

1) 10D allows the photographer to select the focus and exposure mode no matter what shooting mode.

300D sets the above based on the shooting mode automatically.

2) Weight. The 10D is a much heftier camera than the 300D and feels more solid.

3) Wheel on the back for adjusting aperture. This is what I'm used to as my film camera is set up the same way.

I had other reasons but these are the main ones.

Best to do the side by side comparison of the two cameras on dpreview, find a shop that has them and handle both of them.
 05/04/2006 08:48:15 AM · #19
Well to tell you the truth I know nothing of Canons, besides alot of people have them. But as far as MP goes. I recently added a second camera body to my bag. I went from an 8mp E-300 to an E-1 5mp camera. And truth be told unless your doing heavy cropping and I mean heavy cropping, you wont notice the difference. And until you get up past 11X14 for prints you wont notice a bit either. And even with that with the software thats available for upsizing you still wont notice. Why did I go backwards in MP when everyone wants more? Its all in the camera. Going from a Consumer to a pro body is a huge step. And having this klnowledge upfront, I would have went with less MP and bought good glass to start off with. The Glass is a huge factor in image quality, but the body makes the world of difference in noise and functionality of your photography.

MattO
 05/04/2006 10:56:40 AM · #20
A few factors should guide your decision making:
-How large you plan on printing your images. If you plan on printing large, such as 13x19, 16x20, 20x30, then you need a body that can deliver the MPs.
-Subject matter. If you shoot subjects with great amount of detail and want to bring that out in your prints then get the higher MP camera.
-Low light/night shooting. You'd want to go with the camera that's got better high ISO performance. 350XT better in this regard than 10D.
-Importance of camera handling and portability. The smaller camera will be carried easier on hikes and treks but will also be more awkward to hold steady and handle if you've got big hands.
-The "badass" factor.
 05/12/2006 02:48:31 AM · #21
Originally posted by Olyuzi:

-The "badass" factor.


haha, of course, always take the badass factor into consideration.

seriously though, it is occasionally a factor. the black body rebel XT is so much more badass than that shitty silver plastic.

definitely think about what _eug said. with digital, you'll eventually be upgrading the body as long as you have good glass. dont fall into the EFS trap. buy quality lenses.

additionally, the megapixels wont be an issue unless youre printing images at monstrous dimensions, or you're aggressively cropping. 6 should be just fine. besides, rumor has it the new Mark II will have 20+ mp. when that happens, current prices on Mark IIs should drop and you can get the 8 mps for much cheaper.

Message edited by author 2006-05-12 02:57:24.
 05/12/2006 04:37:44 AM · #22
Go for the 350

Message edited by author 2006-05-12 04:37:51.
 05/12/2006 07:52:22 AM · #23
it's not that it's confusing. it's that it's difficult to make your fingers contort to press the small button. on the rebel XT i imagine it's even more difficult as the body is smaller.

Originally posted by nusbaum:
In reality I'm sure that's no more confusing than using your thumb to control the aperture setting. Want I wouldn't give to have that back on the lens where it's supposed to be.

 05/12/2006 07:58:32 AM · #24
Originally posted by Teedoej:
Thanks

But Is there any big difference between the quality of the 350 and the D10 in camera details and not megapixels, and is the difference in Camera quality enought to outway the megapixel issue?


6, 8 mp...no difference, not an issue.
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