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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Camera selection and place to buy
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08/22/2007 11:13:37 PM · #1
So, I have been looking, reading magazines and this forum and learning a ton. I only own a point and shoot now but want to upgrade to a DSLR. The main use initially will be the family and their sports (I have not taken a good picture at an indoor sport for 2 years with the current camera).
So I got focused in on Canon. I was trying to talk my self up to the 30D over the XTI, and now the 40D comes out. I do not think I am at the level of the 40D at this time so that leaves the 30D or XTI.
So 3 questions:
1) XTI or 30D?
2) Good place to buy on line or mail order. (Decent price and service)?
3) Lens for sports, indoors/bad light/not to far away and outdoor/natural light/longer distance
08/22/2007 11:35:01 PM · #2
The 40D would probably be better suited for sports shooting than the XTi or 30D, having a faster frame rate capability.

But before I elaborate further, what is your budget? Have you used an SLR camera before?

Good reliable places to buy from include big names like B & H, Adorama in the USA, Vistek and Henry's in Canada.

Message edited by author 2007-08-22 23:36:20.
08/22/2007 11:43:06 PM · #3
For sport you'll need the 30D's 5 fps vs. 3 fps of the XTi

The XTi is 10.1 mpx with Canon Self Cleaning Sensor Unit. The 30D is better built and has a faster burst mode but only 8.2 mpx and no Self Cleaning Sensor Unit. Both cameras has similar 2.5" LCD monitor and 9-point focusing system. Just a few important similarities and differences the two camera have.

XTi body only: $639 at www.bhphotovideo.com
30D body only: $989 at www.bhphotovideo.com

BH is a very reputable online vender, they've been around for years and their price is very decent.

For indoor sport you'll need faster lenses that means any lens with f-stop of 2.8 and larger like f/2, f1/4..You should check out www.thedigitalpicture.com lens recommendation page.
08/23/2007 08:13:56 PM · #4
Originally posted by doctornick:

The 40D would probably be better suited for sports shooting than the XTi or 30D, having a faster frame rate capability.

But before I elaborate further, what is your budget? Have you used an SLR camera before?

Good reliable places to buy from include big names like B & H, Adorama in the USA, Vistek and Henry's in Canada.


I have not used and SLR a lot. I have an older Minolta film SLR. Which I have not used in 5 years since I got my digital point and shot (a canon Powershot s50). I like what I get with it, in good light.

My budget....I do not know. I typically talk my self into spending a little more than I need. But I would have liked to stay around $1K. That does not leave any room for a lens with the 30D....for now. But from what I understand about the cameras, the D30 will provide much better images and is a lot more durable. But is the lack of dust protection a big deal with the D30? Money aside is the D30 better than the XTI? I presume based on the prices, yes. Much better. The fps of the D40 is impressive, but I do not think it would swing me to the D40. Are the other improvements worth it?

Thanks for the input you already provided.
08/23/2007 08:55:27 PM · #5
Watch your 40D's and your D40's - it's spark the Nikon vs Canon debate. =)

The 30D is built more sturdy and has somewhat better image quality, probably less noise. But, the lack of lens budget is a huge problem.

Get the XTi and a couple lenses. You're immediately going to want something with a little reach. The problem is, with only $400 left for lenses, you're not going to get a good indoor (f/2.8 or lower) sports lens. So, you have to consider the alternatives in the 70-300 or 70-200 range, both Canon and 3rd party. And there's simply no reason not to get the Canon 50mm f/1.8 - for $85, it's a high quality lens with the ability to pull off some nice shallow DOF.

Note that body prices will probably drop (hopefully $150 or more on the 30D) when the 40D hits the shelves in mid-late September.

-Jeff
08/24/2007 02:16:30 PM · #6
Originally posted by smurfguy:


Get the XTi and a couple lenses. You're immediately going to want something with a little reach. The problem is, with only $400 left for lenses, you're not going to get a good indoor (f/2.8 or lower) sports lens. So, you have to consider the alternatives in the 70-300 or 70-200 range, both Canon and 3rd party. And there's simply no reason not to get the Canon 50mm f/1.8 - for $85, it's a high quality lens with the ability to pull off some nice shallow DOF.

Also consider the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 or Sigma 24-70 f/2.8. I think they are in the $400 range
08/24/2007 02:42:03 PM · #7
Why not look into the Rebel XT and save yourself a bundle. There's not all that many reasons to spend $200 more on the XTi. Then put the $200 towards a nice lens.
08/24/2007 02:51:52 PM · #8
Just a warning.

Watch out for certain online stores. If the price is too good to be true, it is. I'd search around and see if they're good. You could check:

//www.bizrate.com/
//www.resellerratings.com/
Better Business Bureau
Newsgroups

Some of the established places are:
BH
//www.adorama.com
Canoga Camera (They're not big, but they're down the street from me.)
Samys

Those come to mind.

The bad places will list a camera for $200, but then try to sell you the $500 battery and $300 warrenty. If you don't want those, your camera becomes out of stock. Then when you do buy from them, they'll also add the extra $100 handling fee.

Good luck

edit: Forgot to add. You have to also watch out if they're listed in magazines. That doesn't matter if they're in Popular Photography or Shutterbug. Some of those listed stores are as bad.

Message edited by author 2007-08-24 14:53:50.
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