DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Comparing five years of canon dslrs...
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 13 of 13, (reverse)
AuthorThread
03/29/2009 11:13:22 AM · #1
So after choosing my fuji over the 300d four years ago due to budget, I finally want a dslr. Budgets still an issue, but rather than the £600 for the 300d that I would have paid back then I can now get a 450d for around £500. Howver I've also been looking into older models of second hand 350ds and even 10 and 20ds. The 10d and 350d can be bought for around £250. Basically my question is how does a 300 or 350d hold up to it's replacements? How does a 10d hold up to a 350d or 400d and what are the main differences between the xxd and xxxd lines?
03/29/2009 11:25:56 AM · #2
The 10D is built like a tank. The Rebel line is plastic.

Compared to today's cameras the 10D is awful for noise. The 20D and rebels are tiny compared to the 10D, 40D or 50D.
The rebel line are usually a bit worse than their bigger brothers for noise, however the new models will beat out the old 10D or 20D in that are.

If budget is still an issue I'd go for the newest camera you can afford like the 450D.
03/29/2009 11:30:32 AM · #3
Image-wise, those older cams hold up pretty well. In many situations, I'd be fine shooting with a 10D, image-quality wise. What would drive me crazy though, is the slow user interface response time typical of those models, and the tiny rear display. The display on my 5D isn't as large or nearly as high resolution as the latest cameras, but it beats my ol' 10D all to heck.
For direct comparison of 10D or 20D to 350D or 400D, others in the community who have more direct experience can provide some guidance. Also, pop on over to dpreview.com and you can do a side-by-side comparison of the specs. I'd encourage you to read the full reviews on cameras you are interested in.
In the end, just a gut feel, but in the xxxD world, I'd go at least to the 400D, and in the xxd world, to the 20D at minimum.
Also, perhaps look at buying equipment from someone in the US. Even with the exchange rate at 1.43 USD per pound, it may be less expensive to buy here and have it shipped over.
03/29/2009 11:55:50 AM · #4
That's good advice with the exchange rate. Are there any issues buying American cameras for use here?
03/29/2009 12:20:33 PM · #5
Originally posted by Rankles:

That's good advice with the exchange rate. Are there any issues buying American cameras for use here?

The only issue that comes to mind is the charger; most will handle the voltage difference (US is 115V, 60Hz whereas UK is 230V, 50Hz). My current Canon chargers handle both voltages just fine, but of course a mechanical adapter is needed. You'd want the seller to check the charger for the specific model, but it is quite likely it will be compatible (with adapter).
03/29/2009 12:22:44 PM · #6
I haven't had one of the higher models to compare with, but my 350D was a huge upgrade from my Powershot and I am very happy with it. (Except for the ugly painted silver body) I have not quite hit the limits of what I can do with this camera yet, though better low light performance is the thing I would probably upgrade for. An early review I read of the 500D suggested it performed slightly better in low light than the 50D.

I think if I upgraded from my XT/350d it would likley be a used 40D, but that's also dependent on what bargains I run across at the time.
03/29/2009 01:09:49 PM · #7
Buying from the US gives you much greater choice, but beware that you do still have to pay duty/VAT even on used camera gear. I bought my Tokina lens from the US used, and once I had been charged the duty and VAT it wasn't far off the new UK price. (The HM Revenue & Customs site gives specifics of what to expect though). You might want to try eBay's EU sellers, then those charges wont apply!
03/29/2009 01:21:24 PM · #8
I'd suggesting going here to buy your camera in the uk - Canon Outlet

it is currently a bit more expensive than normal but a whole lot cheaper than the shops and the stuff is like new - in fact sometimes it is new.
03/29/2009 02:21:05 PM · #9
the 10d is a fine camera. much better ( from the same time period ) than the 300d you used to have.

i personally won't go back to the consumer grade cameras - ie: 300d, 400d, 450d ( plastic build quality ).

the 30d used is likely a pretty cheap bet now too. a fine camera.

fwiw i was in poland and czech this past summer, and with the canon charger, and a laptop charger - i had no issues with a $10 plug adapter. the specs on the charger itself need to specify that it will work in a 230v 50hz enviroment. i think most do. but it HAS to specify.


03/29/2009 02:33:24 PM · #10
I personally agree with the prevailing opinion on the build quality of xxD vs xxxD. That said, there are a *lot* of folks successfully using xxxD cameras, and getting great results. The more solid build if the xxD cams does come with a weight penalty as well.
Personal preference comes into play here. Some prefer a physically larger body because they have larger hands, and some prefer a heavier body to better balance heavier glass. Others go the opposite direction.
03/29/2009 03:17:09 PM · #11
I have a 50D and a 400D as a backup. I've used the 400D for some gigs and gotten great shots from it, even at ISO 800 & 1600. Keep in mind, a lot of it comes down to the lens - good lenses will get you better shots on a xxxD body than mediocre lenses will on a xxD.

The newer the camera, the better certain aspects of its performance generally are, especially ISO noise. I'd take a 450D over a 20D any day. But like usual, try to get your hands on a display copy of each model series and see what you think - there's differences between each model in the series, but in general it should let you know if you prefer the feel of one over the other.
03/29/2009 03:31:53 PM · #12
Originally posted by soup:

the 10d is a fine camera. much better ( from the same time period ) than the 300d you used to have.

i personally won't go back to the consumer grade cameras - ie: 300d, 400d, 450d ( plastic build quality ).

the 30d used is likely a pretty cheap bet now too. a fine camera.

fwiw i was in poland and czech this past summer, and with the canon charger, and a laptop charger - i had no issues with a $10 plug adapter. the specs on the charger itself need to specify that it will work in a 230v 50hz enviroment. i think most do. but it HAS to specify.


Man the difference in the 30D over my old 350D is tremendous. I love the solid feel and overall quality. I got mine secondhand for a steal at $400, but you can find them for ~$500. Not sure the price equivalents for Europe though. If you got at least a 20D it would be worth it I think and if you've got just a little more the 30D is worth the extra little bit.
03/31/2009 04:28:36 AM · #13
Thanks guys. In the end I went for a 400d second hand. Canon outlet looked great but they didn't do it with the kit lens and I got a good deal. Cheers!
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 03/28/2024 09:42:06 AM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Prints! - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 03/28/2024 09:42:06 AM EDT.