bit of a dilema....

Derek.Laurence

Derek.Laurence

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Derek
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Hi guys

I currently have a Sony a230 with 3 lenses and various accessories etc

Ive been after a cheap Canon 5Dmk i for a while now but just not had the available funds to get one.

Ive seen a Canon 30D come up today, gripped, with kit lens, 3 batteries and 3 memory cards, charger etc for £140 and immediately emailed the guy

However upon doing a comparison review of the two cameras the site recommended my entry level over the 30D.

From what I can see its based it on the lower megapixel, heavier weight and claims the sony has (going from memory here) richer colours.

Am I making a mistake switching over? Am I missing something? This is not a hasty decision to switch to Canon. Ive weighed up the pros and cons for some time now and eventually will want to make the switch anyway.

Can anyone shed any light?

Thanks in advance


Derek
 
I had a 20D for seven years, I think it had the same chip as the 30D and if so...

It's a capable 8mp camera and will give great images at low to mid ISO but the highest ISO settings of 1600 and 3200 probably wont stand comparison with more modern cameras and I think that my MFT GX7 easily beats my old 20D at the higher ISO's. The 5D is a different matter and mine (now sold, as was the 20D) gave good images up to and including ISO 3200.

I don't know how good your Sony is but if it's a recent camera I'd guess that it'd give a 30D a very hard time, image quality wise, and personally I doubt I'd give cupboard room to a Canon kit lens so all in all... mediocre lens and aging body... I think I'd think very carefully before jumping for a 30D.
 
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The a230 is discontinued now i believe, and I hate it at anything over iso 400 whereas i read the 30d produces reasonable images upto iso 1000.

Dont get me wrong, Ive loved my lil sony but i just feel I want better performance at higher iso, but I am massively constrained by budget
£140 just seems very reasonable to get me onto the canon system ladder and I can start to upgrade canon bodies from there.

If anyone knows of any way to get my wife to part with £2000 for a 5Dmk ii plus lenses then let me know lol
 
I've had both and the 30D is streets ahead of the a230, despite being older. Ergonics of the Canon are better, viewfinder bigger, image quality is better. I really loved my 30D. The Sony has in built steady shot but that's about it. However, the 5D is in a different league to both ;)

BTW that price is about right for a 30D, don't get too excited :)
 
not used a axx, but like my a77 better than couple of canons ive tried, there might be a glut of second hand ones on the market soon with the new a77 coming out.
what lenses do you have?

oh and try dxo prime noise reduction, should help you get more out of your current cammera
 
If the 30D would offer you more than the a230 then it could be worthwhile. However I'm always dubious about getting something as a quick fix or halfway house - would you be happy enough to stick with the 30D for a while or would you just be looking to ditch it asap for a 5D ?

£140 for the 30D kit seems good. As far as the kit lens goes I only ever had one, got it with my 300D and found it to be OK. A friend still uses it and seems happy enough.
 
Thanks for the input guys, yours especially manual-g as someone who can talk of both with first hand experience is invaluable.

The 30D may only be a halfway house but my next step up may not be for some while.

And just thinking about it just now...Ill still have both cameras until I decide to sell my sony gear for a lens for the canon, by which time Ill know first hand of the Canon( else I can resell the canon)


Thank you all again :)
 
I have a couple of indoor pics (Roslyn chapel) at ISO800 taken a good few years back with my 30D if they'll help ?
 
Thanks for all the offers of help folks :)

I took the plunge and got the 30D

Ive only had a quick play but so far it seems a massive improvement. It was nice yesterday late afternoon to be able to take images in the house without a p poor image quality.
Adjusting to the canon set up will take a wee while but thats to be expected, and then the dilema of what lens to buy!

Moral of the story is dont always take review magazines as gospel.

Thanks for the help in coming to the decision everyone :)

Derek
 
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