Canon XXD ergonomics

TCR4x4

TCR4x4

Wishes he had a couple more Inches
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I've had the 450D for a few days now, and whilst the image quality is fine and the High ISO suprisingly good, Im struggling with the handling of it. Its feels quite small in my hands, although I dont have particuarly big hands, and the buttons are just akward to get to, especially the exposure comp. I find trying to press the magnification buttons in playback tricky too, I end up doing it with my finger nail. The On-off button winds me up too, what a stupid place to put it. I loved the Nikons power button on the shutter release, makes so much sense.

Anyway, just wondering if I would be better off with a bigger body like the 40d or 50d. I know the layouts are similar, but it might help just having something bigger to hold on to :naughty: . Has anyone upgraded for this reason, and has it made any difference? It would be nice to have slightly higher FPS too, and the top LCD screen Im missing a lot so thats another minor reason for upgrade.
Any thoughts?
 
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Yeah all the points you have considered are much better on the xxD series. I got a 400D first and didn't see what the big fuss was about until I got a 30D and then I realised just how much more useful it was and how much easier to get the shot without having to be fiddling about.
 
I thought the ergonomics on my 450D was fantastic, particularly the parts which you struggle with, the buttons!

I suppose the only way you'll find out is to try an XXD body.
 
I upgraded from a gripped 400d to a 40d and it felt much better in my hands with the lens choice I had. I'm still coming to terms with the different layout, as the 400d was my first camera I knew exactly where everything was and how to change it all without thinking but it's taking longer than I thought getting used to the 40d. If you have money to upgrade and happy with your current glass then I don't see why not :)
 
Maybe its just because Im used to a Nikon layout, But I just cant get my head around the 450d buttons. With the camera up to my eye, I cant hold the exposure comp button and turn the finger wheel at the same time.Plus the finger wheel is pretty plasticy and clicky. The 50D looks more rubberised in the photos and hopefully a bit softer on the turn.

I'll keep an eye out for a 50d, but the prices still look pretty high. Maybe they will drop once the new 60d is out. Im pretty sure a bigger body will solve 90% of the issues, the other 10% is just getting used to a new layout and way of working.
 
I've just upgraded from my 400D to a 7D and it's so much better having the bigger camera.
 
I have a 450D and found that it was too small. Fitting a battery grip solved the problems. May be worth finding a local camera shop and trying out a few different bodies before changing the camera.
 
I went from 400D to 50D and no comparison.

Most of my equine stuff I pick the aperture and shutter I want, then tweak the ISO for exposure. Wouldn't stand a chance on the 400...
 
One thing that I worry about is the gradual increase in size of DSLR's. For example the new 60D is being criticised for being smaller than the 50D and yet it's bigger than my 20D.

I just don't get this need to have a big camera, I don't have particularly small hands but I suppose that I may be more deft than some.

To me a more compact camera is a benefit. It means that I carry less bulk and possibly weight too and it's less obtrusive and attracts less attention. So size does matter to me, I want a camera that is big enough to handle well and no more. The control layout and handling are more important but thinking back to my days with a 300D I just can't think of any situation in which I missed a shot or got annoyed at the ergonomics. The xxD's might be better than the xxxD's, but it's a matter of personal opinion and nothing more and spending hard earned cash to go from a xxxD to a xxD needs serious thought and good reasons IMVHO.
 
My Nikon D200 was a perfect size. I found the D700 a bit bulky and the D90 a touch to small. Especially when using longer lenses, a bigger body just feels more stable. The D200 + 70-200VR was the perfect combo IMO. I had a grip for the D200, but rarely used it, as it made it too bulky.

I can understand wanting smaller bodies as its a pain in arse to carry around a big one, but if a small body is uncomfortable to the point you dont want to take it out, then surely a bigger body or nothing at all is the answer.
 
The 40/50D is a very similar size/feel to the Nikon D200/300.
 
TCR4x4 said:
My Nikon D200 was a perfect size. I found the D700 a bit bulky and the D90 a touch to small. Especially when using longer lenses, a bigger body just feels more stable. The D200 + 70-200VR was the perfect combo IMO. I had a grip for the D200, but rarely used it, as it made it too bulky.

I can understand wanting smaller bodies as its a pain in arse to carry around a big one, but if a small body is uncomfortable to the point you dont want to take it out, then surely a bigger body or nothing at all is the answer.
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d200 to 450d, why
 
It was actually D200 - D700 - D90- nothing- Canon SX1 IS- 450D

Long story, wont bore you.
 
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