Better camera for SLR newbie?

dustinjt · Aug 19, 2011

I'm graduating to an SLR and getting into photography as a hobby, and there are two pretty good SLRs for sale in my area, but I'm not sure which is better for a beginner.

The first camera is the Cannon EOS 30D. It's an older camera, but after some research I have found that it is still a very good camera. It's for sale for $375, but it's body only, so I'll have to buy a lens (which I really don't need anything spectacular, so I can probably find something on the cheap that would suffice).

The second camera is the Cannon EOS XTi. From my research, I have found that this is a camera designed to be friendly for SLR beginners, but the quality of the photographs may not be as good as the 30D. It's for sale for $365.

I'm considering quality of camera in my purchase, but let's be honest... price is a huge factor in my purchase (I am a college student). So, the XTi will be cheaper. However, I also want a camera for the long haul. So which of these will be the best investment camera that I can build on and still have a great camera for years, and is also a newbie-friendly camera?

Thanks photography experts! And I will probably have many questions in the future!

radiorickm · Aug 19, 2011

Well, the 30D is a 8 MP camera, but has some advance features such as a little faster focusing and faster shooting. The xTi is a 10MP camera, but not quite as advanced on the features. Either of the two cameras will get you off to a wonderful start. (The 40D and the xti 400D are closely related) I use an xTi, and a 40D and have no complaints with either. Both cameras have automatic modes, semi-auto modes (like shutter and aperture priotity) and fully manual capability.

The 30D is quite a bit "bigger" in your hands than the xTi. I think the best thing is to actaully go hold the cameras and see which one you like.

As for the MegaPixel difference, it is really about preference. You will gain a "little" when you print over 8x10, but probably not as much as you would think. There are a couple of recent threads about that on here.

Good luck and start shootin'

PJL · Aug 19, 2011

I completely agree with above post. Personally, I think the "prosumer" bodies are much more comfortable than the entry level bodies. They're also more intuitive to use. The Canon 20D and 30D are both 8.2 MP, btw.

Dao · Aug 19, 2011

Actually, the 30D is a 8mpix camera not 6 and I think XTi is closely related to 30D since both are using Digic II processor while 40D use Digic III procoessor

If I going to pick between 30D and XTi, I will go with 30D if they are in similar condition because ..

- Higher Shutter life rating. 100,000 vs 50,000
- Larger body
- Metal body
- Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
- Spot meter in 30D, no spot meter in XTi
- 2 Wheels controls and top display in 30D. I jumped from XTi to 40D, I am not going back without the 2 wheels and top display.

Of course, there are other differences such as FPS, max shutter speed, but the differences list above are the main reasons I prefer 30D (personally preference)