Which Canon?

[clutchkiller]

I have my choices narrowed down to these three. The 30D is most attractive due to it's price... but I do not want to say "I should have" (I have a few cheap cameras because I couldn't wait). I can't stand not being able to change lenses.

Which camera of these three would you choose, and why?

EOS-1D Mark II N

World's fastest digital SLR*: 8.5 fps for up to 48 full-resolution JPEGs in a burst.
8.2 Megapixel CMOS Sensor with a convenient 1.3x lens conversion factor, combined with DIGIC II Image Processor for outstanding image quality.
Superb body design and strength - all-metal body and chassis, weather-resistant construction and shutter durability - tested to 200,000 exposures.
New larger 2.5 inch LCD screen can be viewed even at extreme angles up to 170°.
Many new user-requested features, including RAW + JPEG recording on separate memory cards, easy switching between memory cards and user-set file prefixes.
New "Picture Style" function for greater control of color rendition and in-camera sharpening.

EOS 5D

World's smallest and lightest full-frame digital SLR* with a 12.8 Megapixel CMOS Sensor and superb image quality.
DIGIC II Image Processor for outstanding image quality and performance - 3.0 fps for up to 60 consecutive JPEG or 17 RAW frames in a burst.
New larger 2.5 inch LCD screen can be viewed even at extreme angles up to 170°.
New "Picture Style" function for superior command of in-camera color, contrast and sharpness.
High-precision 9-point AF with 6 additional Supplemental points surrounding the center point for superior focus tracking.
Strong and light magnesium-alloy body with new shutter durability-tested to 100,000 exposures.
Compatible with over 50 Canon EF lenses and most EOS System accessories.

EOS 30D

Exceptional digital SLR with exclusive 8.2 Megapixel Canon CMOS Sensor and DIGIC II Image Processor
User-selectable high-speed and low-speed continuous shooting at 5 fps or 3 fps - up to 30 (JPEG), 11 (RAW) or 9 (RAW+JPEG) consecutive frames when set at 5 fps and fast 0.15-second startup time
Large 2.5 inch LCD monitor that can be viewed at extreme angles up to 170°
New and improved features: Picture Style for superior command of in-camera color, contrast and sharpness, spot metering and shutter durability of approximately 100,000 cycles
Impressive 9-point Wide-area AF with a dual precision sensor at the center
One-touch direct printing and improved PictBridge features, including more custom print effects and printing with shooting information
Fully compatible with all EF and EF-S Lenses and a wide range of EOS System accessories

 

[Lan-Lord]

well, the price is going to drive your decision(s). One thing to keep in mind is that you may be hungry for a camera body now, but you will ultimately be hungrier for good glass later. So my recommendation would be to go with the 30D. If you have some money to spare, put it towards good glass and accessories rather than a higher end body and mediocre glass and limited accessories.
I've been shooting the 20D for about a year now and I cant recall a time that I wish I had one of the higher end models (they would be nice to have though). The 20D performs great for my needs. Now I just want good lenses. (good/sharp macro lens, fast/big lens for wildlife)

This is assuming that you dont already have lenses from a film camera.

 

[quailsroost]

I bought a Nikon D-70 based only on the fact that I already had several lenses that would fit on it, any three of the body's you mention would be great, they will all do landscape, wildlife, portrait, etc, the difference Will be the glass you use on the body and to me that is where you want to put your money, not good, but great glass.

 

[foulshot]

Paul, I'd have to ask you what are you going to do with the camera? Depending on your answer I'll give you my .02.

Me personally, I'm saving for a lens that is more expensive than all of those bodies and I'm looking for a used 1D body.


P.S. Paul, did you ever get Photoshop? If not let me know, I've got a deal for you.

 

[clutchkiller]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (foulshot @ Jul 22 2006, 09:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Paul, I'd have to ask you what are you going to do with the camera? Depending on your answer I'll give you my .02.

Me personally, I'm saving for a lens that is more expensive than all of those bodies and I'm looking for a used 1D body.


P.S. Paul, did you ever get Photoshop? If not let me know, I've got a deal for you.[/b]

Zach, I'm looking for a good camera to take pictures of mostly wildlife and architecture (plus I would love to get great macro's), I do not think speed will be too big of an issue. I'm kind of leaning in the direction of the 30D for the reasons Chris and Quailsroost mentioned.

I bought Microsoft Digital Image Suite (2006) last week, it's an ok program (I'm learning with it).

 

[foulshot]

Given that info, I'd look at the 30D and the 5D. Here is a Side by side comparison of the 30D and 5D. The 5D is about twice the 30D, and with that extra money you could get a 100-400L and the body or get the 400L prime, the 100 f/2.8( for macro) and the 30D. I believe that the 5d would be better for architechture, being a FF camera, but the 30D wouldn't be any slouch. Just keep in mind the crop factor when choosing a lens for the 30D. I rented a 24-70, it's a great lens by the way, and there were times that I needed a wider lens, something like the 17-40.

One thing that I have noticed, that no matter what you buy you are always looking for more to add to your camera bag.

On the photoshop side, if you buy either of these bodies, you'll get a copy of elements. If you want to upgrade to CS2 at some point, here is a link to upgrade.

 

[gil850]

Clutch, gotta echo the replies of the others - I'd go with the 30D and put the extra $$ into glass. No doubt. I've got the 20D and I've never felt limited by the camera body - felt limited by my lenses countless times though. I doubt that you'll ever feel limited by the 30D either.

Zach, is that a limited time offer on the CS2 upgrade or do they offer it at that price regularly? - that's a steal.

Gil

 

[foulshot]

Gil, I'm pretty sure it's all the time. You just have to make sure the copy of Elements is from a Canon Kit, not a store bought copy. FYII for Nikon users, here is the link for CS2 upgrade.

I just did the upgrade myself, nice and easy. Glad I upgraded to CS2, but there is a little bit more of a learning curve. I bought a book that is a pretty easy read and informative. "The photoshop CS2book for digital photographers" by Scott Kelby. Kelby is Ed. of Photoshop User.