I Have A Canon 400d, Is It Worth Upgrading To The 30d Or Save For The 5d?
Friday, July 10th, 2009 at
9:29 am
I travel a lot and feel more confident in using either a 30D or 5D due to the build quality. However i am a student and this means restricted finance.
Tagged with: 400d • Canon • Have • Save • Upgrading • Worth
Filed under: Photography
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In terms of image quality, the 400D and 30D are very comparable. They also share an AF system, so that is not a concern either. The 30D has a very marginally better performance at high ISO, due to its lower pixel density. The 400D will have a very marginally better resolution for big enlargements. The 30D is a bit faster for sports (5fps).
Honestly, I’d never buy a Rebel because they’re too small and toy-like in my hands. BUT I’d encourage you to consider that in the next few months, both 30D and 5D replacements are rumored to be coming, offering new features or better prices on used versions as people upgrade. I’d hold onto your camera for a few more months before you do anything. And honestly, the 5D is a big step up and worth waiting for, since you have a very capable camera right now. So my advice is to keep your 400D and save up for either a used 5D a few months from now or its replacement new, if you can afford it.
It also goes without saying that if you haven’t already, you should make sure you’ve got top-shelf glass before you start thinking about body upgrades… Because that will make a much bigger difference to you in image quality. Lenses will also hold their value much better over time.
Depends if you need the full frame or cropped frame image. As you probably already know the 30D, has a smaller overall image size than the 5D. Don’t count pixels alone for your decision. Most images I make with my 30D are perfect for my applications (prints up to 11×14 and magazine images up to full page) although the “noise” is less on the 5D for higher ISO selections.
Having been in the profession for many years, I can say photographers too often invest more money in equipment than their business warrants. Know what the assignment requires and pays then keep in mind new equipment will only be “new” for about a year before something newer and better arrives that will appear to be a “must have” item.
I would goto http://www.dpreview.com and use their comparison of cameras feature to see what extra you get for your money. Ultimately only you can decide but http://www.dpreview.com is the best site i know for the info you need
Unless you are planning to sell the pictures to a company, go for the 30D. The reason for this, is because, the 5D is a high quality professional model. Unless you need the full frame sensor of the 5D, go for the cheaper, but still good, 30D.
i agree with mixed mojo, how good are you
if you dont know exposure stay with the 400d till you do, if you know what your doing go for 30d unless you need full frame
This depends on your photographic skill level, your needs, or what you already have invested in the way of lenses. Your 400D has semi-auto, full-auto, and manual modes as well as an on board flash. The 30D has the same, the 5D only has semi-auto [i.e., aperture priority, etc.] and manual, no full-auto modes and no onboard flash so you’ll need a hotshoe flash unit with i-TTL functionality. Both the 400D and 30D have APS-C size imagers and can accept EF-S lenses. The 5D has a full frame imager and does not accept EF-S lenses, so if you have any, you can’t use them on the 5D. It takes standard EF mount lenses with no crop. Otherwise it just depends on your knowledge of camera operation, skill level and whether you need to spend the extra money. The 30D is a great camera, the 5D has a few more features, a larger buffer, but many of the same features. Both feature magnesium alloy bodies, and are whether sealed, basically the same build quality. Since you’re a student, I would suggest you save several hundred bucks and buy the just as capable 30D. Get the 5D when you can afford one.
I use a Canon 5D, having previously owned the 10D. I can tell you that that 5D is an excellent camera and I am very pleased with it. However, the difference in image quality from the 400D is not huge, and to benefit from the extra pixels you really have to use either prime, or “L” quality, lenses. If you are going to get a 5D then be prepared to buy at least one decent lens with it. The 24-105 LIS is pretty good, versatile, but not earth-shattering.
Image quality-wise, there is no benefit in upgrading to a 30D. Only get it if you really need the extra durability and pro handling, and want to stick with a cropped sensor.
Personally, if I were still a student, I’d stick with the 400d, (it’s a perfectly good camera,) possibly get a better lens, and use the rest of the cash to pay for an exotic holiday! It’s the photography that matters, not the gear…
Paul
http://www.paulmaguirephoto.com
Ask yourself — Why do I want to upgrade ?
What do I NEED a better camera for?
What am I going to do with my pictures.?
The answers are probably that the 400D does more than you need, so put your money away or spend it on a better printer !! ( A3 ??)