Present and former D30 owners - help me :)

matsf · Apr 22, 2003

Hi,

I currently have a G2 and think I'm ready to step up a little. I won't say that the G2 autofocus is my main reason to change, cause I know that the D30 is not the best either. I would like more control (wider range of apperature and shutter speed), as well as somewhat faster handling and better low light sensitivity (ISO/noise, not focus...). I own a Canon 28-135IS USM lens (rarely used on my old film SLR).

My question to you is if any of the following statements were the reason that you got a D60/10D or other digital SLR (upgrade from D30), or if you own a D30 now, are you happy with these?

Ability to print 11x14 with D30
Limitations of my lens (28-135) as the only lens for the camera
Limited (or expensive) macro capabilities

I have done some 8x12 prints from D30 (found online) and found that I am happy with that quality, but I have not done any 11x14. I am worried that the "wide" 28 mm ( ~~45mm on D30) will be a little too long for all-round shots. You can view some of my G2 pictures at http://www.kristyandmats.com/public_album if you'd like.~~

I don't want to get a D30 if I end up getting a D60/10D in less than a year...

I would appreciate if you shared your reasons for selling your D30...

Thanks,

Mats

Marc P · Apr 22, 2003

Hi Matsf, I went from G1 to D30 and now after using a 10D for a weekend am considering upgrading. I find the D30 needs more work in photoshop than the 10D files. It's true the focus on the D30 is sluggy, and the 10D is a cheaper alt than the 1D. Whether you get a D30, 10D or D60.. I think your 28-135 lens will do well. I still like to use the G1 for IR, plus it's compact and I really do miss the swivel lcd.

Mp

matsf said:
Hi,

I currently have a G2 and think I'm ready to step up a little. I
won't say that the G2 autofocus is my main reason to change, cause
I know that the D30 is not the best either. I would like more
control (wider range of apperature and shutter speed), as well as
somewhat faster handling and better low light sensitivity
(ISO/noise, not focus...). I own a Canon 28-135IS USM lens (rarely
used on my old film SLR).

My question to you is if any of the following statements were the
reason that you got a D60/10D or other digital SLR (upgrade from
D30), or if you own a D30 now, are you happy with these?

Ability to print 11x14 with D30

Limitations of my lens (28-135) as the only lens for the camera

Limited (or expensive) macro capabilities

I have done some 8x12 prints from D30 (found online) and found that
I am happy with that quality, but I have not done any 11x14. I am
worried that the "wide" 28 mm ( 45mm on D30) will be a little too
long for all-round shots. You can view some of my G2 pictures at
http://www.kristyandmats.com/public_album if you'd like.

I don't want to get a D30 if I end up getting a D60/10D in less
than a year...

I would appreciate if you shared your reasons for selling your D30...

Thanks,

Mats

madmaxmedia · Apr 22, 2003

If you're on a budget, the D30 will still be an excellent upgrade for you. The D30 is not the best AF in a SLR, but it is still way ahead of the G2. The D30 is also faster in almost all other respects too.

If you can afford it, you can just go for the 10D now since it does have the extra resolution, better focusing, etc.

Already having the 28-135 IS is another good reason to upgrade!

I'd also recommend you get the 50mm 1.8, cheap ($70) but sharp and fast. Or maybe you won't need it.

As far as wide angle goes, it depends on your shooting habits. I would search through your old pictures, and see just how many are at wide angle. 28mm * 1.6 = 44.8, which is not > that

-Steve

matsf said:
Hi,

I currently have a G2 and think I'm ready to step up a little. I
won't say that the G2 autofocus is my main reason to change, cause
I know that the D30 is not the best either. I would like more
control (wider range of apperature and shutter speed), as well as
somewhat faster handling and better low light sensitivity
(ISO/noise, not focus...). I own a Canon 28-135IS USM lens (rarely
used on my old film SLR).

My question to you is if any of the following statements were the
reason that you got a D60/10D or other digital SLR (upgrade from
D30), or if you own a D30 now, are you happy with these?

Ability to print 11x14 with D30

Limitations of my lens (28-135) as the only lens for the camera

Limited (or expensive) macro capabilities

I have done some 8x12 prints from D30 (found online) and found that
I am happy with that quality, but I have not done any 11x14. I am
worried that the "wide" 28 mm ( 45mm on D30) will be a little too
long for all-round shots. You can view some of my G2 pictures at
http://www.kristyandmats.com/public_album if you'd like.

I don't want to get a D30 if I end up getting a D60/10D in less
than a year...

I would appreciate if you shared your reasons for selling your D30...

Thanks,

Mats

--
http://www.madmaxmedia.com

S Clark · Apr 22, 2003

I still use a D30. I have made prints the actual full size view on the monitor with some interpolation up and they look very good. If money is important I think you would like the D30. With all the problems people have with D10 Im not ordering one. Focus speed also depends on the lens. The 28-135 isnt very quick but it is a very versatile lens. I use mine a lot.

I would keep the G with swivel lcd. There are times that is very handy.

--
http://www.pbase.com/galleries/sasc

matsf · Apr 22, 2003

Marc P said:
Hi Matsf, I went from G1 to D30 and now after using a 10D for a
weekend am considering upgrading. I find the D30 needs more work in
photoshop than the 10D files. It's true the focus on the D30 is
sluggy, and the 10D is a cheaper alt than the 1D. Whether you get
a D30, 10D or D60.. I think your 28-135 lens will do well. I still
like to use the G1 for IR, plus it's compact and I really do miss
the swivel lcd.

Marc, thanks for that comment. I guess I'm a little concerned with the reports of focus and dust problems on the 10D, when I can get a lot cheaper D30 which does not seem to have the dust problem and the AF problem is at least know there...

I think I will miss the swivel lcd also...

matsf · Apr 22, 2003

madmaxmedia said:
If you're on a budget, the D30 will still be an excellent upgrade
for you. The D30 is not the best AF in a SLR, but it is still way
ahead of the G2. The D30 is also faster in almost all other
respects too.

That;s what I though.

madmaxmedia said:
If you can afford it, you can just go for the 10D now since it does
have the extra resolution, better focusing, etc.

And new camera with warrenty sounds kind of nice to me.

madmaxmedia said:
Already having the 28-135 IS is another good reason to upgrade!
I'd also recommend you get the 50mm 1.8, cheap ($70) but sharp and
fast. Or maybe you won't need it.

As far as wide angle goes, it depends on your shooting habits. I
would search through your old pictures, and see just how many are
at wide angle. 28mm * 1.6 = 44.8, which is not > that
G2 wide angle of 34mm (at least for general shooting).

Good idea, I will do that and see what the zoom has been.

Thanks,

Mats

matsf · Apr 22, 2003

SC said:
I still use a D30. I have made prints the actual full size view on
the monitor with some interpolation up and they look very good. If
money is important I think you would like the D30. With all the
problems people have with D10 Im not ordering one. Focus speed
also depends on the lens. The 28-135 isnt very quick but it is a
very versatile lens. I use mine a lot.

I would keep the G with swivel lcd. There are times that is very
handy.

That's the best part of D30. The cost allows me a flash, keeping the G2 if I want without upsetting my wife too much

When you say full size, what size is that? 11x14 or larger?

Thanks,

Mats

Dave Lewis · Apr 22, 2003

matsf said:
Hi,

I currently have a G2 and think I'm ready to step up a little. I
won't say that the G2 autofocus is my main reason to change, cause
I know that the D30 is not the best either. I would like more
control (wider range of apperature and shutter speed), as well as
somewhat faster handling and better low light sensitivity
(ISO/noise, not focus...). I own a Canon 28-135IS USM lens (rarely
used on my old film SLR).

My question to you is if any of the following statements were the
reason that you got a D60/10D or other digital SLR (upgrade from
D30), or if you own a D30 now, are you happy with these?

Ability to print 11x14 with D30

Limitations of my lens (28-135) as the only lens for the camera

Limited (or expensive) macro capabilities

I have done some 8x12 prints from D30 (found online) and found that
I am happy with that quality, but I have not done any 11x14. I am
worried that the "wide" 28 mm ( 45mm on D30) will be a little too
long for all-round shots. You can view some of my G2 pictures at
http://www.kristyandmats.com/public_album if you'd like.

I don't want to get a D30 if I end up getting a D60/10D in less
than a year...

I would appreciate if you shared your reasons for selling your D30...

Thanks,

Mats

I have a D30 with a 10D on order. I'll keep my D30 since it won't bring but maybe $800 to $900 now. A D60 can be had for $1100 +. If I were going to buy a used one now, it would be a D60. The additional 25% to 50% would be well spent, in my mind. I like the D30 just fine but think the much greater resolution of the D60 is well worth it. It is after all the same as the 10D. If I had a D60, I wouldn't have given any thought at all to getting a 10D.
--
Dave Lewis

jeanette... · Apr 22, 2003

I am a former D30 user. Even with the limitations I was able to get wonderful prints from it. The first all-purpose lens I used was the 28-105, not much range. So I got a 28-200 and rarely came off the camera.

I have been able to print excellent 11x14 print with the D30. As a matter of fact I have a few 24x36 print from this same camera. I mostly do large prints. I usually have these printed by a Pro Photo Lab. I guess it all depends on the shooting mode.

I recently upgraded to the 10D. I was having a real problem with focusing with the D30 and low-light. I like having a lot of the photo controls in camera, like being able to change the shooting Parameters on the fly.

I've only had the 10D for about a month. And everyday it's is proving to be worth the money.

jeanette...

--
'Communication is the cornerstone to understanding.'
Jeanette Butler
http://www.communityzero.com/pug

Nigel Pond · Apr 22, 2003

You won't miss the fact that the LCD swivels on the G's -- you may miss the ability to frame your shot using the LCD. As the D30 is an SLR the LCD is only for post-shot review of the image, not for pre-shot framing as an alternative to the view finder.

Adi Khindaria · Apr 22, 2003

I am absolutely happy with mine and can use several software offerings to res up my image when needed.

the largest I have printed (with great satisfaction) is 13 x 19.

Regards,

Adi

matsf said:
Hi,

I currently have a G2 and think I'm ready to step up a little. I
won't say that the G2 autofocus is my main reason to change, cause
I know that the D30 is not the best either. I would like more
control (wider range of apperature and shutter speed), as well as
somewhat faster handling and better low light sensitivity
(ISO/noise, not focus...). I own a Canon 28-135IS USM lens (rarely
used on my old film SLR).

My question to you is if any of the following statements were the
reason that you got a D60/10D or other digital SLR (upgrade from
D30), or if you own a D30 now, are you happy with these?

Ability to print 11x14 with D30

Limitations of my lens (28-135) as the only lens for the camera

Limited (or expensive) macro capabilities

I have done some 8x12 prints from D30 (found online) and found that
I am happy with that quality, but I have not done any 11x14. I am
worried that the "wide" 28 mm ( 45mm on D30) will be a little too
long for all-round shots. You can view some of my G2 pictures at
http://www.kristyandmats.com/public_album if you'd like.

I don't want to get a D30 if I end up getting a D60/10D in less
than a year...

I would appreciate if you shared your reasons for selling your D30...

Thanks,

Mats

TBoyd · Apr 22, 2003

You should be very satisfied with the D30. Despite all the improved later DSLR's by Canon, the D30 is still a very good camera.

I'm not a "professional" wedding photographer, but I've done about five weddings with my D30. I've had no complaints from those clients. Actually, they have been very impressed with the quality of their packages.

I prefer landscape & nature photography, and have printed 13 X 19's (shot in RAW mode) on my Epson 1280. The prints are exceptional.

TBoyd
http://www.s4avahost.net/~harmonys/Portfolio/index.htm

dave nitsche · Apr 22, 2003

I love and will soon miss my camera. I upgraded to a 10D a few weeks ago and love it...

11x14's out of the D30: For me, no. I posted this once and got my head handed to me hear. For the record: I, me, myself, personally, dave nitsche, do not find the resolution of a D30 is enough to support either straight or with interpolation (I use GF) enough data to give a good 11x14. I am very picky.

Macro capability is real cheap with the D30. $100 worth of extension tube and you too can get images like... http://www.pbase.com/davenit/macro_and_closeup

Great camera. The dirt issue will be the same as the 10D. Just learn how to clean a sensor. Basic part of DSLR maintenance.

matsf said:
Hi,

I currently have a G2 and think I'm ready to step up a little. I
won't say that the G2 autofocus is my main reason to change, cause
I know that the D30 is not the best either. I would like more
control (wider range of apperature and shutter speed), as well as
somewhat faster handling and better low light sensitivity
(ISO/noise, not focus...). I own a Canon 28-135IS USM lens (rarely
used on my old film SLR).

My question to you is if any of the following statements were the
reason that you got a D60/10D or other digital SLR (upgrade from
D30), or if you own a D30 now, are you happy with these?

Ability to print 11x14 with D30

Limitations of my lens (28-135) as the only lens for the camera

Limited (or expensive) macro capabilities

I have done some 8x12 prints from D30 (found online) and found that
I am happy with that quality, but I have not done any 11x14. I am
worried that the "wide" 28 mm ( 45mm on D30) will be a little too
long for all-round shots. You can view some of my G2 pictures at
http://www.kristyandmats.com/public_album if you'd like.

I don't want to get a D30 if I end up getting a D60/10D in less
than a year...

I would appreciate if you shared your reasons for selling your D30...

Thanks,

Mats

--
Dave
http://www.pbase.com/davenit/root

dave nitsche · Apr 22, 2003

My most recent. Shot with a 10D and all the tubes. Full frame so same result would come out of a D30...

dave nitsche said:
11x14's out of the D30: For me, no. I posted this once and got my
head handed to me hear. For the record: I, me, myself, personally,
dave nitsche, do not find the resolution of a D30 is enough to
support either straight or with interpolation (I use GF) enough
data to give a good 11x14. I am very picky.

Macro capability is real cheap with the D30. $100 worth of
extension tube and you too can get images like...
http://www.pbase.com/davenit/macro_and_closeup

Great camera. The dirt issue will be the same as the 10D. Just
learn how to clean a sensor. Basic part of DSLR maintenance.

matsf said:

Hi,

I currently have a G2 and think I'm ready to step up a little. I
won't say that the G2 autofocus is my main reason to change, cause
I know that the D30 is not the best either. I would like more
control (wider range of apperature and shutter speed), as well as
somewhat faster handling and better low light sensitivity
(ISO/noise, not focus...). I own a Canon 28-135IS USM lens (rarely
used on my old film SLR).

My question to you is if any of the following statements were the
reason that you got a D60/10D or other digital SLR (upgrade from
D30), or if you own a D30 now, are you happy with these?

Ability to print 11x14 with D30

Limitations of my lens (28-135) as the only lens for the camera

Limited (or expensive) macro capabilities

I have done some 8x12 prints from D30 (found online) and found that
I am happy with that quality, but I have not done any 11x14. I am
worried that the "wide" 28 mm ( 45mm on D30) will be a little too
long for all-round shots. You can view some of my G2 pictures at
http://www.kristyandmats.com/public_album if you'd like.

I don't want to get a D30 if I end up getting a D60/10D in less
than a year...

I would appreciate if you shared your reasons for selling your D30...

Thanks,

Mats

Click to expand...

--
Dave
http://www.pbase.com/davenit/root

--
Dave
http://www.pbase.com/davenit/root

Stephan F. · Apr 22, 2003

matsf said:
My question to you is if any of the following statements were the
reason that you got a D60/10D or other digital SLR (upgrade from
D30), or if you own a D30 now, are you happy with these?

Ability to print 11x14 with D30

Erm, I'm stuck with metric system.

D30 works well up to 20xm*30cm.

matsf said:
Limitations of my lens (28-135) as the only lens for the camera

28-125IS is probably the best walk-around lens (if you're not ready to sell a kidney to get an L). It's the next one I'm going to buy.

matsf said:
Limited (or expensive) macro capabilities

I just bought a Sigma 70-300 for 150 Euros (about the same in USD). It makes a pretty 480 on the D30 and it has macro capability between 200 and 300.

matsf said:
I have done some 8x12 prints from D30 (found online) and found that
I am happy with that quality, but I have not done any 11x14. I am

See below a full-size taken with my D30 (and 50mm/1.8 if I remember well). Feel free to print it.

matsf said:
I don't want to get a D30 if I end up getting a D60/10D in less
than a year...

I would appreciate if you shared your reasons for selling your D30...

Auto-focus. I shoot horsejumping and I generaly have to manual focus.

Stephan

matsf · Apr 22, 2003

dave nitsche said:
I love and will soon miss my camera. I upgraded to a 10D a few
weeks ago and love it...

Good for you!

dave nitsche said:
11x14's out of the D30: For me, no. I posted this once and got my
head handed to me hear. For the record: I, me, myself, personally,
dave nitsche, do not find the resolution of a D30 is enough to
support either straight or with interpolation (I use GF) enough
data to give a good 11x14. I am very picky.

I value your, personal, opinion. I thought the 8x12 I printed from D30 was ok, but I would also be mixed for a 11x14, but it depends on the image too. Seems to be ok for others.

dave nitsche said:
Macro capability is real cheap with the D30. $100 worth of
extension tube and you too can get images like...
http://www.pbase.com/davenit/macro_and_closeup

Could you expand on the "extension tube"? I'm not sure what that is on a SLR. BTW, love your images. real good. Is that the D30? I guess at that resolution D30 or D60 would not differ much...

dave nitsche said:
Great camera. The dirt issue will be the same as the 10D. Just
learn how to clean a sensor. Basic part of DSLR maintenance.

I guess resolution was your main reason for upgrading?

Thanks,

Mats

matsf · Apr 22, 2003

Stephan F. said:
Stephan F. said:

My question to you is if any of the following statements were the
reason that you got a D60/10D or other digital SLR (upgrade from
D30), or if you own a D30 now, are you happy with these?

Ability to print 11x14 with D30

Click to expand...

Erm, I'm stuck with metric system. D30 works well up to 20xm*30cm.

Roughly 8x12. That's what I tried and although I could see the differance between a D30 and D60 of same size and object. I was ok with the D30. I guess 11x14 could be a stratch for certain images, maybe ok for some. Highly subjective, I know....

Stephan F. said:
Stephan F. said:

Limitations of my lens (28-135) as the only lens for the camera

Click to expand...

28-125IS is probably the best walk-around lens (if you're not ready
to sell a kidney to get an L). It's the next one I'm going to buy.

Stephan F. said:

Limited (or expensive) macro capabilities

Click to expand...

I just bought a Sigma 70-300 for 150 Euros (about the same in USD).
It makes a pretty 480 on the D30 and it has macro capability
between 200 and 300.

Stephan F. said:

I have done some 8x12 prints from D30 (found online) and found that
I am happy with that quality, but I have not done any 11x14. I am

Click to expand...

See below a full-size taken with my D30 (and 50mm/1.8 if I remember
well). Feel free to print it.

Wow, that is so clear and sharp. Great picture.

Stephan F. said:
Auto-focus. I shoot horsejumping and I generaly have to manual focus.

Well, a SLR manual focus sure beets the G2 manual

I can live with Manual in some cases. I can also live with the need to first point at a contrasty subject and reframe before the shot. But that's me I guess.

dave nitsche · Apr 22, 2003

Yeah, MP was the reason. Have gotten requests for large prints and can't do it because of constaints...

Extention tubes are just what they are called. They are hollow tubes that are placed between the camera and the body.

From an online source...

" Extension tubes that go between a lens and the camera body. These move the entire lens focusing range closer. The length of the tube compared to the focal length of the lens determines how much closer you can get and the level of magnification you can achieve. They are better optically than auxiliary diopter lenses as there is no glass in them, especially if used with an excellent prime lens with little or no aberration or distortion. Extremely close work with very high magnification can be had with a bellows extension (even longer than tubes) but they are rarely used outdoors. This is part of the tradeoff with longer focal length to get greater standoff distance. A longer tube is needed to get the same magnification level. A 50mm lens at infinity focus needs a 25mm tube for 1:2 magnification. A 100mm lens will have 1:2 magnification at twice the subject distance, but requires 50mm of extension to achieve it.

c. A true macro lens which is specifically designed and optimized for much closer focusing than a normal one to get at least 1:4 magnification, sometimes 1:2. These are typically more expensive and slower, but they are also usually the best optically, especially the primes (non-zoom). For even higher magnification you can add extension "

-
Dave
http://www.pbase.com/davenit/root

Sherry Young · Apr 22, 2003

Matsf:

1. I used the D30 for about a year before upgrading to the D60. I was not unhappy with the D30, but needed a backup when the D60 came out with higher resolution at a lower price. While I only printed up to 8 x 12, I did find the D30's resolution a little limited for a portion of my work (group shots of more than 10 people, an inability to crop much at all when working at a distance from wildlife, and a lack of detail in landscapes). There were work arounds for all of the above. Careful upresing kept faces from going too "digital" and the landscapes were actually quite beautiful, just a little "painterly" for lack of a better descrription. But I was convinced that more resolution would be better. I had also hoped (in vain as it turned out) for some improvement in the low light auto focus.

Given the minimal price difference, I would get the D60 over the D30 for the higher resolution, the 10D if I wanted faster auto focus and couldn't afford the 1D, and the 1D if at all possible. Without knowing what you intend to shoot, I couldn't say if those preferences would apply to your situation.

2. I found the 28-135 to be a great walking around lens, and also a good lens for general event photography (talking heads and grin and grabs at business functions). It is also ok for some outdoor sports. I assume that you are concerned with the lack of a true wide angle, but that didn't bother me much. I found the greatest limitation of the lens to be its lack of speed, especially when combined withwith the poor low light auto focus on the D30/D60.

Those are the reasons I upgraded when I could. But having said that, I think the D30 is a fine camera and that you will enjoy it very much. For me, there is just no comparison between the control you get with even an early edition of DSLR and the performance of even a very fine point and shoot. All the quibbling aside, I think you will find it to be a big step up from your G2.

Sherry

matsf said:
My question to you is if any of the following statements were the
reason that you got a D60/10D or other digital SLR (upgrade from
D30), or if you own a D30 now, are you happy with these?

Ability to print 11x14 with D30

Limitations of my lens (28-135) as the only lens for the camera

Limited (or expensive) macro capabilities

matsf · Apr 22, 2003

Sherry Young said:
1. I used the D30 for about a year before upgrading to the D60. I
was not unhappy with the D30, but needed a backup when the D60 came
out with higher resolution at a lower price. While I only printed
up to 8 x 12, I did find the D30's resolution a little limited for
a portion of my work (group shots of more than 10 people, an
inability to crop much at all when working at a distance from
wildlife, and a lack of detail in landscapes). There were work
arounds for all of the above. Careful upresing kept faces from
going too "digital" and the landscapes were actually quite
beautiful, just a little "painterly" for lack of a better
descrription. But I was convinced that more resolution would be
better. I had also hoped (in vain as it turned out) for some
improvement in the low light auto focus.

Good, relavant comments for me. I know the facts now (D60 AF not being better than D30), so for me the only benefir with the D60 would be extra pixels, and it seems like they could be worth the "small" price difference. I really enjoy large prints. Some of my G2 are superb at 11x14, but not larger...

Sherry Young said:
Given the minimal price difference, I would get the D60 over the
D30 for the higher resolution, the 10D if I wanted faster auto
focus and couldn't afford the 1D, and the 1D if at all possible.
Without knowing what you intend to shoot, I couldn't say if those
preferences would apply to your situation.

I shoot anything

Anyway, I'm just a happy bringing my camera on walks or trips. I enjoy being outside and having fun finding subject in the unexpected as well as the expected.

Sherry Young said:
2. I found the 28-135 to be a great walking around lens, and also a
good lens for general event photography (talking heads and grin and
grabs at business functions). It is also ok for some outdoor
sports. I assume that you are concerned with the lack of a true
wide angle, but that didn't bother me much. I found the greatest
limitation of the lens to be its lack of speed, especially when
combined withwith the poor low light auto focus on the D30/D60.

Sounds like it will be fine for me.

Sherry Young said:
Those are the reasons I upgraded when I could. But having said
that, I think the D30 is a fine camera and that you will enjoy it
very much. For me, there is just no comparison between the control
you get with even an early edition of DSLR and the performance of
even a very fine point and shoot. All the quibbling aside, I think
you will find it to be a big step up from your G2.

Also sounds promising

Thanks,

Mats

Present and former D30 owners - help me :)

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