Sir_Snark
New member
I have been using this camera for a little over a year and a half now, and have to say that it is one of the best investments I've made in my life thus far. Easy to use, this camera seems like it was built with the full intention that many of it's users would want a good DSLR, but want to use it manually (not using it in auto or the other modes). All settings, such as ISO, app., and shutter are all within easy grasp, and require just one or two button presses to change. It's also a nice touch that Canon included two different "on" modes, one in which you can change the app. using the rear dial, and one where you can't (if you're using the camera in harsher conditions, and it's a very real possibility that you can bump the wheel and change your app.)
This camera is also very tough. The full magnesium body makes it not only light, but provides strength from harsh impacts. Someone who was playing with my camera one time dropped it on to a concrete floor, yet it didn't seem to do any damage to the body.
The LCD screen on the back is just perfect for me. It's not so big that all of the buttons are in awkward places, yet it's large enough to see your photo very clearly, giving you a good idea of what you have just taken. The menu leaves a little bit to be desired, however; the fact you have to continuously scroll through one big menu with different sections gets a little bit annoying sometimes.
If you're considering a 40D, and can afford the 1300 price tag (without the POS stock canon lens), then I would probably say go for that because it improves upon everything this camera did so well. If you want to save 400 or so dollars, though, than if you can find a new one, I would highly recommend this camera.
Problems:
There's only a few things I don't like about this camera:
- The menu could be alot better. This has been fixed in the 40D I believe, so that's no longer an issue.
- Is there really a need for a pop-up flash on this thing? It's not a very good flash, and it can't even go past some nicer Sigma or L lenses (leaving a big round shadow at the bottom of your pictures), and most people who can afford canons 10-series cameras will probably go invest in an external flash anyway. At these prices, I think it would be smart for Canon to just forget putting the thing on there on future cameras in this line.
- Why can't we have weather sealing on these things? I don't think the little rubber "o"-rings and seals would add very much to the cost, and I don't think it would make the production line go too much slower. I think I, as well as many other people who buy these cameras, would be willing to pay another 100 bucks or so if we could have weather sealed cameras without having to blow another 3 grand on a 1Ds MK III. I've found myself making makeshift plastic bag covers for my camera in wet conditions.
This camera is also very tough. The full magnesium body makes it not only light, but provides strength from harsh impacts. Someone who was playing with my camera one time dropped it on to a concrete floor, yet it didn't seem to do any damage to the body.
The LCD screen on the back is just perfect for me. It's not so big that all of the buttons are in awkward places, yet it's large enough to see your photo very clearly, giving you a good idea of what you have just taken. The menu leaves a little bit to be desired, however; the fact you have to continuously scroll through one big menu with different sections gets a little bit annoying sometimes.
If you're considering a 40D, and can afford the 1300 price tag (without the POS stock canon lens), then I would probably say go for that because it improves upon everything this camera did so well. If you want to save 400 or so dollars, though, than if you can find a new one, I would highly recommend this camera.
Problems:
There's only a few things I don't like about this camera:
- The menu could be alot better. This has been fixed in the 40D I believe, so that's no longer an issue.
- Is there really a need for a pop-up flash on this thing? It's not a very good flash, and it can't even go past some nicer Sigma or L lenses (leaving a big round shadow at the bottom of your pictures), and most people who can afford canons 10-series cameras will probably go invest in an external flash anyway. At these prices, I think it would be smart for Canon to just forget putting the thing on there on future cameras in this line.
- Why can't we have weather sealing on these things? I don't think the little rubber "o"-rings and seals would add very much to the cost, and I don't think it would make the production line go too much slower. I think I, as well as many other people who buy these cameras, would be willing to pay another 100 bucks or so if we could have weather sealed cameras without having to blow another 3 grand on a 1Ds MK III. I've found myself making makeshift plastic bag covers for my camera in wet conditions.