The Change: From a Nikon D50 to a Canon 30D

Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 160 Location: Minnesota

So as I have begun to enjoy photography more and more..i decided to a little gear updating.

*D50 Positives*
The D50 is an excellent entry DSLR. Extremely easy to learn and use, very straight forward but can be used by the best and get extremely good results. A smaller camera, and this can be positive and negative depending on the use. The price of this camera is also appealing, again i would recommend anyone to this camera for entry.
*D50 Negatives*
I found that my main problem I had was the lack of advanced features, as well for me the camera being on the smaller side due to my larger hands. The lenses that I had were not the greatest, however that is not a negative to the camera but I wanted to try some of the VR lenses but could not justify putting such a nice lens on a lesser so body.
*Overall*
Like I said before this camera is excellent for entry, extremely easy to use and learn on.

*30D First Impressions*
Absolutely love this camera! Currently I am shooting with a 17-85IS lens which is stunning and I can't even compare it to anything that I had been using. The clarity is amazing, I also can notice the step up in megapixels from the D50 to the 30D when the shots are zoomed in. I love the larger screen on the 30D for viewing and I also enjoy the menu system on the Canon way more than the Nikon. Changing the Aperture and Shutter is also a lot easier I think on the 30D as there are 2 seperate "wheels" so to speak on the 30D that change each, instead of one that does both on the D50 which is confusing at times.

Currently I am looking into a zoom lens for the 30D. Probably something with a low end of 100mm or 200mm. Definitely not an IS, because i dont want to spend the extra money for it and it doesn't have to be Canon either. What would you guys recommend?

Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:00 pm

Strombo,

I am sorry I can't answer the question you're asking but I do have some of my own-as a Nikon user that I think feels the same as you felt.

I suppose this is also directed at all of the Canon users viewing this.

I really hate getting down to that age old question of "Nikon vs. Canon" and for me that was not what it was about when I purchased my D70s.

I love it dearly, and I've produced some really nice stuff but I find that when I am shooting on Canons (Xti that a friend owns, but have shot on Canon 30d) the results I get are consistently good.

The colours seem warmer on canons, there seems to be a better depth and feel in the photos it takes. As Strombo said the clarity is unbelievable, it just seems like a world beyond my Nikon. Even the Canon lenses seem much less expensive.

It was wonderful at first but as I've progressed in skill I feel like I want more and see a lot of wonderful things come out of Canon. Now maybe I am wrong and what I am asking for could be found in say a d200, but if there are any former Nikon users here who made the switch the Canon- did you feel as I feel?

Am I right in thinking about a switch or am I as likely to find what something like the 30d will offer in, say, a d200?