Canon EOS 30D 8.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

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Average Customer Rating: 5.0/5      Total Reviews: 40

Rating: 5
Glad I bought it

Camera:

Rating: 5
Very good camera overall

I had no investment in a DSLR but narrowed my choices to the Canon 30D and the Nikon D200. I had always wanted a Nikon. The D200 is definitely a joy to hold and it did take good pictures (I tried both at a camera store before I bought the 30D). I did a lot of research (more than I care to admit!) and there was no conclusive evidence that one camera had a clear edge over the other. Depending on your specific needs, one camera may be "slightly better" than the other.

Rating: 3
Good product with some limitations

I bought a 30D along with the 580ex flash. I have always bought Canon products (point-and-shoot, SLR film). I used this product for a couple of weeks and thought it did have some limitations. The biggest drawback was underexposed flash images in full auto mode. The most frustrating part was that they look great on the screen during review but, when you look at them on the computer, they are very underexposed. I know that this would not be a issue if I captured the images in RAW format. I however want to primarily shoot family pictures in JPEG and not edit every picture. I searched the web and saw that numerous people had the same problem and they changed to the program mode with a +3/4 to +1 exposure compensation. Outdoors, the full auto mode seemed to meter fine. I understand that most users of this type of camera would not have an issue with and enjoy customizing each setting but, I want my wife to be able to be able to pick the camera up and take a decently exposed flash picture of our two year old using full auto mode. I even exchanged the camera for another one and had the same issue. I used a Canon 24-105, Canon 17-85 IS and a Tamron 17-50/2.8 lens and had the same issue. I made a very tough decision to move over to the Nikon D200 with SB-800 flash. It takes very clear and accurate exposed pictures in full auto mode with the flash. The build quality is also a lot better. It does cost more though but, I think it's worth it. Bottom line though is that this camera takes great pictures outdoor and indoor with flash using exposure compensation. If you take mostly indoor family pictures like I do, the full auto mode is useless and you'll need to make corrections to the settings or with editing software.

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