Canon Rebel XTI vs 30D?

[Steve Hankins]

Wanted to see if anyone had an opinion to help me decide between the
Rebel XTI and the 30D.

The xti has 12 megapixels and the dust cleaning system but no spot
metering.

The 30D has spot metering.

If anyone has used both of these or just has an opinion on them I
would like to hear it. I'm no digital expert so I wanted to see what
the opinions of some of the experts here would be.

To those that know me... no, hell has not frozen over and no, I am not
giving up my film!

Thanks for your help,
Steve

[Melody Hood]

I can't fathom not having spot metering, honestly. I use it 85% of the time. The 30d's shutter should also be rated for more click (though I haven't checked that, they just used to be), and it will be built better in general. Just my opinion ;)

--
Melody Hood
(423)315-2092
website @ www.innamorata.com
blogging @ www.melodyhood.com

[Matt Dunmore]

Hey Steve

I am glad you added the last line of your email cause I was seriously
thinking this was a joke ;)

I would not base your decision on megapixels cause unless you are
regularly going to be making 16x24 or bigger prints either one will be
great. As a matter of fact I have some 20x30s printed from my 20D
(8mp) that are really great looking prints. more about the lens than
the camera I am afraid.

As for spot metering... you have a histogram that will tell you all
about your exposure right on the back of the camera as soon as you
take it. you can take a quick look and see if you need to make
adjustments. I never use the spot meter. I shoot all manual and keep
an eye on the histograms.

If you are going to want any speed at all you have to rule out the xti
on that account. It is SLOW. the 30D is a very responsive camera and
shoots I think 5fps which is pretty fast. Camera operation is faster
and in my opinion better in the 20-40D series than the rebel line. I
think it is more intuitive and better setup in the menus and stuff.

I think your decision may end up depending on your use probably more
than anything. if you are using it casually and you are going to
shoot like you do with film then I think the xti would be fine and it
would save you a bunch up front. It makes great images. On the other
hand if you want a camera for weddings and kids portraits I think you
need to get the 30 or 40D (the 40D is such a great camera I cant say
enough about it).

Matt

PS. I have a 20D and a 40D if you want to get together and check them
out sometime. I am pretty sure the 30D is just like the 20D with a
bigger screen.

--
Matt Dunmore
www.mattdunmorephotography.com

[Rich Smith]

The Rebel is just so tiny. I couldn't believe how tiny until I was
using one the other day. For a guy, it's almost too small. If you
get the Rebel, you should get the battery grip as well. It will feel
much better in your hands.

[Steve Hankins]

Thanks for the input! I was leaning towards the 30D and decided to go
with that. They both seemed like good cameras but I have seen the
Rebel before and it is really small and I didn't want to find myself
needing/wanting to upgrade a year from now so I went ahead and got the
30D.

Hopefully I can make it out to one of the photo shoots soon.

Thanks again,
Steve