Canon 30D and 5D differences?

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Sean&Karen

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Ok, so I can see I am going to stick with Canon, but I have been looking and comparing the 30D and the new 5D. Other than megapixels and weight , is there much of a difference? I would love to buy the new 5D just because it is the newest, but do I really need to spend twice as much for the newest canon when the 30D will do the same things?

Other differences I found. Do they mean the same thing?
Canon EOS 5D
Focus Adjustment TTL-CT-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor focus
Camera Flash E-TTL II Auto flash with EX-series Speedlite

Canon EOS 30D
Auto and manual adjustment with various modes
Auto pop-up, retractable, built-in flash in the pentaprism
 
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Actually, the 30D is a "newer" camera than the 5D (by about 6 months, but who's counting?). The major difference between the two cameras is the sensor size: the 5D's sensor is the same size as a piece of 35mm film (36mm X 24mm). The sensor on the 30D is the size of a piece of APS film (22.5mm X 15.0mm). That means that an 85mm lens, for example, on a 5D will give you the same field of view that it will on a "regular" film SLR. On the 30D, the same lens will give you a slight telephoto effect, about the same as a 135mm lens on a 35mm camera (you multiply the focal length by 1.6, i.e. 85mm x 1.6 = 135mm). Some people don't mind this at all, and its a good thing if you shot a lot of subjects with a telephoto lens. Its not such a good thing if you shoot wide angle landscapes, for example, because with a camera like the 30D, you lose some of your field of view from the 1.6 factor. Here's a link with some more info about sensor sizes: Click here

Another difference between the 2 cameras is that the 5D does not have a built-in, popup flash. You have to supply your own.

Bottom line: Unless you have a lot of extra money laying around, I'd recommend the 30D. Spend the extra money on a nice lens or two.
 
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Actually, my understanding is that the 5D has a number of improvements over the 30D, such as better autofocusing, greater ISO performance, far superior low-light performance. It is also a "full frame" sensor, which allows you to use the full range of EF lenses at their true focal length. Since it doesn't "crop" the image, full frames are generally better options for landscape and portrait photography. I've been looking at a 5D and will probably get one once the spring rebates are announced (probably on Monday) ... and these are the reasons I'm going with it.

Tim will probably offer you his opinion. He's got a 5D and is very, very pleased with it.
 
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"jcvalenti" said:
Actually, my understanding is that the 5D has a number of improvements over the 30D, such as better autofocusing,
Click to expand...
That would be because the 30D is actually a *minor* upgrade from the 20D, so technically the technology in the 30D is older than the 5D.

greater ISO performance, far superior low-light performance. It is also a "full frame" sensor, which allows you to use the full range of EF lenses at their true focal length. Since it doesn't "crop" the image, full frames are generally better options for landscape and portrait photography.
Click to expand...

But it will also show you the difference between the entry level, B and L lenses. Light falloff on the corners, vigetting, etc. will be more visible.

Unless you want an immediate upgrade, you may want to wait and see what parts of the new MkIII technology filter down to the midrange cameras.

But the 5D would be my choice if I had to choose between those two right now. Still happy with my current 30D tho. Compared to the D30.....
 
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"jcvalenti" said:
Tim will probably offer you his opinion. He's got a 5D and is very, very pleased with it.
Click to expand...

THUMBS UP TO THE 5D!
 
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