A346Dude From Canada, joined Nov 2004, 1198 posts, RR: 8 Posted (8 years 5 months 3 weeks ago) and read 3297 times:
I am currently in the process of deciding what camera I should buy to replace my 2MP point-and-shoot. I have pretty much decided that I want a DSLR.
So, the question is, which should I get. Since I am a student, I am on a bit of a budget, so I figure the 300D would be the most expensive camera I would consider.
What I'm wondering is: how good are the Canon D30 and D60? How is the image quality of these cameras in comparison to more recent ones. Which of the two would you recommend? And finally, are these cameras reliable if they are a little older as I would be purhasing a used one?
Thanks for the help.
You know the gear is up and locked when it takes full throttle to taxi to the terminal.
Vaman From United States of America, joined Feb 2000, 328 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (8 years 5 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 3270 times:
I use the D30, and if you know it's limitations, it is a great price for your first DSLR. A D60 is fantastic as well. I suggest you search the photodatabase for D30 or D60 in the remark field, and you can look at my photos under Logan Anderson.
Wietse From Netherlands, joined Oct 2001, 3809 posts, RR: 57 Reply 3, posted (8 years 5 months 2 weeks 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 3261 times:
For the D60, do a search for Wietse de Graaf.
They could just as well have been taken with the D30 though, you arent going to tell from A.net size images. But the D60 is a bit more complex and advanced though.
UTA_flyingHIGH From Tunisia, joined Oct 2001, 6495 posts, RR: 52 Reply 4, posted (8 years 5 months 2 weeks 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 3251 times:
But the D60 is a bit more complex and advanced though.
It isn't. The D60 is simply the D30 with a 6MP sensor and minor cosmetic differences.
There's the same 3-point AF taken from the EOS 50 (very old camera).
It all depends on your needs. If you need a large buffer, the D30/D60 are superior. If you need really fast AF then go for the 300D.
Need both ? Find a cheap used 10D
Will
Fly to live, live to fly - Air France/KLM Flying Blue Platinum, BMI Diamond Club Gold, Emirates Skywards
Ckw From UK - England, joined Aug 2010, 529 posts, RR: 18 Reply 5, posted (8 years 5 months 2 weeks 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 3242 times:
Well, I had a D30 and quickly replaced it with a D60 - although essentially the same camera in many respects, as well as the large sensor Canon made a number of improvements to the software. While it does use basically the same AF system, the accuracy and responsiveness was much improved (though they didn't really get this right until the 20D) and file writing/buffering were enhanced. Net result is that the D60 is a more effective camera.
However, these cameras are over 2 years old, and the shutter is rated at 30K actuations. Many of the used examples will have exceeded that (doesn't mean the shutter is about to fail ... but it might). I would think that a new 300D would run cheaper than the cost of a D30/D60 plus a shutter replacement within, say 12 months.
But if you can source a used D60 which has been lightly used (be careful, the frame count accessible by the user can be reset!) it could be a very good buy.
Wietse From Netherlands, joined Oct 2001, 3809 posts, RR: 57 Reply 6, posted (8 years 5 months 2 weeks 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 3232 times:
300D AF is not that much faster than the D60 AF. I'd put them in the same category. And with the AI focus available in all modes, I would rate the D60 higher, AF wise.
UTA_flyingHIGH From Tunisia, joined Oct 2001, 6495 posts, RR: 52 Reply 7, posted (8 years 5 months 2 weeks 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 3228 times:
300D AF is not that much faster than the D60 AF.
It trounces it you mean
There is no comparison between the fast 7-point AF of the 300D/10D whch comes from the EOS 30/33 and the old 3-pont AF on the D30/D60 which comes from the old EOS 50.
Wietse From Netherlands, joined Oct 2001, 3809 posts, RR: 57 Reply 8, posted (8 years 5 months 2 weeks 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 3216 times:
the old 3-pont AF on the D30/D60
As said, these two cannot be compared. And what would you rather have, full compatibility with ALL focus modes, or just a really fast static one? What is the point in having fast autofocus if the subject is static anyhow?
AdamWright From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 10, posted (8 years 5 months 2 weeks 6 days 13 hours ago) and read 3210 times:
Hey,
Glad you are considering the Canon line of DSLR's.
As for a bout between the D30 and D60, I would take the D60 any day. I almost purchased a D60 but went for the 300D as it came with a 1 year warrenty.
I bought my 300D from eBay and was very pleased. But, I know many users of the D60 and who have had the D60 for many years and still get stunning photos from the camera. It's built to last. And thats important in a Camera. Especially to one who is new to holding such a large camera. The 300D has plastic casing. While this doenst affect the image, it is a factor when you might bang the camera while holding it by the straps, etc. The hard casing (magnesium?) of the D60 is like a warrenty in itself.
The D30 takes a good picture, don't get me wrong. But there is a reason people upgrade. Teh D60 has better ISO functioning (Allowing you to shoot in lower light) and offers 6.3mp vs. the D30's 3.2mp. This just means you'll be able to crop your shots a little tighter.
Sponsor Message: 
From Canada, joined Nov 2004, 1198 posts, 
From United States of America, joined Feb 2000, 328 posts, 
From Netherlands, joined Oct 2001, 3809 posts, 
From Tunisia, joined Oct 2001, 6495 posts, 
From UK - England, joined Aug 2010, 529 posts, 
Printer friendly format 
