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Refurbished 30D versus New XTI


chris.sager

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I'm looking to spend around $600 for a new DSLR body. I previously had an XT,

and found the amount of image detail satisfactory and liked the camera overall.

I do not want another XT primarily as a 2.5" screen is very appealing to me. I

did purchase the grip for my XT and would probably do the same. I would NOT

plan on adding the grip if i purchased the 30D making the pricing virtually

identical. The 30D is currently $639 shipped from Adorama. I can find an XTi

for a bit under $500. (plus price of grip)

 

Pro's of XTI:

 

1) New, not refurb 2) 10MP vs. 8MP (Yes, i know the detail improvement

is not tremendous) 3) Dust Cleaning 4) Flexibility to

remove the grip and use a light combo with 50mm prime

 

 

Pro's of 30D

 

Seems like a lot, build quality, focus system, faster frame rate, spot metering,

better viewfinder.

 

 

Has anyone else thought about this dilemma? Thanks in advance.

 

(Yes, I have read the many XTi/30D threads, but none of them seem to discuss the

refurb issue or if the two solutions were comparable in price)

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I faced the same dilemma and ended up going with the 30D. I wanted a faster camera, and the second wheel makes a world of difference. The largest thing for me was the viewfinder. I think that the Rebel Series' viewfinders ruin the joy of photography; I want to see what I am taking a photo of and the depth of field. Also, I am used to and wanted the screen on the top of the camera which shows all of the vital information, and hated the way the XTi's bright screen made my eyes adjust to the bright even though I was shooting in a dark room, which was very annoying. I did buy my 30D as a refurbished model from Adorama (with the kit lens) and have not seen or experienced any problems. I think that going refurbished is the budget photographer's way to go.
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THe decision has nothing to do with price. THey are two totally different cameras intended for different uses, you probably know that.

 

Don't let the price enter the equation because it's not really the reason to buy one over the other. YOu either need one feature set or you don't and that should be the deciding factor, since they are both within your budget.

 

As for refurbs, *IF* they are official Canon refurbs you have NOTHING to worry about.

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You don't say <i>who</i> is doing the refurb. If it is a Canon factory refurb, you are

probably fine. You'd get a full warranty. A factory refurb is usually a camera that has

been returned for whatever reason, and has been repaired if there was a problem. The

camera is fine, but they can't resell it as new. If it is a third-party refurb, I would be very

skeptical. It may have no warranty, or any repairs beyond a cleaning. It may be a

glorified used camera. <p>

 

I will throw a couple of other considerations out there.<p>

 

Technically, the XTi will give you a slightly better image, more noticeable at higher

ISOs. And a slightly larger image. It isn't a huge difference, but if you push the limits of

the image quality, say shooting in dim light at high ISO, then you might want the slight

advantage of the XTi. The XTi has the sensor cleaner that the 30D does not. If you

change lenses a lot in a dusty climate, this may be a worthwhile advantage. Do you

currently have much problem with dust on your sensor the way you use your camera?

<p>

The 30D is a somewhat more rugged body, with a broader feature set, faster frame

rate, faster autofocus, better viewfinder, etc. Again, it isn't a huge difference. But if you

shoot sports, for example, the features of this body will help you more than the XTi. Or

if you are a heavy user, this body will likely last longer than an XTi. <p>

 

There is also ergonomic issues. The 20D/30D/40D series is a larger body than the

Rebel series. Personally, I have large hands, and I find the Rebels uncomfortable to

hold. I prefer a larger camera body. You may want to try holding both camera bodies in

a store, or borrow one or whatever, and see if one or the other feels better in your

hand.

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Hello Christian,

 

Buying Canon factory refurbished is a great way to get what is effectively new equipment at nicely reduced price.

I have bought three Canon refurbished lenses and a 20D body from Adorama and have had no problems whatsoever. I can't help you in your choice of a body, that's entirely up to you but I'm sure you would be pleased with either one.

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The description from Adorama reads: Canon EOS-30D Digital SLR Camera Body, 8.2 Megapixels, Interchangeable Lens Camera - Refurbished by Canon U.S.A.

 

It then contradicts itself a bit: EOS 30D Body - Eye Eb - Neck Strap EW-100 DGR - Video Cable VC-100 - Interface Cable IFC-400PCU - Battery Pack BP-511A - Battery Charger CG-580 - EOS Digital Solution Disk

90 Day Adorama Warranty

 

I guess i'll call to figure out if the camera comes with a Canon warranty, or just the 90 day adorama.

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I'd still take the 30D. If something is going to go wrong it will generally be immediately. I used to fret over pixels but just having gone from 6 to 12 I can say that choosing from 8-10 will make only a slight difference. The 30D is a much better tool.
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I have exactly those two cameras, an XTI and a refurbished 30D from Adorama. They are both fine cameras, and I see little or no difference in image quality in 8x10 or 11x14 prints. <p>

That said, for similar money, I would buy the 30D without hesitation, for all the reasons you mention. Also, the 30D just feels nicer; I'd say there's $100 worth of confidence inspiration in the better build quality and ergonomics of the 30D. <p>

Black and white images from the 30D are amazing, grainless and tack sharp, with medium format-like tonality. And the built-in red, green, orange, yellow filters are really useful. <p>

I've bought battery grips for several DSLRs, but I don't have one for the 30D, and don't plan to buy one. I like it as it is. <p>

Regarding "refurbishment": I've had the 30D for about 6 months and I haven't found anything that would suggest that the camera isn't new. <br>

Consider this: if you bought a "new" 30D, you'd get one that rode across the Pacific in a container and right into your hands. The refurbished one made the same trip, but was (at the very least) extensively tested by a Canon technician before being sold. So I think it's better than new. <br>

The warranty might be an issue, (I haven't had any need to use it) but other than that I don't see any downside to the factory refurbished Canons. <p>

PS: I've bought 2 refurbished "L" lenses from Adorama as well, and they're just fine.

But cheaper. Who wouldn't like that?

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Just a contrarian view for balance. My personal experience has been better with "used" equipment from a major vendor, than with "factory refurbished" equipment. Ask yourself how the "factory" got this one back for refurbishment? It was probably because it had some major flaw when it was sold new and was replaced under warranty. I know they're not exactly the same people, but will the outfit that made it badly the first time around, get it right on their second try with it? Will they really catch the whole problem?

 

Also, never anger your waiter BEFORE you get your food. ;)

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<small><i><blockquote>

 

It was probably because it had some major flaw when it was sold new

 

</blockquote> </i> </small><p>

 

Not necessarilly, let alone "probably." If you look around you'll find lots of people perfectly happy with Canon-refurbed gear.

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Then, .[. Z , how do you suppose that the stuff got back to the manufacturer for a "refurbish"? Why would a manufacturer choose to exchange the product rather than repair it for the original purchaser? In any case, something had to be wrong (I grant, maybe occasionally just a fussy buyer) for it to have got back.

 

I have no doubt that there are many happy users of refurbished items, and many more, I think, happy users of "pre-owned" cameras. As I say, I've had worse luck on the whole with the former.

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JDM: Many- maybe the majority- of factory refurbished items in the US market are returns to major retailers. These items are not allowed to be sold again as new, so they often end up going back to the distributor or manufacturer for some amount of credit, and are factory refurbished and resold. The number of factory refurbished electronics items available is enormous, and can be seen in any product category from MP3 players to photocopiers to televisions to cameras. It's actually extremely unlikely that the item had a major flaw.

 

In my personal experience, factory refurbished items, ranging from Sennheiser headphones to Canon lenses, have been cosmetically and functionally indistinguishable from factory-spec brand new items. Unlike "new" items, I've never had to return or exchange a refurb- they've always been perfect- probably because they undergo quite a list of checks and part replacements before resale- probably more than the typical item coming off of a factory assembly line.

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To answer the original poster's question- having extensively used Rebel XT, XTi, 20d, 30d, and other cameras in the xxxD and xxD range, I think a 30d outclasses an XTi in every respect.

<p>

Some people may find the light weight and diminutive size of the XTi to be an advantage, although they're a deficit for me (the camera is much too small to hold comfortably).

<p>

I'd recommend finding some way to hold and try each camera (although you may have to go through a private owner or used gear section at a camera store to find a 30d these days).

 

<p>

Here's another good thread on the XTi (400d) vs. 30d: <a href="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00MoHr">http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00MoHr</a>

<P>

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My recommendation would be the refurbished 30D (personally, I bought a used 30D a couple of months ago because I couldn't find a refurbished one at that time). The quality of the picture won't be noticeable, but if you ever do any journalism, sports, children photography, etc., the slight difference in shutter response between the two becomes very noticeable; in action photography it definitely makes the difference between getting your shot and almost getting your shot. Additionally, the 30D has a brighter viewfinder, is a more durable camera with a longer estimated shutter life, and (for most people) has better ergonomics. Regarding refurbished, over the years I've bought several refurbished items (Compaq computer, Sony home stereo, Canon Digital Rebel, etc.) and have never had any problems. Refurbished items are usually either customer returns, often because they decided the product wasn't what they wanted rather than a defect, or a damaged box that the retailer sent back. Either way, they get a factory checkup and repair if needed. With any product (new or refurbished) something could go wrong at any time, but generally with high quality electronics (such as name brand cameras) defects will show up within a few uses.
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As I said there are multiple reasons goods become available for sale as refurbs. Please don't try putting words in my mouth, and please don't think no one noticed your failure to support your own assertions.
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I have read that the XTi and 30D have the same focusing system so how can the 30D focus faster? I have an XTi, enjoy the size of it very much as it is easy to carry around for long periods of time. I use mine mostly for auto racing and it misses nothing, my other usage is for railfanning, also missing nothing. There is a lot of prejudice against the XTi by people who use only the bigger cameras and there is no reason for it. If you feel the need for the extra features of the 30D or others then go for it, otherwise you will not be using a seond class tool in an XTi.
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I also have both. All the reasons already mentioned to favor the 30D I agaree with . And If I had to choose only one it would be the 30D.

 

Also remember the 30D has a sutter life expancy of 100,000 clicks compared to the XTi's 50,000. This may not seem like such a big deal, but I can rip through 1,000 in a single shoot, like a wedding or event shoot.

 

I kept the XTi for my personal use, and for traveling light. I agree no discernable difference in image quality between the two. Perhaps you'd see one at 13x19.

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