The 300D gave me another level of satisfaction. With the upgrade of couple more lens, I found there were some limitation of the camera body, I missed a number of wide-angle shots even though I used the 11-18mm lens. The 6.3 MB RAW still not enough for the central page and the noise level of the higher ISO is not acceptable. The body is too light and too plastic. I don’t feel comfortable to mount a 2Kg 70-200 F2.8 IS lens on it.

Thinking of changing the camera but found the 20D/30D is more or less the same as 400D in terms of the pixel, sensor size and weight.

When I got my 5D, I realised that the big sensor not only give higher resolution but also lower noise level. But it does not come with the autoprograms such as sport, marco and other direct access functions. I need to learn the manual setting again but it gives more fun.

Again, it is subject to what the photograher wants. We have to joggle between the cost, convenience, the purpose of using the camera and the skill level.

5D is definately not a good camera for business traveller. My colleagues carry the 400D feel more comfortable than me. I use to carry the 300D with a Sigma 18-200mm for long business trip while the 5D with 24-104 and 70-200 for dedicated photo trip. I always have my SongEricsson K700i 3.2 MP camera phone in my pocket. It producs excellent picture (only under the bright sun light or close up with flash on).

I own a Canon 30D and while many recommend you buy a lower priced camera and spend the difference on better glass, I am happy with my purchase. It came with the 17-85 IS lens. Its no “L” series lens, but it is still great!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ziadchatila

This brings up my second issue the feature set. Many folks say why move up, I love my REBEL. I to was a confirmed rebel user, until 300d Rebels were no longer available. I find the XT and XTi rebels very uncomfortable, like picking up a washer with a tow-truck. I looked at the pro lines (5d & 30d) as replacements. I noted buttons and dials in about the same places so I assumed the operation would be similar. I decided to purchase the 5d for the reasons mentioned above.

I took the new camera out for a quick test and found the buttons and dials were not the same. In some cases not even similar. The pro-lines controls provide the working photographer much easier and quicker control of function and offer some welcomed new functions as compared to the consumer models. Is this improved functionality worth the price? That depends upon the user’s needs. How do you find out if it is better for your needs? Go to real camera dealer and spend some time with the camera and manual. You can do that at a camera store but not at Best-Buy. Shoot a card of captures carry them home for review. Support Your Camera Store we need them.

For me there are downsides to the 5d. Much of my photography requires longer lenses. I found myself faced with the dilemma of buying longer glass or cropping the images. As most of my clients want the whole image to protect against image tampering, cropping was not an option. The best option was to buy a reduced sensor size 30d as a second camera. I now find my image count is over 100 to 1, 30d over 5d. Another downside of the 5d is the quality of glass needed. With 50 percent more pixels you better have 50 percent better glass to utilize those extra pixels. Why do you think Canon ships an “L” lens as a kit lens?

PS: I am a part time photojournalist for a small town newspaper.

I agree with Ramon, I dare not delete any file from the camera base on the LCD except that those really unacceptable exposure. I either carry couple CF card for back up or bring along the Epson P200 (sorry that was the first generation and a bit older)