In my ongoing camera researching quest I have run across a bit of a puzzler. I was at dpreview doing that really cool side by side comparison thing. On one side I had the 30D and on the other the Rebel XTi. It seemed to me that the XTi had more features (higher megalpixel rating, the dust thing etc.) and was lighter besides.

Yet if one were to take price as a measure of quality, the 30D should be superior. Does anyone here have any comments?

P.S. I'm hearing rumors of a 40D in a few months. Anyone here have the inside track on that?

Canon viewed the 30D as an interim model to extend the 20D's lifespan, and yes, in many respects, the new Rebel has it beat. If a replacement model - whatever it is called - doesnt appear at the PMA show in a couple of weeks, most likely it wont be until the fall before it sees the light of day.

I can always rely on you, Phil. Thanks.

Canon's product lifecycle is usually a minimum of 18 months which whould make the fall/pre christmas launch more likely but then again Canon are prone to confusing and annoying market launches too so who can say :-)

Are you open to other brands, or pretty much settling on canon?

I think he's already tied in Noah - on the upgrade path/money pit.

That's not very kind. I haven't had a hobby that interested me in a long time. I simply want to work with the best I can afford. If I wanted to climb in a money pit I'd buy a 1D Mark II or III. As for your question noah, Canon just seems to have the best reputation. Also, I'm used to how things work on my 10D. I guess I'm just into brand loyalty. :-)

Gerald, on this one particular point (not overall) I'd advise you not to be offended by Phil's comment on the "money pit"...I happen to know that's his opinion on the matter. get PO'd at him for something else, and you'll probably be right then...

*waves* hi Phil

true :-)

Gerald - I meant the money pit as in digi photography in general as once you start spending it seams like a bottomless pit - the tied in bit is because I already knew you had a Canon and presumably Canon fit accessories :-)

I'm a loyal Nikon dude....anyways....Have you looked into the Pentax's (K100D?) --> i think their weather resistant and also have that sensor cleaning. I believe it is in the same price range as the Rebel?

Anyways, you're upgrading from a 6mp camera to a 10mpish? I'd wait another year or so for a new camera, but that's me.

Anyways (again), what about a new lens (fast, telephoto) instead? I think the lenses are 10x more important that a 4mp upgrade.

I think the Pentax would be more of a sideways step Noah. You're right to suggest skipping the 10MP cams though - most reviews you read on them regardless of manufacturer seam to hint at them being rubbish. or at the very least no better than the 8MP ones they were supposed to replace.

Sorry Phil. I guess I'm a little oversensitive today. Bad day. Got kicked. As to you Noah, I'm in no hurry. I'm just looking around right now. I'm almost certainly not buying till the end of the year. I have to recover from my vacation expenses first. :-)

When I grow up, I'm going to be cheap so i can buy a good camera and lenses...in other words, i won't get married. :-D lol.

...that had nothing to do with your last comment, but i just had to say it.

the marriage bit is the relatively inexpensive part - it's the subsequent/inevitable divorce part that's the kicker. but I digress.

lol @ Phil.........;=)