Ah, well, I've done it now......

[Samurai Jack]

...

About six months ago I sold my Canon 300D to a friend (he was desperate to use it for a project) and started to look for a new camera. At the time the 20D was my favourite choice, but I waited and started to think that, in reality, I may probably never actually need such a capable piece of kit.

I've toyed with a few camera of all types over the months, and had started to think I should be sensible and limit my budget to around £500. My decision came down to another Canon dSLR (350D) or Sony R1 ...I know, very different cameras, but both very capable of producing good landscape and architecture shots.

So today I went to the local camera shop near my work to compare them...

The R1 is a great all in one package, but comparing to the 350D, the Canon felt more 'natural' to me; the dSLR paradigm is the one I am comfortable with.

Now the shop also had that new Sigma 17-70 Macro lens, so I gave it a try....much better than kit lens, but this lighlighted a problem....the smaller size of the 350D (in comparison with my old 300D) felt strange and a little uncomfortable ( and I don't have big hands), although with battery grip this was much better. Of course the grip would add extra to the cost. My eyes slid accross to the 30D...I had played with one of these around 3 months ago and found it to be really nice in hand.

I tried the 30D with the 17-70 Sigma and it felt just right ,....my mind was racing....how could I justify it.....but how could I ever be happy without it.

So, to cut this long story short...I got the 30D and Sigma 17-70....much more that I was intending to spend today, but it is within the budget I was thinking of when I sold my 300D (well that's what I'll tell my girlfriend).

....I've just got to actually produce some decent pictures now ....I'll keep you posted on this combo.

 

[Samurai Jack]

So you listened to the wandering eye whilst shopping?

hehe a bit yes, but I had already tried a 30D and ultimately knew it was what I really wanted (though needing is another matter). Having the ability to try all 3 of the cameras together really showed that going for a compromise now, and getting a 30D (or it's replacement) sometime next year would not really have worked for me. If a tool feels right from the off, then it is more likely to get use, and I find the 30D feels right and I can navigate round it fairly well without using the manual (for basic use anyway). If I'd have got the R1 or 350D, I would quickly have ended up thinking that I should have spent the extra and get what I knew was right (well that's how I justify it to myself).

I've just had a quick play with the Sigma 17-70 and it seems to be a nice lens...a bit noisy on auto focus in comparison with the Canon USMs (no surprise there) but quick enough. A definate major step up from the kit lens. I'll try and take it out tomorrow and get some shots.