Used Canon EOS 30D DSLR

I ordered my Canon 30D camera body from Amazon through another vendor. When I opened the box I noticed the manuals' plastic bag was torn in the middle and the camera's mirror had dust spots. I was a bit worried about whether it was a returned item. However, I cleaned the dust away with my blow brush and have taken several hundred test shots.The camera works fine and I am happy that I have bought it. Initially, though, it was not my choice. Since I already owned several cameras and lenses of Canon, Nikon and Mamiya, I knew I would choose a DSLR camera body between a Canon and Nikon model so that I could use my old but great lenses. I was leaning using my Nikkor lenses, so after some research, I decided to buy Nikon D80--its large and bright view finder was a major attraction to me for I do like to take photos through the view finder rather than a live screen.But before I ordered it, I went to the stores to have a look at the camera. My impression of the Nikon D80 body was not good. It looked small and a bit cheap feeling. I just didn't like the design and the feeling of it while holding it. And it's not made in Japan. The Canon models are. Somehow I more trust in cameras that are made in Japan. But Canon Rebels are too small and light. Even though I have rather small hands, I still like a more solid and a bit more weighty camera body. The newly launched Canon 40D looked nice, but I wasn't inclined to buy a camera that's just come to the market. So, leaving the stores it seemed I still didn't have a camera to buy. After I did a bit more research, I found Canon 30D was right for me, so without actually seeing the actual camera, which was not available at the stores, I ordered it believing a predecessor of 40D must also be made in Japan. And it is. It looks and works great with its well designed features.Ever since I moved three years ago, I have lost the access to the great darkrooms of a college where I enrolled in a darkroom class for five years just to use the facilities--I had such an incredible time processing, printing and enlarging my own color and b&w photographs that when the digital wave came I was rather skeptical and considered using computers and printers was rather mechanical and not romantic or artistic at all, but I guess that prejudice has left me now and with Canon 30D, I found my passion for photo making has come back to me, it's great fun to switch between color and b&w using one camera, and it is no less fun to crop and alter contrast to instantly create impressive pictures. One suggestion, for general color photography, avoid shooting in the sunlight, always using the open shadow or shooting in a cloudy day. That way you don't need a hood, even with a hood, you won't get the best colors in the sun. And I don't like to use filters either. But I highly recommend Canon 30D, it's not the most "professional" camera, but an ultra expensive camera doesn't mean it will bring you great photos, which can only be got through good eyes and some impromptu moments, and of course, practice. Have fun!

Ok, I cheated...But this camera really is AMAZING! I hummed-n-hawed for quite a while before I pulled the trigger. Well...I think I just retired my Nikon F4s...and I LOVE that camera!It got to me just before my son's performance in "A Midsummer Nights Dream." This is not my first digicam but I have NEVER, NEVER, EVER taken one to use at such an event. They rarely (read: never) ever seem to handle low light and I've NEVER had a usable image from the stage. With all the good things I read about the 30D I took a BIG chance and took it to the play...and it only. I snapped 70-odd shots and was amazed at how well they all turned out. The cast has been thrilled. They hired a photographer but he only shot "set" photos/portraits...nothing while the play was going. Simply amazing.The next weekend I took it out and ran it through its paces. I can't get over how many "keepers" I had. And the level of control is nothing short of stunning. I'm a control freak when it comes to photography...and the 30D has it in spades.All in all, I don't think there is a better camera in its class. I'd even go so far as to say that I prefer it over the 5D! (Which is why I got it in the first place.) You really have to go out of your way to get more...1Ds Mark II anyone..?For the record, the lenses I purchased have been pretty sweet as well. I got the EF-S 10-22...if it weren't for the "S" it would probably be an "L" lens for sure. I also picked up an EF 24-70 2.8L as my main lens. That's what I shot the play with. Great lens that one. Lastly I grabbed an EF 70-200 2.8L and what a beauty that is.I agree will a previous post...even if you have to eat ramen for a month: Go for it! Best money I've spent in quite a while.

The LCD screen did not work

Love this camera. I'm an intermediate photographer, it works well for me. I bought it after reading tons and tons of reviews and I'm glad I did. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles that newer models come with, but as an introduction to DSLRs, it's a great camera for the price.