[Rexaviennatutr]

What's this camera like compared to the D300. I know it's older and lower spec on paper, but looking at some sample images I think I prefer the pictures the D30 takes

and they are a lot cheaper than the D300

Take a look

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D30/D30PICS.HTM

vs

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/SD300/SD3PICS.HTM

Edit : Actualy some shots look better, some worse. Overall the D30 images look softer

[KhJOHbTM]

Looking at the quality and sharpness of those samples images (for both cameras) - I think a modern compact digital could probably do better!

[Maribellin]

depends what you want out of a camera. If you only want point & shoot, then go for a digital compact, for you want the choice of a wide range of lenses, go for a Dslr.
The canon D30 was a good Dslr in it's day, but is fairly ancient in Dslr terms.

Not being a canon user, but knowing someone who uses both a Canon 300D, and 350D, if you want a Dslr, spend the extra, and go for either a 300D, or 350D. They will be alot faster, better autofoucus, have longer battery life than the D30

canon 300D review . . . . . . . . canon 350D review

The technology is moving so fast atm there is no point in buying a 6 year old Dslr.

my 2¢

btw the D30 images will look softer because of the lower pixel count.

[Edifsdubs]

I get images from the D30 and 1D from photographers all the time to use in my design work. There are many $300 pocket cameras that can give a better image. The quality of the optics and electronics is great but the image sensor pixel count is way to low to be competative today. I think its just the fact that the camera cost $2000 in its day and people want to feel that its still superior. With film cameras that worked, not digital.

If you looked at a full size image from the D30 and a 350D you would see a world of difference. The D30 and 1D still take great photos but the softness is due to the low pixel count. The good news is that noise is very low. If you are going to use it for anyhting larger than 3x5s a newer camera would be better. The 350D image was downsized to the same resolution as the full size 1D image.

1D which is better than the D30:


350D