Need some advice/opinions...

[Mickey Fliers]

I will try to make a long story very short. My mother was a professional photographer in Orlando. She passed away last June. I am now "inheriting" her camera, lenses and lighting equipment. I am getting the Canon 30D. Not sure about the lenses. Nothing too large in focal range. I am currently shooting with a Nikon D40 w/18-55, 55-200, and a Sigma 30mm 1.4.

I guess I am just wondering if anyone has any experience with the 30D? Thoughts on this camera? Am I "better off" just sticking with my Nikon? I am excited to get my hands on the camera and also take a look at what she was using for glass. I am thinking at that point, I will have to come back for more recommendations on lenses.

Thoughts?

 

[ukcatfan]

The camera is definitely better than yours and the lenses are likely going to be better as well. The camera is in a class above yours. If I were you, I would sell your Nikon gear and go with the 30D.

 

[Frantasmic]

How professional was she? Not quality-wise but quantity-wise? While I agree with ukcatfan, if she took a great deal of pictures, you may deal with shutter life.

I hope she has at least a few of the L lens as well as the really good photography lens in the Canon line (85mm 1.8). So, depending on what your photographic intent is, I'd keep both cameras.

 

[Chikabowa]

Depending on the type of Canon glass you get, and if you feel comfortable with the Canon system, I would stick with that.

However, I would sell all your Nikon gear and the 30D (it's pretty old technology at this point) and upgrade to a 40D or a 50D with the profit you get from selling the old stuff. Assuming the lenses you get are quality, then that would be a great set up that would last you for a while.

 

[ukcatfan]

However, I would sell all your Nikon gear and the 30D (it's pretty old technology at this point) and upgrade to a 40D or a 50D with the profit you get from selling the old stuff. Assuming the lenses you get are quality, then that would be a great set up that would last you for a while.

I would first see what condition the 30D is in, how many shutter actuations, and if you are satisfied with it. While it is a couple generations old, it is no older than your D40 and more advanced to begin with. I do not see the need to upgrade just because.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

Okay...when I get the body, how do I figure out how many actuations? I have never bothered looking at my Nikon. She specialized in babies and children. She did some weddings. I would imagine that a lot of images have been snapped with that baby. Ideally, what kind of shutter life should a 30D have? My Nikon, while older technology, is only 1 year old. I am fairly certain that my Mom had been shooting with the 30D for about 3.5 years before she died. It has been sitting around unused and unloved since June 2008.

I am excited about getting the lighting, although I have NO idea how to use it.

 

[jann1033]

if you plan on getting into photography i'd probably keep the canon as well. i think( big think, haven't researched much) the more pro lenses for nikon cost even more than canon's. i probably would sell the nikon, get whatever lenses you want or upgrade the canon body. i am guessing she has some decent lenses as well since that camera would have been the latest when she got it
sorry about you losing your mom though.