My Stint with the Canon EOS-350D. (Warning: Long)

[ditoy_eagle]

I would like to thank Canon Marketing for letting me demo the 350D the weekend before its official launch last Thursday, April 7. I was able to use it at a flag football game one Saturday morning, a wedding that same evening, and again the next afternoon at Gymboree. As I am a virtual newbie at photography, this piece will focus mainly on the 350D’s benefits to an enthusiast like me.

For more detailed technical reviews and test shots, these releases will be most useful:
DPreview
Luminous Landscape
Steve's Digicams
Hardwarezone
Whichlens

First, a bit of personal history. I’ve actually only been using Digital SLRs for 6 months. It all started out in October with my wife’s black Canon 300D which I ended up using more than she did. It was when I first realized that DSLRs truly have far better image quality, allow more control and instantaneous shutter response, provide expandability options (lenses, grips, external flashes, etc)-- definitely a far cry from point and shoot or pro-sumer cameras.

In the course of my DSLR experimenting, I found the 300D’s body too light and plasticky. There was even a time when it was drizzling and I didn’t dare bring out and risk the 300D for fear of damaging it. Eventually after squeezing some savings, I chanced upon a good second hand Canon EOS-10D deal bundled with some lenses. The 10D had better build and balance. Coupled with an affordable Sigma 70-300 APO Macro II, I used it for shooting flagfootball games (www.pffl.ph) and discovered that the 10D could track action competently, a feat never achieved by my other past digital cameras (Canon ProIS and Canon G5). The 300D stock firmware also didn’t have AI Servo focus mode—a 10D feature that allowed me to track moving subjects better.

Added general advantages of using a DSLR is that you can shoot with fast lenses and produce low noise images at high ISO levels. This makes low-light and indoor photography possible. When the 20D came out, reviews showed the magnificent low-noise images at ISO 1600-3200. Also, the 20D can shoot at 5 frames per second-- a big plus for sports photography. It has improved focusing with 9 AF points, also has ETTL-II technology for better flash exposures. These added benefits convinced me to give up the 10D for the upgrade last November. Am happy with it to this day :winkgrin:

So now enters the 350D. Using it during the weekend was a positive experience for me. Image quality to me was identical to the 20D at 8 megapixels. With the 300D or the 10D, I used to experience a lag when previewing an image after a shot. This is especially apparent when shooting in continuous mode. I didn’t feel this lag with the 350D. Images were written and displayed more quickly and start-up time was negligible thanks to its faster buffer. (Again, for more accurate data measurement, please refer to the review links above.)

You can view the pictures I took with the 350D in my flickr photo album:
Canon 350D Experience


When I shot the flagfootball game, I attached a Canon 70-200L f4 (my wife’s again!). This is absolutely the lightest white L lens combination. I just wish I already had the optional battery grip attached for better balance with the long zoom lens. The camera, although made of plastic, has a rougher finish that provides improved handling, definitely better built than the previous 300D.

Using the Sports preset mode gave very good results! I was easily able to shoot 3 frames per second up to 14 frames and track action consistently using the AI Servo focus mode. There was one point in the game, however, while trailing a particular action sequence, I ended up with unfocused images. Couldn’t help but think that had I used my 20D, this may have been avoided. I guess the 350D simply just has to be allowed more time to focus.

In the late afternoon, I went to my team-mates’, Jason and Betina’s wedding in Tagaytay I mostly used the 18-55 kit lens. There was not much sunlight when I arrived. Still, the camera focused well and gave splendid results. The shutter was quiet and had a pleasing sound, didn’t disturb the wedding ceremony at all. During the night, flash exposures were also good thanks to the same ETTL-II technology found in the 20D. Then using my Canon 50mm, ISO 1600-f1.4 (forgot to set better aperture oops!), I photographed the couples beside me under the natural light. They loved the warm-looking shots. Changing settings was easy as the controls and buttons are so clearly laid out.

The following day was Gymboree day at Rockwell, Powerplant for the classes of my daughter Lexi. For the lightest indoor kit combo, I again used the 50mm lens with the 350D. All the shots were taken at ISO 1600-AV f2.8 and yet it produced low noise, high quality results. To make matters worse, my 19-month old daughter simply refuses to look at the camera when you want her to let alone give you a smile when you are ready to shoot. To increase my chances of capturing a golden moment, I shot in continuous mode. Focus was quick and always spot on. It was instant gratification seeing I was able to actually yield a lot of keepers.

The question now is- should you buy one?

If you are never content with your point and shoot camera’s performance, a DSLR is the answer and the 350D is the most affordable if you’re after Canon’s latest technology. Street value with kit lens is only P59,000. The previous 300D is the cheapest option as it now sells for only P45,000.

For the existing 300D user, the overall improvements of the 350D in terms of image quality, speed, responsiveness, handling and control make it a worthy upgrade. I personally know 3 people who currently upgraded just this weekend.

For an advanced enthusiast or professional, the 350D is a perfect second camera. Its small size and light weight make it a good travel and walk-around camera. Image quality is very much comparable to any other higher end DSLRs.

[McArenas]

Galing ng mga shots mo Sir Ditoy!!! Ur not a newbie... u'r a SEMI-PRO !!!

[patmartires]

thanks to Ditoy I am able to share some pics too from my first shoot with my 350D:

http://www.pbase.com/patmartires/af3

[Eric]

Great review, Ditoy! What impressed me with the 350D is its compact size compared to the previous version and the affordable price. If I haven't invested in my D70 gear or am a complete newbie to DSLR's, I'd seriously consider this Canon.

[ditoy_eagle]

Galing Pat! Your photos truly show how good a 350D is, sulit nga. What lens were you using? Yan si Pat, one day after the launch pa lang bumili na ng 350D

[PowerPee]

Newbie at photography? eh kung newbie si Ditoy ako pala... nobie (walang K)... hee hee :laugh:

[patmartires]

Originally posted by ditoy_eagle
Galing Pat! Your photos truly show how good a 350D is, sulit nga. What lens were you using? Yan si Pat, one day after the launch pa lang bumili na ng 350D

thanks Ditoy!
used a 70-200 f4L for the tele shots and the kit lens for the wider angles..
its fast fast fast.. after coming from the 300D its hard to look back back back..

[freelancer]

Argh. Now I REALLY want one. Thanks for sharing the shots, Ditoy! Baka one day puede kang official Gymboree photographer, hehe. X-deal? X-deal? :laugh:

[jedazzy]

Hi Ditoy! Thanks for sharing your review. I find it very informative and direct. Now I am definitely convinced that i get a 350D. :yes:

Ever since i broke my nikon f65 (film slr), I started dreaming of owning a DSLR. Was thinking of getting a 2nd hand 300D at first. But getting a first hand feel of a 350D demo unit at Infomaxx was definitely heaven!

It's my commitment to myself that I get a 350D before my birthday.

[ditoy_eagle]

@freelancer- Sige game X-deal haha! Pero pag-bili mo na ng 350D syempre ikaw na dapat ang photographer

@jedazzy- Good to hear that it was helpful to you. You're right, heaven nga!