Canon EOS 300D Digital SLR Camera [6MP] with EF18-55mm Lens

 

 

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I've been using this camera for 6 months and at a rough count have probably taken 2000 images. I've also bought a canon 28-105 usmII lens which I'm very pleased with. Previously i've used an Olympus OM10 with manual focus. A re kindled interest in photography and the ease of use of a digital, autofocus camera account for the prolific turnover of photos!
I would say the strengths of this camera are:
Potential for superb quality photos easily up to 15x10 print size. With the 18-55 lens supplied in the kit the camera is lightweight and ideal for varied everyday use, the lens being very unobtrusive. The TTL focus points are easy to use (though read up on the actual arrangement of the sensors. I've seen this in a review and it is useful information to know. Canon should show this in the manual) The autofocus system is fast and accurate 99% of the time. The ISO range is wide and even at 1600 gives very good results in low light with manageable shutter speeds. The white balance options allow for both accurate representations and more inventive representations (with limitations).It will also white balance bracket. For most occasions the evaluative metering system is accurate though trickier lighting situations do need either bracketing or centre weighted metering - both available on the camera. I find the best (quickest) way is a quick check on the screen and then exposure compensate and take more shots - very easy on this camera.
Although plastic, the camera body is tough and durable (and so far water resistant!) The very slow shutter speeds coupled with ISO100 are very useful. Battery life is OK so long as the LCD screen is not over used in the field. Buy a spare battery or two. There appear to be lots of other lens available. The std lens has a usefully wide angle capability at 18mm and I use this setting a lot. The instruction manual is actually very easy to use and understand.
I would say the weaknesses are:
The std 18-55 lens is not easy to manual focus as the focus ring is too narrow and the slightest touch will upset the focus in manual mode (not in auto mode). Also, being at the front, it is easy for your fingers to smear the lens whilst trying to focus or trying to find the focus ring whilst composing the picture. This presumably is the penalty for compactness and lightweight and as many other canon lens are available I find this an acceptable compromise on the std lens. My 28-105 lens is not like this and is excellent in this area by comparison (quieter in auto focus mode too) so horses for courses. The auto focus sometimes "hunts" in very low light or into very bright light so this is one occasion when you will need manual focus. The std lens is very good 99% of the time. I find I could use more flexibilty in white balance settings ie: individual temperature settings. Also direct access to spot metering is a must on this class of camera. Start up time is annoyingly slow though you get into the habit of switching on as soon as you feel a photo coming on! The switch itself is well designed and well placed. Manual selection of focus points is slightly tricky as the thumb button is too far to the right though practice will sort this!
Summary:
Very pleased with the capability of this camera and overall design also it's scope for accepting a wide range of other lens. I would certainly buy this camera again even with the benefit of hindsight. At the moment it is excellent value for money. Buy it.

Having been an 'oldish' pro and a Nikon user for over 25 years buying a Canon was a bit of a wrench. I've had the camera for around 3 weeks now and have been using it in full auto and in complete manual mode and have not been disappointed. I've even managed to hook up a Metz Flash 45 CL-4 and with some serious bracketing have had some very good results. I may be from the old school in wanting to have complete control over my camera including manual focus but the EOS 300D allows me to do this. I was using a Nikon 5700 but the delay between pressing the button and the camera actually firing meant that although I had seen the shot the camera didn't - the picture had gone. I've not had this problem with the EOS, so far it's been pretty good. Canon seem to have a winner on their hands here and if you do buy one make sure you pay the extra and get the lens too.

Just got my 300D and take a few shots and it is a excellent camera with superb image quality at the very good price. The only thing I would complant about is the fact it DOES NOT come with CF card, so you have to purchase this as well before you get try it out, apart from that it is excellent. If you are looking for a SLR digital camera and you are on a limited budget this is for you.

Well done Canon.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Canon EOS 300D
This camera is most suitable for my requirements and will improve my ability to take better photographs. Read more

Published 6 months ago by William Stewart

5.0 out of 5 stars Canon 300D
Product was shipped quickly and arrived in excellent condition. Camera works perfectly well and is in very good condition. I would use this seller again without hesitation

Published 6 months ago by Jim

2.0 out of 5 stars not for windows 7 users (yet)
The camera itself is superb as everyone says, however, when I recently upgraded to windows 7 I discovered that the driver was not compatible and Canon are not issuing an upgrade... Read more

Published on 24 Jan 2010 by veelund

5.0 out of 5 stars Canon EOS300D DigSLR from Cameras-4-u
I've bought from many places in the past, but Cameras-4-u are simply the best. After an initial aberrant choice, I decided to take up an offer of an exchange. Read more

Published on 18 July 2009 by Dr, Shibley Rahman

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic entry-level Digital SLR Camera
I've had a 300D for over two years and it is a fantastic bit of kit. Very flexible, an excellent 18-55mm lens, and great quality pictures. Read more

Published on 20 July 2007 by Mr. P. HAIGH

4.0 out of 5 stars 300d
Have had this camera since it came out, overall its good. I have 2 major issues with this camera though. Read more

Published on 11 Sep 2005 by a1exhall

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb camera
I waited over two years to take the step to digital, carefully comparing reviews and prices on all manufacturers and specifications. Read more

Published on 18 May 2005 by E Griffith

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Camera, but beware older lenses anyone still got them
As everyone has already posted, this is a fantastic camera and I bought it, after using digital compacts (Olympus C40 and 720), to make use of the EOS lenses I had from my film... Read more

Published on 4 May 2005 by Dr. Andrew Kennaugh

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly brilliant camera
I ordered this camera, and about a week later got it. The booklet is easy to get through, the software is easy to load, the whole process is really good. Read more

Published on 2 April 2005 by Mr. A. H. Spence

5.0 out of 5 stars What a camera.
Wow, I've been playing this for a day now since it arrived and I am awestruck.

The Camera itself offers various degrees of automation stretching between making it a... Read more

Published on 2 April 2005 by Matthew Duncan

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