Unhappy with 300D... what to do?

[ScottMcLeod]

I'm unhappy with my 300D.

After 9 months, and about 15,000-18,000 actuations, the camera's AF mirror and spring mechanism on the AF mirror have failed... (and a dead pixel on the sensor...).

It's going in for warranty this week, and will get a complete overhaul and a slew of new parts.

I'm thinking of moving up to the 350D, and wondering who else has done this move.

I've also considered the 10D, but the lack of onboard (digic2) noise reduction make me cringe for low light work, and the lack of E-TTL-2 would make my new Sigma 500 DG Super less useful.

The upside would be that I don't have to get new batteries.

My Current kit is:
Silver 300D
18-55
BG-E1
800mAh battery (canon)
1100mAh battery (canon)
1400mAh battery (aftermarket) x2

How much (do you think) would this be worth after it comes back with a new mirror, new shutter, and new image sensor?

Also, since I get most of my gear from the US, can anyone source me a good deal on:
Black 350D (body only wouldn't bother me too much...)
BG-E3 Grip
3 extra batteries

Or anything I might've overlooked?

[Red Bull]

Have you considered the 20D? The XT is basically a (much) smaller 20D with some functions turned off, I believe. I'm sure you would love the XT, but the small grip makes it hard to hold, just something to think about.

Good luck with your upgrade. Whether you get the XT or the 20D, you will be happy.

[mrcoons]

My wife has a 300D and I have a 350D and I much prefer the XT size wise. I have average size hands and find that it fits me very well. Check one out where you can hold it and see how it works for you and the same for the 20D.

[ScottMcLeod]

I'm starting to lean towards the 10D because I need a more durable internal mechanism, because i'm fairly snappy...

[mereimage]

I'm starting to lean towards the 10D because I need a more durable internal mechanism, because i'm fairly snappy...

!0d has a nice chip but if you do any action photograpy you will be frustrated , noise isn't so much a problem if you get good NR software(I'm a big fan of Noise Ninja)---If I was you I'd look for a good used 20D--A much better camera all round......jm2cw...............Mereimage

[capitolK]

I don't want to get your hopes up, but I recently sent my 300D into Canon for service (through Henry's, where I bought it).

It was in for 2 months (luckily I got a loaner) and finally they said "we can't fix it and we have no more 300D bodies left" so I got to the service counter at Henry's and they had a brand new 350D in the box for me.

Like I said, don't get your hopes up, but if it's in warranty you might get a free upgrade.