Canon G1 (stepping stone?)

[Shannon Baldwin]

I'm slowly transitioning to digital. However, since I expect it to take me several months to become familiar enough with capture, manipulation, output, etc. to use digital solely, I've decided to hold off on buying a new D30. I thought I might purchase the Canon G1 (1/3 the cost) in the meantime as a learning tool, then buy the D30 when I can truly justify the cost.

Is there anyone here with the knowledge, experience, foresight that would recommend another camera, strategy, or otherwise? The G1 is 3.4 megapixel, has several auto features, manual mode, hot shoe, blah, blah. I think it will allow me to do everything I need to do from studio to location work, but at a fraction of the cost of the D30. Then, once I'm completely confident witht this new meduim, I'll urgrade to the d30 or better?? Thoughts? Expert opinions?

Thanks for any guidance you offer.

[Ron]

Sounds like a good way to waste a grand and time. If you think you're gonna go digital - then do it.

If you're a pro, you'll find 3k pretty cheap for a camera. (I bought my D30 as a personal toy - never planned to use it in the studio, but have amazed myself when I was forced to do so.)
You can play with a toy - or you can get a pro level tool and learn to use it in a pro level enviornment. Get a D30, S1 or D1.

[Andrew_Grant]

I would have to agree with Ron. The D30 is cheap at three times the price of the G1.

[Ted_Mishima]

I got my D30 for $2130 delivered to my door the nest day, last week. It is a grey market camera, but I have no problems with that. I had existing Canon glass, so it wasn't such a big crunch. I bought more memory also and so far have spent about $2300. I know that is a far cry from the G1, but I would really start off the the D30. I have a Nikon 990 that will either be sold or sit in my bag as a back up. The clumsy menu design and basic working operations drove me insane.

Good luck in your decision.

Ted Mishima
http://www.mishimaphotography.com

[JackSimpson]

Thanks Ted,
Finally there is someone other than myself
with the same feelings about the 990.
Regards,
Jack

[Shannon Baldwin]

I suppose my greatest concern is not really the money, but the fact that it might take several months to "ramp up" before I fully utilize the D30 for profit. This being the case, I thought the D30 might be a "waste". Thanks for the feedback.

[Ron]

Learn the G1 in a few weeks, then when you want to make a profit, get the D30 and you'll then need additional weeks/months to ramp up (learn all over again) with it.

Skip the stepping stones, save the wasted money and do it right.