I got it yesterday and tried it today all afternoon :)

Why the 30D?
It is the least expensive digital SLR with 5 frames per second, which is something I really needed with all the action photos I take (flying birds mostly).
The shutter should last for 100,000 cycles (most are given for 50,000).
It is listed on Canon cash back so with the rebate it is about 900 euros (starting price was around 1500 euros).
The autofocus on the Canon 350D is not great.

What I like:
It is probably the best digital SLR I have so far.
I like the fact the ISO can now be adjusted in 1/3-step increments (it wasn't the case on the 350D, but it was the case on the Nikon D70).
Build quality is good but the D70 seems more solid for some parts in plastic.
5 frames/second is very nice. I am always in continuous mode and it seems endless.
Nice viewfinder where I can see the ISO. Something that is missing on the D40, D70 and 350D.
Autofocus is fast when using the central point anyway.
Large 2.5" LCD display but the D40's LCD is better.
Unique folder for downloading the photos instead of the folders limited to 100 photos each on the 350D.

What I do not like:
You need two hands to start the camera and for some other settings! There is no way to use it with gloves on.
No grid on demand on the viewfinder like on the D70.
The camera is larger than the D70 but the D70 is easier to handle because it is taller.
"Only" 8 megapixels: I was waiting for a 40D that didn't come, so the 30D will do the job in the meantime.
No anti dust system but it appears only Olympus has an efficient anti dust system so the lack of it isn't a problem.
No protection of the LCD like on the D70.
You hear the camera well when taking photos... Not exactly a silent camera.

I haven't tried it in high ISO yet but it is known to be excellent.

It's very exciting!!:D :D two new cameras!!!Canon 30D looks alike Canon 20D :)

I'm very interested in seeing how this camera performs for you Olly. When I was shopping around I almost got the 30D, but opted for the 400D instead because of the extras I got for such a great price. So far I've been very happy with the 400D, but I haven't really 'tested' it yet. :)

Wow new cameras all around! New toys are great :D

What are you going to do with the 350D and D70 now? Must have a big house to keep all your cameras in :p

I haven't tried it again because of lack of time and the not so great weather for the moment.
I hesitated a lot between the 30D and the 400D which offers an excellent value for money. I do not really regret the dust cleaner system because according to several tests it appears it doesn't clean well but I do regret the 10 megapixels especially for cropping/resizing photos. The autofocus is the same as on the 30D.
The main factors in favour of the 30D were the 5 frames/seconds and the shutter speed of 1/8000 second.

As for the "old cameras", no big house to keep them, I live in only 35 square metres in London :eek:

The 350D will still be used :) It is compact, easy to carry and it is silent. I am very pleased with the photos it takes. My complaint is only about the autofocus that's bad on action shots, the other defaults are minor.

The D70 might retire. It is starting to be very slow. For example it is supposed to take 3 frames/sec but it is more like 1 photo per second in continuous mode. With 52,000 photos taken, it is over the shutter life (50,000 cycles). There is also a little delay when I take a photo. It wasn't the case when it was new.
I still love it, it is my first digital SLR :D

The D40 might go to my parents as my father is interested by a SLR and the D40 is very good for new SLR users. If it is the case, I don't know what I would buy to keep using the Nikon fit lenses. Maybe the D80, maybe the D200 but then I eat pasta until June...
It is expensive to use two camera brands, I wish there was a standard. I have more Canon fit lenses than Nikon fit lenses but the Nikon fit lenses are good (Sigma 70-200 f2.8 and Sigma 10-20). It is hard not to use them!

As 400D owners, don't forget to update your firmware if needed ;)
http://www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/eosdigital3/e4kr3_firmware-e.html

Olly, if you want I can get my address to you and you can send the 30D my way so it doesn't get to rusty. We're having an incredible stretch of weather after we were flooded out just last week! I'm sure I can find something to take pictures. ;)

Maybe the D80, maybe the D200 but then I eat pasta until June...

LOL im about to buy a new lens so thats exactly how im feeling right now :eek:

Keep the new photos coming so we can see how the new cameras go :D

Olly, if you want I can get my address to you and you can send the 30D my way so it doesn't get to rusty. We're having an incredible stretch of weather after we were flooded out just last week! I'm sure I can find something to take pictures. ;)

Actually you should have got a Nikon as you take pictures on the seaside. Canon sucks with humidity as you can read here: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/aa-07-worked.shtml ;)
I take my chance with the rust in London :)