Muffling 20D Shutter Noise?

[SYS]

Is there ANY WAY to reduce or muffle the shutter noise generated by 20D? I know that other forum members have complained about this issue, but I haven't seen anyone mentioning a way to reduce the noise.

In most cases, especially when shooting outdoors, the noise isn't an issue for me. But I use my 20D quite frequently at my boys' violin, piano and other school performances held indoors, and it's becoming a big issue for me as I have people staring at me with not so pleasant look on their faces. I tried to stay as far away as possible from the audience with my 70-200m lens, but even then the noise generated by 20D is loud enough to catch people's irritated attention. I'm telling ya, 20D is really bad when shooting classical music performances, except perhaps during Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture when canon balls are flying.

So any suggestions for muffling the shutter noise out there?

[Andrew Khan]

Hell, I think the 350D is much louder than the 20D's shutter, it's also much more high pitched. I have had this problem when shooting indoors as well!

[BurningArrow]

Is it the shutter or the mirror ..... ?

[Andrew Khan]

In general terms a lot of people use the term 'shutter'. They are actually reffering to "The mirror slapping" against the camera. Lots of people I know say "mirror slap".

[ijohnson]

Seems strange that such a small mirror would be so loud. The 10d was rather quiet. The 5d with its huge mirror produces a much less obtrusive noise than the 300-350 or 20. Considering how wonderful the 10d's shutter sound was, it is really annoying that Canon downgraded that part of the camera. I wonder if you could just buy a better foam or something. This has me very curious.

Solution: ;) Put a piece of gum above the mirror. The first mirror sound will be very quiet and all subsequent ones will be non-existent. This will also result in an inability to see though the viewfinder and an expensive Canon repair bill. It does solve one problem however.;)

[lost]

Seems strange that such a small mirror would be so loud. The 10d was rather quiet. The 5d with its huge mirror produces a much less obtrusive noise than the 300-350 or 20.

I think it has more to do with the 5fps of the 20d. The mirror has to move a LOT faster to get out of the way. The 1DmkII at 8fps sound like a machine gun and is louder than a 20d.

[ijohnson]

That would explain it.

They should use that super-bounce ball material. It would be soft and quiet and bounce the mirror right back in to place.

You heard it here first.

[Choderboy]

I regularly scare animals with my 20D mirror from a suprisingly large distance.
I use burst usually , as I now I'm probably going to spook them.

Best way to manage the problem is to shoot a few frames while you are stalking up or waiting for the right moment - hopedully whatever animal it is will get used to the sound. That's for animals of course. Other scenarios not so easy.

[EXA1a]

Leica M

[Lord_Malone]

Is there ANY WAY to reduce or muffle the shutter noise generated by 20D?

No, there isn't. Now that should prompt some of you smart engineer types out there to develop, patent and market a solution. ;)

[jjonsalt]

smother with pillow

[Brownie]

@ EXA1a

Leica?... Leica?? Oh yes! That camera manufacturer where they are still trying hard to figure out how to keep themselves from going bankrupt, because - in all their glorious self-esteem - they were completely ignoring the digital era untill recently >:->

Too little, too late I guess :-)

[mson]

Before I got my 20D I was really concerned about the shutter noise. Now that I have used it, I don't think it's *that* loud. Are you shooting A LOT? I could understand if you were constantly bursting 5-10 shots, that would get annoying. Be as courteous as possible when shooting, but any SLR is going to be somewhat loud. They are just jealous because they have a crappy P&S! :)

[Brownie]

To be honest, I had to swallow too when I first used my 20D. If I'm at a concert I usually take 2-3 shots one after another just to study the reaction of the people around me. If I see too many of them looking into my direction I switch to my 10D.

@mson
Why are you saying that 'any SLR is going to be somewhat loud'? Have you ever heard - or maybe I should say 'not heard' - the noise of the (analog) EOS RT or EOS 1N RS?? Cameras with a fixed semi-transparent pellicle mirror. I'm waiting for Canon to introduce that on a digital body. You loose 2/3 stop, but given the high quality their digital bodies deliver at high ISO settings, it shouldn't be a problem in most cases.

[jlacoy82]

I dont know about you guys, but I find the sound very satisfying. :D

[Lord_Malone]

They are just jealous because they have a crappy P&S! :)

Or a disposable. ;)

[mson]

@mson
Why are you saying that 'any SLR is going to be somewhat loud'? Have you ever heard - or maybe I should say 'not heard' - the noise of the (analog) EOS RT or EOS 1N RS?? Cameras with a fixed semi-transparent pellicle mirror. I'm waiting for Canon to introduce that on a digital body. You loose 2/3 stop, but given the high quality their digital bodies deliver at high ISO settings, it shouldn't be a problem in most cases.

No, I have not heard the EOS RT or 1N RS. My point was compared with most other SLRs I don't think the 20D is that much louder. Is it louder? Yes. Honestly, I think it's quieter than my old 300D but I don't have them side by side to compare so I could be wrong.

[adas]

The mirror slap noise is related to the shortened mirror blackout time, not the 5fps. You can easily wave your hand at 5fps without making any noise.

[Andrew Khan]

I am very dissatisfied and unhappy with the mirrorslap/noise of it on the 350D....

[SYS]

Before I got my 20D I was really concerned about the shutter noise. Now that I have used it, I don't think it's *that* loud. Are you shooting A LOT? I could understand if you were constantly bursting 5-10 shots, that would get annoying. Be as courteous as possible when shooting, but any SLR is going to be somewhat loud. They are just jealous because they have a crappy P&S! :)

As a pretty shy person, I'm one of those very sensitive to other people's reactions to what I'm doing. The actual number I shoot, for instance, is determined by how others react. In a rock concert, this is obviously no issue. But in a relatively very quiet classical concert atmosphere, where the events are held in places like school gymnasium, theatre or inside a church, 20D is LOUD enough to make people's head turn although I'm standing at the very end of the room away from the audience. I became extremely uncomfortable and self-conscious in my last three events that I'm now even considering changing my camera to a quieter one, as I realize these are the sort of events that I'm going to do a lot more shootings in the future. In my latest shooting yesterday during my boys' piano recital at a church, the noise was so bad that I thought the program director was going to kick me out. I ended up taking only two pictures each for my two boys, and a couple of photos of the judges when people are clapping their hands after some kids' performance.

Even my wife, who does the videotaping with the camcorder at these events, warned me twice in a row that I need to do something about the noise. So I'm at least in pretty good shape for upgrading the body if I can find a quieter replacement, as she'll lean towards approval.

[Andrew Khan]

I was at a friend of mines concert a while back, and some persoon was photographing with a canon P&S and some bitch turned around at them, snarled and gave them a dirty glare.

[Lord_Malone]

I was at a friend of mines concert a while back, and some persoon was photographing with a canon P&S and some bitch turned around at them, snarled and gave them a dirty glare.

I would've snarled back and kept taking pictures. I paid for me ticket too!

[arvin.07]

i like the sound of the 20d, so much more than the xt shutter... it sounds like a gear is whirring or something. reminds me of those old SLR film types that take the shot the slowly advance the film.. grr.......

[mikeivan]

My 20D is quieter than my old Elan IIE but still pretty loud, especially in Burst Mode. Is the 30D an improvement in this regard?

[SYS]

Is the 30D an improvement in this regard?

I've been waiting for new owners of 30D to report on this feature specifically.

[ijohnson]

I bet a dollar the 30d is quieter. The top of the camera looks more like the 10d and not so glued on like the 20d. I think a lot of the sound is just poor construction, like the 300d.

Any takers?

[ACDCROCKS]

I think you guys are being too picky, I don't think the shutter is too loud. ANd if you at a concert, you shouldn't be able to hear it becasue of the instrumnets, singing etc. Just my opinon. And if your out on a nature shoot jsut bring a tape recording of birds or somthing. SLRS will always make a a noise. If your mad becasue of the noise use a p&S, then you'll complain thats it slow, it's slow becasue it dosen't have a shuter. The shutter needs to move quickly which makes noise....etc etc...etc..

[defordphoto]

The train of thought just passed you by ACDC. ;)

Shoot church wedding. Shoot an acoustical music session. A 20D/MKII, hell even the 10D sounds like an atomic blast going off.

[mson]

As a pretty shy person, I'm one of those very sensitive to other people's reactions to what I'm doing.

This might be part of your problem... I've been pretty shy in the past, so I know how you feel. One thing to remember is, you probably think it's a bigger deal than it really is. Maybe people notice the sound and look to see what kind of camera you have? Or maybe they think you are a pro and wonder why you are taking photos of their kids? OR, maybe they wonder why you are lurking in the back of the gym with a huge lens? :D Since I am not there I have no idea how distracting it really is but your kids are performing and are just as important as everyone else. You have every right to take shots of them! I can't imagine the shutter noise in a gym with music playing is THAT loud. Maybe take the majority of your shots during the loud portions?

[BottomBracket]

I think you guys are being too picky, I don't think the shutter is too loud. ANd if you at a concert, you shouldn't be able to hear it becasue of the instrumnets, singing etc. Just my opinon. And if your out on a nature shoot jsut bring a tape recording of birds or somthing. SLRS will always make a a noise. If your mad becasue of the noise use a p&S, then you'll complain thats it slow, it's slow becasue it dosen't have a shuter. The shutter needs to move quickly which makes noise....etc etc...etc..

Too picky? It hurts the photographer when other people at the venue get distracted by the noise. Try shooting it in events where there is relative quiet and see if you don't get kicked out by making too much noise.

That said, isn't there some company that makes a neoprene 'armor' for a dSLR body that might dampen the sound a bit?

[ACDCROCKS]

The train of thought just passed you by ACDC. ;)

Shoot church wedding. Shoot an acoustical music session. A 20D/MKII, hell even the 10D sounds like an atomic blast going off.
true, but if the couple is paying you like $6,000 to do their wedding what do you say " well the shutter was too loud and I didn't want to disrupt?" If I was getting paid, I wouldn't care what people thought, as long as I get the job done lol

[defordphoto]

true, but if the couple is paying you like $6,000 to do their wedding what do you say " well the shutter was too loud and I didn't want to disrupt?" If I was getting paid, I wouldn't care what people thought, as long as I get the job done lol

Interesting way to think of your customers... :rolleyes:

[Amorous]

I have two suggestion.

Wear sun glasses when you shoot, and try not to look at people.
Buy (or rent) a 300mm f/2.8L or 400mm f/2.8L, go to very back of the auditorium or gym and shoot.

[Curtis N]

I would've snarled back and kept taking pictures. I paid for me ticket too!When we attend any sort of performance, there is an expectation among civilized people that we try not to interfere with other audience members' enjoyment of the performance.

Think of the old Ann Landers rule of thumb if you must. What if everyone else in the audience did the same thing? If every parent had a 20D (or any SLR), snapping away at their kids, it would be difficult for anyone to enjoy the concert. At professional concerts and plays, all photography is generally prohibited. They may cite copyright issues to justify it, but the real reason for it is that people taking pictures at such events can be downright annoying.

There is no easy answer here. I applaud SYS for being mindful of how the noise his camera makes affects the people around him. SLR cameras simply aren't compatible with environments that require silence. We need to be mindful that our actions and attitudes as photographers will affect how the world views us and treats us all.

But perhaps there are some possible compromises. Shoot the dress rehearsal if there is one (I know most orchestras don't get into formal concert attire until the performance). Work with the director, who may really need some good performance shots. He/she may give you access to a tech booth in the back, or may arrange a special photo call.

If you must shoot during a concert, try to get as many shots as possible during applause. The rest of the time, relax and enjoy the music.

[ijohnson]

Use Mirror lock-up.

Cover the camera with your coat and bag, etc. Flip the mirror up. Take the camera out and shoot without being able to see through the viewfinder. Then tuck camera away again and repeat.

[superkully]

I agree with Curtiss - SLRs make a hateful sound when you're trying to hear something, second only to flashes going off.

I'd recommend getting yourself a second hand 70s era rangefinder. Something like a Yashica Electro / Canonet or Olympus R(S,C,D). I have Yashica and Olympus rangefinders and all you get from them is a 'shlick' (and they cost me less than £30!).

Staying digital I'd recommend a G(x) / Pro1. They have even queiter shutters (well my G5 does anyway) but they're terrible in low-light and you still have whirring when as it trys to find focus. If spending is an option, go to a shop and have a play with a Ricoh GRD, the only problem I can see is not being able to switch the LCD display off.

[Exit]

Use Mirror lock-up.

Cover the camera with your coat and bag, etc. Flip the mirror up. Take the camera out and shoot without being able to see through the viewfinder. Then tuck camera away again and repeat.

Ummm...the mirror slaps on the way down...so unless you want to be flipping the mirror up and down in your jacket that won't work ;)

[ACDCROCKS]

Interesting way to think of your customers... :rolleyes:
It beats being afraid of the noise of the shutter,

[superkully]

Ummm...the mirror slaps on the way down...so unless you want to be flipping the mirror up and down in your jacket that won't work ;)

Blu-tac the mirror in the up position!

[BottomBracket]

It beats being afraid of the noise of the shutter,

And you'll be known as the photographer who ruins the experience of everyone else at the event.

[defordphoto]

And you'll be known as the photographer who ruins the experience of everyone else at the event.

Nailed!

I went to a luthier gathering at Maryhill College in Portland a couple of years ago with my 10D, which is a pretty darn quiet shutter. They were playing their guitars in the campus church.

I stood way off against the wall from the audience and pulled off a few frames. OMG! I was like I shot 35 kids dead in the church. It was very, very loud. I quit shooting immediately and enjoyed the incredible music.

[am_pitbull_terrier]

I dont know about you guys, but I find the sound very satisfying. :D

I like it too. :D I guess if you were trying to do nature photos it could be a problem once in a while.

[defordphoto]

I like it too. :D I guess if you were trying to do nature photos it could be a problem once in a while.

Especially if shooting in a pack of pitbulls! ;)

[ACDCROCKS]

And you'll be known as the photographer who ruins the experience of everyone else at the event.
wait now/ So if one of your clients tells you to take pictures for them, you wont becasue of a "loud shutter"
? (this is a serious question, I'm kinda confused here) So say My boss tells me to take pictures at a musical event, do I say NO WILL NOT Take PICS Becasuethe sound of the shutter will ruin it for the rest of the people?

[jlacoy82]

Especially if shooting in a pack of pitbulls! ;)

Pitbulls absolutely abhorr the shutter slap of the 20D! :cool:

[jlacoy82]

wait now/ So if one of your clients tells you to take pictures for them, you wont becasue of a "loud shutter"
? (this is a serious question, I'm kinda confused here) So say My boss tells me to take pictures at a musical event, do I say NO WILL NOT Take PICS Becasuethe sound of the shutter will ruin it for the rest of the people?

Perhaps what everyone is in need of is a blind......they can set up in a dark corner, hidden in their blind, and can shoot away 5fps without anyone ever spotting them! Sure, they'll be annoyed by the noise, but the beauty is, they'll have no idea where the noise is eminating from! :lol:

[BottomBracket]

wait now/ So if one of your clients tells you to take pictures for them, you wont becasue of a "loud shutter"
? (this is a serious question, I'm kinda confused here) So say My boss tells me to take pictures at a musical event, do I say NO WILL NOT Take PICS Becasuethe sound of the shutter will ruin it for the rest of the people?

What is there to be confused about? There are events where the loud slap is ok because it is drowned out by the ambient noise. But in some events, the slap is louder than the music or solemnity of the event, and it detracts from the event. In which case, it is highly undesirable. It has nothing to do with whether the photographer is fearless because he doesn't care about what others think about the loudness of his camera. It has all to do with respect for the artist and event and the spectators. The sooner you learn that, the better a photographer you will be.

If your boss tells you to take a picture of say, YoYo Ma, and you go there with a slap-happy dSLR which is louder than the cello's strains, guess what might happen.

[johnnybfan]

When I shoot at a high school orchestra concert, I usually take pics while they're playing fairly loud. Most people nearby don't even notice the sound. I've never gotten the "evil eye" from anyone around me.:)
Or maybe you can pack some kind of foam around the camera to deaden the sound.:confused:

[Dunnomuch]

OK this is a little OT, but i do have a 20D and i would be interested to hear if anyone has a DIY mod like some felt tape to stick in a certain part of the 20D to lower the noise of the mirror slap.

I recently bought an old 1D (classic) and it has the quiet shutter (Pfn 21 i think) and it's a really useful feature. i got my camera specifically for events and such because the smaller files are still incredible if you expose them well. those things can be had for pretty cheap these days, so if you're shooting paid work in a quiet venue, it could be worthwhile to move up to something that has this feature. i think the shutter opens and closes but the mirror is held open for as long as you're holding down the shutter button. so you can snap the shot, then move the camer into your bag, release the mirror, then bring up the camera agin for another quiet shot.. etc.

[Lord_Malone]

When we attend any sort of performance, there is an expectation among civilized people that we try not to interfere with other audience members' enjoyment of the performance.

Think of the old Ann Landers rule of thumb if you must. What if everyone else in the audience did the same thing? If every parent had a 20D (or any SLR), snapping away at their kids, it would be difficult for anyone to enjoy the concert. At professional concerts and plays, all photography is generally prohibited. They may cite copyright issues to justify it, but the real reason for it is that people taking pictures at such events can be downright annoying.

There is no easy answer here. I applaud SYS for being mindful of how the noise his camera makes affects the people around him. SLR cameras simply aren't compatible with environments that require silence. We need to be mindful that our actions and attitudes as photographers will affect how the world views us and treats us all.

But perhaps there are some possible compromises. Shoot the dress rehearsal if there is one (I know most orchestras don't get into formal concert attire until the performance). Work with the director, who may really need some good performance shots. He/she may give you access to a tech booth in the back, or may arrange a special photo call.

If you must shoot during a concert, try to get as many shots as possible during applause. The rest of the time, relax and enjoy the music.

I think you missed my point. First off, my reply was in defense of the guy who got "snarled" at. More than likely, I wouldn't have put myself in a situation like that to begin with. With that said, there's no reason for that woman to "snarl" at the photographer. A simple, polite request to not shoot next to her would've been more appropiate. In that case I would gladly oblige and apologize for disrupting her enjoyment. But if you cop an attitude with someone, you better be prepared to receive the same treatment back. Respect works both ways.

[dgcorner]

I agree -- respect works both ways. Shoot to the conditions. Be mindful of others' enjoyment of the concert. Shoot when the music reaches climax, or when applause erupts.

Oh, and the shutter noise -- we all just have to live with it unless we can all afford to buy a quieter model... or go back to a P&S that has a silent mode... which isn't actually a bad idea. With today's 8.2MP advanced P&S, one can get great pictures whilst letting everyone else enjoy the show.

[dcbeattie]

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/content_page.asp?cid=7-3408-3436
http://www.soundblimp.com
You could make one like the 2nd link. If you do a web search on still camera blimp you will find guidelines for Florida courtrooms. Much quieter than a concert.. No way around it, a slr is noisy. always were always will be.. Never seemed to have had any issues at Hendrix concerts though--------

[ijohnson]

Ummm...the mirror slaps on the way down...so unless you want to be flipping the mirror up and down in your jacket that won't work ;)

That was the plan.

Now you have to get really good at shooting with no viewfinder.

[MiG82]

ANd if you at a concert, you shouldn't be able to hear it becasue of the instrumnets, singing etc.

You've never been to a classical music concert have you? Unlike most other forms of music, the dynamic range is very large. There are many quiet bits.

[ACDCROCKS]

What is there to be confused about? There are events where the loud slap is ok because it is drowned out by the ambient noise. But in some events, the slap is louder than the music or solemnity of the event, and it detracts from the event. In which case, it is highly undesirable. It has nothing to do with whether the photographer is fearless because he doesn't care about what others think about the loudness of his camera. It has all to do with respect for the artist and event and the spectators. The sooner you learn that, the better a photographer you will be.

If your boss tells you to take a picture of say, YoYo Ma, and you go there with a slap-happy dSLR which is louder than the cello's strains, guess what might happen.People know that you cant help it becasue you didn't make the camera. You cant help it, either could anyone except canon. If it was such a big deal, canon would of have done somethhing or other photogrtapher make a voice and say something to Canon.

[sqjaw]

If any of you have used a canon F-1 then the EOS 20D is very quite, but to solve your problem !

one is get a long lens and leave the room:)

two have wife sew you up a sound jacket for the camera something like a raincoat for the camera and see if that helps

otherwise bear and grin it:D

good luck and happy shooting

[BottomBracket]

People know that you cant help it becasue you didn't make the camera. You cant help it, either could anyone except canon. If it was such a big deal, canon would of have done somethhing or other photogrtapher make a voice and say something to Canon.

Now that is just plain convoluted thinking. The sound of the 20d is perfectly acceptable in many situations, but there are instances when a quiet camera is not only desirable, but necessary to avoid distraction. You're assuming, for example in a classical concert, that people will understand and tolerate you when you start clicking away? It's clear that you haven't been to one.

[Jon]

Sound Blimp (http://www.soundblimp.com/Default.htm) if it's worth $800 to you. Otherwise, see if you can cobble up a reasonable facsimile from foam and glue.

[EXA1a]

SLRs, including DSLRs, employing a slapping mirror are simply not the right tools in such an environment! There's nothing more to say. Just use a different camera.
--Jens--

[arvin.07]

Sound Blimp (http://www.soundblimp.com/Default.htm) if it's worth $800 to you. Otherwise, see if you can cobble up a reasonable facsimile from foam and glue.

wow...... prettty, errmm.. interesting concept... sure no one will hear you... but they'll pretty damn well see a giant black box instead.... imagine what they'll think of you.... or of the box....

hehe:lol:

[Jon]

wow...... prettty, errmm.. interesting concept... sure no one will hear you... but they'll pretty damn well see a giant black box instead.... imagine what they'll think of you.... or of the box....

hehe:lol:It was developed for use on Hollywood sound stages,where they were shooting production stills. Big and ugly doesn't much matter there - it's still nothing to the movie cameras.

[ACDCROCKS]

Now that is just plain convoluted thinking. The sound of the 20d is perfectly acceptable in many situations, but there are instances when a quiet camera is not only desirable, but necessary to avoid distraction. You're assuming, for example in a classical concert, that people will understand and tolerate you when you start clicking away? It's clear that you haven't been to one.
I have been to one, no one cared! They were more concerned on the music. not me. Musical instruments are pertty lound, especially with PA Systems, which all concerts have them.I think your making a big deal out of nothing.

[JohnnyBlood]

Have you tried removing the battery? :)

[Jon]

I have been to one, no one cared! They were more concerned on the music. not me. Musical instruments are pertty lound, especially with PA Systems, which all concerts have them.I think your making a big deal out of nothing.Must have been the 1812 being performed then. At a typical ballet, you can hear the dancer's feet over the music. From the back of the hall. Trust me, one concert's not a very good sample. The people may just have been too polite to give you the smacks they wanted to.

[ACDCROCKS]

Must have been the 1812 being performed then. At a typical ballet, you can hear the dancer's feet over the music. From the back of the hall. Trust me, one concert's not a very good sample. The people may just have been too polite to give you the smacks they wanted to.
then use a different camera like others said.

[Keiffer]

Hey the loud shutter sure beats them hearing a shotgun racking or a machine gun cocking:-) Like someone else said earlier, I hope they changed this in the 30D.

[BottomBracket]

I have been to one, no one cared! They were more concerned on the music. not me. Musical instruments are pertty lound, especially with PA Systems, which all concerts have them.I think your making a big deal out of nothing.

LOL! What classical concert have you been to? Full orchestra? Chamber? Solo recital? What piece did they play? What was/were the musical instrument/s? Like Jon, said, was it the 1812 overture? Marriage of Figaro Overture? Ride of the Valkyries?

It seems that you are adamant that the sound of the shutter of the 20d does not bother anyone. You made it clear that it's fine with you, and that's cool with me, I'm happy for you. But other people do find it loud in CERTAIN situations, and believe me it matters, especially if you respect other people, non-photographers, who are in the same event to enjoy the said event, not some photographer with a loud camera. For you to say that this is making a big deal out of nothing when there are several people here who have posted that it does affect their work is pretty juvenile.

[MiG82]

PA system, classical concert? ?? You have no idea.

[condyk]

But other people do find it loud in CERTAIN situations, and believe me it matters, especially if you respect other people, non-photographers, who are in the same event to enjoy the said event, not some photographer with a loud camera. For you to say that this is making a big deal out of nothing when there are several people here who have posted that it does affect their work is pretty juvenile.

I was in a cafe on Saturday and thought I'd do a candid shot. Beautifully framed shot and I clicked. Now the 350 is not that noisy compared to a 20D but a few people turned and looked. It was embarrasing for a second because some people obviously didn't want me shooting. A shutter noise is so unusual to most people but also so familiar. People don't like it in some situations.

[arvin.07]

I was in a cafe on Saturday and thought I'd do a candid shot. Beautifully framed shot and I clicked. Now the 350 is not that noisy compared to a 20D but a few people turned and looked. It was embarrasing for a second because some people obviously didn't want me shooting. A shutter noise is so unusual to most people but also so familiar. People don't like it in some situations.

yeah, i agree... are there any other digital SLR's that have a similar shutter noise like the XT?

the 20D sounds more normal, compared to the XT...

[Choderboy]

Some threads just won't die :)

I could not find this reference in the thread:

http://www.photo.net/equipment/canon/digital_rebel_xt/

It is an XT review , but it has graphs and wav files of the 20D and XT shutter - quite a bit of difference between the two.

[Lani Kai]

My 30D is noticeably quieter than my 20D. I like how when I'm out shooting among other photographers, I can instantly recognize what camera each is using just by listening... Especially if it's a 20D

[PEACHMAN]

I fired my 20D off last night for the first time and was in shock at the difference between it and my 300D...the 300D is a whisper when compared ....I may have to keep the 300D for weddings , animals, etc and just use the 20D for motor cross, fire works and combat zone photos!

[rssfhs]

I'm a classical musician and I must say it's better you don't take photos with a camera that makes any kind of noise during a performance. Our ears are especially fine tuned and even the slightest sound is noticeable and distracting.

[Curtis N]

I fired my 20D off last night for the first time... Time to update your signature, Peachman!

As one who recently made the same upgrade, my guess is you won't be using your 300D much in the future. ;)

[PEACHMAN]

Time to update your signature, Peachman!

As one who recently made the same upgrade, my guess is you won't be using your 300D much in the future. ;) Ya, but remember I'm kind of an odd duck....I don't want to start using the 20D 'til I've sold my 300D (I need incentive to get it sold, other wise I'll find excuses to keep it :rolleyes: ...so it's not officially in my inventory of stuff yet...:cry: sooooo, no update allowed yet,,,soooo please, somebody, buy it!!

[Curtis N]

I'm kind of an odd duck...This is true. ;)

But you made a lot of outstanding images with that 300D. And I think you're better off keeping it. Sometimes a second body comes in handy.

Just don't sell it for less than it's worth to you.

[PEACHMAN]

This is true. ;)

And I think you're better off keeping it. Sometimes a second body comes in handy.

. Thanks Curtis....twist my arm!! I needed someone to say those words !!;) :D ...if I can come up with some extra cash thru other means then that's what I'll do....yikes , don't tell my darling wife that's what I'm up to...she's really quite supportive of my photo addiction...but I'm also trying to convince her I can make payments on a little piece of Costa Rica....:rolleyes:

[Jon]

Hey Peachman - just go out with the 28-75 on one body and the 70-200 on the other. I guarantee you'll figure out that other way of coming up with the cash! It's just soooo handy!

[PEACHMAN]

Hey Peachman - just go out with the 28-75 on one body and the 70-200 on the other. I guarantee you'll figure out that other way of coming up with the cash! It's just soooo handy! Wow, the devil is at my doorstep! I can see that I'm being led into temptation...then again maybe we should vote...All in favor of keep it ? All opposed??

[Curtis N]

Unless have a real need for the cash now, I'd say keep it at least long enough to see if you find it useful. If it gathers dust, then unload it.

Based on the shots you have posted, I'd say your 300D is a good copy. Way better than mine.;)

[fotov]

I dont know about you guys, but I find the sound very satisfying. :D

oh yes i love the shutter sound of the 30d!

Not the 20d: sounds like a bang
Not the 350d: whines like my little sister
the 5d: I like the quiet shutter, but it just feels incomplete

30d: quiet, great snap and crunch sound. i looove it...

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/CanonEOS30D/Samples/Audio/eos30d-jpeg(std-fine).mp3

[Jim G]

Keep the second body, you never know when you might have an awesome opportunity for paid work which you really, really can't risk having your camera body failing for :)