20d or 30d - Is it worth the 300 dollars more?

[Reluix]

Hi this is my first post, I’ve been looking over the forum the past few days or so and have learned a lot of interesting information and found this forum to be a very nice one… but anyway onto my problem. Basically I’m going to be getting $1600 dollars in July and either I’m going to buy a 20d with a 2 gig stick and bag which would be around $1255 with shipping and then get a hundred dollars more and get a Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens for around $400 or I can get the 30d with the same lens package as the 20d (18-55mm) with the 2 gig stick and bag for around $1600. What I'm really getting to is that is it worth spending the around $300 dollars more for the 30d or would be it better for me to go with the 20d and get the other lens sooner. Also this is my first Digital SLR...I've been reading all the specs and whatnot so I know the differences of the camera's. I just really don’t know if it’s worth spending the more money instead of getting a lens sooner.

Also I'm only a high school student and I don’t have a job so I don’t have any more funds for getting more than I’ve stated. Though hopefully that will change soon… So if any of you could help me out I would be very grateful.




Here are the links to what I was planning on getting...
Canon EOS 20D: $1150 w/ shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830120025

RiDATA PRO-2 2gb compact flash card: $75 w/ shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820183164

Camera bag:
No link, but its 30 dollars in store..(perfect for what I need)

Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens: $410 w/ shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830998387

Total Prce = $1655

-Josh

[jjonsalt]

I think your choice of a 2GB card is wise. Also, reguardless of what lenses you may get later the 60mm macro is also a good choice, you will also like it for head and shoulders portrait. Oh, let me add, I do business with newegg and think they are good people, but you may wish to check these prices and save some money.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=371176&is=GREY&addedTroughType=search

don't forget the hood

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=374528&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

and

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=348299&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

[dgcorner]

Hi Josh!

First up, welcome to the forum!

FWIW, and if I was in your shoes, I'd spend the additional $300 to get the 30D, then learn to use the camera to its potential. When you've done that, and given the time in between, you would have saved up the $300 for the lens that you like. Mind you, when you start getting fantastic pics, you're going to be finding yourself working more to save up for better glass.

All the best.

[mrclark321]

Do a comparison :)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=427287&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

[condyk]

I'd be tempted to get a 350 and spend more on lenses. It's a great camera and takes superb shots just as well as the 20D and 30D. Handling and features may be better on the more expensive jobbies but IQ is likely to be the same. A SH 20D would be a good buy right now too if you get a mint one from someone who is 'upgrading' to something else. Check out the B&H price on the 350 using any discount codes (see the marketplace) then calculate what opens up lens wise with the extra cash you now have.

[mrclark321]

I'd be tempted to get a 350 and spend more on lenses. It's a great camera and takes superb shots just as well as the 20D and 30D. Handling and features may be better on the more expensive jobbies but IQ is likely to be the same. A SH 20D would be a good buy right now too if you get a mint one from someone who is 'upgrading' to something else. Check out the B&H price on the 350 using any discount codes (see the marketplace) then calculate what opens up lens wise with the extra cash you now have.

There are lots of people doing upgrades right now and it is a good time to get a 20D at anreal price. When I sold mine it was only 5 monthes old and still had a warranty.

Dan

[jjonsalt]

Do a comparison :)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=427287&is=REG&addedTroughType=search


Like, WOW man! Thanks for the tip about PSMAR instead of PSJAN.

[Reluix]

I think your choice of a 2GB card is wise. Also, reguardless of what lenses you may get later the 60mm macro is also a good choice, you will also like it for head and shoulders portrait. Oh, let me add, I do business with newegg and think they are good people, but you may wish to check these prices and save some money.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=371176&is=GREY&addedTroughType=search

don't forget the hood

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=374528&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

and

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=348299&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

I'll definitly look into getting a hood and thanks for finding the cheaper price for that lens. thanks a lot :D

I'd be tempted to get a 350 and spend more on lenses. It's a great camera and takes superb shots just as well as the 20D and 30D. Handling and features may be better on the more expensive jobbies but IQ is likely to be the same. A SH 20D would be a good buy right now too if you get a mint one from someone who is 'upgrading' to something else. Check out the B&H price on the 350 using any discount codes (see the marketplace) then calculate what opens up lens wise with the extra cash you now have.

Now i would get a 350, the only problem with that is that I've held one before and played with it. It's simply just to tiny for my hands and I just would not be able to take pictures comfortably with that camera.. =\

Do a comparison :)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=427287&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Thats definitly a price i can't refuse. Ive figured in that if I buy from there i will be spending right under 1600 dollars if i get the 60mm lens...thanks.

[mrclark321]

Like, WOW man! Thanks for the tip about PSMAR instead of PSJAN.

;)

[jjonsalt]

I'd be tempted to get a 350 and spend more on lenses.

Let me just mention to the OP that while the IQ of the 350 is maybe close enough to the IQ of the 20D to be considered equal, that there are other (some think) considerations for getting the 20D. A larger and brighter viewfinder for one, a more advanced AF system for another.

[nater]

Hi Josh!

First up, welcome to the forum!

FWIW, and if I was in your shoes, I'd spend the additional $300 to get the 30D, then learn to use the camera to its potential. When you've done that, and given the time in between, you would have saved up the $300 for the lens that you like. Mind you, when you start getting fantastic pics, you're going to be finding yourself working more to save up for better glass.

All the best.

With all due respect, I must completely disagree with this advice.

Better lenses will make way more difference than the upgraded body... especially given your budget limitations (and the fact that the 20D and 30D have the exact same sensor and image quality). The 10-22 is an awesome lens, and I can't imagine you would regret buying it.

[cfcRebel]

Welcome to the forum Josh! :D

The money won't be available until July, correct? The 20D price is likely to drop further then, not sure about 30D. Just a speculation though. My point is, you might be able to save more than $300, and that will make the decision easier. ;)
Keep an eye on the Dell's deal. I got my 300D and 20D from them at the price that no other retailers could beat. Someone posted a recent Dell's deal here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=148358).

[Double Negative]

The 20D and 30D will take identical pictures... But some of the improvements in the 30D are pretty nice. If it won't break the bank, I'd say go for the 30D if you're buying new. Otherwise, as mentioned - you can pick up a 20D for a song these days. Even more so in April or May when the 30D hits the states.

[jerrythesnake]

FWIW, I would buy the 30d for the 300 dollars more cos when you sell it it will always be worth more than the 20d anyway!!

[Jon]

FWIW, I would buy the 30d for the 300 dollars more cos when you sell it it will always be worth more than the 20d anyway!!But unless you sell it almost immediately,it won't be worth $300 more; don't get a camera for its investment value. Get it because it does what you want it to. Will the features of the 30D make your work easier? Better? If so, then it's worth more. $300 more? Maybe.

[Bruce Hamilton]

...it will always be worth more than the 20d anyway!!

Not necessarily... depends on how many used 30d's are on the market at that time. Like everything else, supply helps drive down the price.

[Lord_Malone]

Hi this is my first post, I’ve been looking over the forum the past few days or so and have learned a lot of interesting information and found this forum to be a very nice one… but anyway onto my problem. Basically I’m going to be getting $1600 dollars in July and either I’m going to buy a 20d with a 2 gig stick and bag which would be around $1255 with shipping and then get a hundred dollars more and get a Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens for around $400 or I can get the 30d with the same lens package as the 20d (18-55mm) with the 2 gig stick and bag for around $1600. What I'm really getting to is that is it worth spending the around $300 dollars more for the 30d or would be it better for me to go with the 20d and get the other lens sooner. Also this is my first Digital SLR...I've been reading all the specs and whatnot so I know the differences of the camera's. I just really don’t know if it’s worth spending the more money instead of getting a lens sooner.

Also I'm only a high school student and I don’t have a job so I don’t have any more funds for getting more than I’ve stated. Though hopefully that will change soon… So if any of you could help me out I would be very grateful.




Here are the links to what I was planning on getting...
Canon EOS 20D: $1150 w/ shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830120025

RiDATA PRO-2 2gb compact flash card: $75 w/ shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820183164

Camera bag:
No link, but its 30 dollars in store..(perfect for what I need)

Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens: $410 w/ shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830998387

Total Prce = $1655

-Josh

I'm upgrading. I'll sell you my 20D. PM me if you're interested.

[Reluix]

Welcome to the forum Josh! :D

The money won't be available until July, correct? The 20D price is likely to drop further then, not sure about 30D. Just a speculation though. My point is, you might be able to save more than $300, and that will make the decision easier. ;)
Keep an eye on the Dell's deal. I got my 300D and 20D from them at the price that no other retailers could beat. Someone posted a recent Dell's deal here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=148358).

That definitly is a good deal...if i had the money now id be buying that. Ill definitly keep a eye out for it and by the time i get the money it may just be more comon for me to find it that cheap...and possibly buy two lens .. thanks

[Lrayh82]

I'm going to get a 20D soon because the prices are dropping already. Check this link out. A 20D for $679. That makes it a $500 difference in price. At that price I could get 2 20D's for the price some places are selling the 30D.

http://www.shopcartusa.com/Product/9442A002/Electronics~Cameras~Digital_Cameras/Canon_EOS_20D_Digital_SLR/PT_Y/?ic_campID=98

[Boosting1Bar]

I'm going to get a 20D soon because the prices are dropping already. Check this link out. A 20D for $679. That makes it a $500 difference in price. At that price I could get 2 20D's for the price some places are selling the 30D.

http://www.shopcartusa.com/Product/9442A002/Electronics~Cameras~Digital_Cameras/Canon_EOS_20D_Digital_SLR/PT_Y/?ic_campID=98

It's worth noting all those places in your link with low prices are well known scammers. Always check resellerratings.com.

[Double Negative]

Yeah, I don't think I'd buy anything from any one of those... The cheapest I've seen from mostly reputable places still comes in at just over $1k (minus tax/shipping). Won't be too much longer though - I'd say come May they'll be a couple hundred less (after the 30D hits the US).

[Lrayh82]

Yeah I see that now. Thanks for the site to check them out on.

[Lord_Malone]

I'm going to get a 20D soon because the prices are dropping already. Check this link out. A 20D for $679. That makes it a $500 difference in price. At that price I could get 2 20D's for the price some places are selling the 30D.

http://www.shopcartusa.com/Product/9442A002/Electronics~Cameras~Digital_Cameras/Canon_EOS_20D_Digital_SLR/PT_Y/?ic_campID=98 (http://www.shopcartusa.com/Product/9442A002/Electronics%7ECameras%7EDigital_Cameras/Canon_EOS_20D_Digital_SLR/PT_Y/?ic_campID=98)

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT fall for this scam. You've been warned.

[cjm]

I bought a practically new 20D from a POTN user, it was only 2 months old and I saved $400! And got two free batteries! YOu can get a great deal on one but not from sites no one has ever heard of. They are likely to charge you $5 for the plastic bags on top of a $20 price tage for the box and $50 for the instructions. They are a scam.