Digital Rebel XT or EOS-20D

[CPFarhood]

What do you think? Obviously the 20D is a nicer camera, but the extra $400 for the 20D and the upgraded lens just isn't in the budget right now, but the additional lens would be a lot more likely purchase in the near future then a new body. So which would you choose:
EOS-350D (Digital Rebel XT) w/ Canon IS USM 17-85mm Lens

or

EOS-20D w/ Kit Canon USM 18-55 Lens

and why?

[twalker294]

Personally I'd go with the 20D simply because the XT is too small for me. Have you handled both? The XT is MUCH smaller and it just doesn't fit my hands at all.

[CPFarhood]

I've never held a 20D or an 350D, but I have held a 10D and a 300D. The 300D felt "cheap" in comparison and if the 350D is much smaller then a 300D it would be borderline too small for my hands.

Personally I'd go with the 20D simply because the XT is too small for me. Have you handled both? The XT is MUCH smaller and it just doesn't fit my hands at all.

[Bosman]

Check this out linky (http://bobatkins.com/photography/digital/eos_digital_rebel_xt_vs_20d.html)

I went with the Rebel XT.

[My Porsche]

The 350D keeps the tradition of feeling cheap alive then.

I went yesterday to give it another chance, and I swear that 95% of the weight is in the left 50% of the camera, it's lopsided beyond belief, uncomfortablet o hold, and cheapy. Get the 20D.

[arg245]

My 2 cents - get the XT. I had ordered a 30D from Dell, and luckily they were backordered. I say luckily because it gave me time to consider the purchase. After having given it a lot of thought, I decided on the XT and cancelled the 30D. I have yet to regret that decision.

If you can get past the WOW factor of having the latest technology and really consider what YOU will use the camera for, weighing the benefits of both cameras for YOUR specific use, you can rest assured you will make the right choice.

Remember that the kit lens is not the greatest. You might be better off, in fact, you will be better off with the XT and a quality lens rather than a 20D with the kit lens.

Hope this helps you. Good Luck.

Regards,

[marka123]

Howdy,

I have a 350D. I found adding the battery grip helped me be a lot more comfortable with the camera.

That said, it doesn't feel like a 20D. The feel difference wasn't enough for me to spring for the extra money though.

If I were you (and I was! :-), I'd look at the feature differences between the two cameras and pick the 20D only if it offered something you needed that the 350D didn't. From what I've seen, the sensor & image processing are identical. Certainly I've not run into anything on my 350D that prevented me from taking good pictures (mostly flowers & motorsports).

What's your experience level? What do you want to take pictures of?

Mark

[arg245]

Oh, and one more thing for you to consider. The XT is rather small, and I also had to purchase the grip for it to feel right in my hands. Therefore the $400 difference you mentioned between the 20D and the XT is really now just $240 if you decide on an XT with a grip.

[CPFarhood]

My 2 cents - get the XT. I had ordered a 30D from Dell, and luckily they were backordered. I say luckily because it gave me time to consider the purchase. After having given it a lot of thought, I decided on the XT and cancelled the 30D. I have yet to regret that decision.

If you can get past the WOW factor of having the latest technology and really consider what YOU will use the camera for, weighing the benefits of both cameras for YOUR specific use, you can rest assured you will make the right choice.

Remember that the kit lens is not the greatest. You might be better off, in fact, you will be better off with the XT and a quality lens rather than a 20D with the kit lens.

Hope this helps you. Good Luck.

Regards,
If the hobby sticks I would undoubtedly be replacing the kit lens within the next year, I'd just hate to want to replace the body as well.

Howdy,

I have a 350D. I found adding the battery grip helped me be a lot more comfortable with the camera.

That said, it doesn't feel like a 20D. The feel difference wasn't enough for me to spring for the extra money though.

If I were you (and I was! :-), I'd look at the feature differences between the two cameras and pick the 20D only if it offered something you needed that the 350D didn't. From what I've seen, the sensor & image processing are identical. Certainly I've not run into anything on my 350D that prevented me from taking good pictures (mostly flowers & motorsports).

What's your experience level? What do you want to take pictures of?

Mark
I've not done much of any photography outside of P&S in the last 5 years, but previous to that I did a little bit of everything with film SLR as I had free access to a lab. Now that I can get 35mm quality w/o a lab I'd really like to get back into it.

[Reyno]

Go with the one you feel you're confortable with. I'd prefer the 17-85 IS over the kit lens, it's a better walk around lens. Good Luck!!!

[delhi]

If there are 20Ds left in stores, you can often find deals. I see alot of used 20Ds going for about the same price as a new XT (sans rebate).

[CPFarhood]

If there are 20Ds left in stores, you can often find deals. I see alot of used 20Ds going for about the same price as a new XT (sans rebate).
I haven't found any stellar deals locally yet. B&H has the kit w/ 2gb Ultra CF for $1178.

[marka123]

Howdy,

If the hobby sticks I would undoubtedly be replacing the kit lens within the next year, I'd just hate to want to replace the body as well.

I've not done much of any photography outside of P&S in the last 5 years, but previous to that I did a little bit of everything with film SLR as I had free access to a lab. Now that I can get 35mm quality w/o a lab I'd really like to get back into it.

No matter what you do you're going to want to replace the body... There'll be a 40D or 7Q or some new deal that'll have features that just aren't available now.

Sounds like you're in the general "I want a good camera" place that a lot of folks (including me) were at getting into DSLRs. Assuming the smaller physical size of the 350D isn't an advantage to you, the only reason to get the 350D rather than the 30D is that its cheaper. If the money you save isn't going to be that big a deal to you, just get the 30D.

However, if the money you save will be more significant, I think my advice would be to get the 350D w/18-55 kit lens. For me, there were higher priorities than having a different walk around lens, namely having something that worked at longer focal ranges for motorsports pictures (and wildlife, if you're into that).

I've not seen super glowing reviews of the 17-85 Canon vs. something like the 17-70 Sigma. Seems like the 17-85 lens is a compromise for everyone that has one, just like the 18-55. If the money matters, why not get the basic kit 18-55, then wait to see what shortcomings you want to address?

The advice I got when I was going through this a year ago was to spend money on glass (which doesn't get outmoded very much) rather than the camera body (which does) if I needed to save money.

Only you can decide. If you haven't already done it, go to the store and play with each one. Maybe that'll make your decision for you. Saving the money is only something to worry about if you need the money for something else more important to you. You don't often read about people who decided to buy something expensive, then wished they bought something cheaper (at least, not if they aren't just doing it all on credit).

On the other side, throwing away money on something you aren't sure you'll need isn't a great idea either. When I did this, I fell into the camp of siding with the cheaper option unless I knew why I was spending the extra money. I ended up with a 350D. I've had the camera for a year, and am still happy I chose it, though I will likely be looking hard at whatever Canon brings out to replace the 30D in a year or two.

Good luck! I don't think you can go far wrong with either choice!

Mark

[CPFarhood]

Howdy,



No matter what you do you're going to want to replace the body... There'll be a 40D or 7Q or some new deal that'll have features that just aren't available now.

Sounds like you're in the general "I want a good camera" place that a lot of folks (including me) were at getting into DSLRs. Assuming the smaller physical size of the 350D isn't an advantage to you, the only reason to get the 350D rather than the 30D is that its cheaper. If the money you save isn't going to be that big a deal to you, just get the 30D.

However, if the money you save will be more significant, I think my advice would be to get the 350D w/18-55 kit lens. For me, there were higher priorities than having a different walk around lens, namely having something that worked at longer focal ranges for motorsports pictures (and wildlife, if you're into that).

I've not seen super glowing reviews of the 17-85 Canon vs. something like the 17-70 Sigma. Seems like the 17-85 lens is a compromise for everyone that has one, just like the 18-55. If the money matters, why not get the basic kit 18-55, then wait to see what shortcomings you want to address?

The advice I got when I was going through this a year ago was to spend money on glass (which doesn't get outmoded very much) rather than the camera body (which does) if I needed to save money.

Only you can decide. If you haven't already done it, go to the store and play with each one. Maybe that'll make your decision for you. Saving the money is only something to worry about if you need the money for something else more important to you. You don't often read about people who decided to buy something expensive, then wished they bought something cheaper (at least, not if they aren't just doing it all on credit).

On the other side, throwing away money on something you aren't sure you'll need isn't a great idea either. When I did this, I fell into the camp of siding with the cheaper option unless I knew why I was spending the extra money. I ended up with a 350D. I've had the camera for a year, and am still happy I chose it, though I will likely be looking hard at whatever Canon brings out to replace the 30D in a year or two.

Good luck! I don't think you can go far wrong with either choice!

Mark

If I had to choose between the 30D and the 350D I'd choose the 350D with out a doubt due to price. Since the 20D is a few hundred cheaper I'd be willing to shell out the extra $$$ for a less "cheap" feeling camera. I know I'll keep lenses longer then the body, but I'd rather buy a body I'm happier with so I can look more into lenses and less into whatever the latest/greatest body is.

[molesrkool]

i went with the rebel XT but if i had the choice id go with the 20d.. its a better quality camera and as someone said its bigger and easier to hold

[delhi]

I haven't found any stellar deals locally yet. B&H has the kit w/ 2gb Ultra CF for $1178.

Thanks to certain asian oriented electronic/camera stores, we often come across stiff competitive pricing. Still I rather by from US. Save on taxes. :(

[liza]

This might help with your decision:
http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/eos_digital_rebel_xt_vs_20d.html

[CPFarhood]

Thanks to certain asian oriented electronic/camera stores, we often come across stiff competitive pricing. Still I rather by from US. Save on taxes. :(

Eh... I've yet to come across a camera shop that's provided valuable enough service to warrant the 20%+ premium they charge for equipment. Sure everyone needs to make a living, but picking my pockets to pad the bottom line wont be happening anytime soon.

[YosemiteJunkie]

Some time back I went through the debate over the 350D, 20D, & 30D. I waited until the 30D was released, Weighed the differences and ended up with the 20D and don't regret it at all. I love my 20D. The 350D was way to small for my hands, 30D didn't have enough new features over the 20D to warrent the extra money (for me).
I'd say, say a prayer, and let your gut make the choice for your needs.

[CPFarhood]

Some time back I went through the debate over the 350D, 20D, & 30D. I waited until the 30D was released, Weighed the differences and ended up with the 20D and don't regret it at all. I love my 20D. The 350D was way to small for my hands, 30D didn't have enough new features over the 20D to warrent the extra money (for me).
I'd say, say a prayer, and let your gut make the choice for your needs.
Yea... now the questions is do I ask the CFO (fiance) for permission, or do I just beg for forgiveness later :)

[YosemiteJunkie]

I'd say Beg for forgiveness later... but that's just me. my reasoning behind that is that if you ask and she says NO then you may never see what you want/need. If you take the beg later route then eventually she'll forgive but you'll still have the camera :)
I have to be honest here though.. I've avoided the CFO thing just so I don't have to ask....

[CPFarhood]

I'd say Beg for forgiveness later... but that's just me. my reasoning behind that is that if you ask and she says NO then you may never see what you want/need. If you take the beg later route then eventually she'll forgive but you'll still have the camera :)
I have to be honest here though.. I've avoided the CFO thing just so I don't have to ask....
Okay order the camera – but I want a sappy little card and cute gift on the wedding day lol
And this is why I'm marrying her.... EOS-20D should be here tomorrow :D

[arg245]

And this is why I'm marrying her.... EOS-20D should be here tomorrow :D

Congratulations! on both counts.

Regards,

[Steve Parr]

Personally I'd go with the 20D simply because the XT is too small for me. Have you handled both? The XT is MUCH smaller and it just doesn't fit my hands at all.

That was the single biggest reason I went with the 20D. Both have excellent performance in the higher ISO's (which is what I needed), but the 20D, with the grip, fits my hand like a glove. The XT fits my hand like a glove that's four sizes too small...

[Steve Parr]

Eh... I've yet to come across a camera shop that's provided valuable enough service to warrant the 20%+ premium they charge for equipment. Sure everyone needs to make a living, but picking my pockets to pad the bottom line wont be happening anytime soon.

Those kinds of shops are certainly out there, though. I have one locally which, each time I was looking to make a purchase, got my business. My local retailer offers me a level of customer service that some online retailer can only dream of offering...

[Bosman]

This might help with your decision:
http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/eos_digital_rebel_xt_vs_20d.html


Yea, that is why I already posted it. :wink:

[crn3371]

I was in a similar situation when I passed my 300d down to my daughter and needed a new body. I looked at both the 30D and the XT, and yes, the 30D is bigger, has bigger lcd, and more bells and whistles. For me, it came down to money. I could get the 30D and live with the 17-85 as my only lens (a great walkabout lens btw ), or get the XT and have enough money left over for a 70-200 f4L. I opted for the XT and 70-200. I've got 2 nice lenses that cover a very usable focal length, and a body that basically takes the same pix as the 30D. Bodies seem to come a go as the technology changes, but lenses seem to stick around much longer. I just received the Opteka grip for my XT, balances out the body nicely, and using the camera in portrait mode is wonderful.

[SeanH]

If you like the program modes (or idiot modes, as I call them) and have no interest in setting the camera's drive or metering and just letting the camera do it, then the Rebel is for you.

But if you want to be able to set the camera the way YOU want it..........and also have the idiot modes, not to mention better build and not "fit in your purse" size. Then I would go for the 20D

Now I don't want to put anyone down because I have seen some fantastic shots by Rebels, but IMO Rebels are for snapshots and 20D's are geared more towards photography. But in all honesty I think someone with little or no photo knowledge is bound to get better photo's with a Rebel than they would a 20D.......there's just less to screw up. Both are great camera's, that are very close in image quality. If I had to sum it up I would say one is for the beginner, and the other is for a novice or above. But it really just depends on what you want to do with it, you really can't go wrong with either one.

[Billy Cabral]

I just sold my XT, its a great camera but even with the battery grip it was just to small for my big mitts...Its a great camera to walk around and just have fun and shoot because its so light...With the right lenses it will deform just fine...The 20D is a heavy beast and quite a work out if shooting a show all day, but I like it a ton better then the Rebel...It just fits me better...So you wont lose either way, besides in two months canon will put out something else and it will be junk all over again,lol...

[CPFarhood]

Congratulations! on both counts.

Regards,

Now if I could figure out a way to do my own wedding photography it would pay for itself...

[marka123]

If you like the program modes (or idiot modes, as I call them) and have no interest in setting the camera's drive or metering and just letting the camera do it, then the Rebel is for you.


What settings are available on the 20D that the Rebel XT lacks?

Or is your issue that the mechanism for setting them is different?

Mark

[basroil]

20d has a better focusing system, iso3200, and a few goodies the xt doesn't do well. 30d is better yet because of spot metering and updated screen. i have the xt right now, with 17-85mm. if i had to choose again, i would have bought the 20d and a cheap 50mm 1.8. rebel does have a big price differential though, so if it's your first slr, go to the xt and hope you don't outgrow it too fast..

[SeanH]

What settings are available on the 20D that the Rebel XT lacks?

Or is your issue that the mechanism for setting them is different?

Mark

Can you set a Rebel to servo focus, partial meter, and one shot drive........while using AV or TV? A 20D can use any combo of all it features, the Rebel can't.

[delhi]

Can you set a Rebel to servo focus, partial meter, and one shot drive........while using AV or TV? A 20D can use any combo of all it features, the Rebel can't.

U're kidding right?

[SeanH]

U're kidding right?

So your saying it can?

I can't remember exactly what I was trying to do, maybe that wasn't it. But I was trying to help a friend shoot some motocross and the camera just didn't have the settings I was looking for...(ones I use on the 20D & mk2)........it was a few weeks back so sorry I can't remember the exact details.

[delhi]

I believe so. At least that's what I've been using all the time. I know the 300d rebel can't, even with the hacked firmware, the AI Servo is quite clunky to activate.
With the XT one can set whatever settings on Creative modes (P, AV, TV, M) on the fly. Well using those buttons.

[marka123]

Howdy,

So your saying it can?

I can't remember exactly what I was trying to do, maybe that wasn't it. But I was trying to help a friend shoot some motocross and the camera just didn't have the settings I was looking for...(ones I use on the 20D & mk2)........it was a few weeks back so sorry I can't remember the exact details.

I've never seen anything that looked like it would prevent me from doing that on an XT. But I've not tried it either.

Still, if you're going to put down the XT vs. the 20D because you can't set it the way you want it, it'd be nice if you had some examples of problems. When I did the research between the two cameras a year ago, I don't recall any additional restrictions, excepting a little more shutter speed and higher iso on the 20d.

Are you sure you weren't using a Rebel, vs. the Rebel XT?

Mark

[liza]

It depends on what you're shooting. If it's portraits or landscapes, it doesn't make much difference. Sports is a different story, though. The greater speed and better performance at high ISO makes all the difference in the world when you're trying to capture peak action. I've used both bodies when shooting basketball and prefer the 20D in that particular scenario.

[delhi]

when you say high ISO how high? 3200 where the XT doesn't have (at least readily). In terms of IQ, both offers the same performance. So can you elaborate.

[SeanH]

Howdy,
Are you sure you weren't using a Rebel, vs. the Rebel XT?

Mark
Oops..........sorry,...... guess it was a Rebel, not a XT.......my bad. XT has those features. Guess I need to brush up on my Rebel knowledge :winK:

Still personally I would get the 20D, As a matter of fact I just did........LOL. I wanted a DSLR for a point & shoot and my Calumet had the 20D body for $999.00 so I bought it. I guess that answers that question......at least IMO.

[pitabread]

I considered the 20D versus the XT, and the feature difference of the 20D wasn't worth the extra cost, imho. I bought the XT and have used it for about 8 months or so and haven't regretted that choice at all.

[liza]

when you say high ISO how high? 3200 where the XT doesn't have (at least readily). In terms of IQ, both offers the same performance. So can you elaborate.

Sure. My XT sports images appear consistently noisier than ones taken with the 20D at ISO 1600 in the same venue used at the same time with the same settings. The sensors are close but not identical, if I'm not mistaken. I also prefer the speed of the 20D in terms of fps and autofocus (3x faster) and the control set-up. The command dial is more user friendly as well. While the XT is a fine camera, the 20D shines in comparison in terms of sports shooting.

[delhi]

got it. thanks.

[Lightstream]

What do you think? Obviously the 20D is a nicer camera, but the extra $400 for the 20D and the upgraded lens just isn't in the budget right now, but the additional lens would be a lot more likely purchase in the near future then a new body. So which would you choose:
EOS-350D (Digital Rebel XT) w/ Canon IS USM 17-85mm Lens

or

EOS-20D w/ Kit Canon USM 18-55 Lens

and why?
This is the exact decision I made at the beginning of my DSLR journey. Money was tight back then, so it was a toss up between the 350D and 17-85 and the 20D with kit lens. I have NEVER regretted the decision to go with better glass. In fact, even after things got much better and I got my 5D, you will STILL have to pry the 350D with 17-85 from my cold dead hands. I was just playing with the 350D this evening and it still travels with me regularly in my bag when I don't want the bulk of the 5D and don't need the extra firepower it affords me.

I would rather have a lighter duty body with better glass, because glass does not depreciate, and glass WILL be an investment that benefits you.

I actually did get a 20D later on and I was not very impressed. As such, I let it go to a new home.

The kit lens can deliver good performance, I've said that before and I stand by those words. But you gotta WRING it from the lens. Whereas.. the 17-85 delivers. Day in, day out. And I don't even have to ask it to.

[CPFarhood]

This is the exact decision I made at the beginning of my DSLR journey. Money was tight back then, so it was a toss up between the 350D and 17-85 and the 20D with kit lens. I have NEVER regretted the decision to go with better glass. In fact, even after things got much better and I got my 5D, you will STILL have to pry the 350D with 17-85 from my cold dead hands. I was just playing with the 350D this evening and it still travels with me regularly in my bag when I don't want the bulk of the 5D and don't need the extra firepower it affords me.

I would rather have a lighter duty body with better glass, because glass does not depreciate, and glass WILL be an investment that benefits you.

I actually did get a 20D later on and I was not very impressed. As such, I let it go to a new home.

The kit lens can deliver good performance, I've said that before and I stand by those words. But you gotta WRING it from the lens. Whereas.. the 17-85 delivers. Day in, day out. And I don't even have to ask it to.
I can honestly say I'm nothing but satisfied with the 20D after toying with it last night. I will seriously be considering a 100mm macro and 17-85 lens in the very near future however.

[liza]

You'll never regret getting that macro lens. I have one and will never part with it. Should've been an L, IMO.

[gplracer]

You will forget the price three years from now but you will never forget the feel and features if you use it all the time.