help me decide: 400D vs 20D vs 30D

[blam]

now, firstly, I know the 20D/30D are in a different class than the XTi, but are they worth the extra ~$400-500cdn?

I'm reading reviews and such on dpreview and steve's digicams and so forth and I can't make up my mind.

as far as I can tell, the biggest difference is the build and extra screen on the 20/30Ds as well as ISO and 1/8000 shutter

anyways, share experience/knowldge/tips/help/anything

I'm planing on buying in a month or two

thanks

[sWampy]

You can't make a mistake going with any of them, it's not like it's a $400 p&s that will be worth $150 6 months from now, these things hold their value fairly well.

[blam]

that's true...

I actually just bought a 350$ P&S 2 months ago and I totally regret it.

but at the time I needed a camera and I had just lost my 3 year old SD200

and the reason I listed the 20D/30D as optionms is I don't want to be dissappointed and have to upgrade a year or 2 down the road.

the XTi seems very competitive with the 20D and I like the dust removing system.
but I'm also very tempted by the 1600+ ISO of the 20D/30D. (my P&S is unusable at 400 & a stretch at 200)

whether or not I'll make much use of the 1/8000 shutter is up in the air. I've had no issues with the 1/1000 on my Canon AE-1 film SLR. (dad's camera I started playing with recently)

the only other thing I might be dissappointed with is the extra screen on the top of the 20/30D

[delhi]

IMHO, 20D is aging. (Flame suit on). Consider the 30d or 400d. 30D if you don't mind missing a few frills like the anti-dust etc.

[malla1962]

Go try both but it would be the 30d for me.:D

[inthedeck]

I am in the same predicament, except I am researching the 30D vs 5D battle. Not sure which one to go with, as yet, and just sold my 20D, so the time is getting close.

As for your scenario, depends...camera's make somewhat of a dfference, but it's mainly the photographer who gets things right. Maybe if you are a novice/amatuer then, you might consider getting the XTi (400D) or XT and buy a quality lens with the money saved from getting the 20/30D. This way, at least you have a quality lens, and decent camera to learn with. Then, once you feel that you are ready for 'more' in the camera, then upgrade to something a bit more expensive, or just buy more glass.

I have no EF-s lenses, so for me, the path to the 30D versus 5D is proving to be a difficult decision. This is why I am waiting for photokina (new intro's) as well as the Canon Rebate for the fall. This may help sway my decision, in the near future.

Good luck with the decision.

[blam]

IMHO, 20D is aging. (Flame suit on). Consider the 30d or 400d. 30D if you don't mind missing a few frills like the anti-dust etc.

a friend of mine has the 20D and says the 30D sin't worth the upgrade since you can get the 20D on clearance. and the monmey saved there could be a lense as well.

as for my skill level. I am a novice. which is why the dust removal catches my attention. I have a feeling I will get dust in there and mess something up.

intehdeck: you make a good point with the XTi + lens.

having the 30D only with a kit lens would limit what I can shoot.

keep the suggestions coming! I am personally leaning toward the XTi since I don't plan on going too crazy with photography. I plan on basically owning maybe 3 or lenses. but who knows. I might go crazy for it!

I'd like this camera to last a while.

[ChopstickHero]

to my knowledge, the 20D and 30D have very minor differences, mostly in exterior appearance (larger LCD on 30D). however, comparing it to the 400D, It does have a better build , faster shutter of 1/8000, have a slightly different burst rate, better ISO (with 3200) and bigger body (some people find the XT too small). However, the only real advantage i see over the 20/30D is the 10mp of the 400D. this will allow for some better cropping b/c of the higher mp. but if all that is worth like $400usd over the 400D, then get the 30D. perhaps, you can get the 400D and use the remaining to purchase some nicer glass. a very good lens makes a world of difference.

[blam]

those are the same differences I see. and the top LCD screen.

I will have to head out to the store and take a look at them in person.

I personally prefer smaller cameras. I have small hands and my GF thinks people with large cameras look ridiculous. lol

[inthedeck]

Also, the 400D has the new Digic III processor. So, maybe in terms of value rentention, it might be better for resale, in the future. Not sure, but the 400D's durability may not be as great as the 30D, which is good till about (or more) than 100K actuations, but you would have to look into that.

I would say get the camera with Digic III, and a nice piece of glass...and that way, just get the body, to save some money, and use it to by a nice wide angle, and or zoom. Starting out, that's what I would have done...and actually, did. I used to use my Elan with eye control...and then switched to a digital 20D back when they came out. Now, I can use the Elan, and 'know' what I am doing, without worrying about wasted shots. But, digital photography is great...and for a beginner, a 400D or XTi or whatever it is, might not be so bad. Just remember, glass is a pretty big part of it...as is the nut behind the wheel.

[blam]

yeah, you make very good points.

I believe the 400D is good to 100 000 actuations as well, but the 30D has the maagnesium alloy body vs. the plastic body of the 400D

[Jim McKeogh]

Also, the 400D has the new Digic III processor. So, maybe in terms of value rentention, it might be better for resale, in the future. Not sure, but the 400D's durability may not be as great as the 30D, which is good till about (or more) than 100K actuations, but you would have to look into that.

I would say get the camera with Digic III, and a nice piece of glass...and that way, just get the body, to save some money, and use it to by a nice wide angle, and or zoom. Starting out, that's what I would have done...and actually, did. I used to use my Elan with eye control...and then switched to a digital 20D back when they came out. Now, I can use the Elan, and 'know' what I am doing, without worrying about wasted shots. But, digital photography is great...and for a beginner, a 400D or XTi or whatever it is, might not be so bad. Just remember, glass is a pretty big part of it...as is the nut behind the wheel.
The XTi has a DIGIC II processor, not the newer DIGIC III.

[inthedeck]

Thanks for the correction, Jim M. I was thinking powershot G7...don't know where that came from...hehe. Been reading too much...

[Jim McKeogh]

Thanks for the correction, Jim M. I was thinking powershot G7...don't know where that came from...hehe. Been reading too much...
They all blurr after a short time. I have a 300D and am thinking of upgrading to a 30D. After reading about the 1D, 10D, 20D, 30D and the 5D I don't know which camera has what.

[Tee Why]

they are all good cameras and will have equal image quality. The main difference will be in body feel/quality and some features. For me, it's worth it, but it's a very personal decision.

[RgB]

I would go with the 20D or 30D. It depends on your cash flow. They have lower noise levels at higher ISO's.
Without a fast or IS lens you don't regularly shoot in lower range ISO's. So the better noise levels would come in handy in keeping more detail and not deleting as many captures.

[PhotoJourno]

To me it all comes down to what you want to do with the camera, how much you are willing to pay for it, and how much wear you will put into it.

Do you have unlimited money? Get the 1D and send me one if you can spare. ;)

Assuming you are on a budget, and whatever use you have for the camera is the same for all three models, here are my thoughts:

- 20D : Like it, a world away from the 10D (already a nice camera though), but the mirror slap will make those around you aware of your picture taking (not as convenient at funerals, wedding chapels, and moments of silence).

- 400D: Do not own, but it seems to me like a stretch of the XT series, attempting to bring the 30D tech to the public, with a couple of experimental technologies. Not my camera of choice for daily use and rugged environment, although I am sure it will take some pretty good pictures.

- 30D: Quieter than the 20D, it has some nice improvements, including spot metering, and the larger LCD. I like it a whole lot. And it is rugged, I usually will have two cameras strapped while walking, and they clank continuously. Have not dared do the same with an XT, but I do not know if it would take the punishment (no offense or critique to the XT community).

But If I had to make a living making portraits, and had what I own now, I would probably sell it all to get me a 5D, and a 10D for backup.

Here is an analogy. If you want a tool for hanging a painting on the wall, I can go to Houston and get you the 5 million dollar drill that is used for assembly on the space station. Will that help? Probably not, even if you had the money. Maybe you just need a regular screwdriver. Or a nice Drill with a set of bits. (Unless you are one of those guys that like to be found by others making a hole with a space drill, and explain that the cheap drill "may have gotten misplaced in the Ferrari").

The moral is that so many get hanged up with the tools, they forget what it is that they are trying to accomplish.

Just my thoughts... (myth Oughts)

[rklepper]

For me the only real reason to get the 30D was the speed and accuracy of the AF.

[blam]

the XTi has the same AF as the 30D does it not?