questions from a layman

[tumb]

Hello - I've been lurking around here for a few weeks to try and learn more about DSLR camera's. I am an amatuer and have recently decided it's time to learn this subject in more depth. I have a fairly extensive 35mm background, but my digital experience is limited to a Canon Powersot and, more recently, a Casio EX-Z40 (for it's "packable" features, mainly).

Recently, I decided to spring for a dRebel, but while researching I found I liked the 10D better, then the 20D came out, so now I am seriously confused. I could possibly even spring for a Mark II, but my next purchase will not so much be limited by price, more by features (what I will or, will not need).

My main focus is landscapes, but to a lesser degree action sports (mountain bike races, road races, motocross, etc.).

Can someone tell me in layman's terms the important differences in the dRebel, the 20D, and the Mark II? And possibly a good book to cover digital photography?

Thanks in advance, and hopefully soon I can help out around here to share any knowledge I might have...

[Jesper]

Go to http://www.dpreview.com and look at the reviews of the cameras. Often there are side-by-side comparisons with other models. Also have a look at Canon's EOS Digital page (http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=111) .

The 300D / Digital Rebel is the cheapest Canon DSLR. It has 6.3 megapixels, a plastic body and the functionality is much like the 10D, but it misses some functionality that the 10D has. However, there are "hacks" on the Internet available for the firmware - someone modified the software in the camera to give you more functionality. Ofcourse Canon does not support modified versions of the software.

The next step up is the 10D, which has the same 6.3 megapixel sensor as the 300D but has a more sturdy body and more functionality.

The 20D just came out last month and is the successor to the 10D, with 8.2 megapixels. Besides more megapixels, it's a faster camera than the 10D.

The 1D Mark II is a superfast camera for professional sports journalists. It also has an 8.2 megapixel sensor (but a different one from the 20D). It's also three times as expensive as the 20D.

Canon's new top model is the 1Ds Mark II. It has a resolution of 16.7 megapixels. It was just announced last week and it replaces the original 1Ds, which has 11 megapixels. The 1Ds Mark II will cost $8,000.

From your description, I think the 20D will be the camera for you. If you're only doing sports things occasionally, it might not be worth it to spend three times the money for an 1D Mark II. You'd better spend the money one some good lenses.