10d vs. 20d

[G3Hawaii]

Explain the benefits of going with a 20d at this point rather than a 10d.
Aside from the higher resolution....and cost, is it worth the extra money? Why?

[defordphoto]

Here is a table that explains everything:

http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/tech/report/200409/table1.html

[WestFalcon]

I definitely like the 20D better than my 3 -10D's....It focuses accurately which none of my 10d's do very well. Images enlarge better with the extra megapixels. Faster processor and people say the flash (550ex) works better with it. Haven't tried that yet. It's superb in low light with high ASA. I think the improvement is well worth the difference in price. I still like the 10D's..they are very good cameras but they really made progress with the 20D in my opinion.

[Morden]

For me, one of the best improvements is the time it rakes to boot up or wake from "sleep". From 2.5 seconds on the 10D down to 0.2 seconds on the 20D. Many shots that I missed with my 10D I would have got with a 20D.

[Persian-Rice]

Right now, I am not sure if its worth going to a 20D, maybe in a couple months, but with the price of the 10D right now, there is no way to go wrong.

You can get a "like new" 10D for less then half the cost of a 20D..........
If you are looking to be smart about it, espcially if you dont own the 10D. Buy the 10D and use it, wait 6-7 months (summer) untill the 20D price drops a just little bit and by then the price of the 10D will move back up, and you have yourself a deal.

When the 10D was going for $1100 used, I would say buy the 20D, but considering the used market is flooded with them, you can easily find one for 700-750.

As for the startup time, yes it's darn fast, fast enough to catch a shot you might miss with the 10D, but don't be fooled by that, the 10D is no slug.

Cheers.

[G3Hawaii]

Thanks for the info. I have been looking at the 10d as the price begins to drop and figuring it will server my purposes. I shoot volleyball in less than spectacular light (no flash) How much better is the 20d in low light?

Where are you finding 10d's for $750?

[Persian-Rice]

FM...........ebay.................

If you are doing sports, go find a 1D origional, slightly more expensive then the 20D but much better performer in terms of sports.

I have seen 3-4 for $700 flat. I got a second 10D last week for under 900 with grip and everyhting that came with it. Best part, under 2000 actuations and even had the origional receipts and store warranty, the thing is practically new. If I break it down, I got a practically new 10D body for about $700-720. Refused to miss that.

Cheers.

[G3Hawaii]

Thank you for the information. I'm leaning toward a 20d as I figure I will not outgrow it for some time. How concerned shoulld I be about the reported problems?

[Jon]

You'll like the 20D for sports - the quicker start-up, the faster writes (including allowing you to keep shooting while it writes), and the reduced noise-level at higher ISO settings are all pluses. The lock-ups seem only to occur to people during prolonged sleep, lens change or card change, and Canon's released a firmware upgrade to address that. In any case, those aren't conditions you're likely to run into often while shooting sports.

[Deckyon]

:arrow: The Canon Firmware has made the lock-up a thing of the past. Not even worth mentioning. Get the camera, apply the firmware as per Canon instructions, and that's it.

:arrow: If you don't already have the 10D, then get the 20D. While there is nothing wrong with the 10D, and I can't see most people (consumers, not "pros") would outgrow it.

:arrow: If you already have the 10D, then I would not worry about the upgrade, unless you can justify the costs because you actually use it to make money and you are missing shots due to the hardware.

Ultimatly it is your decision. We cannot tell you what is best for you, only you can determine that. Best advice I can think of is get your hands on both cameras and try them out, even if you stay in the store. You will quickly make up your mind that way. Only thing there is, do not pick up a 1D or 1D Mark II. They will spoil you right off.

[MarkH]

You'll like the 20D for sports - the quicker start-up, the faster writes (including allowing you to keep shooting while it writes), and the reduced noise-level at higher ISO settings are all pluses. The lock-ups seem only to occur to people during prolonged sleep, lens change or card change, and Canon's released a firmware upgrade to address that. In any case, those aren't conditions you're likely to run into often while shooting sports.

I completely agree, I have the 10D and wish I had the 20D, but it's not really worth the cost to change, I still have to save to buy better lenses. But for sports the 5 fps for 23 JPG shots is pretty impressive.

Oops, I almost completely agree: The point about quicker start-up, yes that is a nice step forward, but how does that help for sports? On my 10D I have found that once I take my 10D out of the bag and turn it on then I have the camera always ready until I turn it off and return it to the bag. The startup delay has never been much of an issue and has never cost me a shot. I set the sleep time to 30 minutes to make sure my camera doesn't go to sleep while I am using it. Battery like isn't an issue, I have got 4hrs/550 shots out of 1 battery with power to spare, only turning the camera of briefly to change CF cards or lenses.

Even if I don't get a 20D it is nice to see the technology moving forward, my current plan is to replace my 10D with the latest model once mine is 5 years old, by then we may be talking about a 40D, two generations newer than the 20D. But regardless of what comes next the 20D will still be a very capable camera.

[G3Hawaii]

Thanks again for the insight. I do not have a 10D at this point and lean toward a 20D if I'm going to spend the money. Although, both cameras would be an improvement over my G3. I have been able to get some great shots out of my G3 and have learned a lot about what can be done with a digital camera. The G3 has been good for most shots, but it's limited on low light/fast action sports.

[davidwegs]

Depends what you shoot.

I shoot a lot of lowlight (sometimes candles) events and found the 10D lacking for that lighting. Some shots just plain missed.

The 20D however, gives you a new field of shots with an acceptable 800iso and better AF/speed.

I think if you are comming from having had a G3 for a while, the 10D is a great upgrade. If you are making money, get the 20d IMO.