Which Canon SLR will meet my needs?

[heksa]

For the last year I've been using G5 and since my main photographic object is my, now, 19 months old daughter the G5 simply can't handle it and I'm getting more and more frustrated. I'm looking for a camera with a fast, really fast focus. I'm also looking for a better then G5 f sensor, as I mostly do portraits with a small focus range. Also, since I recently purchased Speedlite 420EX Flash I would like it to be useful with a new camera.The price is also of importance. I would appreciate any tips.

[drisley]

20D, fast focus (as long as you get a lens with fast focus), and many nice features.

[Belmondo]

The 20D would be excellent.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I'd like to recomned the Rebel/300D as well as a less pricey alternative.. but it has this issue with the user not being able to chose AI servo focusing. So to me that is a large hurdle for anyone who is stressing focus speed as important. Not that it is slow.. in fact the Rebel's AF performance is amazing.. all the more reason it is a shame that one can't chose AI servo ...

So your choisces are the as mentioned 20D,.. very fast AF!
Or the even faster 1D MkII.

Also,.. if used is an option there are used 1D and 10D cameras. The AF performance of the 10D is virtually identical to the Rebel EXCEPT that ot has the user selectible focus type (ai servo, single shot, ai focus) that the Rebel lacks.. thus allowing the 10D to take better advantage of it's own nherent abilities.

Bt the 1D and 1D MkII are kings of the hill of AF.

[mdude85]

Heck I'd recommend a 10D. Any SLR is going to give you a gigantic difference in AF speed off the bat. You'll wonder how you were ever able to take pictures with your P&S.

[roanjohn]

A used 10D - you can find it for less than 900 USD!!!

Ro1