Canon Rebel XT vs. 20D???

[evidence tech]

I have made an agreement with my wife that I can buy an "upscale" digital camera when we find out that she is pregnant. I know that she would prefer that I not spend too much on the camera. Needless to say, I was pleased to find out that Canon is coming out with an 8mp Rebel XT. I have a fair photography background being a police photographer but by no means am I as talented as some of the people in this forum. As of right now, I am leaning towards the cheaper Rebel XT because I would be saving around $500 over the 20D and eventually could use the savings on extra glass. I was just wondering if anyone has heard of any pros or cons of the Rebel XT. Thank you in advance.

[Marvinspu36]

Click here (http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/eos_digital_rebel_xt_vs_20d.html) for a good comparison of the two cameras.

[tim]

In your position i'd get the XT. There are loads of threads comparing the two, a search might help you out too.

[Andy_T]

First of all ... congratulations on the pregnancy of your wife!
For you, this is now a twofold reason for joy :lol:

In your position, I'd present your wife with the leaflets of the 20D and tell her that this is the one to get.

Later, you can switch to the DRebel and tell her that as you spend a lot of money, you can buy a second nice lens (e.g. 70-200/4.0) in addition to the kit lens.

If you go for the DRebel XT immediately, you'll end up with only the kit lens :lol:

But seriously, try out the cameras before and see how you like them both.

Best regards,
Andy

Best regards,
Andy

[johneric8]

I have made an agreement with my wife that I can buy an "upscale" digital camera when we find out that she is pregnant. I know that she would prefer that I not spend too much on the camera. Needless to say, I was pleased to find out that Canon is coming out with an 8mp Rebel XT. I have a fair photography background being a police photographer but by no means am I as talented as some of the people in this forum. As of right now, I am leaning towards the cheaper Rebel XT because I would be saving around $500 over the 20D and eventually could use the savings on extra glass. I was just wondering if anyone has heard of any pros or cons of the Rebel XT. Thank you in advance.


Dude, I'm telling you the 20D is the bomb. I havent used the XT but I cant imagine it being as good as the 20D. I think having less noice at the higher ISO is brilliant on the 20D.. The quality is so good! If I had to give props to the 20d for one thing it would be the layout of the functions in the creative modes! You would not believe how much easier it is to make adjustments on the fly with the 20D .. I know the rebel XT is going to still make you push lots of buttons to get certain things done. The extra features on the 20D are worth saving your money for trust me.. It's the best camera for the money by far.... All the experts agree it's flat out a better camera.... And believe me, you dont have to take a picture with the XT to know this. All you have to do is look at the side by sied comparisons..

[etaf]

try them - that may decide for you - I played with the 350D (UK name for XT) and was disappointed with the size and how it felt in my hand. It was a bit like a pentax size and i would not get on with it.
Although I have EOS5 and EOS600 I also have the PRO1 and so it was not just because of what I'm used to - it did not fit my hand well like canons normally do!!!!

[Andy_T]

I havent used the XT but I cant imagine it being as good as the 20D.

Johneric, I also have the 20D and agree that it's an incredible camera.
Still, I would at least look at both cameras before advising others :wink:

I think having less noice at the higher ISO is brilliant on the 20D.. The quality is so good!

Agreed. Still, the DRebel XT is supposed to share the same new technologies ... so test it :D

The extra features on the 20D are worth saving your money for trust me.. It's the best camera for the money by far.... All the experts agree it's flat out a better camera....

That's the first time I hear that. But then, I might have missed it :lol:

And believe me, you dont have to take a picture with the XT to know this. All you have to do is look at the side by sied comparisons..

With all due repect ... my opinion here is different.
My advice would be to try out both cameras, and make your own decision.

I'll give you an example. When the DRebel was introduced, I looked at the comparisons and decided that there was no way I was going to pay 500$ extra on a bit more flexibility and a black body. However, when I compared the cameras in the shop, the 10D just felt so much nicer to me, that I decided that *for me* it was worth spending the money. But your mileage might vary.

Best regards,
Andy

[HJMinard]

What Andy said :)

[evidence tech]

Thnak you all for the advice. I think I will go down to the local shop and check both out before making my decision.

[johneric8]

I agree you need to hold the cameras and mess with them to really know .. But if you look at the freatures side by side they really dont compare..

[evidence tech]

I am not sure that I can justify a $1,500 20D camera. That is more then my mortgage. Nor am i interested in buying used. My main fear with the Rebel XT is that it will have that cheap plastic feel. It's too bad that Canon feels a plastic camera justifies a $999 price tag.

[daveh6700]

I have a fair photography background being a police photographer . . . I was just wondering if anyone has heard of any pros or cons of the Rebel XT. Thank you in advance.

As a police photographer you might be interested in a feature of the 20D that I haven't heard of on the DRXT. The 20D has a feature that records a "secret" number along with the picture that can be used to verify that the digital photograph has not been modified. It is supposed to be ISO certified for use in court with another tool that analizes the picture and verifies that it has not been digitally altered. I'll try to do some additional research to identify what the special setting on the 20D is - but I seem to remember custom setting 16. Maybe someone else could help me out here. It would be really nice if the DRXT had the same feature.

[FlyingPete]

As a police photographer you might be interested in a feature of the 20D that I haven't heard of on the DRXT. The 20D has a feature that records a "secret" number along with the picture that can be used to verify that the digital photograph has not been modified. It is supposed to be ISO certified for use in court with another tool that analizes the picture and verifies that it has not been digitally altered. I'll try to do some additional research to identify what the special setting on the 20D is - but I seem to remember custom setting 16. Maybe someone else could help me out here. It would be really nice if the DRXT had the same feature.

Actually if it weren't for the such expensive cost of the kit to utlise that feature, more people might find it useful. I send a picture of a twister forming in my local area (which is completely unheard of), I sent it to a local paper and they wouldn't publish it, as I had no way of prooving it wasn't a 'Photoshoped' image.

Be good for UFO spotting too :D

[daveh6700]

Here is a follow up to the Data Verification Information: Do a google on DVK-E2 if your interestd in additional information.

The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II and EOS 20D digital cameras can prove it's images are unaltered, original files. The Data Verification Kit DVK-E2, consisting of a dedicated memory card, a Secure Mobile (SM) card reader, and special software for Windows 2000/XP is able to verify that EOS-1Ds Mark II and EOS 20D image files are absolutely unaltered. The system is so precise, that even the slightest discrepancy is detected. This may well be a landmark for digital imaging in law enforcement and other documentary uses.

When the EOS-1Ds Mark II and EOS 20D user shoots with the verification system activated (P.Fn-31), a code is automatically generated based on the image contents and attached to the image. When the image is viewed, the data verification software determines the code for the image and compares it with the attached code. If the photo has been retouched in any way, the codes will not match, thus verifying that the image is not the original.

[evidence tech]

Thanks for the advice guys. The only problem is that this will be for personal use. My department is so behind in the times that we are using 35mm to document scenes. They finally just purchased a Rebel about 6 months ago but only a few people are allowed to use it.

[I Simonius]

I am not sure that I can justify a $1,500 20D camera. That is more then my mortgage. Nor am i interested in buying used. My main fear with the Rebel XT is that it will have that cheap plastic feel. It's too bad that Canon feels a plastic camera justifies a $999 price tag.

I know any camera I buy now will need replacing every couple of years until the quality of the sensors gets to film equivalent

So to me it makes more sense to spend as little as possible for the top quality sensor available at any given time until it gets there :rolleyes:

[CyberDyneSystems]

Push for 20D,...

When that proves to be "out of the question" then you can "settle" for the XT ;)

[Mike H]

If you get to try both cameras in a store before buying--and you should if you can--be sure to have the people at the store put the vertical grip on both. I think that's the best accessory for most DSLRs; it really gives them a better feel, especially the less expensive cameras (which are usually very small and light).

Mike H

[evidence tech]

Thanks Mike, I never thought of that. That should help because I have very large hands.