Ok, if I can get Digital Rebel for $500, should I do it (w/kit lens)?

[AndrewR]

There's a DRebel on clearance right now that's selling for $674 with the kit lens (retail package). I have this gut feeling that it will be 25% off this weekend, which is something they do fairly often. I've been deadset on the 20D when we move back to the States in a month, but if this deal happens, should I jump on it?

I actually bought the very same camera a few weeks ago and played with it for about 60 pictures. I wasn't blown away, but for an extra $150 off, I might be (considering that I paid $200 more for my Sony F717!).

Looking for people to say "go for it" or "no, wait for the 20D". :)

[Icecamp]

It depends what you are looking for in a body. The 20D's advantages are, faster start up, better high ISO performance, faster frame burst rate, all functions available in all creative menu zones, better metering, better auto focus, better build quality. If these things are important enough to you then, yes, I would wait for the 20D.
If you can get the Rebel for $500, that is a good bargain. The Rebel takes excellent images, and the firmware shortcomings can be worked around fairly easily. If you don't feel you need the "latest greatest" the Rebel will be a great camera, and the savings will allow you to collect some nice glass. The Rebel will let you into the world of DSLR at a good price and will give you a starting point to develop a feeling for what you might need in the future.
As far as which one you should buy, only you can answer that, I would lean toward the Rebel if it were me.

[bauerman]

I personally would not pay $674 for a new Digital Rebel kit - I have seen many kits online for around the $650 range from LEGIT dealers. That price is not jaw dropping to me. So, if you get the 25% off - then I would go for it - but I would not pay the so called "clearance" price.

[pradeep1]

If you could pick one up with kit lens for $475, I'd go for it, otherwise save your money for something else. Why don't you consider the Rebel XT (350D)....it has 20D features, but a more Rebel-like price?

[roanjohn]

500 USD is CHEAP!!! That is about the same price as the G6 from some retailers.

The Rebel was my first intro to DSLR........it was a great equipment to learn from. But not only that, it takes excellent pictures.

GO FOR IT!!!

Ro1

[Steve Parr]

I've got the Digital Rebel. If presented the opportunity to buy a second one for five bills, I don't know that I wouldn't jump on it...

Steve

[Kennymc]

Hold out for the 20D it's a better camera all round...

[bauerman]

Of course the 20D is a better camera all around - but you have to ask yourself at some point if twice the price is worth it for your needs. 20D photos, I guarantee, are not TWICE as good as photos from my Rebel.

[skyphix]

It sounds like you've already got one - I'll go on that basis.

If you're enterprising, you could buy it for 500USD and ebay it (or sell it privately) for ~600. A bit of profit there and could lead you eventually to option 2.

- OR -

you could save up 70 bucks and get a 70-200 F4L (assuming you dont already have one) or various other accesories now instead of waiting.

Your call. I'd take option 2 because I'm impatient.

[SENster7]

There's a DRebel on clearance right now that's selling for $674 with the kit lens (retail package). I have this gut feeling that it will be 25% off this weekend, which is something they do fairly often. I've been deadset on the 20D when we move back to the States in a month, but if this deal happens, should I jump on it?

I actually bought the very same camera a few weeks ago and played with it for about 60 pictures. I wasn't blown away, but for an extra $150 off, I might be (considering that I paid $200 more for my Sony F717!).

Looking for people to say "go for it" or "no, wait for the 20D". :)

My first DSLR was the Drebel. I used it for 6 months, and then went on to the 20D. The DRebel for me was a great learning experience and a lot of fun, and when I upgraded to the 20D I almost felt like I graduated...

[AndrewR]

My first DSLR was the Drebel. I used it for 6 months, and then went on to the 20D. The DRebel for me was a great learning experience and a lot of fun, and when I upgraded to the 20D I almost felt like I graduated...

See, that's what I've been thinking. I've convinced the wife that we need a better camera (ok, who am I kidding -- that I want a better camera), but I'm not sure I can sell her on the "buy this one now, buy this one later" so I'd probably be stuck with the DRebel.

Thanks for the perspectives -- even though it's an awesome deal, I think I'll leave it for someone else.