New to Photography - Need some advice

[Sn@ve]

Hello everyone,

I've developed an interest in photography and will be taking a photography class beginning the end of August. I have an old EOS 650 that I will be using for the class and to learn the basics of an SLR camera. However, I have decided that I like the instant gratification of the digital age and the ease of storage that digital pictures provide over film prints. My question is what digital camera should I get? I plan on using the camera mainly for family shots, children's sporting events and vacation pictures, possibly some hunting/nature type shots as well. I was looking at some cameras such as the Panasonic FZ20 and the like or possibly just stepping up to a dSLR such as the digital rebel XT. I have 3 lenses for my EOS 650 that I could possibly use for the XT. I would prefer to buy a new camera but the thought of buying a used 10D or 20D has crossed my mind. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Sn@ve

[dennykyser]

Snave.
I have both the 10D and 20D and in the past have had pairs of A2E's, Elan 2E's, Elan 7E's and a Rebel. Take if from me, the price of the 20D new is hard to beat and you are getting so much camera for the money I cant see why you would go with anything less. The 20D is superior to MF in my opinion so you wont out grow the camera for a long long time.

[tim]

The 20D's a great camera. I held the XT yesterday, and it's too small for me, and I don't have overly large hands.

[anttor]

The 20D's a great camera. I held the XT yesterday, and it's too small for me, and I don't have overly large hands.

i do have large hands, and i own the xt and it is fine for me. i prefer it over big slrs

[britt777]

I would say the 20D all day. Trust me, you won't regret it. It is by far worth every Penny!!

[triangle]

I would say the 20D all day. Trust me, you won't regret it. It is by far worth every Penny!!

Ditto


I do not have any regrets in buying this camera (20D). I considered getting the XT, but the build quality is no where close. If you are able to get it before June 15th, there is a $100 rebate as well.B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home/)has one of the best prices on it as well.

[twalker294]

I had an FZ20 and it is a fantastic camera for its intended purpose -- outdoor telephoto shots. The constant f/2.8 with image stabilization is fantastic. I regret having sold it. It was the perfect companion to my 10D. I replaced the FZ20 with a G3 which is a great camera but I really miss the long zoom on the FZ20.

However, the FZ won't hold a candle to the 20D or Digital Rebel in terms of picture quality, build quality, speed of operation, lack of high ISO noise, etc and so forth. I know I don't have to sell you on the virtues of a DSLR vs. a P&S digital. One thing though -- I don't know what quality the lenses that you have for your EOS are but if they aren't fairly high quality, you will likely be disappointed in the resulting images. Would you care to share what lenses you have?

Todd

[thanhda]

I would recommend the 20D as well...

You can get a good deal from Dell if you know the trick. You can see my post here:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=52172&page=2

Good luck

[Mohawk]

Sn@ve,

Go to a camera shop, or Best Buy, they sell the XT and 20D and are normally in stock, that is if you are in the States or Canada. The image quality is roughly the same, and the price difference is not that great. I would go with the 20D, as I do own one. But, if price is a factor, I would not hesitate purchasing the XT. I have held it, it is not that bad, and the images produced are on par with my 1DMKII if done right. I guess it boils down to the feel, and the extras of the 20D. Just be prepared, better lenses will make either of these cameras shine, this ain't a cheap hobby. If money is an issue, DO NOT mount any "L" lenses to your new body. This will result in an incredibly fast draining of your wallet, trust me.

Mike

[Sn@ve]

I have the following lenses:
70-210 EF 1:4
35-70 EF 1:3.5-4.5
50 EF 1:1.8

I have no clue whether these are decent lenses or not... I'm hopeful some of you guys will tell me they are a good starting point.

[twalker294]

I have the following lenses:
70-210 EF 1:4
35-70 EF 1:3.5-4.5
50 EF 1:1.8

I have no clue whether these are decent lenses or not... I'm hopeful some of you guys will tell me they are a good starting point.

I would have to say that the only keeper out of those is the 50/1.8. The others are consumer grade lenses that won't give you the best results from a digital SLR.

Todd

[AjP]

Just ordered mine 20D on Friday and got on Saturday, Onecall.com great prices, incredible customer support and good shipping prices.

Camera is incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(i was thinking about buying XT, tryed to hold it and it feels like cheap toy) in other hand 20D feels like good, solid semi-pro camera!!!!!!!!!!

[Grainy]

ahhhhhh 20D and the 50 is nifty.

[AjP]

ahhhhhh 20D and the 50 is nifty.
thx, it is great lense, I'm not a pro but I love this camera
and both lenses, wish I could like to have few more in my collection like 70-200 L 2.8 IS and wide angle lense (still don't know which one)

[d'homme]

20D all the way. Also, holding a camera steady is easily with a larger camera.