Rebel XT or 20D

[basrph]

I am new to digital photography and was wondering what the major differences were between the Rebel XT and the 20D. The rebel is about $400 less but both are about 8 pixel. Any other features I should compare? If you were thinking about purchasing either of these which would you select?

[nitsch]

This is a great link, it has the differences between the two models:

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/eos_digital_rebel_xt_vs_20d.html

I would say make sure you handle them both in the shop, for me the 350D/XT is just too small, but its a matter of personal preference.

[condyk]

Spot on ... 20D is worth the upgrade, at the lower prices that are now around, but for me the 350D is in nowhere-land as the extra cash just isn't worth it over the older 300D! 300D and better lens is a nicer option that 350D for the same cash. 20D is a basis for longer term performance and satisfaction. Even so, I know I am the limiting factor still and NOT my 300D or lenses. When I am ready to move up then I will go the 20D route, or whatever is around at that time that may be a better option.

[crusher420]

When I bought my 20D it came down to the size factor. You wouldn't think that it would make that much difference but the metal body and the larger physical dimensions definitely made the camera 'feel' better in my hands. The XT was just way too light and compact for my liking.

[benhasajeep]

One of the reasons I when I started to take pictures and went with Nikon is their feel. The Canon's that I could afford just felt cheap. My father was actually a Pentax guy. And I almost went that route. Now for my first DSLR it came into play again. I wanted an 8mp+ camera again only certain funding limits. Choices were D20 and the 350. Again the 350 felt too light. I am still a Nikon film shooter (and some digital) but I did decide to switch, even with somewhat greater cost to Canon. The 20D fit the bill for what I wanted and what I was willing to pay. Nikon may come out in Oct with something comparable but they are very hush hush over new items. Because of that, they at least lost one DSLR buyer.

The D20 is going to be delivered by Friday. :)

[canon2od]

Size was the reason I went with the 20D as well.


I agree with nitsch, go to a camera shop and handle both of them.

Good luck and enjoy the hunt.

[likophoto]

I went with the 300D instead of the XT because it felt better in my hands. The 300D is a bit larger and it feels better. The XT is such a small camera that it's hard to get a good grip of it especially with a heavier lens attached. If both the XT and the 20D fit my budget, I wouldn't think twice about it... 20D would be the obvious choice. If price is a concern.. then go with the 300D and a better lens instead of the XT.

[triangle]

If you can purchase tommorow (June 15th) you will get $100 rebate back on the 20D. As was stated before, go to a store and handle both of them. The XT felt more like a toy compared with the 20D and even against my DRebel. The build did not seem very solid to me, the dial knob even felt unsturdy on the XT.

[lostdoggy]

Being an owner of the DRebel I can tell you that its a nice camera, but will I recommend it over the XT? No. The XT has alot more improvement then the DRebel, off hand I can't say but if you do a little search on this forum you'll find it. But, the XT isn't for me its too small for me. Is it worth the extra $200? yes if it fits your hand. The 20D is definitely a better camera and its about $350 more than the XT after rebate (till July 15). The 20D has a larger buffer, better AF, and less noise at higher ISO. Which will allow you to take pctures in low ligh situation where flash is not an option. The 20D is one of my option in upgrading my DRebel the other is the 1DMKII. The 1DMKII has the features that is more attractive to my needs. Larger body, larger buffer, faster sequential firing, and most of all smaller crop factor of 1.3X vs 1.6X.

The bottomline is what you can afford and what you need? Will you regret buying less now or buying more then you need? The former is usually is the case. Most people on this forum has nothing but praises for the 20D and has enhence their shooting experience from it. Whateve your choice is DRebel, XT, or the 20D you've made the right choice in becoming a large family of Canon DSLR owner. Goodluck and happy shopping.

[chakras]

No 350D takers I see:lol:. Actually it all depends on how much you are willing to spend. I always felt the extra mega-pixels that you get gives you an additional allowance to get a decent print even after cropping. I always wanted a 10D and then 20D and waited a long time for the price of 20D to drop to a level where I could buy it, but unfortunately, it never came down (within my reach). Rebel XT is small and light, you may spend an extra $150 for battery grip to get a good grip (But try it at the store before you buy one and check if you really need it). And invest the money you save on Memory Cards/ Lens. Add price for at least an added battery and few CF cards with price of camera when you calculate. And do you really need an ISO of 1/3200:o ? No offense anyone. 20D is a much better camera when it comes to build quality, scratches show very heavily on 350D/ XT (esp in black). 20D also has a larger buffer and number of shots is higher for continuous shooting. 20D has 18 custom functions and 350D only has 10. But I am an amateur and have never used any of those (I always think of using mirror lock-up feature to start with:o). I saw comparisons of photo quality on various web sites and there is not a very big difference between XT and 20D. But any camera you buy, when you are with Canon, you cannot be wrong:D.

[bachscuttler]

I went with the 300D instead of the XT because it felt better in my hands. The 300D is a bit larger and it feels better. The XT is such a small camera that it's hard to get a good grip of it especially with a heavier lens attached. If both the XT and the 20D fit my budget, I wouldn't think twice about it... 20D would be the obvious choice. If price is a concern.. then go with the 300D and a better lens instead of the XT.

I went for the XT recently and feature/spec wise its a lot of camera for your buck, but I can understand why people would describe it as feeling like a 'toy'....it does feel quite plasticy (because it is!) but the BG-E3 grip makes it much more handleable.

It was my first DSLR so anything is going to feel great after a p&s and I now have the decision wether to upgrade to the 20d (which I couldnt afford this year) or spend the money on lenses.

I may just go with the lenses which I can transfer across and by that time the 20d will probably last years' model! :lol: