10D, 350D, or 20D that is the question

[JoesLdy]

OK I finally have the cash in hand to buy my DSLR and now I don't know which one I want to buy. I have only just started my own photography buisiness, and I have never worked with a DSLR before these are two things to keep in mind.

I am between those 3 cameras. At first I was going to just go with the 20D but I thought twice about it because I am just beginning right now, and they may be coming out with a new and improved soon enough anyway.

So then I moved to 10D because I have a friend who shoots with one and I think her images come out beautiful. It seems to be a more professional option than the Rebel XT, though it loses 2mp resolution.

On the 350D Ive heard the images dont come out sharp. But then I see sharp ones all the time so I wonder if thats not just operator error.

We have no shops around here that would carry all 3 so I can test them all out, so I am relying on reviews and opinions. I have already read through a couple of threads on the 20D as compared to 350D, but Im looking at 10D as well so they havent helped a lot.

Opinions?

[SuzyView]

Welcome to the forum and to digital SLR. It's an adventure.

I have the 10D and just got my 20D for Christmas. I have been using the 10D for over 2 years now, shooting mostly weddings, events, the kids activities, and landscapes. It's a great camera. That being said, I upgraded to the 20D and I really love it. I have absolutely no regrets spending the money and won't even look at the new models coming out. If you wait until something better comes out, you'll never buy anything. Something new comes out all the time.

1. The 20D turns on immediately, no wait time. The 10D takes a few seconds and sometimes, that is really frustrating.
2. The 20D is better in low-light. So with my 1.4 and 1.8 lenses, it's a killer combination. I hardly use my flash indoors because I don't like artificial light.
3. The 8.2 MP, 2 MP increase from the 10D is not too significant, unless you take pictures in full 8.2, which I do because every shot counts for a wedding.
4. If used with the 85 1.8, the portraits are professional quality. I just used this combination for family portraits and the depth of the photos is remarkable.

If you have the $1200 for the 20D, go for it! You can add the grip, a 580EX flash, a good fast lens and you are already at the level of the pros.

SuzyView
20D, 10D, EOS 3 (still love film), 550EX and great stuff.

[Steve Parr]

I'll second the recommendation for the 20D.

When I was looking to upgrade from the 300D, the 10D wasn't even really a consideration. I was looking for something that could perform well in low light, which neither the 300D or the 10D do nearly as well as the 350 or the 20D.

Compared to the 20D, the 350 felt like a toy, in that it was just too small in my hands. It's a capable camera, though, and shouldn't be discounted if you don't have big hands...

Steve

[In2Photos]

I have an XT and think that the pictures that come from this camera are absolutely beautiful. However, if you are going to start a photography business I would recommend the 20D as it is a more robust piece of equipment. Some might say that the XT would look less prefessional but after walking around this past weekend taking photos for a friend at a birthday party, I can say that no one seems to care what camera you have as long as there is a nice piece of glass attached.

[SuzyView]

Yes. I agree with you, Mike. Glass is by far the greatest consideration. Before getting into the DSLR's I already had Canon equipment. That made the jump so much easier. And now, it's all good and I am always on the hunt for the next lens.

SuzyView

[JoesLdy]

Ive been reading reviews since I posted this, and I did see that the 10D doesnt work so well in low light (night photography is one of my interests so this is a big factor for me) as well as some AF issues.

So now I am down to the XT and the 20D again, at least I can find both of those at the local shop to compare.

My biggest issue with buying the 20D is that if I saved a couple hundred I could get myself one of two things, a speedlight or a better lense to add to my not so good lense collection. My justification for buying the XT was to buy it now and use as a backup later when I actually make some money and buy either the 20D or the next best thing, if that makes sense.

[In2Photos]

Originally Posted by JoesLdy

Ive been reading reviews since I posted this, and I did see that the 10D doesnt work so well in low light (night photography is one of my interests so this is a big factor for me) as well as some AF issues.

So now I am down to the XT and the 20D again, at least I can find both of those at the local shop to compare.

My biggest issue with buying the 20D is that if I saved a couple hundred I could get myself one of two things, a speedlight or a better lense to add to my not so good lense collection. My justification for buying the XT was to buy it now and use as a backup later when I actually make some money and buy either the 20D or the next best thing, if that makes sense.

That would be an excellent idea. A backup body is a must for a profeesional photographer. You could maybe even get a FF camera to give you more flexibility.

[JoesLdy]

FF camera? You mean film? I have a Rebel T2 for film

[SuzyView]

The XT is definitely a good choice, no matter what, so you could get started. Just don't buy anything without reading all the advice about start up equipment. If you buy the wrong lens, you would have wasted your money. Think about what type of photography you will be doing and then choose wisely.

SuzyView

FF- full-frame

[Ricko of Fla]

The beginning of Feb the photo show in Orlando will be going on. Wait until then to see if Canon announced any new cameras . Then make your choice. 20D should be the minimum camera purchased at the beginning of yor businesss. Save up for only he best (lens)if you are in the business.

[Zepher]

I also recommend the 20D over the others. i've had the opportunity to use almost all the Canon DSLR's (except for the D30 and the 1D line) since I work with a lot of wedding and portrait photographers and they keep upgrading, that's how I got my hand me down D60 I use.
To me, the 350D is too small and I don't like the button layout, the 10D and 20D have a very similar feel, but the 20D just seems to take cleaner pictures in pretty much any kind of light condition.
If I had the money, I'd go with the 20D.

[liza]

The 20D would be a good choice for someone starting out in the business. The build quality is better as well as some of the other features already mentioned above. After the PMA show in February, you will probably be able to pick up a used 20D or two for a good price, as it is rumored that the 20D is being replaced with a new model.

[JoesLdy]

I went to the only local camera shop to check the models out, I liked the 20D better for ease of use and feel. I liked having the 2 extra AF points as well.

The manager there also suggested waiting until after Feb. I wish I was good at saving money... I might give it a shot LOL

Thanks for all of the info everyone, it was very helpful in making my decision.

Now to find myself a good fast lense.... hehe...

[SuzyView]

Depending on what you are looking for, there are many threads that help with first lenses to get. Search and you will get lots of help.

SuzyView

[bruce20D]

even if a new model is announced in Feb .. it will be awhile before it hits the dealer's shelves. Buy the 20D now .. be very happy .. take many pix !!