Canon 20D - Tips + Positives/Negatives Wanted

Hi everyone, i've recently upgraded from a Fuji Finepix S5600 to a Canon 20D. Now I haven't got the camera in my possession yet but I will do come the 27th December.

I wsa wondering if some of guys (and gals) could give me some info about the camera, and it's positives and negatives.

The camera will be used mostly for taking pics at rallys so the first lens i'm going to be buying will probably be the Sigma 18-200 OS lens.

Any tips and info will be greatly appreciated thanks

the screen is ridiculously small and sometimes I've thought my shot was bad only to load it up on the computer to find that it came out well. Don't delete images unless you have to or they look blatantly bad.

hbdragon88 wrote in post #6883930
the screen is ridiculously small

It isn't too bad, I just tended not to look at my images when shooting, only the histogram, and it is fine for that. I agree with the second part though.

In terms of tips for rallying, I haven't got and motorsport experience, only aviation and field sports, but I would say settins wise:

• TV - 1/320 as a starting point
  
• ISO 100 or 200
  
• Evaluative metering (the one with the symbol like this: [o])
  
• AI Servo Autofocus

The 20D doesn't have dust cleaning. So the sensor will get dust on it in your settings if you change lenses. The 18-200 should cover the bases. Shoot in raw mode to get the best from the camera.

Make sure you are getting all the software and hardware that came with the camera. If you don't, some can be gotten from the Canon site but you should get Canon Solutions disc and PhotoShop Elements.

Canon 20D is a very capable camera with many features. Find an online manual and start studying now. It will take some time to master the features.

The only con to the camera is the LCD so don't depend on it too much. Like others have said, it's good for the histogram but that's about it.

Have fun with your new purchase!

One thing i'd absolutely check is how the C.Fn's (custom functions) are set in the Menu.
If you aren't familiar with them, C.Fn's can "tweak" a bunch of things in the camera.
There's something like 17 of them, starting on page 141 (in my manual).
The settings you are inheriting from the previous user may not be what you'd like, so be sure to check them out.
Greg

For core functionality I think it's still very up to date and capable camera. It lacks somewhat in high-ISO area (basically don't go over 400 unless you really know what you're doing), but autofocus, framerate, MPix, responsiveness to your actions - all is fine.

Still a great camera!!!

For alot of good info and up to the moment questions about the 20D, or anything here @POTN,
I select the search function and go to *advanced* and type in 20D. Most recent to oldest pops up.

It's how I found this thread ...

Thanks for all the info guys, previous user has used it for rallying too, so hopefully the settings will be ok.

Good idea about reading a manual too as i'm actually collecting it at a rally and going to be using it there. I'll post some of my shots up here when I get home with it in a couple of weeks. (If they all come out ok)

I know some of the basics about photography but now I have a proper DSLR I should hopefully learn much more and be able to use it to its best potential

bomzai wrote in post #6884839
For core functionality I think it's still very up to date and capable camera. It lacks somewhat in high-ISO area (basically don't go over 400 unless you really know what you're doing), but autofocus, framerate, MPix, responsiveness to your actions - all is fine.

This is not exactly true. The 20d has great low light capabilities. The 20d and the 5d are based on the same technology only difference is the 5d's sensor is more sensitive.

with the right lens you can shoot 800 iso with minimal noise. As long as the image is exposed properly te shot will be usable.

I'm guessing it will also depend on the lens too?

So i'm guessing it would be much better when using a Canon 70-200 F2.8 Lens than the Sigma 18 - 200 OS Lens?

Also would a Canon 1.4x Converter fit on the Sigma lens?

As a long time 20D shooter I must say I have no hesitation shooting up to 400 ISO and will go to 8-1600 if I need to. The histogram is not completely reliable as it only records the red channel. I often shoot at -1/3 or -2/3 exposure to avoid blown-out highlights in daylight (not sure if this is a 20D thing or not). I shoot RAW if I'm intending to work the image or at high ISO. Because it's practically impossible to check critical focus on the screen, I always take a few more shots than I think I need - AF is good but not faultless. It's quite capable of taking good shots of birds in flight with a good lens though.

Enjoy the camera - it's bought me a lot of happiness and taught me a lot about photography too.

John

The 20D is a GREAT CAMERA. I had mine for a few years and it was absolutely amazing.

i use a 20D and mainly for motorsport.. looking at your avi you might like these...

http://www.flickr.com …s/sets/72157606​930898903/

taken with a 20D and a sigma 70-200 f2.8 "macro". great combo imho.

my advise, move the focus to the * button. it really does come in handy epsecially in dark woods where lighting changes fast.