Upgrading to DSLR...Please advise

I've spent the last year shooting with my Canon A75. I know this isn't much, but it was a start into the digital world. I'm looking for something affordable, but in the DSLR area. I've looked at the Rebel XLT and I think that might be up my alley. I'm looking for something with full created control, lens adaptability and high Megapixels. The Rebel is right at 8.0, so that would work. Do any of you have any good suggestions for me as far as a good camera for me?

Also, why is the Rebel cheaper than others of the same megapixel range. Advantages/Disadvantag​es?

I have the 20D and truly enjoy it. I shoot a lot of sports in low light, so its high ISO performance and speed are important to me. The XT is a very capable camera, also. It's cheaper, as it's one of Canon's consumer DSLR line. There are differences in build quality and performance between it and the 20D/5D/1D cameras. This link to Bob Atkins' website give a good basis of comparison between 20D and XT.

http://www.bobatkins.c​om …ital_rebel_xt_v​s_20d.html

SC, I made the upgrade you are contemplating now from a Canon S1 IS to the Rebel XT. Very happy with the XT. For what I usually photograph (landscapes) the XT was more than capable. For me higher ISO and more frames per second wasn't as important. The XT gets my foot in the door. From here I can start to aquire lenes for this camera that will still be usable for the next Canon camera I decide to make the jump to a few years down the road.

I just upgraded from 300d couldn't be happier. 300D is a very good camera. I imgaine XT is better.

i agree that the xt is a very capable camera. its got pretty good noise control for higher isos (not as great as the 20d but much better than the original rebel). 8mp is plenty and solid contruction all for a real decent price. get it you wont be disappointed. id even get it as a significant upgrade to my rebel

If you don't need speed(in controls, faster AF, buffer, fps, etc), then the XT is very capable for your needs.

Coming from 30 years of top-line film SLR equipment, I have the Rebel XT (350D), and can assure you it is no "compromise" compared to a 20D, and you will love it. Be prepared for a steep learning curve, as the dSLR is not as easy to use and to get good results "out of the box" as a point & shoot. But you will enjoy learning!

Remember to budget for a nice large CF card, at least 1GB.

Good Luck
Nigel

There's always going to be a compromise, because its a price difference. Canon needs some reason to charge more or charge lens.

Now do you need some of those features like speed? If not, then you don't require the 20D, but nothing can make up for some of the speed on that 20D.

don't forget Mega Pixels don't really mean anything, it's the glass that means something.
Theres really no difference between 6 and 8 megapixels.Though I think there might be a difference between 16 megepixels and 6 megapixels...

Welcome to the forum

Both the 350D and 20D are more than capable of getting you off to a good start. Remember when choosing though that a 350D with a good lens will produce better pictures than will a 20D with a mediocre lens.

Excellent choice, the 350D/XT is a very able small camera with great image quality and features for it's price. I'm with Nigel as the 20D is a wonderful bit of kit but the 350D/XT is able to produce final images that you can't tell the diffence from. The 20D just has a couple more features but put the same person behind the 2 cameras and the images will be the same.

I wouldn't say speed is a reason to grab a 20D as I never miss a shot, I don't see many of the other features that much of a big deal either. Best thing about the 20D is the slightly better view finder and the slightly faster flash x-sync the rest wouldn't make any difference to my shooting I think IMO, but each to their own. Both the 350D/XT and 20D are fantastic able cameras.

I really appreciate all your suggestions and advice. Currently I shoot a lot of landscapes and weather. When you say speed, are we talking start up time? I want something I can shoot sports/motorcycles/car​s with. As I am still learning, I know it will take time to get the settings correct, and to learn how to correctly use aperature values and whatnot.

I'm thinking the XT is the way to go for me. The 20D sounds great, but like everyone said, you have to budget for the extra's and that would put the 20D a big pricey for me.

By speed I would say auto focus speed and frames per second speed.

For the price of a 20D you could get an XT plus a pretty good lens or two. Got mine at B&H. They have very competitive prices there.

PS Get the black one. I think it looks so much better than the silver one.

What's B&H?

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com/