Upgrading to either 20D or XT what are your thoughts....

I have a Drebel (300). Its about a year old. I have several lenses (kit, 70-300; 50mm, 28-75). I am wanting to updrade to a newer camera.

Right now I take snapshots of the kids and photos of our courses in session. We do military combatives and martial arts. I like to do bursts but the camera I have right now seems a tad slow on the burst mode.

I used a friends 20D (mistake) on burst and boy was it quick!

I eventually would like to do jobs on the side.

Would I be better off just going with the xt or go right to the 20d

I can only speak on the 20D and I love mine ...wouldnt trade it for anything .....except maybe 2 of em .....lol

It just depends on what you need the camera for. There is a rebate going on to make both cameras attractive, especially if you buy lenses. The rebates are doubled and tripled. I upgraded to the 20D from my 10D which is about 2 1/2 years old. I like the heavier, sturdier body. The XT is light, so if you like that, it's also less expensive, but does a wonderful job. My rule is "To buy the very best with what you've got because upgrading within a year is too painful." I stick to that. I have been amazingly happy with my 10D and will use it as a second camera. If you already used the 20D before, you'll find the XT very light. Take your time and play with each at a good camera shop. This is an expensive venture.

SuzyView - and I agree with the above

I got the Rebel XT and I've found the 3 fps to be adequate for my needs (I also shoot martial arts tournaments), but then I haven't used the 20D with the 5fps, so I cannot make a comparison.

There is no doubt that you get more upgrade 'ooomph' for your dollar with the Rebel XT and marginal 'oooomph' for the extra $500 or so for the 20D gets you less. However, that said, the 20D may be what you need. I find if folks feel they need something, they also feel it's worth the price. See if you can borrow an XT and see if the 3 fps does it for you.

If you're going body only, disregard this, but if you're getting the kit, I'd highly recommend getting the 17-85 IS USM instead of the 18-55. If that lens on the 20D puts you over budget, personally, I'd go for the XT with the better lens before I'd go for the 20D with the 18-55. Hope this is helpful to you!

John

Thanks...I will be taking a trip to the local photo store

I just can't decide...decisions...d​ecisions....the main thing is the burst and something a tad quicker.

I also have a fast moving toddler

Have you had a chance to try out the 350? Since you have with the 20D, the best comparison would be to try out the other. That would be the best advice I could give.

The fast moving toddler thing is familiar to me. I have boys and they have been running around me while I've been snapping away for 22 years. Kids are the main problem with blur, you know. They go too fast. Give your toddler away for an hour and run to the camera store and ask to see the two cameras with lenses attached so you can compare. You can't do the job justice until you've done the work.

SuzyView

Just when I was at Best Buy with the thing attached to it.

I will go to the local camera shop that sold me 2 of my lenses. The owner is very helpful and friendly.

Here are some pics that I have taken with my drebel and lenses if you all want to take a peek just remember I am an amateur
http://www.cdonvito.sm​ugmug.com

Recent pics are from Hawaii I have over 2000 more

Carrie, your link isn't working. Make sure you have the right sequence.

SuzyView

Oops it should work now

If the money isn't a factor, why not just get the 20D.... cost was a factor for me so I bought the XT since it was the best camera I could afford. No regrets.

I have both. If I had never had the 20D the Xt would be more than impressive. I like it and use it quite often, usually with a telephoto as my 20D has a 24-70 almost welded on. In the end I suppose it depends on what you want to do with it. For everyday shoting the XT is great. Get it with a vertical grip and you can probably still pick up a decent lens and be around the price of a 20D.

It's not necessarily a factor but still

I just upgraded from 300D to 20D and never look back. Cost was a factor. So i took advantage of the Canon's triple rebate.

I rented both cameras with a few of the new lenses from my local pro camera shop, didnt cost me a whole lot, and I was able to try both bodies, with different lenses side by side. Then I was able to d/l the images to my laptop and see just how different each body was. I decided for the money, the extra 2 fps wasnt enough to justify the extra cost, not when I could buy my 28-135 IS lens for the extra cost. The point being, I would rather have better glass than a better body. At the rate of new technology being introduced, the bodies will always get better, but most quality lenses will be used for years.