Which Camera?

Im confused. Should I get a 30D or 350D?

my current budget allows me a 350D now. but im aware of about 800 bucks more can get me a 30D. 30D is made of magnesium alloy which has a pro and sturdy feeling compared to 350D. Or should i buy a 350D, and concentrating on buying good lenses?

I had the same decision.....well 350d v 20d and decided to go for the 20d. The 20d felt more robust and I loved the back thumb wheel, the navigation controls are better and the camera felt better in my hand. End of the day though, the image quality is very similar but I believe the 20d has less noise at higher ISO settings. Depends what your after really.

I too had to make the same decision, in the end I plumped for the 20d and went and bought it on saturday. It's my first ever "proper" camera so I know next to nothing about them at the minute, what swayed me in the end was what I've read here over the last couple of weeks and the fact that the 20d just felt so much better in my hands; it has a lovely, solid sort of dependable feel to it. In short I'm really glad I saved up a few more quid and went for the 20d.

If the Canon rep was standing here he'd sit on the fence and say something like "I think the 300 & 350D are best suited for those starting out. And some others who have plenty of FSLR experience and want to get into digital. But if you have DSLR experiences and know how, then its a new 30D / used D30 or 10D or 20d or the 1 Series."

The 20D is a great camera and since it's been replaced the price has come down enough that the difference between the 350D and 20D is only about $400. More robust handling, better image quality (at higher ISOs), larger and brighter viewfinder, more creative control, makes the 20D a better choice than the 350D if one can afford the difference in cost.

I asked myself the same question and ended up with a 350D and a 17-40 L (whiwh I could not have afforded with the 20D).
While I'm very happy with the image quality of the 350D (and of course with the 17-40), I often wish that I had the 20D because of several factors being:
- its size (the 350D is too small for my hands, even with the grip)
- the fps. I like to shoot sport. 3 fps is not enough for that
- highlights preservation: from what I heard, the 20D is better at NOT burning the highlights
- AF speed and low light ability. I often find myself with the AF hunting in low light. Apparently, the 20D does a little better in that regard.

These are subjective critics. They might be pointless to what you want to do with your camera, so take them carefully.

In terms of image quality, I think you'll be happier with the 350D and a very good lens than with the 20D and a crappy lens!

Unless there is something specific about the 30D you want that the XT doesn't offer, get the XT and spend the difference on the lens. It'll probably give you more bang for the bucks.

Well, thx for the your suggestions guys.. My mind will stick with 75% 350D and 25% 30D. haha, I'll see how fat my piggy stomach is.

30d youll regret not gettting it if you get the 350d

Judging by the results of a recent poll, it's not replaced the 20D. An overwhelming number of 20D owners are staying put.

I know what you were saying, though. I just think the 30D is more of an upgrade from the 300D or 350D, and not the 20D.

Has there been an official announcement that the 20D is to be discontinued?

stjhie wrote:
Well, thx for the your suggestions guys.. My mind will stick with 75% 350D and 25% 30D. haha, I'll see how fat my piggy stomach is.

What does your ratio become with 350D vs 20D.....50/50? As noted above the prices on the 20D will soften now that the 30D is available and the 20D is a great camera. I would seriously think about a 20D with the 17-40 f/4 L lens for about the same price as the 30D with kit lens. Great choices to ponder, but not near as much fun as using the gear. Have fun making up your mind...there are no wrong answers here!