Advice on my first DSLR

Isn't the 20D priced comparable to the XT right now because the 30D is out? They can't be too far apart...

<edit> Ooops! Spoke too soon, I guess. B&H has them about $400 apart.

I know Dell is having a special on the XT and after a MIR and discount it comes out to be about $600, while the cheapest 20D Body I've seen is $1000

These are my opinions so please don't be offended, but I don't agree with some of the points you mentioned...

delhi wrote:
since this is your firsl dSLR or perhaps any SLR, 20D and 350D no difference. By the time you master what an SLR can do for you, both will be outdated.

Saying this is like saying You won't need another sportscar until you master the porsche you just bought and can drive like a racer. Mastering a DSLR is subjective, and truth be told most people never truly Master their cameras before they upgrade. All they need is a reason why their current camera is lacking in some area they need it, and the means to buy the better camera. It's economically draining but nevertheless many, many people do it. Once these two conditions are satisfied, the upgrade happens. Your assumption is a good one provided everyone has the discipline to stick to their camera until they know it inside out.

There is a difference between the 350D and 20D. Buffer size, speed and build are all different. for that matter, images out of the 20D and 1D2 are almost indistinguishable, but the keeper rates are substantially different. It makes the difference between shooting 100 shots to get 50 keepers, or shooting 65 shots to get 50 keepers. It can make the difference between not getting the shot, and getting 3 nice shots to choose from. Same image quality I agree, but there is a reason why Canon makes the 350D cheaper.

Again, good question but not a prerequisite to owning a DSLR. I have an uncle with a 20D who didn't even know how to meter correctly. He didn't know why his 580EX display was flashing when it did, and he's only just realising what faster lenses can do for his shots. To me what is important is that the owner of the DSLR is willing to learn, and if that person is really keen, then I'd say the 20D is less easily outgrown compared to the 350D.

Whether or not the OP is keeping up with the joneses is also irrelevant. To some the joy of photography is taking pictures and creating memories through their life. To others, it is about the joy of using the gear they have, and for most of us I think it's a bit of both.

If the OP has an event coming up I would recomend the 20d over the 350D if only for the faster frame rate and the bigger buffer. Having QCD on the back to change settings quickly also helps a lot. For the recreational shooter it doesn't make much of a difference, but I can almost guarantee that the difference between the 350D and 20D is very noticeable when shooting in a hurry.

wrpdndprsd wrote:
Ed2day:

I'm a her.

I've spoken to some other photographers that do the same types of concerts/shows as myself, and most of them didn't feel the XT was a very good camera but loved the 20D.

No its not pay, I wish though, it is huge tour called Warped Tour(I have no idea if you would know what it is or not, but imagine about 7 stages 70+ bands, from 11am-8/9pm usually)

It's for fun as well as experience,I run a webzine with my friend, and thats where the pictures will be used for the time being. If all else fails I can use my PowerShot A510 again, which it did much better than I expected last year.

WhatEyeSee:

I have thought about it, but after finally deciding it was time to get myself a DSLR I don't think I could stand to have to wait longer to get the 30D. I'm already irritated that I have to wait until June for the 20D, my hands are just itching to get the 20D in them.

I think I may have to go to Best Buy this weekend and test out both cameras and see which I prefer. I happened to be at walmart the other day and they had the XT and what I picked it up all I could think was "this is all it weighs?" but when I've held my friends 20Dit feels much better in my hands.

I think the 20D is the way to go. You will love using it and shooting with a DSLR will be so easy you're gonna get hooked!

well then might as well go for a 1DMKII then. why bother with a 20D or even a 5D.
Anyhoo not to detract, to the original poster, consider extra cash for glass. camera body has a shorter lifespan than good lens. If you can find cheap 20Ds get it. But careful of used ones because the sensors have a limited lifespan. Unfortunately, unless you get a 1D, you can never tell the number of actuations.
All the best.

Borrow some money and get the 20D.