Which camera please????

My brother is very interested in getting a Canon after playing with my 300D Rebel. He says he is interested in an XT at least. I see so many people on here who go beyond the XT.. He was an expert in a 35m camera and developing his own prints in the past so he isn't starting from 0, plus he has had a little Fuji Point and shoot. Which upgrade from a 300 would you guys recommend.?? He isn't rich but could afford a grand or so, I guess.
Will he be satisfied with the XT? I know I wish I had waited and got at least an XT (but I got too excited and jumped before I thought.... (Not that I don't love my camera, ZipDude!)

I hear good things about the Hasselblad H2, maybe he should look into that

what does he have for lenses? thats going to make a bigger difference in image quality than between a 350d and 30d. you can get good eals on the 20d or used models as well

I know its purely subjective, but if your brother was an expert with 35mm SLR's, he will prefer the 'feel' of a 20D/30D body.....heavier and closer in size to what he's been used to in the past. To be honest thats the main reason I chose the 20D over the XT when getting my first dSLR.

the lesson i've learned in the past when buying a camera is to determine the most you can afford and spend every penny. Dont forget to add in flash card(s), lenses, etc... Of course I guess this only applies when you have a limited budget. My budget was about $1000 also. I got a rebel XT with a grip, one extra lens, extra battery. Then i went beyond my budget and got a flash and some other things

something like a used 20d with a new/second hand lens, checkout the for sale area of the forum..

No, he won't be happy with an XT. The XT is too small. I had an XT and now a 20D and the 20D feels more balanced with a heavy lens on it. The light kit lens on the XT is about as balanced as it gets. I shot an XT with a 24-105 f4 IS over the weekend and I way prefer the 24-105 on my 20D over the XT. This is all personal opinion and free at that so it is worth what you paid. But I've spent many $$$$s on this and know what I prefer.

However, I've never tried an XT with a battery grip. That is another option. I just prefer the wheel on the back of the 20D and the interface for changing ISO, aperture, etc. But an XT with grip might suit his fancy.

All things being equal, for the most part anyway, the best thing your brother can do is go to a store and mess about with both cameras. The main difference between the two is basically ergonomics. There are a few functional things the 20d/30d have over the xt, but, imho, the way the camera feels and how a person likes using the buttons is the main differences for the general public. Price too does come into play for some. I see/hear so many people getting the 20d/30d because it is a more professional looking camera. Canon addressed this particular issue very well by offering the xt in black.

So...in my long winded way I'm saying have your brother go and play with both cameras and see which one "feels" best to him and enjoy which ever he chooses!

Thanks so much for all the info..I have forwarded it all to him so he can have an idea of what to look for and "try out". That is the best idea I've heard, go try them out and see what feels best to him. I worked withsomeone who had the 300 with a grip and so I did get to play with his a bit before I bought it. I thought it was heavy in my hands but he said with a bigger lens the weight with the grip helped steady it. True true.

The camera he chooses will depend on what he's been shooting. The XT, 20D, and 30D all work well, but the XT has a bit different user interface and feel as compared to the other two. If he's been shooting a Canon Elan-series camera, the 20D or 30D is the best replacement. The operation is very similar. The 20D/30D also enjoy a very substantial build. The XT isn't quite as solid, but is still a well-made, fairly rugged camera.

All are very capable cameras, but they have their differences. He probably ought to go to a store where he can handle the different bodies (camera bodies, not people bodies) and see which operates and fits him best.

Will full-frame be an issue for him? Maybe a 5D but once converted to a digital dark-room this certainly becomes less of a concern due to the wonders of PS. For the price a 30D offers nice features; A big display, quick dials for shutter and aperture and a really great spot meter. As for buying used i.e. XT, 20D he should consider a warranty.

Of course the body becomes only part of the equation once he understands how glass impacts IQ. He will probably want to save or build into the price for at least one or two good lens solutions i.e. Canon L or Sigma EX.

EF 50mm f/1.4 – Must Have Portrait
EF 24-70mm f/2.8 – Great Walk-About
EF 70-200mm f/4 – With TC; great for range and moderate sports

My siggy exemplifies over a year of purchasing, frustration and trade-ins. I'm more than pleased with the current line up and (Knock on Wood) only produce bad images when my head is not in the game. IMO, tell him to buy a good combo and build up from there.

If he is familiar with slr's, then I'd assume he can read the specks on the XT vs. 30D and figure out what he needs. Maybe he's trying to spend less on body and more on glass, which is a good idea.