XTI vs 20D, camo bodies?

hi, I feel like taking the plunge into digital slr's and I have a few questions. My price range appears to be within a used 20D and the XTI. Does anyone have experience with both that can help me weigh the benefits of each?

also a little off topic, I'm active duty military and am about to deploy. I hope to bring this sucker with me to Iraq. should I be concerned with the build of the camera for environmental hazards like sand? I have around 1500 to shell out and hope to be able to get started with that. In addition I was wondering if there is anywhere to purchase camo bodied cameras. I don't exactly want to be a target out there.

Out.

neither of these are weather sealed. I lost a 20d to a light shower once. currently at canon having a major overhall!) I would take every precaution possible to try and prevent them from being in severe dust or heat. Just my two cents.P.S. I have some friends out there in the RAF and as I say to them each time they go out: Come Home Safely "you guys shouldnt be there" (and I mean that for all the right reasons) Godbless.

I remember I saw a camo painted 70-200+20D somewhere on the forum before. Think the guy said the military has their own painting service for war photographers. You might try asking internal affairs to see if you can get such service. Be careful over there though, especially now that Saddam is gone and people are crying foul. Wish you the best.

http://www.lenscoat.co​m/index.php

I guess the sand could be a problem for both the cameras......check out a few posts here comparing the XTi and the 20D. You can also check sites like dpreview to read more about them to decide which one you like.

Adaptive wrote in post #2476769
http://www.lenscoat.co​m/index.php

ooh ya I see these everywhere, but Im looking more for the camo bodied, not something to add on.

thx for the replies, guess I'll have to really careful when I'm out there.

Here's the person you want to talk to about such things.

http://www.photography​-on-the.net/forum/member.p​hp?u=76293

And pics of his super cool gear.

http://www.photography​-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=220655

http://www.photography​-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=221381

Good luck and stay safe.

20DNewbie wrote in post #2476814
Here's the person you want to talk to about such things.

http://www.photography​-on-the.net/forum/member.p​hp?u=76293

And pics of his super cool gear.

http://www.photography​-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=220655

http://www.photography​-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=221381

Good luck and stay safe.

wow that's awesome. now that i know it needs a paint job and that it does chip, it doesn't seem like a very good idea

Be extra careful over there and come back in one piece, together with a working camera and the images. If you have $1500 to spend, you might be able to try for a used 1D which is indeed weather sealed and ultra-rugged. I used it together with a non weather-sealed lens on a few occasions in the rain and there was no damage to either one.

Take a look at camo tape sold to apply to shotguns, rifles, etc. I've not used it myself, but as best I can recall, it is a non-sticky tight wrap application. Might be something you can work with.

Ken

fWord wrote in post #2476876
Be extra careful over there and come back in one piece, together with a working camera and the images. If you have $1500 to spend, you might be able to try for a used 1D which is indeed weather sealed and ultra-rugged. I used it together with a non weather-sealed lens on a few occasions in the rain and there was no damage to either one.

ah 1500 dollars yes but I have no lense nor any equipment. except for a 2gig CF card from my canon ProShot1 haha.

and I'll check that tape out

MaoKhan wrote in post #2476970
ah 1500 dollars yes but I have no lense nor any equipment. except for a 2gig CF card from my canon ProShot1 haha.

and I'll check that tape out

I see...depends on what lens you want. I think your budget will be sufficient for a 1D and a consumer standard zoom, such as the 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5. This worked very nicely on the 1D for me. It's quite small as well so it makes it easier to hide.

Lord Malone's away to Africa, but he took his stock 20D over there and Newsweek bought several of his photos taken while on patrol. IIRC he didn't have it painted up or anything. I don't think that a black body's going to make you a more conspicuous target out there than you already are just by being there. And I don't think you'l be able to tape enough of the camera and/or lens to make much difference without affecting operation of the camera.

http://www.daltekinc.c​om …hydrographic_sa​mples.html

you might want to try http://www.stormjacket​.com/ for keeping crud out of your gear while in use. Its works with water, not sure about sand. I'd just make sure to not change lens in the open.

Be safe and thanks!