Need Advice (Rebel or 20d)?

cdifoto wrote in post #3735486
The "shift" button for aperture. That was my biggest issue with the XT. I just couldn't get my coordination down to hit it instead of the self-timer button. I couldn't shoot M fast enough, so stuck with Av mode most of the time. M came natural once I upgraded to the 30D.

Ok, but that's an ergonomic issue and doesn't really limit progress. It's not as that you can't do it, it's just different and more convenient in the two digit cameras.
I'm not trying to be an a$$ here and I love my 5D and my 400D and soon I hope my 40D. They each have strengths and weaknesses but I have found very little difference in capabilities between them. The 3 digit cameras are not training cameras nor will they limit your abilities. They are full featured and just as capable in nearly all respects as the 2 digit cameras. They will deliver identical image quality. To me it's all in the feel of the camera.

gjl711 wrote in post #3735590
Ok, but that's an ergonomic issue and doesn't really limit progress.

It limited MY progress by keeping me away from Manual exposure mode. I couldn't do it. For the life of me I just couldn't do it. Maybe you can. Maybe OP can. But I couldn't and it truly hindered me. But this is a thread asking for opinions and I gave mine.

With the 30D manual exposure changes are automagic. I don't even think about it. If I haven't used the 400D in a while, I have to think about it a little. Might even have to drop the camera from my eye for a second to verify the position of the button. Slower yes, but definitely usable for me. I like 30Ds ergos better for sure. Sometimes its nice to carry the 400D with a small lens.

gjl711 wrote in post #3734586
Oh, should have added that all lenses were at 55mm and the pics are 100% center crops. The Nikon was set to ISO40 and the XTi at 100. All lenses were f/5.6

The kit lens was wide open, then. I'll bet a test at f/8 or f/11 would show much less difference between the kit lens and the 17-55.

-js

gjl711 wrote in post #3734586
Oh, should have added that all lenses were at 55mm and the pics are 100% center crops. The Nikon was set to ISO40 and the XTi at 100. All lenses were f/5.6

Thank you for your pics. now i actualy have something to compare!

Does anyone think it's wrong to buy a used camera from Ebay? or should i buy new (just in case there's a defect?)?

If you don't want any of the risk that comes with E bay, B&H, Adorama and KEH all have used cameras at very good prices and are 99% risk free. If something is wrong they can be returned with in reason.

Headcase650 wrote in post #3740023
If you don't want any of the risk that comes with E bay, B&H, Adorama and KEH all have used cameras at very good prices and are 99% risk free. If something is wrong they can be returned with in reason.

Thanks!

D40x, Olympus E510...just kidding, The 20D will run under $1000 refurbished. It feels sturdier and better built than the XTi. IQ-wise there is very little difference, but the XTi is smaller and lighter.

Personally, I would get a 20D (about $600 used). Excellent, excellent camera! And it won't feel like a plastic toy in your hand (sorry, XT owners). The 20D will have tacky, rubber grips on it that really help you "hang on" to it, especially when you attach a 70-200 lens! The XT is slick plastic, all over. And if you think about it..... don't you think Canon put better "guts" in a camera that cost almost twice as much? Just my 2 cents.

hawngirl wrote in post #3739975
Does anyone think it's wrong to buy a used camera from Ebay? or should i buy new (just in case there's a defect?)?

Aloha Ka Kou hawngirl !

I've purchased my entire system thru eBay .. never have I ever had a problem ..
I'm also gettin ready to purchase 2- 20D Canon Bodies ..

The 20D is a great camera. Magnesium built, easy to use. Check Amazon for some of the best prices. Somewhere around $700 the last time i looked, they could be even cheaper. A great buy for the money.