20D vs XTi which to buy?

I am new to SLR and was wondering which would be a better buy. I can get a slightly used (2000 shots) 20D for the same price as a new XTi. They both come with the kit lens. Are the kit lenses different between the two cameras? The only other lens that I plan on buying now is the 50mm 1.8. I shoot mostly close-in shots of people and fish, but do like to capture fish in action (jumping out of the water). I currently have a G3 which takes great shots but is so corroded from salt air that only the shutter button works. Which should I buy and why?

pros and cons to both. I would go with the 20D personally. The ergonomics alone would be my main reason. The 20D is less "menu" oriented imo. With almost all of the controls right on the body, I think it's easier to get the right settings quickly. I also like the larger body.

That said, the XTi is a great camera. I doubt you'd be really bummed wither way.

20D without a doubt actualy you can prob get a 30D for close to the same kinda money but anyway 20D has much better features overall then the xti much more rugged

There's a B&H discount code for the XTi body-only ($607, $52 savings). That might sway your decision a bit.

I'd go with XTi and get the grip this made a world of difference in how mine handled and felt once I installed the grip.

Down side to the XTi is the button function on the back i tend to always have pushed one and either changed something or when I get ready to take a shot I have to get out of my menu.

Go to Best Buy and handle a XT/XTi and a 20/30. Choose the one that feels best. They are all pretty much the same camera.

gjl711 wrote in post #3907371
Go to Best Buy and handle a XT/XTi and a 20/30. Choose the one that feels best. They are all pretty much the same camera.

i dont know about they all being pretty much the same camera i owned the xt and i now have a 30D its like night and day the xt felt like a point and shoot compaired to the 30D the build of the body the size the features the dials/controls i would say thats compairing apples to oranges look around on the forums you will find many topics on this

italypa99 wrote in post #3914000
... xt felt like a point and shoot compaired to the 30D the build of the body the size the features the dials/controls i would say thats compairing apples to oranges look around on the forums you will find many topics on this

Point and shoot is rather extreme, the XT/XTi feels like a smaller version of the 20D/30D which is what it is. But as you also point out, it’s all in the feel, it is not night and day and when all is said and done and you’re looking at the piece of paper in front of you with the captured image on it, you will not be able to tell which camera produced that image, they will be identical. So, I stand with my original assessment. You have to balance the feel of the camera, the convenience to change a few settings, and a few additional features with the extra cost. To some it’s worth it, to other’s it’s not. Best way to find out is head to a place that has both and try it on for size. Whichever you choose, the final product will be the same.

italypa99 wrote in post #3914000
i dont know about they all being pretty much the same camera i owned the xt and i now have a 30D.......

So you haven't owned the XTi

For their feature sets, the XTi and 20D are pretty equivalent. Neither of them do spot metering for example. The main difference of the 20D is ergonomics. The main advantage of a XTi is that it would be new and under warranty.

FWIW, I think the XTi is a very good sub $1000 camera. I have the kit for when I don't want to go around with my 5D and lenses (its small size can be convenient). It also helps force you to experiment with manual control: as I find I don't like its auto features. In the end, especially when you're first starting out and aren't sure what you want to focus on, having any dSLR with manual controls is a good idea. Getting a less expensive one will also let you feel less guilty if you lose interest in photography

davesrose wrote in post #3914157
So you haven't owned the XTi

The main difference of the 20D is ergonomics.

I would have placed more emphasis on the 20D having a far better user interface.
I prefer the 20D build quality and handling, particularly for those with large hands.

Ron1004 wrote in post #3914198
I would have placed more emphasis on the 20D having a far better user interface.
I prefer the 20D build quality and handling, particularly for those with large hands.

Isn't that what "ergonomics" means Well we're all agreeing that it really just boils down to how these cameras feel in your hands. I know when I first was considering a XTi, I was expecting an ultra tiny thing that wouldn't be usable. I actually don't think it's that bad....considering that it has a smaller footprint so it makes toting around easy. I actually really like its interface for selecting AF points.....though since it only has one dial, EC and shutter speed for M is the only caveat I have with its interface.