Tear Apart My Logic

I currently have the Canon Back Pack and the Canon Monopod and Canon 85mm f1.8 and the Canon 580EX Flash, 2- 4gb Transcend 133x CF Cards and the Sigma 17-70 (thanks Grinch). Also have the BG-E2 Grip. I can't take any pictures!!!!! I have not bought a body yet as I am waiting till the end of the month to do so. My dilemma is that I used a 20d several years ago and sold it and got out of the photo hobby for awhile. I am thinking this way! Buy the 30d used now along with a good long range zoom. Learn all I can about the camera and practice shooting and learn digital processing etc. Spend time learning light, color management etc. When the bugs are out of the 40d or if there is a newer model then sell the 30d (probably not much by then) and then move into the newer model with the knowledge of what I want and need.

I know it is my decision alone to make but would someone please let me know if this is a good plan or if I should just jump on the 40d now and HOPE I get one that does not have to go back. This stuff is just a hobby for me as I will only use for fun and a way to ease stress and frustration from work etc.

I doubt I can help you too much.

If I was buying new I'd probably get the 40D. I own the 30D though, and while the 40D looks nice it's not enough to tempt me to sell the 30D.

If I had to choose between a 40D or a 30D + a lens that fills a hole in my lineup then I'd get the 30D.

If I was trying to choose between the 30D and 40D a bunch of internet stories about problems would have little impact on my decision. The camera comes with a warranty in the worst case scenario.

Thanks Jeff. That is one for the 30d I'd say.

i have a 20D and have been thinking of upgrading to a 30D, but quite honestly, i can't justify it. Sooooooooooo....if an used 20D is out of the question, i'd get a 30d.

If the goal is to get a good used camera and save a lot over a new one, Yeah, I'd grab a 30D or even 20D, (very little difference between the two)

Man I love this Forum. I have been lurking here for a while and am amazed by the knowledge of you guys. I am going to be here for a long time so I hope you get used to me. Geez, Cyber has alot of posts!!!! It so far apears that you are all thinking about the same as I am. Thank you all so much for your honest input. I was kinda expecting something like SELL it all and buy the 5d. LOL.

Did anyone notice I bought all this stuff backwards, wow that is weird huh?

Hey Eagle Eye-
Any of those cameras are great and the bottom line is that you need to get one and start enjoying photography by taking pictures. The 20D will work just as well as the others for everyday use and special events. I would shop for a 20D deal and eventually work your way up through trades etc. but the sooner you get a body the better.

Thanks PaPaw! My thoughts exactly.

you need to get a body soon....I am excited for you to take some razor sharp pics with that sigma 17-70....*-)

Yeah me too! End of the month is fast aproaching. Hey Grinchy send me a PM and let me know how you like the 100-400 and how you compare it to the Sigma equivalent.

I think there's only one significant question you might want to ask yourself before deciding between a 20D and a 30D: do you want spot metering?

If you don't care about spot metering then the of the two, I expect the 20D would be the way to go because as others have said, there's not much difference between it and the 30D. The 30D does spot metering and the 20D doesn't, and that's the biggest difference I see between the two. For me, spot metering is important, but it might not be to you. Since I don't know what kind of photography experience you have (aside from the fact that you used to use a 20D), I can't really say anything further.

Since you used to use a 20D, I'd think that getting a 20D now would be like getting reacquainted with an old friend. And if you get really lucky, it may end up being that the 20D you wind up getting will be the one you used to use! Hey, it could happen.

Thanks kcbrown. Yeah wouldn't that be a hoot if it was the same one. I tell you that camera gave me absoutely no problem at all and never once failed me. Spot metering may be of benefit to me so will probably go for the 30d used as they have just a little bigger LCD if I am not confused. I think 1.8 vs 2.5 or so. Anyway thanks for giving your time to my dilemma.

As an owner of a 30D, I can tell you that you're going to love the camera. It's excellent. The only reasons I went for a 40D are that it has a bigger hand grip, it has cross-type focus points at every focus point location, and it has interchangeable focusing screens. For me the big deal was the hand grip. For me the 30D's hand grip is just a little bit too small for it to be entirely comfortable to me, while the 40D's is perfect.

A lot of people moved up to the 40D from the 30D, and that's probably going to be the case for some time (the 40D apparently is still quite the hot seller) so I expect you should be able to get a good used 30D for some time.

If it wasn't for that 17-70, I'd say get a 5D.

I went from a G3 to a 40D so I can't make comparisons with the 20D or 30D but I can tell you the 40D is a great camera. I had planned to buy the 30D but the 40D came out before I made my purchase and since I like to own the latest and greatest I went for the 40D. However, if you have to choose between a 40D or a 20D/30D and a good lens I would say go with the 20D/30D and lens. If you can add a few $$ then get the 40D and lens.