NEW 20d camera - how safe?

Hello!

First off, I just joined (read: Noob!), so hello to everyone! As I'm sure many people are, I'm getting ready to buy my first "good" camera.

I've done a solid amount of preliminary research, and have decided on the 20d. I've seen a handful of websites offer them (and guarantee them) BRAND NEW, but my question is...isn't that just as bad as a used one?

My Reasoning: The 20d is no longer manufactured; in fact it hasn't been for over a couple years, if memory serves me correctly. So, to sell a NEW 20d, it would mean that it's been sitting around for a few years doing...nothing.

Is it safer to buy a gently used camera, or go for the new one that's had its chip, sensor, etc. inactive for years?

Thank you!

Check www.resellerratings.co​m to avoid any known scams.

from a reputable place? then a newish 20D that has been sitting around is just fine. They are not like automobiles that have seals that deteriorate if the engine is not run for year, etc. Just watch for scams as scot points out. The 20D is a great camera to start with, you will love it.

It all depends on so many factors. If it's just been sitting in the back of a warehouse and just discovered then it's probably ok. If it's a bunch cameras brought back for some reason and then sat around, it's less ok.

You do want to do your homework on the site though. Check them out at resellersratings.com. If they score high it's good if not, stay away. We need more details to help you make a better decision.

Why not just go for the 30D? Those still come new and the price is coming down.

The 20D is over 3 years old now, You may be better off going for a 30D. With the 40D being the current model, the 30D prices are pretty low and some places still have them brand new in boxes.

I still have a 20D and it's still a good camera, but personally I'd be looking for a more current model if you can afford it.

hotrod1935 wrote in post #4856705
Why not just go for the 30D? Those still come new and the price is coming down.

The 20d or 30d decision...

The biggest factor is, it seems like every person, from every forum, from every direction in the known universe who owns a 20d LOVES it. I've never seen such FIERCE LOYALTY to a camera than when I started researching and kept seeing applause for the 20d.

Another factor is because I spent a couple days on Photo.net, and began picking out pictures I really liked. CONSISTENTLY, the camera listed was the 20d. I know, I know - this probably isn't how you're supposed to pick a camera, but I'm going into this from as many angles as I can! So feel free to rip me to shreds on this one, I welcome the advice.

Still another factor is, a lot of user opinions on various forums say there isn't much difference between the two cameras, but they still lean towards their "trusty" 20d.

And finally, it seems like the perfect camera for someone who is serious about putting roots down in photography, but not quite ready for the bells and whistles of, say, the 40d.

So to make a long answer longer, those are the reasons, though if you think a 30d might be a better choice, I'm all ears!

captainnofun wrote in post #4856837
Still another factor is, a lot of user opinions on various forums say there isn't much difference between the two cameras,..

Your right, there is not a lot of difference. A larger LCD, picture styles, and spot metering I believe. Maybe another feature or two. But again, we need a bit more info. How much are they asking? What store is making the offer? Whats the history of the cameras? All these will help in making the decision.

gjl711 wrote in post #4856920
Your right, there is not a lot of difference. A larger LCD, picture styles, and spot metering I believe. Maybe another feature or two. But again, we need a bit more info. How much are they asking? What store is making the offer? Whats the history of the cameras? All these will help in making the decision.

The search I was doing was preliminary, and (kicking myself) I didn't write down the name of the particular website that was offering it. It was also done at work, which uses IE as a browser (aka lists many advertisement websites in a search string). Now that I'm at home, on Firefox, all the rif-raf is gone. But it was selling "brand new" at $571.00, I believe.

Other sites I've noticed list it as new for around $1,200. However, when that's the case I'd rather just buy the 30d or 40d for roughly the same price used.

All that being said, since someone mentioned the reseller.com website, I'll be double checking the sites against that, as well.

30D is $800 new on Amazon.

captainnofun wrote in post #4857355
Other sites I've noticed list it as new for around $1,200. However, when that's the case I'd rather just buy the 30d or 40d for roughly the same price used.

At $1200, you could get the 40D new (with code, you can get it new at B&H for $1119).

In Canada (according to Photoprice.ca) 30D body is selling for just under $1000

Well B&H and Adorama, both good sites are selling the 30D new for $799. You can do a bit better used but thats already way less than the $1200

NOsquid wrote in post #4857390
30D is $800 new on Amazon.

Very nice price. I think so, at least!

Then I suppose I'm going to need to re-hunker down and decide between the 20d and the 30d. Ahh, the decisions...the decisions!!!

To statsman...the 40d is very nice, I agree! And I'd like to work my way UP to it, but I also know that part of taking good pictures is having good lenses, so that $400 price difference between the 30d and 40d, while not much, will help me to spend a bit extra on the lenses, accessories, etc.

Depends how much cheaper you can get a new 20D for. If it is used, the warranty on the new 30D is a nice bonus. I believe 30D has a slightly bigger LCD and spot metering. You are right to save money for lenses.