Question about the 20D (and first post)

First off, hello! I stumbled upon this forum about a week ago and have been lurking. It seems to be a very nice, well-run place so I'm getting myself all settled in I'm pretty new to the world of photography but it's something I've always loved and finally I have the time and resources to take my hobby to the next level. And there seems to be an abundance of knowledge here so I figure I'd ask you guys my question. Anyway, as for my question:

This past weekend I purchased a Canon Digital Rebel. I'm very satisfied so far, or as satisfied as I can be in four days. However, the more I read here and on other forums, it seems that the Canon 20D is the standard for "serious amateurs."

I'm the kind of guy that would rather make the investment now, up front rather than be un-satisfied in six months or a year and end up having to sell it and buy another. My only question is: Is the 20D too much for an amateur/newcomer? Everything I've read says that it is a terrific camera, but I want to make sure I won't be overwhelmed.

Any input would be great! Thanks everyone!

Welcome to the forum. Good question.

IMO, the Digital Rebel and the 20D have very similar features. The additional features on the 20D possibly make it easier to use - not more complicated.

The two cameras differ in performance (autofocusing speeds, CF writing speeds, white balance accuracy, etc.) but I don't see that learning one would be more difficult to "master" than the other.

Of course you can take excellent pics with either camera. That's more up to you than the camera.

I agree with maderito. The 20 D gives you more avenues to explore and in a much easier way. Nothing is worse than wanting to do something with a camera and not having the camera that has the capibilities to do it. If you are in the position ($$$) to get the 20 D go for it.

cdhender-

Making the basic assumption (dangerous to do) that you paid about $900.00 USD no lens or a bit more with a kit lens.

I have had the 300D for about 10 months now and over 6000 shots. It is a camera that will take you a long way down the path to " high-end" photography. There are a few things that the 10D and 20D can do that aren't standard on the 300D. I would imagine that you wil have the 300D for some time before you actually find it is no longer adequate for your needs.

If money is not a consideration - then move right to the 20D.

I have been shooting for about 40+ years and figure the 20D fullfills all my NEEDS for several years to come.

However, the 300D will certainly provide excellent quality photos for you.

Oh yeah, I've made a lot of money from the 300D (Rebel).

Thank you all for the input. I really appreciate it. As far as money goes, it’s definitely a consideration (doesn’t grow on any trees I’ve ever seen) but the 20D is within my price range. From everything I’ve read the last few days, it appears that I’ll find myself wanting a 20D soon. Whether it be next week or next year, I’d rather just get it now. I’ve already called my local camera place and they are more than happy to exchange it and let me pay the difference.

Thanks again guys.

- Chris

When you get the new 20D ask which version of firmware is in it. If possible get ver. 1.0.5............have fun with it and let us know how it goes

cdhender wrote:
First off, hello! I stumbled upon this forum about a week ago and have been lurking. It seems to be a very nice, well-run place so I'm getting myself all settled in I'm pretty new to the world of photography but it's something I've always loved and finally I have the time and resources to take my hobby to the next level. And there seems to be an abundance of knowledge here so I figure I'd ask you guys my question. Anyway, as for my question:

This past weekend I purchased a Canon Digital Rebel. I'm very satisfied so far, or as satisfied as I can be in four days. However, the more I read here and on other forums, it seems that the Canon 20D is the standard for "serious amateurs."

I'm the kind of guy that would rather make the investment now, up front rather than be un-satisfied in six months or a year and end up having to sell it and buy another. My only question is: Is the 20D too much for an amateur/newcomer? Everything I've read says that it is a terrific camera, but I want to make sure I won't be overwhelmed.

Any input would be great! Thanks everyone!

I think that the 20D is complex but if you break it down into different areas then it shouldn't be overwhelming.

The first area should be photographic theory. This is what I called "light & film" when I'd put on a photo course and it's shutterspeed, aperture, and ISO. You've got to LEARN this in order to be a photographer. If you don't then the camera will forever control you and YOU should be controlling the camera.

If you can afford the 20D then it's a great camera (I say this having owned one for 26 hours now!). But if you don't bring a lot of past photographic knowledge to the table, promise yourself that you won't take it off M for a thousand shots.

Then there's the camera-specific controls. The button you pushed to achieve X with the Drebel may or may not do the same thing on the 20D. As they are cousins there's a much greater chance that the controls are similar, but that's also why god made instruction books. Unfortunately He let the devil write them.

Then there's the digital component which should really be not different from the Drebel to a 1DS Mark II. That's Photoshop and all the rest. That learning curve is as steep as you want to make it and is obviously camera independent. I would suggest that you take a formal Photoshop course. Otherwise you will tend to use Photoshop like you use your VCR, 5% of its features 98% of the time!

The great thing about digital is that you get instant feedback and it doesn't cost anything to practice.

If an unassisted 7 year old can take a picture this nice with the 20D, I think ALMOST any adult should be able to learn it.

That's one of the great features of the 20D -- if you put it into fully automatic mode you can take fantastic pictures right away and then take your time experimenting with all the technical details until you can get that perfect shot you want with the camera in M mode.

It is a terrific camera, one that I have been lusting after for a long time (well, actually I was lusting after the 10D since when I started thinking seriously about getting one the 20D hadn't been announced.)

I feel very fortunate to have been able to get one at last, and with my 75-300IS lens I have finally been able to take moon shots like I have always wanted to take! Now to save up my money for a longer lens and/or an extender to get even better moon shots!

With the 20D you can always get a great shot when the situation demands it (like at a family get together or a child's sporting event) even before you fully learn all the user-configurable settings and mastering the art of photography.