Just bought a 20D...good/bad idea?

It doesn't matter now since I already bought it, but I was just wondering what people's opinions are on getting a 20D so late in the game.

Recently I dropped my XT of 3 years and broke it partially. It still AF's and shoots properly, but doesn't meter at all so I have to do all my shooting in manual mode. This isn't going to work out every time, so I decided it was finally time to get a new camera. For the longest time I was interested in upgrading to the _0D line, but dismissed the thought because it wasn't that necessary. Now that I have the opportunity to get a new camera, I figured it was time.

Unfortunately I'm a poor college student and I would rather invest the money I have into lenses and not too much into a camera, so I had planned on getting a used 30D. I was just about to pull the trigger but the seller flaked out. I ended up looking elsewhere and couldn't find another 30D for sale, but found a low-actuation 20D for a bit less. I ended up buying that, hoping that I'll still find it a good upgrade from the XT.

Anyway I figured the 20D isn't too much different than the 30D, and I don't really care about the added features of the 30D (bigger LCD, more picture modes, I dunno what else).

What do you guys think? Good idea? Bad idea?

I don't think it's a bad idea. 20D is still a good camera, and a goodly number of people still use them. Besides, there are great many people who uses the 20D and take better pics than people who own newer models. Camera's capability does help, but mostly it's the photographer that makes it happen

gravity wrote in post #5651336
I don't think it's a bad idea. 20D is still a good camera, and a goodly number of people still use them. Besides, there are great many people who uses the 20D and take better pics than people who own newer models. Camera's capability does help, but mostly it's the photographer that makes it happen

That's true...I was getting by fine with my XT and all I was really looking for in a new camera was a bigger viewfinder (finally getting away from the Rebel line of pentamirror end-of-the-hallway viewfinders) and better ergonomics...I guess anything in the _0D line should cover that. Digic III would've been nice also but I really didn't want to shell out for a 40D and I avoided the XSI because I just didn't want another Rebel.

the 20d is awesome
especially if youre coming from the xt

i plan on getting a 20d as my back up body once i get a few more lenses

Depends on how much you paid for the 20D.

I think the 20D is great. My only disappointment with it was the problems encountered using it with the battery grip. Sold the grip.

Exactly.. great camera.. the output would pretty much be the same as the new ones.. it's all about the lense and your skills...

inthedeck wrote in post #5651503
Depends on how much you paid for the 20D.

$500 shipped.

welkcar wrote in post #5651700
I think the 20D is great. My only disappointment with it was the problems encountered using it with the battery grip. Sold the grip.

Read about that a long time ago...I don't plan to get a grip for the 20D, the only reason I got it for the XT was that my hand didn't fit the tiny XT so I needed a little something at the bottom for my pinky to sit on. From what I've seen the 20D is a bit bigger and should fit my whole hand.

Don't you think it's a bit too late to ask since you already purchased the body?

But the 20D is a fairly decent upgrade over the XT, so you made the right call.

The only thing I wish my 20D had was the 40D's larger screen...

-Mario

nburwell wrote in post #5652798
Don't you think it's a bit too late to ask since you already purchased the body?

But the 20D is a fairly decent upgrade over the XT, so you made the right call.

Note first line in first post.

Mrvile wrote in post #5651203
It doesn't matter now since I already bought it, but I was just wondering what people's opinions are on getting a 20D so late in the game.

Recently I dropped my XT of 3 years and broke it partially. It still AF's and shoots properly, but doesn't meter at all so I have to do all my shooting in manual mode. This isn't going to work out every time, so I decided it was finally time to get a new camera. For the longest time I was interested in upgrading to the _0D line, but dismissed the thought because it wasn't that necessary. Now that I have the opportunity to get a new camera, I figured it was time.

Unfortunately I'm a poor college student and I would rather invest the money I have into lenses and not too much into a camera, so I had planned on getting a used 30D. I was just about to pull the trigger but the seller flaked out. I ended up looking elsewhere and couldn't find another 30D for sale, but found a low-actuation 20D for a bit less. I ended up buying that, hoping that I'll still find it a good upgrade from the XT.

Anyway I figured the 20D isn't too much different than the 30D, and I don't really care about the added features of the 30D (bigger LCD, more picture modes, I dunno what else).

What do you guys think? Good idea? Bad idea?

then it's a great deal. i need the bigger LCD and i like the bigger files and adjustable iso of the 30d. but mostly the bigger LCD cinches the 30d for me.

ed rader

Mrvile wrote in post #5652777
$500 shipped.

Not bad...considering what one used to cost new. If the shutter count isn't out of control, should be good for a while. Maybe send it in, after 6 mo's, to have it serviced for maintenance at Canon.

I liked mine, when I had it. Went the FF route, almost two years ago, now. Had the 20D for about 2 as well. The progression from the 20 to 5D was the most logical for me, and the lenses I own.

Some day...a 1 series...but, no need for it now. Desire, of course.

I have two 20Ds and a 5D, and do not see a need to upgrade. The 20D mostly is for landscapes, the 20Ds for wildlife and such. You should be very happy with the 20D as long as you are not trying to print to poster size. I have done 13x19 prints from 20D and very pleased with the results.