My Dilemma

I have been saving for a new camera body.
I should be able to swing a 50D for myself by Christmas.

My wife went on a California POTN shoot with me last month. She used my Powershot G2. She was complaining about the shutter lag and the lack of zoom.

Here's the dilemma. Should I buy myself a 50D and let my wife use my old (but in fantastic shape) 20D?
Or should I buy her the XSI with the 18-55 and the 55-250?
If I did the latter, then I wouldn't have to worry about her mooching my 70-200 when we go shooting.

What would you do?

you lost me

^ hahaha.. first of all congrats for finding such an awesome life partner. my gf takes no interest in my plastic and glass toys. I would get the 50D and give her the 20D, thats if she really takes interest in this stuff. If not just buy her the new G10, it's very nice. I bought my gf a 40D and 17-40L, she doesn't even know where it is anymore. -__-'

How did I lose you?

If I buy the 50D for myself, she gets my 20D and we share lenses.
If I buy the XSI kit, she gets a camera with lenses, and I still use my 20D. But she won't be wanting to borrow my lenses.

I'd share lenses, but that's just me. If there is a lens you both like to use a lot like the 70-200 think about buying a body and another lens you both can enjoy, like a 135mm 2.0 or whatever suits you. If you get a 40D instead of the 50D you could probably stay close to budget.

Thanks Brian, but I wonder two things about the G10.
What's the shutter lag like, and what's the zoom on it?

Besides, if I get her a DSLR to use, I can justify new lenses easier.
Such as maybe a 135L or a 100-400L

I do have an older 75-300 Mk II, but I know she'll want IS once she gets a chance to try it out.

Killjoy wrote in post #6746965
How did I lose you?

If I buy the 50D for myself, she gets my 20D and we share lenses.
If I buy the XSI kit, she gets a camera with lenses, and I still use my 20D. But she won't be wanting to borrow my lenses.

Sharing is caring.

The XSI is the 450D right (sorry I don't know the U.S. terms)? Mmm I think the 450D is better than the 20D perhaps. If I were you I'd go the 50D route and share the lenses. You can't use 2 lenses at once... and it will teach you to be co-operative.

OR you could buy the 450D for yourself and let her use the 20D. That might work.

EDIT: On reflection I think the 20D as a body is better than the 450D (metal vs plastic and better controls). The 450D might take better photos though because of the updated electronics. I say get the 50D, let your wife use the 20D and share the lenses anyway.

Keep the 20D; buy the XSi +18-55 IS + 55-250 IS.

Reasons:
1) As you said, the 20D is a fine camera. While your photographic capabilities may be enhanced a little with the 50D, hers will be expanded dramatically with the XSi.
2) Domestic brownie points.

Nick, while the 40D is a great camera, working for a big tech company I know how fast electronics get upgraded.
I have my heart set on the 50, and I know I'll just regret not spending the extra few dollars on it.

Killjoy wrote in post #6746965
If I buy the XSI kit, she gets a camera with lenses, and I still use my 20D. But she won't be wanting to borrow my lenses.

You sure about that? She might learn why the 70-200mm (both the f/4 and f/2.8 versions) are way better lenses than the 55-250mm EF-S. I'd say buy you the 50D and let your wife use the 20D. Better to have two solid camera bodies in the house than one and a plastic one. Once ya'll go out at the same time and shoot the same stuff, she'll see the different between the EF-S lens she's using and the L lens your using. Don't delay the inevitable.

Killjoy wrote in post #6746989
Thanks Brian, but I wonder two things about the G10.
What's the shutter lag like, and what's the zoom on it?

Besides, if I get her a DSLR to use, I can justify new lenses easier.
Such as maybe a 135L or a 100-400L

I do have an older 75-300 Mk II, but I know she'll want IS once she gets a chance to try it out.

shutter lag isn't too bad. for most users it should be fine, unless she is an extreme photog who demands fast equipment. it sounds like she would appreciate a DSLR I would just give her the 30D and buy a 40D instead of the 50D. That way you save some money and while you are at it you could buy another lens!

Stealthy Ninja wrote in post #6746997
Sharing is caring.

OR you could buy the 450D for yourself and let her use the 20D. That might work.

Once she felt the weight of the XSI over the 20D, that would be it for me. She'd get the new camera and I'd still have the old one.

xarqi wrote in post #6747012
2) Domestic brownie points.

Funny.

Don't buy her anything right now, until you are 110% sure this is something she wants to get into. Let her use your 20D (which is a great camera) until she has mastered the basics.

jacuff wrote in post #6747022
You sure about that? She might learn why the 70-200mm (both the f/4 and f/2.8 versions) are way better lenses than the 55-250mm EF-S. I'd say buy you the 50D and let your wife use the 20D. Better to have two solid camera bodies in the house than one and a plastic one. Once ya'll go out at the same time and shoot the same stuff, she'll see the different between the EF-S lens she's using and the L lens your using. Don't delay the inevitable.

Good point about two solid bodies. As for the lenses, I don't know exactly how serious she would be about this. Then again, there's another vote for the 50D for me.

BigBlueDodge wrote in post #6747039
Don't buy her anything right now, until you are 110% sure this is something she wants to get into. Let her use your 20D (which is a great camera) until she has mastered the basics.

Awesome advice! Thanks

I used to be a member of a family fly fishing club. One member had always wished his wife would take up flyfishing but had always just been interested in camping while he went off to fish.

Well finally she got the bug, he had several fantastic graphic rods and finely crafted English Hardy reels but like cameras, you always want one more.

When he tried to give her some of his excellent but old gear she would have none of it, she wanted the same thing he had When I was out fishing with them the next time, she had custom neoprene stocking foot waders with really nice felt bottomed wading boots, a to die for graphite rod and new Sage English made flyreel and the best and most comfortable float tube.

He was chagrined, what used to cost him $500 now cost $1,000 every time he wanted something new, so did she!

I have a suggestion, let her find out what she wants, offer her choices, tell her what you are offering, she may hate the heavier 20D or the smaller screen on the back, and she may love the size of the new camera, you'll never know but I'd suggest you don't assume.