Used xxD body -- Best bang for the buck?

I'm thinking about buying a used 20D, 30D or 40D as a second body to go with my 7D so I can avoid some lens-switching when out shooting. I'd be interested in forum members' thoughts about which of the xxD cameras offers the best bang for the buck as a used-market buy, feature-wise and in terms of trouble/reliability. And maybe there are some other issues I haven't considered? I'm not leaving the 50D out of consideration, but prices for the older models seem mighty tempting. Thanks

f8andBeThere wrote in post #9266509
I'm thinking about buying a used 20D, 30D or 40D as a second body to go with my 7D so I can avoid some lens-switching when out shooting. I'd be interested in forum members' thoughts about which of the xxD cameras offers the best bang for the buck as a used-market buy, feature-wise and in terms of trouble/reliability. And maybe there are some other issues I haven't considered? I'm not leaving the 50D out of consideration, but prices for the older models seem mighty tempting. Thanks

My current camera lineup is a 30-D for action photography and a 5D classic for all else. I have just given myself a christmas present with the 7D to replace the 30-D. I don't plan on selling off the 30D because it seems to be the logical backup for my 7D now.

I think the 20D and 40D represent the best values. The 20D because it is trading for almost nothing, and the 40D because it has a nice jump in a few features (VF, AF) over the 20D/30D to make it also a good value despite the higher price.

The 30D is a 20D with spot metering and a larger LCD, which I'd be willing to pay as much as $15 more to get.

The 50D is a 40D with microadjust, which is valuable if you have a lot of misfocusing lenses that are out of warranty.

Honestly, I think that the XXDs have bottomed out pretty much in price. The 40D is a great camera for $600. That being said, with the 1D Mark IV being announced, folks are shifting around their 1D lineup, and I'm amazed at how low 1D Mark IIs are selling for. I noticed a 1D II for $700 on FM. That has to be the absolutely best bang for your buck deal going right now.

For the performance and features, 40D's are a steal at today's prices.
If you're going to be shooting action and need more advanced AF or using live view a lot with your 7D, the 40D seems like a more similarly equipped backup camera. Otherwise, for just general shooting it seems anything 20D+ should do fine.

Good info all, thanks for the help on this. Hadn't considered going outside the xxD lineup, but a 1D Mark II may be worth considering, too.

There is no equal to magnified live view for critical shots with the 40D. I DID, however, buy a nice 30D with 18-55 and all factory "stuff" for 300 bucks US

JeffreyG wrote in post #9266705
I think the 20D and 40D represent the best values. The 20D because it is trading for almost nothing, and the 40D because it has a nice jump in a few features (VF, AF) over the 20D/30D to make it also a good value despite the higher price.

The 30D is a 20D with spot metering and a larger LCD, which I'd be willing to pay as much as $15 more to get.

The 50D is a 40D with microadjust, which is valuable if you have a lot of misfocusing lenses that are out of warranty.

Your analysis in not quite true.

f8andBeThere wrote in post #9266849
Good info all, thanks for the help on this. Hadn't considered going outside the xxD lineup, but a 1D Mark II may be worth considering, too.

I just upgraded from a 40d to a 1d Mark II. I LOVE the 1d Mark II, every picture looks amazing straight out of the camera. The 40d is great too, bigger screen than the 1d, live view a few other cool features.

If you're still interested in the 40d, I'm selling mine for an extremely reasonable price!

Like TaDa said the best bang for the buck right know is a 1dmk2 - as the 40d and 50d are selling more expensive....???? !!!!!!?????

I noticed the same thing that TaDa mentioned. The 1DMII bodies are going for ~$700-$900. I originally was going to back up my 1D3 with a XXD body but I'm now looking for a 1DII as my backup. I prefer the handling of the 1D bodies anyway.

I also happen to think that 1D3s selling for under $2k is silly as well, but you cannot go wrong with a 1D2 for $750 or so. Built like a tank (weather sealed). 8 shots per second. Larger sensor / pixels than an XXD series. About the only drawback is the size / weight of the body and batteries. But if that doesn't bother you, it's a damn bargain

I got a 1d mkIIn for a little under $1000! these things are getting cheap. skip the 20d/30d and just go pro body instead

kevinmcdade wrote in post #9267149
I noticed the same thing that TaDa mentioned. The 1DMII bodies are going for ~$700-$900. I originally was going to back up my 1D3 with a XXD body but I'm now looking for a 1DII as my backup. I prefer the handling of the 1D bodies anyway.

Depends on the condition and seller motivation, price is only part of the equation.

I'd get a 40D. It's a steal of a deal right now. And it has modern features like live view, sensor cleaning, large LCD, and a very nice interface and menu.