Opinions or recommendations on a 20D or similar purchase?

Hi all,

I have read up on these forums for a while. I purchased a Rebel XT a few years ago, and sold it recently. I'd like to get more into photography just for fun, and maybe a college class next semester. Im still somewhat new to DSLR cameras, but I know all the basics, and think a 20D or similar would be the next camera for me. I would be using the camera for a variety of things from sporting events (pro and non pro) to scenic shots and close ups. I know I will need a lens or 3, but for now im just looking for body advice.

Im thinking of spending about $300-400 depending on quality, and bundled accessories. I could spend a little more for a better camera, so im looking for your advice? Should i just go for the 20D? or would you recommend something else? if so why?

Thanks in advance for your input!
-Chris

I would get the 30D just for the larger screen.

As a 20D owner I'll echo Doc, get a 30D for not much more money just for the larger screen.

Same here, as a 20D owner, get the 30D. The small screen is actually kind of frustrating at times.

What they said.. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Thanks guys, im checking out some 30d's now.

Wouldn't that depend where you are? In the UK the 30D isn't that much of a no brainer over the 20D as a second hand 30D would still be £300+ while a similar condition second hand 20D is under £200.

£100+ for a bigger screen is quite expensive.

One more vote for the 30D. I have one and there are more differences between the 20 and 30 than the screen:

30D has an RGB histogram - the 20D only a luminance histogram. I use this extensively for exposure adjustments.
30D can shoot either 3 or 5 frames per second - 20D only 5. I've used both.
30D has more "image parameters" than 20D. These only matter if shooting jpeg or using Canon's DPP.
30D ISO steps are 1/3, 20D full stops only. At first this sounds pointless - but this camera was tested by someone on DPR, and the cleanest ISO values are 160, 320, and 640, not 100, 200, 400, 800. I've use 640 extensively for flower macros, and if I expose to the right of the histogram, noise is not an issue.

The 30D was panned (like all new Canon offerings apparently :rolleyes until the real thing came out. Turned out it was actually an upgrade.

http://www.dpreview.co​m/reviews/canoneos30d/

Glenn

I've both the 20D and the 30D..
.. Go for the 30D

Thanks for all the suggestions for the 30d guys.... I probably would have ended up with a 20D and kicked myself 2 weeks later wishing i had gone for the 30D. Thanks to all you guys, you have saved me from making a costly mistake. I am searching the FS section of the forum for a nice 30D! Thanks again.

chrisf707 wrote in post #11025212
Thanks for all the suggestions for the 30d guys.... I probably would have ended up with a 20D and kicked myself 2 weeks later wishing i had gone for the 30D. Thanks to all you guys, you have saved me from making a costly mistake. I am searching the FS section of the forum for a nice 30D! Thanks again.

If you like the 30D as much as I like mine, you'll be quite happy. It's rugged, and has never failed or acted up once.

I acquired a 5DII recently, but for some things the 30D works just as well (extreme closeup of flowers for example - for this MORE DOF is better so the 30D is just as good as the 5DII).

G

chrisf707 wrote in post #11016686
Hi all,

I have read up on these forums for a while. I purchased a Rebel XT a few years ago, and sold it recently. I'd like to get more into photography just for fun, and maybe a college class next semester. Im still somewhat new to DSLR cameras, but I know all the basics, and think a 20D or similar would be the next camera for me. I would be using the camera for a variety of things from sporting events (pro and non pro) to scenic shots and close ups. I know I will need a lens or 3, but for now im just looking for body advice.

Im thinking of spending about $300-400 depending on quality, and bundled accessories. I could spend a little more for a better camera, so im looking for your advice? Should i just go for the 20D? or would you recommend something else? if so why?

Thanks in advance for your input!
-Chris

The 20D is about 4 generations old - if you had a Rebel XT - it might be about the same generation - try to get something as new as you can in your budget.

I doubt you can get a 40D in your budget - but I think they are still well liked.

ah.. only 1 30D left here

You don't say where you are, so don't know if this will help.. Some good buys on the 40D also