Buying a second-hand DSLR

landth wrote in post #11328891
Its your money, I wouldn't presume to tell you how to spend it, but I would buy the 400D over the 20D every day of the week....

You're pretty much the first to say that. Why is that? Because I got a feeling that the 400D, except for having more pixels (and a larger LCD, which doesn't really matter) I only see pro's for the 20D and the 20D already has 8.2M. The higher ISO and higher shutter speed seem like really nice features.

One last question: the 1000D is the one in between the 400 and 450D, right?

TijmenDal wrote in post #11331514
You're pretty much the first to say that. Why is that? Because I got a feeling that the 400D, except for having more pixels (and a larger LCD, which doesn't really matter) I only see pro's for the 20D and the 20D already has 8.2M. The higher ISO and higher shutter speed seem like really nice features.

One last question: the 1000D is the one in between the 400 and 450D, right?

The 1000D is a step below the xxxD series.

Canon range goes (at present):

xD - 1D and 1Ds (Pro cameras 1.3x and Full frame sensors) above the 5D (Full frame sensor) and 7D (1.6x sensor)
xxD (1.6x sensors)
xxxD (1.6x sensors)
XXXXD (1.6x sensors)

So a newer xxxD will have more features (more Mp (resolution), LCD, better high ISO capability etc.) than an older xxD...............

PaulB wrote in post #11331627
The 1000D is a step below the xxxD series.

Canon range goes (at present):

xD - 1D and 1Ds (Pro cameras 1.3x and Full frame sensors) above the 5D (Full frame sensor) and 7D (1.6x sensor)
xxD (1.6x sensors)
xxxD (1.6x sensors)
XXXXD (1.6x sensors)

So a newer xxxD will have more features (more Mp (resolution), LCD, better high ISO capability etc.) than an older xxD...............

Thanks! So is there gonna be an upgrade of the 1000D or what? (because that one got released like 2 years ago right?)

But is it also better? Would the 400/450D (they're almost the same, right?) be much different (better) from the 20/30D (these both are also almost the same) IQ wise? I reckon not, because the xxD's I'm mentioning are older but are 'prosumer' (and in the end it's all about the glass). Then I rather go for a sturdier body, better fps, higher iso.

Seeing a deal now for 210€ euros: 400D with 18-55 (non Is, kitlens) and a batterygrip. Still I'm a bit hesitant to not get a 20/30D... Decision-making is one of the hardest things to do...meh!

That's a good price, although the 18-55 without IS isn't much of a lens. The xxD bodies are more comfortable/have nicer handling IMO. The 450D has a nicer screen and (I think) sensor cleaning, compared with the 400D.

mattia wrote in post #11331680
That's a good price, although the 18-55 without IS isn't much of a lens. The xxD bodies are more comfortable/have nicer handling IMO. The 450D has a nicer screen and (I think) sensor cleaning, compared with the 400D.

Is the sensor-cleaning worth a 100€? That's one of the only features that I'd actually care about when buying a 450D vs a 400D... (still wanting a 30D, haha!)

TijmenDal wrote in post #11331709
Is the sensor-cleaning worth a 100€? That's one of the only features that I'd actually care about when buying a 450D vs a 400D... (still wanting a 30D, haha!)

The 400d had sensor cleaning, paying 100 Euro more just for it on the 450D would be an interesting investment....

landth wrote in post #11331819
The 400d had sensor cleaning, paying 100 Euro more just for it on the 450D would be an interesting investment....

The 400D does have sensor cleaning? Well, that makes thing different! I'm pretty sure I read somewhere it didn't and it's one of the upgrades to the 450D

TijmenDal wrote in post #11331827
The 400D does have sensor cleaning? Well, that makes thing different! I'm pretty sure I read somewhere it didn't and it's one of the upgrades to the 450D

No offence mate, but seriously, google, it's your friend in times of need and ignorance...

Far better to refine your requirements and research yourself, then use this place to bounce your own ideas, opinions are like are**oles and everyone has one, no-one's is more relevant to you than yours imo.

In MY opinion, in answer to the original question you phrased, 30D or 400D, get whichever will get you the best deal, esp if it includes a lens 'cause bodies don't take very good pics on their own.

landth wrote in post #11331862
No offence mate, but seriously, google, it's your friend in times of need and ignorance...

Far better to refine your requirements and research yourself, then use this place to bounce your own ideas, opinions are like are**oles and everyone has one, no-one's is more relevant to you than yours imo.

In MY opinion, in answer to the original question you phrased, 30D or 400D, get whichever will get you the best deal, esp if it includes a lens 'cause bodies don't take very good pics on their own.

Ye, I guess

As for the googling, I was in a bit of a hurry. (normally I always would).

I'm just gonna see what I can get the best deal on. Thank a lot everyone for the input!

I'd go for a xxD. Mostly cause I wouldn't be caught dead using a xxxD camera. They are fragile, and I am a natural breaker.

The 50d works for me, kinda wish I would have payed up slightly more and gotten the 7d. Magnesium body and the back wheel are awesome. It just makes it so much more user friendly than the rebels are.

My 300D is plastic fantasticy, beaten up and bruised, but works perfectly. Plastic's probably tougher than metal.

Honestly, the 30D is a really lovely little body. I don't like the xxxD series much, but that's because I'm used to the second dial and the small bodies don't feel quite right in my hands.

DpReview is your friend when you want to learn about camera bodies

http://www.dpreview.co​m/reviews/
http://www.dpreview.co​m/reviews/sidebyside.a​sp

The xxD series has larger viewfinders which is wonderfull for those of us with glasses, but a large bright viewfinder that covers +95% of the image helps immensly with composing andgettign horizons right.

You're using a film SLR right now, many on this forum mention how they had trouble adjusting to the smaller crop sensors.
For me the smaller bodies and poorer ergonomics of the xxxD/xxxxD series is a big no-no, i want a bigger body like a xxD series or it's beefed up cousin the 7D. However these are personal prefferences i can't stand xxxD ergonomics but some love them and use really expensive lenses with a rebel (xxxD US brand name).

You said you would go for the 30D and trhat would be my reccomendation as well, the xxD lineup got downgraded to "entry-level" with the 60D but it's spitit lives on in the 7D (series?).


P.S. what analog-SLR where you using is it a canon EF-mount so you can use the lenses with autofocus?

Also get the 50mm f/1.8 prime when you have the 30D

I bought my canon 450d last week second hand, it cost £260.00. I think that was a v.good price and it works great!

For a first DSLR limitation is a good thing. Itll make you think. My first DSLR was a 300D (coming from bridge cameras). It did 3fps and had 6mp. So sports, bursts and crops were out of the question as was high ISO shooting (1600 ISO limit and really bad noise). So it made me think more about, timing my shots, framing, and using a tripod etc. If you go for all the gadgets 2 things may happen and Ive seen them both.

1, you get lazy (no offence to anyone) and rely on the gadgets, high ISO, high FPS, High resolution.
2, you get lost in all the functions and features and just end up sticking it on Auto.

My advice, go for pure image quality. For that you'll want the newest sensor you can afford, which will probably be in the XX0D range. It might not feel as great in the hand and it may not be as well built but it will make you think.

Same goes for glass, I bought a cheapo 18-200, I broke it and for months I had only a 35-80mm on a cropped sensor. That made me think alot more about composition and getting everything I could out what I had.

Thats my 2 pennys worth

dervish99 wrote in post #11325695
Me too, the 20D is much better than the 300d, still using it till the 5dmk2 comes down in price. it will still do amazing pics, the person behind the camera will still be the limiting factor.

As someone who picked up a 20D as a "new to SLR" a year ago, I can absolutely vouch for this statement. If I could do it again, I would DEFINITELY still go with the 20D.