p.2 #1 · First DSLR: Need advice deciding between Used 20D and New 400D
I think that its better to start with a XTi/450D just to be updated into the latest chipset and keep it for longest time there are several advantages on that chip than the oldest one that will keep you happy and confortable for long long time
p.2 #2 · First DSLR: Need advice deciding between Used 20D and New 400D
I believe its all a matter of personal preference. A lot of people don't like the size of the viewfinder and the physical size of the Rebel series. I have never noticed. Maybe its that I'm still free from the temptations of the XXD and XD models, but I've used a Rebel G, Rebel K2, before moving to the Digital Rebel XT. I've had the latter for almost 4 years now and I find that I am constantly the limiting factor, not the camera. Basically, you can't go wrong. I know a lot of people here have purchased used cameras with great success, but as far as my nerves go, a body is something that I will not purchase used. Too many pieces, too many parts, too much that could be slightly off or broken without showing signs when you buy. Partly for that reason, but partly for reasons named above, I would take the 400D in your shoes. Granted I would wait until April to see if the price comes down any more as soon as the XSi comes out, but if you can't wait you certainly aren't getting a bad camera either way. Look were we all were 5 years ago...
p.2 #5 · First DSLR: Need advice deciding between Used 20D and New 400D
fugu wrote:
Are you shooting RAW or JPG?
Usually RAW.
I shot some 1600 ISO shots at the Lion King show at Animal Kingdom using the 20D one year and the 400D the next year, both with the same lens and the 400D were vastly better - more sharp shots, less noise, better colour. Not scientific, but definitive enough for me.
p.2 #6 · First DSLR: Need advice deciding between Used 20D and New 400D
Well this is giving me a lot of good things to think through. I've looked at the 20D for so long that I hadn't, until a couple days ago, realized that the 30D can now be had for close to 600 used. I won't be buying 'til about June or July.. doing research now. It looks like the 30D may be a legitimate option for me now as well.
I'm trying to figure out what makes more sense for starter glass:
1. Tamron 17-50 (the bigger aperture could be helpful)
or
2. 18-55 IS + a 35mm OR 50mm prime with a f/2 or f/1.8 respectively.
Cost would be similar either way.. but I thought maybe the IS lens would be good enough in good light, and one prime may satisfy all my low-light needs (at least for now) better than the Tamron.
Anyone with more professional thoughts on that decision?
p.2 #8 · First DSLR: Need advice deciding between Used 20D and New 400D
K, makes sense. I'll probably go with the 30D before the 20D.. now that the 30D is so much cheaper, it doesn't seem to make sense to buy a 20D rather than spending another $100 for a new, better camera.
p.2 #9 · First DSLR: Need advice deciding between Used 20D and New 400D
I agree that the 30D over the 20D is a good plan. I've had mine for about 18 months and although it now is mainly relegated to a backup or used by a 2nd shooter it still provides lovely shots. I've used it for sports and weddings, landscapes and macro so with the right glass it will give the results you desire.
p.2 #12 · First DSLR: Need advice deciding between Used 20D and New 400D
danmitchell wrote:
I used to do night photography with an XT - you can't test low light performance much more than that, with exposures measured in minutes.
While people would _like_ to believe that the X0D models "blow away" the Rebels in low light performance, it just isn't so.
Dan
The 20D will do better than the 400D in low light, although it may not "blow it away".
p.2 #13 · First DSLR: Need advice deciding between Used 20D and New 400D
My 2p...
Wait a month for the 400D price to drop a bit more, get one, and then think carefully about what accessories (um lenses) you 'need'.
The kit 18-55 might be fine for the first week, but you're likely to miss the zoom you may have become used to. Instead of being tempted with a 18-300, if I was in your shoes, I would look at the new Sig 18-125 (I forget the exact range), and then perhaps a 70-x00. Oh, and the 50mm 1.8 or course.
Look at it this way: this is your first SLR. If the photography hobby takes off, and in a year or so you feel you need something better, you can go get the 40D and still have the 400D as a backup. Learn with the smaller unit, grow into the bigger boys.
p.2 #15 · First DSLR: Need advice deciding between Used 20D and New 400D
danmitchell wrote:
So, what is the evidence for that claim?
Dan
We've been over this... many times. For starters, the images the cameras produce. Further, the 400D sensor is less sensitive to light, forcing one to use slower settings in low light.
p.2 #16 · First DSLR: Need advice deciding between Used 20D and New 400D
i shot a rebel XT, XTi, and now 20d. If your budget is low, i say go for the 20d over any rebel series. the noise is handled better, and the larger viewfinder actually makes manual focus possible. but if you have enough for the 40d, i would go for that.
i bought my 20d in september ish for $525 and it has served me extremely well, so its always something to look into if youre low on cash.
p.2 #17 · First DSLR: Need advice deciding between Used 20D and New 400D
A friend when getting their first DSLR asked me a similar question. He had narrowed his choices down to a new 40D or a used 20D. For a first DSLR, I advised the 20D as cheap as you can get it. He ended up with a 20D for a little over $300 and the 28-135IS for $300. Not that the Rebels make bad pictures, they don't, but from a handling point of view, I just do not like shooting with a camera that small without a grip. For the money, the prices of used 1Ds at this point in time are just insane. I would get a 1D over any Rebel, the 20D and 30D still. I would only consider a 40D in place of a 1D for all the types of shooting I do. Overall, I'd say spend as little on the body as you can while still getting one in good condition and take what extra money that leaves and buy a decent lens to start out. Good luck!
p.2 #18 · First DSLR: Need advice deciding between Used 20D and New 400D
I went from a 350D to a 40D and couldnt be happier. However, If I had started with the 40D first I would have been very frustrated with the complexity over the Rebel. Hope that helps. I spend almost two years with my Rebel and learned soo much that it very worthwhile. I should have kept it for a back up but i'll find one again.
p.2 #19 · First DSLR: Need advice deciding between Used 20D and New 400D
I understand getting a simpler camera as a learning tool before progressing to a more serious DSLR, but at the same time, I felt like that was the point in me buying the Panasonic I have now. It is not an SLR, but I has gotten me fairly familiar with the concepts of exposure, aperture, shutter speed, iso, etc. I know there is a lot more to know, I just don't know how many "learning" cameras I want to go through before I finally start using a high-end DSLR.
p.2 #20 · First DSLR: Need advice deciding between Used 20D and New 400D
Friends:
Not to be inflammatory here - I'll make a quick confession that I shot Canon MF film in the past (A1 - wonderful body) and currently shoot Nikon digital (D70, D1x, D2H & D300).
I have steered many folks to Cannon & Nikon digital equipment based on their needs (I try to be objective with folks who ask my advice), but if you don't have any lenses and are looking for a step up from the point and shoot, I'd give the following reccomendation:
Look at either Pentax or Nikon.
You can get a great value in a closeout Pentax K10D or pay a bit more for the K20D and get quite a system when you consider the in-camera image stabilization. You can also go with the Nikon D40x (which is in closeout special) or spring for the D60 or D80. I believe that both of these systems offer a little more value than the Canon entry level offerings right now - especially in regard to wireless flash command and lower image noise at high ISO values. I've had several lengthy discussions with my local Wolf Camera district manager - and he sees the same thing. He also states that his stores are selling many more of the Nikon & Pentax systems than the Canon equivalents.
Truthfully, even though I love my Nikon system - if I were starting over and weren't invested so heavily in lenses, I'd probably look long and hard at the Pentax offerings.
