Not too long ago, I was considering selling my 300D to get a 20D because of the features my 300D is lacking. With the 350D on the horizon, though, I find it seems to fulfill those things I wanted. Namely Selectable Metering mode, Selectable AF mode, and Flash exposure compensation. (The 9 custom fuctions, "Instant power-on time, faster shutter release, shorter blackout time" and "Compact Flash write speed increased" (to quote DPReview) aren't bad features, either, though I wasn't dying for them.)
So besides an all-metal body, even more speed, and rediculously-anal custom fuctions, what's it really missing? Because I can't think of anything, and I just know I'm being dumb about this...
RobertMcDonald wrote:
So besides an all-metal body, even more speed, and rediculously-anal custom fuctions, what's it really missing? Because I can't think of anything, and I just know I'm being dumb about this...
It mostly lacks ergonomics. The 20D has the nice rear spin-wheel/top click wheel that makes it super easy to change settings. It also has the "joystick" that makes AF selection much easier. It also lacks the longer, tougher shutter. It has a smaller, dimmer viewfinder. The body isn't as robust.
The lack of second dial is a major problem for most "M-mode" shooters. VF should be smaller...
The body might be a little small in some hands (but this is not bad if you travel with your camera).
When I had the choice between 10D and 300D, I did not hesitate a second.
Now I would not buy the 20D and save 500 euros for glass.
For the price you really can't beat it, and I'm more than pleased with all the upgrades. My main issue with it is how well it will find and track moving subjects. I plan to shoot more sports this summer and I've been concerned if the XT would be able to get the job done more or less. I wondered how the AF compared to the 20D so I wrote to Canon asking this question. Here is the response I got back:
"The XT's AI Servo feature can be more comparable to the Elan 7/7e film
camera's autofocusing system. This focusing may be slightly slower
than
the 20D, but should provide clear photos."
Do any of you have experience shooting sports with the Elan models? I knew there would be a difference in performance between the XT and 20D, I was just wondering what that gap was like. Unfortunately I only have the money right now for an upgrade to the XT if I can sell my Rebel, nothing more, so I guess my options are limited. I'm just wondering how good a job it will do and what my keeper rate will be on the field.
The main differences I see as far as usability and durability are the wheel an the back (just love it compared to the Rebel series) 2 less AFf points, and a pentamirror vs pentaprism viewfinder. The pentaprism last longer, is quieter, and causes less camera movement.
As an earlier poster put it...Is it worth $400 more? That's up to you.
Is it worth $400-$500 to sell your Dreb and move up to the XT? In most cases I would say ABSOLUTELY!
Most have already noted the data entry wheel - to undervalue this. The Rebel looks to have great value & functionality, but the ergonomics look a tad button happy. Somebody coming from a point & shoot probably won't even notice, but anybody who's already used a D30,D60,10D,20D, etc. will quickly miss the somewhat standard layout of the 10D/20D.
Check through the custom functions - things like mirror lock up may not be included. I wouldn't worry about the AF, 90% of the time you'll be using the center point anyway. Probably some differences in viewfinder quality too.
It's missing a kit lens fisheye/rectilinear zoom that goes 8mm - 1500mm at f/1.8 (image stabilized) with no distortion in the rectilinear range (which would span 17mm - 1500mm).
.
Oh yeah, and this kit lens would be the size of the new pentax 40mm pancake lens.
Though I was shooting for what the Rebel XT is missing period, not just relative to the 20D, realistically, that's the more important comparison. Basically, I'm sold on the 350D.
Dave McGaughey wrote:
It mostly lacks ergonomics. The 20D has the nice rear spin-wheel/top click wheel that makes it super easy to change settings. It also has the "joystick" that makes AF selection much easier. It also lacks the longer, tougher shutter. It has a smaller, dimmer viewfinder. The body isn't as robust.
Is that worth $400? That's up to you.
And I'm thinking, probably not. My complaints about my 300D so far haven't been for any of those things. Just the deliberately left-out manual controls. Controls Powershot cameras half my camera's price have. Especially the AF type selection (it's in the camera and I can't control it? WTH?), metering type selection, and the flash exposure compensation. Now that I've got a 550EX, the latter obviously isn't as important, but it was still something I wanted, among other things.
