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Archive 2005 · Canon EOS 20D?

Pupp3t Mast3r
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p.1 #1 · Canon EOS 20D?

This is just a general question about the EOS 20D. Im only 17 and still in high school but ive figured that photos is what i like doing and im going to stick with it. Is it worth paying so much for a camera (about $3000-$2500 AUD) when i could be spending money on other things? (car, rent etc)

Im guessing maybe a second hand camera would be slightly cheaper but still id like to get it brand new and have the fun of ripping it out of the box for the first time.

So pretty much my question is is it worth getting so a high cost camera if im sure im going to stick with this?

-Aaron

Edited by Pupp3t Mast3r on Apr 16, 2005 at 08:46 AM GMT

Apr 15, 2005 at 05:29 PM

Arka
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p.1 #2 · Canon EOS 20D?

I would not buy a camera at the expense of a car or rent. I would buy a camera and forego moving into a larger space, or drive a cheaper, but still reliable, car.

Put another way... I could've bought a BMW a few years ago, but instead bought a Honda Civic and opted to build a decent photography and digital art kit with some of the money saved. The decision was more than worthwhile.

Arka C.

Apr 15, 2005 at 05:37 PM

Pupp3t Mast3r
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p.1 #3 · Canon EOS 20D?

The thing is i dont really need any of those things id just benefit from them. Ive got a train station 5 minutes away and ive still got a place to stay. Ive been looking at this camera for a fair bit and ive seen some of the amazing shots it can take and when i kinda weigh things up the camera comes out on top.

Apr 15, 2005 at 05:40 PM

steve_t
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p.1 #4 · Canon EOS 20D?

If you want to rip the box open then consider a 350D or 300D, either of which are competent DSLRs in their own right. No point in rushing out and spending lots of money until you figure out (1) if you're going to stick with it and (2) what kind of kit will fit best with the type of photography you want to do (don't forget all the other bits that go with it - lenses, flash, memory cards, PC, software etc).

Apr 15, 2005 at 05:41 PM

Liscia
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p.1 #5 · Canon EOS 20D?

Why does it have to be a 20D-10D/300/350XT are more in line with your budget(?) and ability(?) at this point. Own a Civic for now but everyone should have at least 1 BMW

Apr 15, 2005 at 05:42 PM

Michael-M
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p.1 #6 · Canon EOS 20D?

lordarka wrote:
I would not buy a camera at the expense of a car or rent. I would buy a camera and forego moving into a larger space, or drive a cheaper, but still reliable, car.

Put another way... I could've bought a BMW a few years ago, but instead bought a Honda Civic and opted to build a decent photography and digital art kit with some of the money saved. The decision was more than worthwhile.

Arka C.

Excellent advice Arka!!!
i think it really depends on your current assets, and how serious you are about this............the 20D is a fabulous camera, and i for one am happy that it has come along in a time that could buy it and further my chances at becoming a full time photographer.............that said, i'd take Arkas advice combined with your current financial status and just be careful and make the best of it.

Apr 15, 2005 at 05:43 PM

joezasada
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p.1 #7 · Canon EOS 20D?

a 20D, in the grand scheme of things, isn't a high-cost camera. (go to a 1 series for one of those). for a 17-year-old student it may seem high-cost to you, but if it is what you like doing and you do want to stick with it then a 20D will be low-cost. here's why:

the thing to do is to treat your photo gear as an investment instead of an expense.

save up, get the best gear you can afford, and start shooting pictures. Once you practice up and get good at it, start shooting pictures for money. Once you've paid off what you've spent on your camera gear, re-invest your profits into your business with more lenses, etc.

As for a camera body, you could get a 300D or 350D, and probably learn a lot with those cameras as well as shoot professionally. the 20D is better, and is the best dSLR you can get without spending a ton more on a 1-series body.

Also remember that you'll need good lenses too. the 18-55mm EF-S kit lens is OK to start with, but you'll want to eventually get some good L-Glass. Keep your eyes on the used market for that.

As for a car, rent, etc. that stuff is important as well. you just need to prioritize your spending. take your monthly salary, pay off your most important purchases first, then take the rest and put it into your camera gear. You'll find that with good financial planning you can end up with everything you want (well, to a point, anyways!).

Apr 15, 2005 at 05:44 PM

Pupp3t Mast3r
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p.1 #8 · Canon EOS 20D?

Sorry i think i worded it wrong, i wouldnt as such call it rent more like having the mone to go get a place. Im still at home being only 17 but i wouldnt mind having a place of my own.

Apr 15, 2005 at 05:45 PM

Paul UK
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p.1 #9 · Canon EOS 20D?

Liscia wrote:
everyone should have at least 1 BMW

I've already had one. I guess my life is over now

Apr 15, 2005 at 05:50 PM

steve_t
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p.1 #10 · Canon EOS 20D?

the thing to do is to treat your photo gear as an investment instead of an expense.
Serious logic failure here. All DSLR bodies are rapidly depreciating expenses. Lenses may come into the category of investment, especially used Zeiss or L lenses, but the only investment that really counts at this stage of the game is learning, effort and determination. An old film SLR or a reasonable P&S are all you really need to learn with.

Apr 15, 2005 at 05:56 PM

CoolGeorge
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p.1 #11 · Canon EOS 20D?

The best thing that you could do is buy a used 10d. It has close to the capabilities of the 20d for half the price. Start out with a 50 1.8f lens for $75 US (I have no idea what the conversion rate is). Start taking pictures. Give it at least 6 months. By then you will know if you want more. Then decide what type of photography most interests you. From there you can decide what types of lenses you want. Once you fall in love with a DSLR you have to realize that it will become an obsession and a never ending money pit. You may find that it was a passing fad and that girls have become more important, or cars, or whatever. Take your time. You have lots of it on your side.

Oh, how I wish that I was 17 again.

Apr 15, 2005 at 06:12 PM

Pupp3t Mast3r
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p.1 #12 · Canon EOS 20D?

I like doing mostly macro shots and abstract kinda stuff really. Just with my s5500 the focus on it really starts to annoy you after a while :P

Apr 15, 2005 at 06:21 PM

Sheila
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p.1 #13 · Canon EOS 20D?

Hi Aaron

May I suggest that you check out a used D60 (make sure its in good condition) if money is a problem. I had my D60 for over two years and it served me well. Canon cameras are getting cheaper all the time. I bought my D60 for $5,100 AU - gulp - and I sold it six months ago for $1145 AU. A journalist in Brisbane bought it and its shots are still being published in QLD.

So I would check out eBay (being super careful from whom you buy) or look on local newspapers. Don't pay any more than $1000 if you can help it. Then buy the cheap and cheerful but very sharp Canon 50 mm f/1.8 II prime lens and go for it. When buying lenses, buy the best you can afford and avoid long tele lenses with variable apertures - ie f/4.5-5.5 - look for lenses with single apertures ie f/4.

If you need any advice, PM me, no worries.
Cheers
Sheila

Apr 15, 2005 at 07:12 PM

steve g
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p.1 #14 · Canon EOS 20D?

Also look around the 300D's second hand or cheap. The 350D has just come out so the 300D should be going cheap. It's a great camera.

steve

Apr 15, 2005 at 09:57 PM

phidong
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p.1 #15 · Canon EOS 20D?

If I was 17, no. Get something cheaper.

Apr 15, 2005 at 10:22 PM

Pupp3t Mast3r
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p.1 #16 · Canon EOS 20D?

Money is really not a problem, it just means i have to save longer

Apr 15, 2005 at 11:36 PM

zonkola
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p.1 #17 · Canon EOS 20D?

I second the suggestion of a used 10D. It'll cost you $600-$700, leaving you room for a good lens or two. There are plenty of magazine guys still using the 10D professionally.

Oh, and a used Digital Rebel (300D) would be a good choice too. Although, in my opinion the 10D is a much nicer camera, and is (amazingly) selling for virtually the same price used.

Apr 15, 2005 at 11:38 PM

nutek
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p.1 #18 · Canon EOS 20D?

The 10D seems to be at the best value for money in terms of the used market now. Also, join your local or school newspaper; you may get access to some lenses this way. And shoot away

Apr 16, 2005 at 12:24 AM

Pupp3t Mast3r
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p.1 #19 · Canon EOS 20D?

Haha our school has nothing what so ever, i was stressing it last year to find another 35mm SLR lense for a project :P

Apr 16, 2005 at 01:11 AM

Aragosh
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p.1 #20 · Canon EOS 20D?

First of all, I would not buy a used camera, mainly because of the warrantee issues. A new 300D is cheap enough in my mind. Furthermore, with the firmware hack, you will have almost all the functions on the 300D than you would on the 10D. The 350D is a better choice, and the price difference not that great, but the size of the thing bothers me. It is very small in the hand, and will probably frustrate most men, for most females, I do not think this a problem though.

I would invest in the 300D for a start, as your projects sound time consuming, at least to the state where you do not need fast AF-AI Servo, and large buffer rates, etc. So I would go for the 300D over the 350D anyday of the year.

Rather invest in good lenses, AND a good tripod. Macro work is specialised enough to do a lot of research into, and there are other things to consider, like ring flashes, remote/ timer release, types of lenses, the PC & Monitor, Printer, and software.

The extra 2MP you gain in the 20D, (apart from the larger buffer, higher AF ratings, etc.) is not in my mind sufficient enough to warrant the camera for your needs. Rather buy the 300D, get a 100mm Macro, a 50mm, and the EF-S 18-55mm kit lens, a good and sturdy tripod and head (look at the Manfrotto 055 pod and 029 Pro head, and throw in a dolly for the close-up study - excellent combo), the remote timer release for your creative work, an i9950 canon printer, a 1GB Lexar 40xWA CF card (don't even worry about the 80x WA - the 300D does not support Writing Accellaration), and possibly get the "angle finder C".

Good luck

Apr 16, 2005 at 01:39 AM

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