I have done alot of searching and research and now it has lead to paralysis by analysis!
I am looking at getting a camera and definetely have a budget; from high end of the budget to low, cameras that interest me are Canon's 40D, Nikon d200, Canon 20D or Nikon d40. I plan to shot pics of the family skiing this winter and outdoor scenic/animal pictures mainly. I am looking at buying used and the cheaper bodies will allow me to justify picking up a little better glass (still wouldn't be able to purchase something like 70-200 f/2.8 though.) Are any of those really a better choice over the others for what I plan to shoot or will any of them meet my needs?
The D40 is the only one of those cameras that I have owned. It was a good camera, but its lack of autofocus motor will limit your choice of lens to new (more expensive) AF-S lenses. If you can live with manual focus on some lenses, or don't mind being limited to AF-S, it's a great choice. You can also look into an used D80, that's what I swapped my D40 for. It's a great camera, is fairly cheap used now, and has the built in focus motor.
Go with the 40d and get the 70-200 2.8. The 40 d bodies are incredible value right now no need to move to a 50d or higher. The deal is that once you get the bug you will want more the 40 d and 70-200 2.8 will fit the bill moving forward if not for a backup body but that lens will give you outstanding results on any canon body now and in the future at least the next 10 years
I would recommend the 20D or 40D. Since you are on a budget you may prefer the 20D because you can save money with the 20D's "on-board" flash. It is very good!!
I have had 2 each 20D's. Sold my original only to realize that it is such a versitile body with the flash on board(I use it more now for astronomy and a point-n-shoot), and now sooooo cheap!! on B&S--Buy&Sell Forum--, I just picked up another body.
It produces excellant images. I picked it up for UNDER $200 in EXCELLANT condition!!Now if you have a flash that fits the 40D, pick it up!!! It is an EXCELLANT body!!
Dan
I second getting a 40D. It is a great rugged body, and I have been frequently seeing used versions for well under $700, even around $630. Even a 50D would be great. Search B&H for a 50D. I saw one today for only $729 used!!! That is 20 bucks less than I paid for my 40D a few months ago!!! It seems like this 7D is causing people to sell their 10Ds, 20Ds, 40Ds and 50Ds. It's great if you want to get a good deal on older used DSLRs.
