If you had to pick which one would you choose?
- Thread starter Carressa
- Start date
gregr
New member
The 20D is the most espensive- that ought to give you a hint 
Between the two Canons I'd go for the 20D unless I planned on using the camera in auto mode all the tmie- in that case the DR would be a good choice (spend the extra money on a good flash or another lens). The Olympus is far less expensive; it's mainly a consumer dslr (like the DR) whereas the 20D is a 'prosumer' camera. A fairer comparison would be the DR, Nikon D50/70 and E-500 i think.
Greg
Between the two Canons I'd go for the 20D unless I planned on using the camera in auto mode all the tmie- in that case the DR would be a good choice (spend the extra money on a good flash or another lens). The Olympus is far less expensive; it's mainly a consumer dslr (like the DR) whereas the 20D is a 'prosumer' camera. A fairer comparison would be the DR, Nikon D50/70 and E-500 i think.
Greg
jwedehase
New member
The 20D is definitely the leader of that pack. I have a 20D, and also looked into the original Digital Rebel, as well as the Rebel XT. The Rebel XT was the first one ruled out, because of its size. Before you shell out that kind of cash for a real camera, do yourself a huge favor and try these cameras in person, at your local photography shop. You need to feel them in your hands. Roll them around, handle them without looking, etc. Make sure you're spending over $1000 on something that you're going to like.
Functionally, very few people will find use for the extra features in the 20D over the XT. There are a couple I like, but for me, it was all about the size of the camera in my hands, and that XT is X-tra Tiny.
Functionally, very few people will find use for the extra features in the 20D over the XT. There are a couple I like, but for me, it was all about the size of the camera in my hands, and that XT is X-tra Tiny.
louist
New member
I want to know how you managed to narrow it down to these choices? The 20D is in a different price range to the 350D.
IMHO, I would go for the 20D, since it fits better in my bigger hands, and it can take the wear and tear of field work. If $$ is not an issue, get the 20D and be happy, that way, there's less chance you will want to upg a few month down the track.
If you are doing the 20D route, pick up a lightly used one when the 30D comes out. That should save you a bucket load of money.
IMHO, I would go for the 20D, since it fits better in my bigger hands, and it can take the wear and tear of field work. If $$ is not an issue, get the 20D and be happy, that way, there's less chance you will want to upg a few month down the track.
If you are doing the 20D route, pick up a lightly used one when the 30D comes out. That should save you a bucket load of money.
Well, at first I had my mind completely set on the 20D but taking serveral peoples advice I went to a local store and did lots of hands on comparison. Although sold on the features and abilities of the 20D, I found the Digital Rebel fit and felt best in my hands. I have small hands and very short fingers so the 20D felt like I was holding a shoe box which made getting to buttons a bit tough on me. And thats where things became not so simple. Everyone tells me to make sure the camera feels good as far as layout and size. But I am concerned if I will get the same quality out of the Rebel as I will the 20D. So here I sit all ready to buy and not sure what to do. As this is my First SLR would the 20D have more features than my limited knowledge will use? What makes the 20D more rugged than the Rebel XT?
louist
New member
This is very important. I use my 10D a lot, and often my hands feel rather "raw" after extended use with heavy lenses. While the 10D fits me OK, the 1 series would be an even better fit. Thus, the camera should feel right in your hands. The only universal complaint I have regarding the 350D is that there is no job dial at the back. Having to press a button to change aperture is just a pain. However, if you never had a DSLR before, I doubt you will care much about this one.
Not to sound sexist, but most girls do have smaller hands and thus prefer the smaller camera bodies. If you find the 350D fits you better and you are satisfied with the layout, then go for it.
Hmm this one is subjective. If you love photography and is determined to learn, then there isn't such thing as having more feature that you never learn to use. While the 20D provides some features that the 350D doesn't, those features aren't THAT significant, i.e. mirror lock-up, which is a great feature to have if you are shooting high magnification, most 350D users don't even shoot macro!
While I can not quote you manufacturing tolerance data and stress testing results, I have seen 300D's fall apart from too much use, then again I have also seen 20D's die from too much use. I use my 10D in the rain, and it isn't even weather sealed
Since this is your first DSLR, why not go for the 350D, and spend the price difference on a good tripod and decent lenses? Ok I might be exaggerating, the price difference isn't enough to buy all that, but you get my point. Tripods are the cheapest way to get consistant results, it's a surprise how many people spend an arm and a leg on their camera and lenses only to whimp out on the tripod. Also, it would be a good idea to add some budget quota for a few books. I recommand the books by John Shaw, just look on Amazon.
Similar threads
