Which Canon body?
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**Berg** · 02-10-2008 06:00 PM

I've been wanting to upgrade my 300D for a while now. Right now, my girlfriend wants to buy it from me (she has a film Rebel so the 300D will be a great learning camera for her and she won't get it cheaper from anyone else. haha). With that money and money I am willing to spend, I can afford a body about 500 bucks. I have the Sigma 24-70mm and Canon 70-200 f4L so I don't need a kit. It pretty much limits me to an XTi or used 20D. I would prefer a 30D but that will be another 150 to 200 bucks.

Therefore, do you think I should go with a new XTi or used 20D or save up so more and try to get a 30D?

Thanks!

**Stime187** · 02-10-2008 06:17 PM

Canon 20D. Awesome camera for what they are going for these days. A 20D is a better camera than an XTi in my opinion and experience. Although, a 30D is a NICE camera and I think worth the extra $150 if you can swing it.

Basically, get the 20D/30D over the XTi is what I'm saying.

**jjswee** · 02-10-2008 06:21 PM

Xti is an amazing body. I LOVE it. I've never used a 20d, so I cant really compare it.

Here is a side by side with features: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/comp...os20d&show=all

Xti has 2 more megapixels (10 over 8) and a 2.5inch screen over the 1.8. I really don't like the 1.8inch screen. The 20D is a step up, so I assume its better in some ways.

**Stime187** · 02-10-2008 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by jjswee

Xti has 2 more megapixels (10 over 8) and a 2.5inch screen over the 1.8. I really don't like the 1.8inch screen. The 20D is a step up, so I assume its better in some ways.

In my opinion, both of those are pretty insignificant. Even at 8MP, the 20D will make an equal, if not better, print. I also rarely look at the screen when shooting, so that might be a factor.

The advantages of the 20D over the XTi:

Faster FPS
Better Noise Performance
Better Menus/Controls (my opinion)
More sturdy build

**jacobsen1** · 02-10-2008 09:25 PM

Berg, the biggest thing you need to do it find someone who has both... The menu's and controls are very different on these 2 lines. I owned a XTi and pretty much sold it just because it's so different in that way. It doesn't have the dial and a few other controls are much different. It's not better or worse, it's just hard to adjust to. See if you can play with a 20D or 30D and see how you like it's controls. The XTi is similar to your 300D, but I'd also suggest you check it out at a best buy or the like. The other main differences are pretty insignificant either way, so make sure you try them both.

The XTi is smaller and lighter. This is a plus AND a minus. It's menu's are a PITA for me as a 5D user.

The 20D/30D has the same menus as the 5D (my main camera). It's bigger and heavier with is a + and - here also.

For me I'd go with a 20D or 30D because it's a clone of my 5D (or vice versa). I'm also thinking about a 350 personally because it at least has the secondary LCD for the basic camera settings.

IMHO screen size doesn't matter much at all as I just review basic composition and histograms with that. I mean hell, I love my 1D so you know it's screen size and MP can't be that important to me.

**subimatt** · 02-10-2008 09:35 PM

Id say 20/30D as well. I own a 30D and an XTi. Both are great and both will take great shots. There are some things I like about both but overall, im using the 30D 95% of the time.

**Berg** · 02-10-2008 10:08 PM

Thanks for that advice. I don't think the menu on the XTi will be much of an issue with me (as you said, similar to the 300D). My friend has an XTi so I will be sure to mess around with it in the next few weeks. I will have to go to best buy to play with the 30D. A friend of mine may be selling his 30D but he lives about 200 miles away now.

I don't think the size will be an issue either. The 300D is almost the same as the 30D and my brother (Quentin) has an XT and I might almost prefer it's size.

I won't be buying until March or April so I still have plenty of time.

-Aaron

**jacobsen1** · 02-10-2008 10:26 PM

Yeah, play with both and see which you prefer. Steal Quentin's for a few days if you can. They're both great cameras, just make sure it's comfortable in your hand and everything makes sense to you as that's the most important part.

**Berg** · 02-14-2008 10:06 PM

So I found a 30D for sale locally (I consider Pittsburgh local).
Here is the linky http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/pho/567228247.html

I have already contacted the seller and they said that the price was negotiable. Most 30D's seem to be going for around 650 on PotN so I was thinking of offering that. What are some key points to look on the camera to check for abuse, wear, etc?

**subimatt** · 02-14-2008 10:16 PM

check for damage to the body, hotshoe wear is normal if external flash was used. Have the camera on burst H, check fps, and AF functions. play with it before you purchase of course. $650 is fair depending on condition.

**Stime187** · 02-14-2008 10:39 PM

Sounds like a good deal. I always ask "so, why are you selling it?" and look for any issues with their response but he already gave a good reason, it was a back-up... perfect for you.

And FYI, I sold my lightly used 30D for $675.

**thechickencow** · 02-15-2008 12:55 AM

Just wanted to throw another vote into the 20/30d ring, I stepped from my 300d to my 40d and I really like the menus/functions of the camera a lot vs. my rebel and the XT/XTi's I've played with.

**jacobsen1** · 02-15-2008 09:28 AM

Also ask how he's cleaned the sensor if at all. I'd prefer a camera that has never been cleaned (unless by canon) if buying used, but if they know what they're talking about when they tell you how then no worries.

Rocket air, copper hill and dust aid would all be acceptable answers to me. Other answers I'm not so sure about.

And I'd say wear on the flash mount is expected even w/o external flash use. Just putting the camera into a bag will eventually rub some paint of.

**Berg** · 02-16-2008 12:31 PM

So the owner has accepted 650. I did find out that they bought it used. I am going to ask for pictures first. The current owner said she only used it for 4 or 5 shoots in the 3 months she owned it so has taken about 700 or 800 pictures but unsure how many the previous owner had used it. They are also unsure if the warranty is still valid. I am still considering it. It will just require a more thorough investigation when I see it.

**Berg** · 02-22-2008 05:54 PM

People annoy me. I emailed the woman acting for pictures of the body (a week ago) and asking about a time to meet to look at it. She won't reply. grrr

Maybe I'll start checking PotN

**Berg** · 03-06-2008 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by Berg

People annoy me. I emailed the woman acting for pictures of the body (a week ago) and asking about a time to meet to look at it. She won't reply. grrr

Maybe I'll start checking PotN

Annnnd... she sells it to someone else. Crap. Now there is a 20D on Craigslist. Selling for 500... I may look at it on Sunday.

**tardypizza** · 03-06-2008 10:24 PM

That sucks dude, but the 20d is a helluva camera.

**ride5000** · 03-07-2008 09:31 AM

i've been more than blown away by the bang for the buck ratio of the 20d i just bought.

**Berg** · 03-07-2008 08:23 PM

I played with the XTi and 40D back to back and I like the controls of the 40D so much more (I know its slightly different than the 20D and 30D but the controls are similar). I may hold off until I can find a 30D instead of the 20D (yeah, not much difference between the two but for some reason I want the 30 more. ahha)

**Berg** · 03-13-2008 10:43 PM

I finally got one! Sent payment today on a 30D. Should be here Saturday or Monday.

**Reed Goodwin** · 03-13-2008 10:51 PM

Awesome, you'll love it. I have the 20D and it's a mighty fine camera. Coming up on 10k shots on it.
Reed

**jacobsen1** · 03-14-2008 08:50 AM

Congrats berg!

**BobbyT** · 03-14-2008 09:09 AM

Congrats on a great camera.

**Berg** · 03-16-2008 05:46 PM

So yesterday, my girlfriend was visiting so we had to go out shopping and eating dinner and such... and what do I find at my door? A paper saying they tried to delivery it but noone was there to sign so I have to pick it up tomorrow... ggrrrrr! And today I gave my girlfriend the 300D so for the first time in nearly 3 years, I have no camera. haha I can't wait until tomorrow

**BobbyT** · 03-16-2008 05:58 PM

Isn't that one of the highest levels of suck? Oh well, you'll have it tomorrow.

**Berg** · 03-17-2008 04:09 PM

It's here!
There seems to be so much more compared to my old 300D. Yesterday I was actually feeling sad about seeing it go but now I am like, "lakfheofnaoisfe!!!!"

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