20D vs 30D - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM II

05/09/2008 01:43:06 PM · #1

I am looking to upgrade from my Rebel XT. I am looking at the 30D, but the 20D is much cheaper.

Can anyone explain the difference?

PhotoDave

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

05/09/2008 01:47:18 PM · #2

Im not too familiar with either as Ive only used the XTi and the 40D but THIS LINK mite help ;)

-dave

MattO

Nikon D4

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

05/09/2008 01:49:58 PM · #3

Originally posted by GueDesigns:

I am looking to upgrade from my Rebel XT. I am looking at the 30D, but the 20D is much cheaper.

Can anyone explain the difference?

I have had both

The main difference in them is the size of the LCD, the picture styles added to the 30D, and I think spot metering. Otherwise there isnt that much difference. When I went to a non 1 series for a backup in the studio I went for a 20D and not the 30D because of the price difference. To me there isnt that much difference.

Matt

rex

Canon PowerShot SD780

05/09/2008 01:52:48 PM · #4

//www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_eos20d.asp

//www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_eos30d.asp

I own them both. Both are great cameras. The main difference is the 2 1/2 screen on the 30D versus the 1.8" on the 20D.

zeuszen

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

05/09/2008 01:53:48 PM · #5

Side by side: here. The 30D LCD is larger and has a higher resolution. The buffer is a little higher. And that spot meter (I wouldn't by a camera without one/others don't care for it).

Message edited by author 2008-05-09 13:56:46.

trevytrev

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

05/09/2008 02:02:03 PM · #6

You can also increase the ISO in 1/3 increments on the 30D where the 20D doesn't, huge difference for me. I own both and the 20D is a trooper for me but I think the 30D is worth the extra $.

05/09/2008 02:05:25 PM · #7

Originally posted by zeuszen:

Side by side: here. The 30D LCD is larger and has a higher resolution. The buffer is a little higher. And that spot meter (I wouldn't by a camera without one/others don't care for it).

I have never really messed with metering before, I just leave it on default (0)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

05/09/2008 02:06:55 PM · #8

I think I will just wait another month to save and get the 30D, thanks everyone!!!!

MattO

Nikon D4

05/09/2008 02:29:04 PM · #9

Originally posted by trevytrev:

You can also increase the ISO in 1/3 increments on the 30D where the 20D doesn't, huge difference for me. I own both and the 20D is a trooper for me but I think the 30D is worth the extra $.

I have seen this with every camera I have ever owned that the software rendered 1/3 stop increments actually have more noise then going to the next full stop. I rarely use them even in my 1DMKIII.

Matt

trevytrev

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

05/09/2008 02:55:25 PM · #10

Originally posted by MattO:

Originally posted by trevytrev:
You can also increase the ISO in 1/3 increments on the 30D where the 20D doesn't, huge difference for me. I own both and the 20D is a trooper for me but I think the 30D is worth the extra $.

I have seen this with every camera I have ever owned that the software rendered 1/3 stop increments actually have more noise then going to the next full stop. I rarely use them even in my 1DMKIII.

Matt

I haven't noticed that problem with my 30D and I routinly use ISO 1000 when shooting wildlife shot(usually birds in flight) since I get much better results in noise with that then I get with ISO 1600. Not questioning your findings but I haven't noticed it on my copy of the 30D. I'll have to research it some more.

Nullix

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

05/09/2008 06:49:40 PM · #11

Originally posted by GueDesigns:

I am looking to upgrade from my Rebel XT. I am looking at the 30D, but the 20D is much cheaper.

Can anyone explain the difference?

First, you get what you pay for.

You're also making a big jump by going from the Rebel model up, so no matter what, you'll enjoy it.

The 20D's fine. The 30D comes with spot metering and a bigger LCD. I don't worry much about metering since I use the histogram. If that's worth the extra money go for it.

figaro

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

05/09/2008 08:19:53 PM · #12

I was in the same situation a month ago (see thread) and as a result of the advice given I held off a 20D purchase and started looking for good 30D deals on ebay.

As you can see, I found one. For about Â£40 more I got myself a 30D with 2000 shutter actuations and in absolutely mint condition. I haven't had much of a chance to play with it yet but already I'm completely in love with it! It's a big step up from the 350D, and the much improved LCD is one of the many plusses. I'd say it's worth hanging on and getting your hands on one if you can.

Prof_Fate

05/10/2008 12:30:18 AM · #13

I have both 20 and 30D bodies. Get the 30. The 40 is better yet in every way. The 20 is storied as it was a big step up and made the digital SLR 'practical' for professional use. It's now quite old and compared to more modern cameras it shows.

Compared to the 30D the LCD is smaller of course, but the 20 is slower...to start, to write, to shoot, and noisier ISO wise if you get into the 800+ range. The 30 is more user friendly with menus and file structures and the like as well, and has a longer life rated shutter, lasts longer on a batt charge - lots of little things that add up to make it a much better camera than the 20.

awpollard

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

05/10/2008 09:37:30 AM · #14

Finally put my 20D in the shop and just got it back yesterday (85K shots and the trigger switch started acting up). I was planning on using it as a second body but after shooting it (20D) yesterday I don't know.

(I don't have the 30D but have had the 40D for a year now)

Menus on the 20D is much like my Powershot Pro1, Single column and you have to use the wheel to scroll up/down all the way through or the jump button to get deep into the different areas of the menu. I no likey this anymore as the 40D has tabs for each area and you use the joystick for tabs wheel up/down to get around and the set button to change which is way more useful.

Picture Styles: 20D don't have em, instead has Parameter Settings. Easy to shoot with the wrong setting when you don't remember what a Particular Parameter is set to. With Picture Styles on the 40D the visual (Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral etc) indication makes it easy for me to know what settings I am shooting with. (Picture Style editor software to create your own Picture Style and upload to the camera)

Sharpness: After shooting (both) yesterday I found the 20D softer and can't adjust to be as sharp as 40D. In camera on the 20D parameter settings can adjusted to +/- 2 clicks for Sharpness, Contrast, Color Tone etc. In the 40D I can adjust same in Picture Styles +/- 7 clicks.

Colors, I just can't seem to get the same results from the 20D without mega adjusting in camera. Again Picture Styles help here in the 30/40D.

Display: Holy Moses I don't know how I used that thing. I was looking at mine yesterday and found I have Picture, Histogram and shot settings being displayed... the picture review in that mode is smaller than my thumb nail. 3" on the 40D is almost too much for chimpin' people look over your shoulder and can see what you are shooting.

40D has Highlight Tone Priority (don't know if the 30 has this) that helps me from blowing highligths out.

Spot metering, I found I don't use this as much as I thought.

(40D) LiveView I found I do use this more than I thought.

ED: Did I mention you can see the ISO in the viewfinder (40D don't know if the 30 does this)

Message edited by author 2008-05-10 11:09:40.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM II

05/14/2008 12:53:40 PM · #15

Thaks everyone for all your help and feedback.

I am happy to say that last night, I purchased a Refurbed 30D.

I can't wait to get it!

PhotoDave

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

05/14/2008 01:32:38 PM · #16

GRATS on your new purchase!! :)

trevytrev

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

05/14/2008 01:33:42 PM · #17

congrats, you will be happy with that camera. Post some pics when you get give it a go.

05/14/2008 02:51:08 PM · #18

Originally posted by trevytrev:

congrats, you will be happy with that camera. Post some pics when you get give it a go.

I most certainly will

05/15/2008 01:35:10 PM · #19

Well I got it in the mail today and it is AWESOME!!!

refurbdepot.com - It was shipped same day, and I received it the next day!!

Ok, time to take some photos!