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09/02/2005 12:05:16 PM · #1 |
I have only been taking photos for a couple of months now, but I am really starting to get involved. I currently shoot a Canon Powershot A85. It's been a great camera, but I'm thinking about upgrading to a digital SLR. Why? Because people say they are good. I really question how much of photo quality is due to the camera, and how much credit should go to the photographer/lighting/etc. The types of shots I take are mostly action shots. I enjoy wakeboarding, waterskiing, volleyball, and various other sports, so that's what I mainly photograph. Here are some examples of what I shoot: //www.flickr.com/photos/chemlabrat/ I am considering either the Canon Rebel XT or the 20D. I read the reviews on both cameras at Steve's Digicams and he put this difference between the two cameras like this:
"Many of the feature advancements and innovations on the EOS Digital Rebel XT digital camera are inherited from its EOS 20D “prosumer big brother.” Both cameras employ a Canon 8-megapixel, high resolution color CMOS image sensor, and provide the same effective angle of view, equivalent to 1.6 x the normal EF lens focal length. The consumer looking only at the fact that they are both 8-megapixel SLRs might not easily see the real differences between these two cameras. The 20D offers faster continuous shooting (5 frames-per-second (fps) vs. 3 fps) with a larger burst capability (23 frames vs. 14), more custom settings (18 vs. 9) and a rugged magnesium body. The Rebel XT was created for those migrating to digital that don't want to lose the power or flexibility of a SLR system, but can't justify the $600 higher price of the EOS 20D."
So are these actually the only differences? Or is there more to it than that. Because I can live with less custom settings, a cheaper made body, and 2 fewer frames per second if it will save me $600. Especially taking into account that I'm a newbie, and also a starving college student. I'm just looking for something to learn on around the $1000-1500 range. I also was wondering about the ebay package deals that give you a canon 20D or rebel xt, then boast "$4000 in extras!" and come with two or three lenses, tripod, 4GB flash drive, some filters, case, etc. Are you actually getting a good deal, or is this a rip off? The lenses that come with most of the packages are the the Canon 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM EF Lens, and the Canon Canon EF 75-300 F/4.0-5.6 III Lens. Some of the packages will throw in a Titanium .45x Wide Angle Lens. Are these decent lenses or am I better off buying the base of the camera and getting my own lenses/memory cards etc. I have read a lot of good things about the Canon EF 50mm f-1.8 II but no one offers it with a package even though it's relatively cheap. Well if you've read this far I will be surprised! But thanks very much if you took the time to do so. Any help would be greatly appreciated. THANKS!!! |
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09/02/2005 12:16:15 PM · #2 |
Beware of ebay packages. You should go to a camera store and see first hand which you like better. Most of those super deal packages on ebay really aren't saving you any money. All those wide-angle attachments and camera bags, lens cleaners etc. are ways that they justify all the extra money you're saving, when in fact that stuff is worthless. Then if there is something wrong with the camera, will they take it back? If you price individually all the core elements of the package, i.e. the camera body, and the lenses in the package, you'll see that you're probably better off buying from a store.
Message edited by author 2005-09-02 12:16:55. |
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09/02/2005 12:28:33 PM · #3 |
Those are the major differences, yes. From your point of view for sports shooting the difference between 3 fps and 5 fps is very significant, as is the larger buffer on the 20D. In general one has the sense that the 20D body can handle more abuse, also.
Here's an interesting, anecdotal evaluation of the 350xt on Luminous Landscape.
Almost without exception the package deals on e-bay are not worth the money they charge. They throw in a lot of marginal stuff you don't reall need and/or can get cheaper elsewhere.
R.
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09/02/2005 12:51:39 PM · #4 |
I am certainly not a professional, but I must say I do enjoy my Rebel XT. The price is a great way for beginners like me to get a feel for "real" photography by easing into the world of DSLR. If you plan to do a lot of action shots though, you may find the slower 3 fps a bit of a hindrance. Personally I do landscape, and some "candid" photos so a fast write speed is not that important. I will probably graduate to a more "professional" camera later if I can make a go of this photography thing, but until then I'm happy with my little XT. My 2 cents.
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09/02/2005 02:29:50 PM · #5 |
| I'm pretty much set on the Rebel XT over the 20D simply because it adheres better to my budget, and also because I can't justify a 20D yet for the work I will be doing. Maybe I'll get a 1D after graduation rolls around. But for now a Rebel XT will suit me fine. Thanks for the input guys. Especially helpful was the beware of ebay comments. I think the camera store is gonna be the place to go. |
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09/02/2005 02:32:11 PM · #6 |
You may want to go to a camera store to "handle" the camera, but I would also check B&H for pricing.
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09/04/2005 06:22:45 PM · #7 |
Does anyone have first-hand experience with how both of these cameras handle noise? They seem to have the same processor that produces neglible noise up to ISO 400, but is there some reason why the 20D would suppress image noise better than the 350XT?
Also, I believe the 350XT is rated for about 25,000 shutter actuations, but does anyone know how many the 20D is rated for? Thanks!
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09/04/2005 06:54:07 PM · #8 |
I just got a Rebel XT but I used my dad's 20D for a couple months when I started digital photography. There are a few differences (the noise in dark pictures more noticable in the XT, and I find it a little bit harder to autofocus now) but they are slight and if I hadn't been so used to the 20D I wouldn't have noticed anything. I'm extremely happy with my Rebel now that I'm more used to it. I would recommend it 100% if you don't wanna spend a couple hundred more for the 20D. It's a great camera!
I do say though, if you don't have small hands like I do, then it might be a little uncomfortable to hold. It's perfect for me! :-)
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09/04/2005 07:11:46 PM · #9 |
| I got mine from Buydig.com. They also have a very good price. In addition, their shipping costs are very reasonable (free for ground and ~$14 for 3day). I am very happy with my 350D. |
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09/04/2005 07:40:50 PM · #10 |
I hate to be the one going against what everyone else suggests here, but I just thought I'd chime in and say that I did buy my camera from ebay and it did have the advertisement that it came with tons of extras. I bought the whole kit for the price I would have paid for just my camera body elsewhere. So if I got three lens on top of that and a bunch of other unneccessary bags and tripods, oh well, I'll take them! I had absolutely no complaints. I could have returned it for the same item if there was something wrong with it and also the camera has a U.S.A. warranty through the manufacturer.
So, yes companies like B & H have a great reputation, but I didn't go into my ebay purchase without some research and everything was fine. I do buy other things from B & H and companies like that, but ebay just had the best deal for me and I was not disappointed. I've made several large purchases on ebay with great success. (and a ton of smaller ones!)
Just wanted to give you a first hand account from someone that had a good buying experience on ebay. I understand everyone elses hesitation to buy there though and would not discount their opinions, I just have a differing one :)
~Laura |
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09/04/2005 08:17:45 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by PhilipDyer:
...
Also, I believe the 350XT is rated for about 25,000 shutter actuations, but does anyone know how many the 20D is rated for? Thanks! |
Is it really rated that low? I go over 25,000 tomorrow with my 20D and I just got it in January. I'll report back when I hit 50K.
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09/04/2005 08:25:22 PM · #12 |
I believe it is rated that low and I know one person whose shutter failed around that mark, but I also know lots of people who are well beyond 25,000 with no problems. I was just wondering where Canon rates the 20D in comparison. Anyone know?
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09/04/2005 08:42:35 PM · #13 |
I got my camera from ebay also for a great price, got a good tripod, camea bag and 2 lens. I did alott of research first though, I went to B&H and played around with the camera, and borrowed my friends then after reading feedback and comparing prices on ebay I brought their. No problems at all and love it. Got a great price for the package.
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09/07/2005 09:49:07 AM · #14 |
Ha, after wrestling for a month with the decision to buy the Nikon 8800 in June, I decided this weekend (while shooting indoors at a concert) to scrap it and upgrade to DSLR.
It's mostly because I got a great price on a Canon Rebel XT. Found a listing on craigslist for the XT + kit lens @ $700. Seller says it was a gift - new in box and not refurbished, and photos of the package seem to match his story. I get to check it out tomorrow night before I fork over the money.
Anyway, point is that there are great deals on the XT right now. I hope I read correctly, but BuyDig.com has the kit on sale for $744 + free shipping. There is also a special at Dell.com - something like 20% off the camera (body only), and then $60 off a $500+ purchase (total $659 + free ship). This link was posted to craigslist: www.dealstudio.com/?r_id=3#3983. Oh, I see this expires today.
Message edited by author 2005-09-07 09:51:06. |
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09/07/2005 09:56:13 AM · #15 |
| That would be a great deal if I were able to buy it today. But unfortunately I just had some major boat problems and will have to fork out too much cash to get it fixed. Sadly, the camera will have to wait a little while :( |
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