BootsnAll Travel Community

Any thoughts on the Canon 20D? I have a Canon Elan 7e, but would like to move over to a digital SLR. It's not purely for fun, some work and sports also.

Easy to use, tough, functional, good value? Any other suggestions?

I'm not a Canon user so I can't comment on the ease-of-use, but you probably should look at the 30D instead of the 20D since that is the "current" model. I believe it has several minor improvements like a spot meter (finally) and a larger LCD.

Yes, I'd looked around, and most of what I read, on pro photog forums seemed to say they actually prefered the 20D over the 30D even with the improvements. It cost more also...I'm still looking around.

Here's a pretty detailed review that compares the 20D and 30D.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos30d/

I would definitely go with the 30D, if for no other reason than having the spot metering capability. The incremental improvements in the 30D over the 20D are worth the extra money, at least in my opinion.

Mitch

The 30D obvioulsy has some extra functions that the 20D doesnt, but as an owner of the 20D, I cant say that I have ever really needed any of those extra feautures. The 20D is a terrific camera that really gets the job done. My only complaint is that the screen is a bit small, but thats really not a big deal since it is my opinion that a photographer who doesnt rely on the screen to take good pictures is probably a better photographer than one who does.

I think I would get more utility by keeping the 20d and spending the extra cash on more/better glass. I mean your camera is only as good as the glass it sees through. Of course, if money is not really an issue, then you should certainly get the 30D....

I'm leaning towards your opinion Supraintendent. If you're good you shouldn't have to check all the time, that's the fun of film.

With the screen, and only a few functions different, I think I'd be happy with the 20D.

I have the 20D and love it. But when I bought it the 30D wasn't available.

If I were buying a camera today, if the prices were similar, I'd go with the 30D. Spot metering -- nuff said.

PS: Since you already have the 7e you will feel right at home w/ the 30D. You might miss the eye focus though

I have the 20d and now want the 5d. I hate the crop factor (except on animal shots probably) of the 20d... it almost "forces" you to buy the 10-22 (i think thats the range) lens for proper wide angle shots.

When i get home it's to ebay with the 20d for me. But as everyone has said before, it depends on your needs.

Oh come one surfingdan...you know you want...err, NEED, the 1D. Why stop with the 5?!?!

Sucks be a gadget geek doesn't it? The latest toys always.

My boss shoots with the 1D and let me shoot it during my 1 month in Oz with him. Then I went back to my 20d in India. Ugh. Feels like a toy.

Lesson: STAY FAR AWAY FROM THE 1D!