Rebel XT vs. 20D

[cpittmx]

Hello,

I'm fairly new to digital photography and I am looking to upgrade to dslr. I am trying to decide whether to save some money and go with the rebel xt or splurge and get the 20D. Would the differences be very noticable?

A little about myself to help with suggestions. I am a high school biology teacher (so money is an issue! ;) ), Im an avid camper and naturalist so would be taking lots of nature photographs. I'm also a father so would be taking family type pics also. I raced motocross for over 20 years of my life and still play ride and attend many races as a spectator and would want to take photo's here also. I had resisted the digital revolution until last summer. I was going on a 3 week trip to costa rica and decided that not having to pack film there and back would be really nice. I bought a cheap digital camera that would be small and easy to carry ( cannon A510 ). I also got two 1 gig cards so i wouldnt end up short on memory. I had a blast taking pics, and came home with over 700 pics, and this was after i deleted the ones i didnt like! I Loved the instant gratification of seeing the pic on the LCD. Also, the ability to know if the shot stunk so you could re-shoot. I also went yellow stone and the guide was a photographer who sent us home with a dvd slide show that was incredible. It was put to music and had pan and zoom effects to add motion. I was hooked on the idea right then! I wanted a better zoom and bought a dimage Z6. I have mixed feelings about this camera. The colors in shots from the cannon are better in most cases. I also have problems because you have to be careful how much zoom you are using because if the light is not really good you get blurry pics.

I'm the type that when I get into a hobby I really get into it. I have been doing lots of reading on cameras and photo/video editing etc as of late. I have read that the 20D is faster and is also better at dealing with low light situations ( like in the woods) are these differences big enough to be noticeable? I do not want to go out and buy the XT then wish I had bought the 20D instead, but I also don't want to spend the extra money if I would be just as happy with the XT.

Thanks for input you might have.

[WingAnimal]

I can only go based on personal experience with the Rebel XT and what I know from a friend who is a professional photographer. He also has a Rebel XT that he uses on assignments and as a backup to his much higher priced professional cameras. He has told me on numerous occasions that it produces superb quality pictures and that he doesn't hesitate to use it if the need arises. For me, for the cost... the Rebel XT is the only way to go!!! You will not be disappointed at all!! It produces the highest quality pictures and does it with a camera that has the features of a professional grade. I wondered if I would have found myself wishing I had held out for a higher grade camera before I made the purchase, but I can tell you without hesitation that I am totally and completely satisfied (beyond satisfied). I don't think I'll be looking at another camera for a very long time. Lenses are another issue... I have my eyes set on a whole slew of expensive lenses. But that's another story. :)

[Carbone]

I'm the type that when I get into a hobby I really get into it.

Just for that, I'd say go with the 20D. With the recent release of the 30D, the 20D has had a significant price cut. It would be a good choice.

The 20D has a better sesnor, ISO 3200, more controls (buttons) on the body. It's also heavier, for some advanced pro, the Rebel is too light. The Rebel is also smaller and for some people (with big hands), it does feel too small. You'll really have to try both bodies to decide.

On the Canon website (USA only), you'll find (in the support section) the manuals for the 20D and the Rebel XT. It would be a good idea to quickly browse those manuals to learn about the functions you'll really want to use and how they differ between the two.

Ray

[cpittmx]

Thanks for your input wing...i really appreciate it.

Carbone, looking at the manuals is a good idea. thanks for the suggestion.

[w7vp]

I recently upgraded to the 20D from the rebel (not the XT) and I love it. I haven't shot enough to give you a full description of the comparison other than the fact that the 20D just feels better and is lightning fast. i can't see what the upgrade to the 30D will give me other than a larger screen. Not worth it for the price.

The XT is a very good camera though and if you are trying to stay in budget that would be my choice.

[cpittmx]

thanks for the input W7. I can't say that budget is not an issue, but I would rather wait another month and save some more money if im going to be happier in the long run.

[mrod]

Hi cpittmx-

My brother recently got a 20D, took it to Hawaii, and came back with some great shots. Got a buddy who has a Rebel, and it also takes great shots, but upgraded to a 20D because he takes a lot of sports photography for the yearbook (he's a teacher, as am I) and it was a bit faster than the Rebel.

You probably know about this website, but if not, www.dpreview.com (http://www.dpreview.com) has great reviews, user forums, as well as example images taken with each camera. It's a good way to compare and see/read pros & cons.

Have fun shopping!

Mike

[mom to 4]

Welcome to the land of choices! I have been trying to decide between the Rebel and the Nikon D-50. Neighbor has the D50 and loves it, another friend has the Canon D20 (the one you are thinking of) and he loves that. Everyone on this forum seems to love the Rebel. When I spoke to someone at Costco about how many of each they sell, she says the Rebel is the best. Told me they sold something like 50 of them on-line within the last few days. It is very popular. I cannot go the Canon D20, with 3 kids in catholic high school and college looming......I will be happy to go with the Rebel for $800.!

Good luck!
Colleen

[sanarita]

I was going to get the Rebel 350 XT because I had done a bunch of research and decided that it was as good as the 20D in the most important ways. Then I found a deal on Ebay that allowed me to get the 20D for the same amount of money that I was going to spend on the Rebel. All I can say is that I love it! I can't speak to whether I would have loved the Rebel just as much, but the 20D is great!

The pictures it takes are so high-quality, that it points out my shortcomings as a photographer and I will definitely have to work on improving my shooting skills. The only problem that I have run into, and it was predicted when I read the dpreviews, is that in incandescent light the color cast is excessively warm. It is really downright reddish, even when the white balance setting is adjusted to incandescent light.

Since the price on the 20D is apparently coming down, I would reccommend it, because it takes very good pictures in low light without the use of a flash. If you can, get the 17-85 IS lens to go with it. This is a very nice, albeit expensive all-purpose zoom that is image stabilized. The image stabilization adds several stops of play to your settings in that it compensates to some degree for hand shaking. You can get this lens with the Rebel, too.

Have fun with your toy purchasing--with the choices you are making, you will not be unhappy!

Helen

[MikeH]

I have a 350D and really pleased with it... but the 20D is a far better camera.

As Ray posted, it has a better sensor so the pictures will be higher quality. It is also built better. 350D or 20D? For me there is no decision - I'd have the 20D. Now the 30D is out the 20D is falling in price and today costs less than I paid for my 350D 9 months or so ago.

If they come under the £700 mark here I may even upgrade.

Mike

[cpittmx]

I
If you can, get the 17-85 IS lens to go with it. This is a very nice, albeit expensive all-purpose zoom that is image stabilized. The image stabilization adds several stops of play to your settings in that it compensates to some degree for hand shaking.
Helen

Is this the EF-S lens? I was looking at them since they are suppose to work well with the XT and 20D. However they will not work on the higher end camera's since the image they create is not big enough to cover the larger sensors on a 5D for example. I'm not sure that I want to buy a lens that I will not be able to use if I decide to upgrade.

[CC from AZ]

Hi Curt,

I'm a newb, too! and had the very same question rebel xt or 20D and I'm retired so cost also was a factor... but when the 30D came out... I'm saving up and going with the 30D... one basic reason the larger LCD screen (old eyes) has some other bells that the 20D doesn't check out the Canon site...
Also please get your hands both cameras before buying the rebel is smaller and didn't feel right in my or my husband hands, too small and we like the magnesium alloy body of the 20D better.

Enjoy whatever one you get and have the best time with it.

CC