Canon 20D versus Canon Rebel XTi

[NaOH]

Which has better image quality and overall a better camera? I don't need the extra mp. Plus...what should i get instead of the kitlens that comes with it?

 

[episodic]

I think I'd get the xti.
If just for the dust reduction on the sensor.


I'm sure others will give other reasons. . . that is one thing to think of though.

 

[ElFenix]

they'll be pretty similar. the 20D allows ISO 3200 sensitivity if you need it, though. iirc, the AF module is the same. the 20D arguably handles better.

the 20D has been discontinued for a while now, are you sure you're not thinking of the 30D?

the dust reduction has been tested to be not all that effective.

 

[NaOH]

No, I'm talking about the 20D. The 30D is too expensive.

 

[Alyx]

The 30D would be nicer than the XTi. I wish I had the 30D over my XT because of the 9 AF points (XT has 7, XTi has 9 too) and also the 30D has a spot 3.5% metering, which XTi doesn't. The spot metering helps a lot with finding exposure for night shots with bright lights.

XTi would likely win out over the 20D though.

Also the 30D should have less noise at higher ISO than the XTi. The XTi is likely about the same as the 20D though.

 

[Alyx]

Never mind, I just looked it all up some. The 30D, 20D and XTi are going to be roughly the same noise levels as the rest.

 

[IeraseU]

Personally I like the 20d because of it's size, handling and external controls. It also shoots at a faster fps if you ever want to try something like sports or birds in flight. Otherwise the XTi is probably a safer bet......but I just can't hold it very comfortably. My advice to you is hold the XTi (it's stocked pretty much everywhere), if it feels good to you, then buy it. If not, then get the 20D. Realize Canon also may announce a 40D this year, and if so that will cut down the price of the current 30D (only useful if you do not plan to buy right away).

 

[NaOH]

What lens would you guys recommend if I just got the body. I heard the kit lens is the suck.

 

[WombRaider]

I think I'm going to also get the Rebel XTi. It'll be my first DSLR camera.

 

[Rottie]

Originally posted by: WombRaider
I think I'm going to also get the Rebel XTi. It'll be my first DSLR camera.

yea me too i think Rebel XTi is more like entry level/first timer digital camera

 

[foghorn67]

I think the XTi with the grip makes a comfortable camera.
The user interfaces for a 30D are more friendly for those who want to change things with a quick glance. But the XTi's interface is surprisingly easy.

 

[WombRaider]

Originally posted by: Rottie
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: WombRaider
I think I'm going to also get the Rebel XTi. It'll be my first DSLR camera.</end quote></div>

yea me too i think Rebel XTi is more like entry level/first timer digital camera

I retract my statement. I'm going to get a refurbished 20D instead. The build quality of the 20D is far superior than the XTi. It's a magnesium alloy compared to the plastic body of the XTi.

 

[NaOH]

i...still....can't.....decide......*explodes*

 

[dartworth]

The kit lens is a very good lens for the price...

 

[WombRaider]

From what I've read, the image quality between the two cameras are pretty much the same. The biggest difference is the size/weight of the cameras. The 20D is heavier, is built bette (magnesium alloy)r, and larger. The Xti is lighter, made of plastic, and smaller.

If I were you, if you haven't already, is go to BestBuy and hold both of them in your hand. See which one feels more comfortable on your hand.

P.S. The 30D's body is basically identical to the 20D.

 

[Jawo]

I had the same debate before I got my first dSLR a few months ago. I liked the feel of the 30D ($1100), but in the end it was almost double of what the XTi ($670) costs online. I went to a show that Penn Camera had and tried both cameras out, using different lenses and with and without their respective battery grips. I ended up getting the XTi mainly due to cost; but got the battery grip to make the camera feel "fuller." After shooting many 100's of pictures around town and a cousin's wedding, I could have made a better decision. I got the SterlingTek batteries and can shoot ~1,000 pics on a set of batteries! Having a natural placement for the shutter is awesome for vertical cameras.

Lenses are not cheap, most nice glass costs ~$500 a lens. It reall depends on your budget. I've spent more than $2,000 for the body, three lenses, and various accessories. A easy telephoto recommendation is the Canon EF 70-300mm IS USM f/4-5.6 (~$550). Its easily one of the best non-L glass telephotos that produces very nice pictures. The "plastic fantastic," ie the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 prime is a great, cheap ($80), open lens. For a walkabout lens, look into the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4 IS USM, the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8, the Sigma 17-70mm, or if you have the money the Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM.

Check out Yllus's thread as well for suggestions, it helped me out alot! Also check out the other photo sites in the Reference thread (photozone, FredMiranda, etc)

 

[Jawo]

Originally posted by: NaOH
i...still....can't.....decide......*explodes*

Sooner or later you just have to decide and go with one (I looked around for months). It is commonly stated that you buy into the lens line, not the bodies. Both bodies are crop bodies (APS-C sensor) so all lenses will work on both bodies.

 

[NaOH]

Can someone give me a more indepth reason to choose between the two? I want the quality feel , shutterspeed, and sensitivity of the 20D . But it's pretty old and I like how the XTi is smaller, has more pixels and has a bigger screen. What do you think Fuzzybunny!?

I can get both for around the same price (although the 20D is refurb).

 

[NaOH]

Alright I held both in my hands and I'm sorry to say that the XTi does feel pretty cheap and uncomfortable in my hands. Especially if I put a lens on there. I'll probably be going for a refurb 20D.

 

[randomlinh]

where are you getting the refurb? my rebel died and I'm not sure if I should shell the $200+ to fix it (in case they find they have to replace more when they open it)... or dump it into a 20D/30D/XTi+grip..... heh. I hate having to make these choices before I'm ready to.. ugh.

 

[NaOH]

Originally posted by: randomlinh
where are you getting the refurb? my rebel died and I'm not sure if I should shell the $200+ to fix it (in case they find they have to replace more when they open it)... or dump it into a 20D/30D/XTi+grip..... heh. I hate having to make these choices before I'm ready to.. ugh.

I know how you feel...I just let ATOT make all my decisions for me. :thumbsup:

 

[NaOH]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: NaOH
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: randomlinh
where are you getting the refurb? div>


I found a couple of places on pricegrabber that has it for $7xx.00 refurb with a kit lens. I held the 30D and the XTi at Fry's today and I doin't like how the XTi is so small and plasticky.

 

[Jawo]

Originally posted by: NaOH
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: NaOH
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: randomlinh
where are you getting the refurb? div>


I found a couple of places on pricegrabber that has it for $7xx.00 refurb with a kit lens. I held the 30D and the XTi at Fry's today and I doin't like how the XTi is so small and plasticky.

Just make sure you buy it from a reputable dealer! There are plenty of scam sites out there...also be sure that you know you are getting the US version, or understand the risks of getting a grey market product.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: NaOH
I found a couple of places on pricegrabber that has it for $7xx.00 refurb with a kit lens. I held the 30D and the XTi at Fry's today and I doin't like how the XTi is so small and plasticky.

yeah, I love the feel of the xxD line, just can't afford it yet (I'm trying to get a new one after this whole rebel thing). I'm going to get mine fixed tho, unless they redo the estimate and I have to pay more. now I just need to sell my sigma 18-50... no one wants it

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: NaOH
Can someone give me a more indepth reason to choose between the two? I want the quality feel , shutterspeed, and sensitivity of the 20D . But it's pretty old and I like how the XTi is smaller, has more pixels and has a bigger screen. What do you think Fuzzybunny!?

I can get both for around the same price (although the 20D is refurb).

Old? One thing I have learned is that if you're good, the camera won't stand in your way. Plenty of pros still use the old D30 and 10D.

The 20D came out on August 19, 2004. The 30D came out on February 21, 2006. Aside from minor cosmetic and software changes as well as a longer-lasting shutter, the 30D was virtually unchanged from the 20D. It is currently June 28, 2007. That translatest to over 34 months that Canon, an extremely aggressive company, has not really updated their midrange pro-sumer DSLR. Why? Well, for good reason: it's a good product that has withstood the tests of time. It has a long and fairly reputable history, something the EOS-40D will not have when it debuts this August.

So let age be the least of your worries. Buy the one that best fits your budget and best fits in your hand and then don't worry about it. Just fire away!