Canon Rebel XS or EOS 20D

[zx6riz]

I am looking to get a starter DSLR. I am not sure which way to go. I was looking at the Rebel XS but you can find a used EOS 20D or 40D for almost the same price. Any suggestions as to which way I should go

 

[alfa147x]

There is a HUGE difference between the 20D and the 40D also in their price

If you can go for the 40D if you can't afford that look into the 30D's
You will appreciate the grip

Also what lens are you looking at pairing with it?

Welcome to AT!

 

[randomlinh]

A used 20D is ~$250 while a 40D is ~$600, big difference. The 20D is still a great camera, and coupled w/ a used Tamron 17-50/2.8, could be a great $600 kit.

With that said, it's hard to ignore the dirt cheap XS. It's also smaller, maybe less intimidating, and it'd be new if you're not comfortable with finding used gear.

 

[zx6riz]

Used doesnt bother me. I have found a 20D with Tamron 28-80 Zoom (1:35-5.6) focus infinite to 2.29 ft (0.7 m); Tamron 70-300 Zoom (1:4-5.6) focus infinite to 3.1 ft (0.95 m), macro 180-300 (1:2).

Would I be better off with a used Semi Pro Camera vs the XS?

 

[angry hampster]

XS uses the same sensor as the 20D IIRC. The 20D is a MUCH better camera.

 

[alfa147x]

plus you have pc sync ports and things like that

 

[angry hampster]

plus you have pc sync ports and things like that

Better build quality, a grip you can actually use, quick dial on the back, better battery life, better viewfinder, higher FPS, expandable ISO range..etc...

 

[996GT2]

XS uses the same sensor as the 20D IIRC. The 20D is a MUCH better camera.

Uhh, 20D is 8MP, XS is 10 MP w/self cleaning. I highly doubt they're the same sensor.


I think the XS shares its sensor with the XTi. Both are 10MP. The XS/XTi sensors in turn have a lot in similar with the 40D's sensor, minus the reduced-gap microlenses that give the 40D a slight advantage at high ISO.

 

[angry hampster]

Uhh, 20D is 8MP, XS is 10 MP w/self cleaning. I highly doubt they're the same sensor.


I think the XS shares its sensor with the XTi. Both are 10MP. The XS/XTi sensors in turn have a lot in similar with the 40D's sensor, minus the reduced-gap microlenses that give the 40D a slight advantage at high ISO.

Sorry, you're right. It's the 30D's sensor, but with self cleaning. IMO, self cleaning is nothing but a gimmick anyway.

 

[Dark Penguin]

I'd get the 40D. I would get the XS over the 20D just for the LCD.

 

[Dark Penguin]

Sorry, you're right. It's the 30D's sensor, but with self cleaning. IMO, self cleaning is nothing but a gimmick anyway.

The 30D was 8mp. Same sensor as the 20D.

Self cleaning has worked pretty well for me. I still haven't cleaned either my 400D or 40D. Heck, I haven't cleaned my G1 and it exposes the sensor every time I change lenses. So why is it a gimmick?

 

[alfa147x]

I had the XTI with self cleaning never really worked up to what I would like it to do... I had to clean it's sensor twice before I sold it

 

[timswim78]

Used doesnt bother me. I have found a 20D with Tamron 28-80 Zoom (1:35-5.6) focus infinite to 2.29 ft (0.7 m); Tamron 70-300 Zoom (1:4-5.6) focus infinite to 3.1 ft (0.95 m), macro 180-300 (1:2).

Would I be better off with a used Semi Pro Camera vs the XS?

Just a few thoughts...

I don't think that the 28mm on a crop body will get nearly as wide as you want. In my opinion, you need something that is 20mm or wider on a crop camera.

Also, I own the Tamron 70-300mm that you mentioned, and I think that it stinks. The image quality is poor, and the focus is SLOW and LOUD. Also, you will really want to consider IS in any zoom lens. The Canon 55-250mm IS might be a nice choice for a beginner. I have seen them for between $150 and $225 on craigslist.

There is a huge difference between the xxD and the Rebel series. The wheel on the back of the XXD cameras saves so much time, and the build quality is noticeably better over the Rebel series. However, I would personally only consider the 30D, 40D or 50D. The 20D lacks spot metering, and its LCD is too small for my tastes.

 

[cparker]

I would get the 20d if it's that much cheaper than the 30,40, or 50d or the new xs. Save the money or spend the savings on the lens component of your "kit". Or you could save even more with a rebel xt (350d). Yes, the 20/30/40/50d series have larger, more "professional" bodies, but no, they won't take better pictures. The ergonomics/size are just different, and you will adjust and get used to whatever you find yourself with. You also will use only a small subset of the features available on whatever body you wind up with. The lcd on the 20d is smaller with less accurate color rendition, but is perfectly workable, and you will still ultimately wind up with great pictures, the limitations being your own competence/creativity and possibly the quality of the lens you are using. Cheaper body with better lens in this case will be better than more expensive body with cheaper lens, all other things being equal. But talent/competence plus cheaper body plus cheaper lens will always win out. I'd go for the cheaper body unless money isn't a problem, in which case I'd just get a 7D or 5D II.

 

[Madwand1]

I am looking to get a starter DSLR. I am not sure which way to go. I was looking at the Rebel XS but you can find a used EOS 20D or 40D for almost the same price. Any suggestions as to which way I should go

Lenses matter. You need an ultra-wide angle lens just to get basic wide-angle capability on crop format cameras. The current kit 18-55 IS is much better than earlier lenses, cheap, and is included with some cameras newer than the 20D. The kit lens is the best and practically only deal at this sort of price.

Look into refurb or used higher-level bodies, but also consider the impact of the kit or other ultra-wide lens. Note also that the IS version of the kit lens is significantly better optically than the older non-IS version.

You mentioned a used 40D -- if you can find and afford one in decent shape while adding a good ultra-wide affordably, that'd probably be best. Short of that, there's plenty of value to be had in the consumer line, and the area to be really concerned about next is the art of photography, not the equipment.

 

[Madwand1]

...unless money isn't a problem, in which case I'd just get a 7D or 5D II.

All good advice, but on the quoted part, if some more money was available, I'd suggest a used 5D as a way to bypass crop-format issues. Unfortunately, "entry-level" full frame still costs a lot, and will probably always be relatively expensive, although Sony has been making great progress on that front for some time now.