Used 20D good replacement for Rebel XT

[betsy_yaros]

<p>I am a photography student and I stupidly let me friend borrow my Rebel XT which she never returned no matter how many times I have asked. I'm in a bind for the summer because I have to shoot images for a children's book for a publisher and other projects, but don't really have money to buy an expensive digital slr. I was wondering if buying a used 20D would be a good replacement for my Rebel. I found a body for around $400.00. If anyone have any suggestions for what I should do other then ring my friends neck, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!</p>

[mathew_gardella]

<p>betsy,<br>

i just replaced my rebel xt with a used 20D a few months ago and i am glad that i did... it is much better in low light focusing and us more user friendly.... i payed under $400 for it though.... good luck</p>

[William Kahn]

<p>It sounds like "friend" in this case belongs in quotation marks. The 20D is a great camera, but I'd hesitate to buy a used one, especially if it's from an internet source and sight unseen. Reputable dealers like B&H and KEH, however, are good sources for used equipment. I think I'd first concentrate on getting this "friend" to return your property or pay you for it, even if you have to threaten legal action.......or wring her neck.</p>

[JDMvW]

<p>My daughter took my XTi backup camera for her first year of photography, since that was the standardized "school camera" . As soon as the first year was over, she eagerly gave me back the XTi and took back her own 20D.</p>

[wayne_campbell]

<p>I think the 20D is a great camera. I've bought three used bodies and all are still going strong. Built like a tank, blisteringly fast focus, and great low light performance. You can't go wrong.</p>

[dave_holland]

<p>If she gives it back late, you'll have two crop-frame cameras with similar features. I would look for a used 5D from a reputable dealer, as the 5D brings complementary features to the XT. A bit more expensive, but loads better for most creative photography. Just remember that you have to check if your lenses are compatible, as EF-S lenses won't work with full frame. All full frame lenses will work with the XT, however. You'll be amazed at the extra room on the wild, wide side. Both the 20D and the 5D are cameras that will make you hope she lost your camera. The XT feels like a toy compared to both of those.</p>

<p> </p>

[dogbert]

<p>If you want the build that goes with the 20D then yes it is a good replacement. However, the IQ of more recent Canon models has improved a bit since then. I noticed a slight IQ improvement with the 450D over the XT.<br>

The larger, sharper LCD of later cameras is also useful.</p>

[kari v]

<p>$400 is too much for a 20D. You can get used 40D body or new 1000D + 18-55 IS for $500.</p>

[betsy_yaros]

<p>Thanks for all of your comments. I'm going to see if I can find a better deal and look into those other models while hopefully getting my camera back.</p>

[l_dasousa]

<p>The 20D was the first Canon 1.6x-dSLR what made a strong leap from its predecessors (much improved AF, high-ISO noise control, burst rate, metal body) and has not yet been leapt over by as much. (I was susprised myself how little IQ is improved with 50D despite 2x megapixels). Like someone has said, it is a tank. Mine is from the first days and has never faulted in tens of thousands of shots. That is a big relief from my previous days as a snob shooting with Leica R slrs what faulted frequently. <br>

As also someone said, I would buy from a brick store as KEH or B&H, who will accept a return without argument if there is a problem. I know others can disagree but I would not buy any dSLR from a private person or the Bay.</p>

[Brad_]

If you like the smaller body size, you might also consider a used Rebel XSi/450D - now that the newer Rebel T1i (500D) is

being sold.

 

Last year I upgraded from a canon 20D that I had been using for 4 years. The resulting image quality was a large step up.

Plus the much larger 3" LCD makes it a much more enjoyable camera to use...

[l_dasousa]

<blockquote>

<p ><a href="../photodb/user?user_id=153336">Brad -</a> <a href="../member-status-icons"><img title="Subscriber" src="http://static.photo.net/v3graphics/member-status-icons/sub10.gif" alt="" title="Subscriber" /> <img title="Frequent poster" src="http://static.photo.net/v3graphics/member-status-icons/3rolls.gif" alt="" title="Frequent poster" /> </a> , May 19, 2009; 10:32 a.m.</p>

 

<p>If you like the smaller body size, you might also consider a used Rebel XSi/450D - now that the newer Rebel T1i (500D) is being sold.</p>

 

<p>Last year I upgraded from a canon 20D that I had been using for 4 years. The resulting image quality was a large step up. Plus the much larger 3" LCD makes it a much more enjoyable camera to use...</p>

</blockquote>

<p>It is perhaps true of JPEG files. The latter cameras have improved in-camera processing. RAW files there is hardly a difference. It is seen also on comparison the 20D and 50D, where in-camera processing DIGIC works to erase the ill-effects of squeezing 2x as many megapixels into the same size of sensor, what can be seen these ill-effects when you do your own RAW process. It is why I returned my 50D after 3 weeks in exchange for a closeout 5D-I. To move above a second-hand 20D it is recommended go straight to a 5D.</p>

<blockquote>

 

</blockquote>

[Brad_]

>>> It is perhaps true of JPEG files. The latter cameras have improved in-camera processing. RAW files there is hardly a

difference.<P>

 

No, I only shoot RAW. Thousands of pix on both cams and the difference is striking. The XSi is much better. Better in low light and with more pixels (for resolution or severe cropping) make it a good choice. <a href=

"http://www.citysnaps.net/blog/">Some pix</a>...<P>

 

Really, it shouldn't be too surprising. The sensor and electronics are newer by four years. That's a long time...

[PuppyDigs]

<p>I agree, there is a big diff between older and newer generation EOS RAW files. I've been editing a lot of 10D, 20D, 40D and 5D RAW files in Aperture and the differences in dynamic range and noise are very obvious and significant. Also, the amount of post-processing required for the 10D and 20D is much greater than for the 40D and 5D. Those old RAW file need a lot more loving care to shine.</p>

[l_dasousa]

<p>Do you guys work for Canon or B&H or somebody? :D I call shenanigans :D I've got a 20D and a 5D and I had a 50D for a while before exchanging it on the 5D. Some different requirements in post, sure, but it's a matter of settings, not of degree. Above 8MP on the same sensor size means the potential for increased noise. The fact the noise is lessened means there's more in-camera NR going on, which reduces the apparent sharpness, so then that needs addressing. There's no free lunch. In the bottom line, if you shoot RAW and know what you are doing in post, nobody will able to distinguish your print from 20D from any newer generation with 1.6x-crop. If you are seeing for yourself such improvement, it is because you did not find the best post processing workflow of the 20D. </p>

[gerrymorgan]

<p>If getting a used camera is the solution you end up choosing, I think a 20D would be a great choice. I do a lot of raw processing of 20D and 40D files and in my experience there is no difference in final image quality between these cameras, even when printed quite large (16x20).</p>

[tpurvis]

<p>I held a 30d with grip that my local photo store that is selling for $419. After reading these comments, I may need to purchase it tomorrow. </p>

<p>Betsy, I don't really need another camera, post if you are interested and I can provide further details. The camera looked solid and had two batteries.</p>

[ujwal]

<p>I agree with Gerry.<br>

A 20D is probably one of the best cameras Canon ever made it can give amazing photos is very robust, fast AF, it was very good in 2004. Its still good now..i still use mine regularly to shoot weddings.<br>

Canon did not see any reason to replace a 20D so they just updated it and made it a 30D.<br>

If there were no competition from Nikon (the groundbreaking D200 back then), Canon would still be producing a 30D.</p>

[betsy_yaros]

<p>Thanks Tom for letting me know about the camera. I just spoke to my rep and she worked out with the publisher to give me a $5,000 advance for the book. I was thinking I would use it to buy a used 5D. I want to make sure I am producing the best quality images I can. I set-up detailed diorama type scenes made out of paper then photograph them. What do people think of the idea of buying a used 5D? I found a body on Adorama for $1,400.</p>

[gerrymorgan]

<p>The 5D is a beautiful camera. If you have excellent lenses and your lighting for the scenes you set up is good enough, you might see some benefit. But beware of the extent to which the 5D gets overhyped on forums such as this. Some people describe "night and day" differences in quality when the differences are really quite subtle.</p>

 

[betsy_yaros]

<p>I've rented a 30D and 40D before and noticed it was much better then my Rebel. How does the difference between the 5D and 30D/40Ds compare?</p>

[gerrymorgan]

<p>It depends which differences are important to you. The 5D user interface is almost identical to that of the 30D, in case that is what you preferred in the 30D and 40D, as compared to the Rebel. What I particularly like about the 5D compared to the xxD series is the viewfinder, which is very large and bright. The larger sensor of the 5D also makes it a little easier to use selective focus (background blur), which is a double-edged sword -- great if you like background blur and more challenging if you are trying to keep everything sharp. And, as I mentioned before, 5D image quality is better, but subtly so. I once posted a direct comparison <strong><a href="00RKeR">here</a> </strong> . On the other hand, the 5D is larger and heavier than the 20D, and the 20D has a faster frame rate.<br>

If I were looking for one main camera, and doing so on a budget, I would consider a used 20D or (better, if the larger screen or spot metering is important) 30D. If I did not already have Canon lenses, I would also look at Pentax. There are some great deals on the K20D at the moment, which is about to be replaced by the K-7.</p>

[james_r2]

<p><em>"...I set-up detailed diorama type scenes made out of paper then photograph them..."</em><br>

Assuming your existing setup includes correct lighting, tripod, and tethered computer running remote software, you should be fine with the 20D: The 5D is a very good camera, but having used the 20 to shoot in-studio editorial for print and poster-sized images, I can confirm it's ability to produce high quality images.<br>

Which from a business perspective means more $ in your pocket, instead of the camera store's.</p>