20d, 30d or the rebel XTi

[paintsnow]

im looking for a new camera as an upgrade from my sony f828 which is a digital 8mp NONslr camera.

i dont really know what the huge differences are between the 3 cameras exept for price. i will obviously be using them underwater and posibbly for sports like football on the surface.i was leaning toward the 30d because of the ability to adjust the iso in smaller incriments
anyways im giving this one to you guys now
thank you for the help

 

[mikerault]

I looked at them and decided on the 20D since that was what a lot of the pros where shooting. I actually have an extra 20D (used) and 2 Tamron lenses I will be selling, interested? I got the 20D used body on Ebay, the lenses and whatever else I throw in will be all new.

Mike

 

[bandit_TX]

I'm shooting the 20D which I bought when it was first introduced. The 30D didn't offer enough to get me to upgrade. The XTi is interesting, but a few more megapixels from the same sensor isn't a huge upgrade, and it comes at the expense of more noise. I would trade off the difference between the 20D, widely available around $700 now, against the XTi. Right now the 20D would probably get my money. I just like the larger body better in my hands, and the housing are pretty much the same, just more empty space for the XTi.

 

[JackConnick]

You have a much large LCD on the xTi and I think the 30D. They are current models and if you are going to house them you'll get a better return for the same money when you go to sell the housings in a couple years to upgrade.

That being said, you might look around for used setups on the 20D.

Jack

 

[mikerault]

Ok, showing my ignorance here..the 20D doesn't seem to let you see the picture on the LCD before it is taken, is that normal for DSLR? The camera store seemed to indicate this was the norm for DSLR since "the pros" would never use the screen for shooting a picture (but it sure would help when underwater with a housing!)

 

[bandit_TX]

The only DSLR with a "live view" is the Olympus E series. I find I don't really miss it since I moved from a P&S to a 20D. The screens are not accurate enough to show focus for me, and they can't show the lighting until after the shot is taken, and finally, they don't show depth of field. The viewfinder isn't really hard to use at all IMHO. The only place I would use one is for framing something where I can't get my head, but then I haven't found to many places like that. Of course, you can always shoot again with digital.

 

[mikerault]

Thanks!

Mike

 

[29South]

If this is your first DSLR i would suggest saving a $100 or so and get the Rebel XT, but all these are very good cameras and NOT the limiting factor in your photography.

Of course, (tongue in cheek) if at some point you wish to blame the camera rather than yourself for crummy pictures it is then far better to get the cheaper XT since it would be imprudent to blame the much better $1200 30D ..

I have an older D30 which i cannot get the housing and so will end up likely with a 10D or 20D..both of which can be purchased canon refurbished for around $600ish. My reasoning is simply that the "prosumer" models D30/D60/10D/20D/30D are mostly identical in use and layout, otherwise i would get a rebel xt.

 

[pakman]

As a owner of both a XT and XTi, personally (if the $$ difference isn't too much of an issue) I would recommend getting the XTi (400D) over the XT (350D). The larger LCD is really nice and there is a slight improvement in the AF in the 400D.

As for the XTi/XT vs the 30D, you might want to swing by a shop and try one in your hands. Especially as you mentioned you want to use them topside for sports (I assume you'll be using a long heavy 200mm or longer lens). The XT/XTi might feel a bit awkward in your hands with a large lens as the grip is short. This however can be overcome by getting the battery grip. But that's an xtra $100+...