Looking to go SLR - 20D or Digital Rebel

[Chris Sawallich]

I have searched the postings and really have not found anything to answer my questions, so here goes..

I am newbie when it comes to UW Photography and am looking to move into DSLR. I love the quality of the Canon lenses, and am looking to go with either the 20D or the Digital Rebel.. I was wondering if someone could share the pros and cons of both cameras / housings/ Strobes. I know I am going to be in the hole pretty deep by the time I have completed my set-up, so I wanted to get as much feedback as I can before moving ahead any further..


Chris

 

[Taxgeek]

I'm facing a similar decision - only 5d v. digital rebel. I assume you are buying the camera. You can get a digital rebel for $500 or so used - 20d for more like $900 (I think). 20d has better high iso performance, same crop factor, MUCH faster write time to card. 20d would be a better land camera if you're into landscape stuff (I am, thus the 5d). The meter on the digital rebel is wierd - it goes into different metering modes based on what AF mode you're in - very bizarre. My success rate went up when I got the 5d, which (like the 20d), doesn't have that quirk. Overall I would go 20d.

Re housings, people mostly think the Ikelite housings are the most cost effective. They're really good quality, and not that much $$. And, one thing I like, they're clear so you can see with your eyeballs there is no water inside, rather than relying on a moisture alarm.

That's my $0.01. (I don't know enough to give you $.02 yet!) There are also lots of dSLR people over at digitaldiver.net and wetpixel.com if you haven't read those archives yet.

Good luck in your new quest!
Taxgeek

 

[cdiver2]

* one thing I like, they're clear so you can see with your eyeballs there is no water inside, rather than relying on a moisture alarm.*


A moisture alarm may pick up a leak long before you see it

 

[Chris Sawallich]

I'm facing a similar decision - only 5d v. digital rebel. I assume you are buying the camera. You can get a digital rebel for $500 or so used - 20d for more like $900 (I think). 20d has better high iso performance, same crop factor, MUCH faster write time to card. 20d would be a better land camera if you're into landscape stuff (I am, thus the 5d). The meter on the digital rebel is wierd - it goes into different metering modes based on what AF mode you're in - very bizarre. My success rate went up when I got the 5d, which (like the 20d), doesn't have that quirk. Overall I would go 20d.

Re housings, people mostly think the Ikelite housings are the most cost effective. They're really good quality, and not that much $$. And, one thing I like, they're clear so you can see with your eyeballs there is no water inside, rather than relying on a moisture alarm.

That's my $0.01. (I don't know enough to give you $.02 yet!) There are also lots of dSLR people over at digitaldiver.net and wetpixel.com if you haven't read those archives yet.

Good luck in your new quest!
Taxgeek

Thaks for your .01.. I have been looking to go DSLR because of the multiple use land/Sea.. I didnt realize the write time would be that much faster on the 20D.. It sounds like it is worth spending the extra couple of dollars on the senior model..


CDiver2, how reliable is a moisture alarm??

 

[Taxgeek]

Very true, cdiver2, about the moisture alarm being much more sensitive. I didn't mean to imply that eyeballs are more effective, just that somehow it seems wierd not to be able to see inside. ;-)

One thing I did hear, and I heard it second hand, was that some of the housings cover up the rebel's rear info screen partly or fully, so it is hard to read the info there. So it would be good to check that out in person or talk to someone who has one first. I think I'm going to go ahead and insure the 5d, it's so much faster. I never thought the rebel was slow until I got the 5d. No more waiting for the light to go out before shooting more photos! (Bigger buffer, actually.)

 

[dbh]

cbsaw:
If you have narrowed it down to those 2, go with the 20D. It will save you money in the long run not having to upgrade so soon.

Taxgeek:
5D vs DR....that is like comparing a Rolls Royce to KIA.


Dave

 

[BigJetDriver]

I have the Rebel XT. It was recommended by a friend who is a professional photographer over the equivalent Nikon.

I love mine. What an OUTSTANDING camera.

 

[Diver Dennis]

I have the Rebel XT. It was recommended by a friend who is a professional photographer over the equivalent Nikon.

I love mine. What an OUTSTANDING camera.

I agree BJD. I just got back last night after a month in Micronesia and was VERY impressed with the XT which I bought new just before the trip to replace my Rebel 300D. Outstanding pictures and very fast.

 

[MikeC]

I have the Rebel XT. It was recommended by a friend who is a professional photographer over the equivalent Nikon.

I love mine. What an OUTSTANDING camera.

What is the equivalent Nikon?? (Yes, being lazy and not wanting to compare models. Thanks.)

 

[RonFrank]

What is the equivalent Nikon?? (Yes, being lazy and not wanting to compare models. Thanks.)

This camera is so new that it's sold out everywhere, and there is no housing for it. However, at this time if I did not have an investment in lenses one way or another, I don't think there is a camera on the market that can touch it for the price.

It's definately my next body.

Between the 20D, and the Rebel, the 20D hands down. If you want an investment for the next decade or more, forget both, and get the 5D or the D200.

I would not be instersted in either Canon models at this point as there are MUCH better camera's for the buck. For that matter, I'd go with a Nikon D70 before I even considered the Digital Rebel. It's a MUCH better camera, and rivals the 20D in most all aspects. However if you like Canon for whatever reason, the 20D is a much better choice than the Rebel, however it is also a bit more expensive then the D70, and you are not getting much more in the way of features compared to the D70s.

BTW, the XT's rival is the D70s.