first dSLR purchase: 20d, 70Ds, or original rebel?

[vjack]

Let me begin by saying that I have read every review on the relevant models I could find and have been following relevant threads on this and other forums closely for about a month. I'm in a small rural area, limiting me to Canon or Nikon because other brands are not present (preventing in-store evaluation of size, weight, grip, etc.). Unfortunately, I've eliminated the Rebel XT due to the small size of the grip. I was all set to buy one, but I spent a great deal of time playing with one in a store, and it is simply too small for my big hands. I have been able to determine that each of the following models are large enough to be quite comfortable:

Canon 20D
Nikon 70Ds
Canon Rebel (original not XT)

Of these three, the Nikon feels the best in my hands, but it is fairly clear that the 20D is the superior camera. Of course, it is also probably overkill for a complete SLR novice, and the price is a bit hard to justify (although I will if necessary). However, I keep reading about quality issues with the Nikons. Between the original Rebel and 70Ds, am I correct that the Nikon is vastly superior?

I'd really appreciate your input.

[Rhys]

Why eliminate the XT? You can get the battery grip for it if you want a bigger grip. It's far superior to the original Rebel/300D and far superior to all but the 20D.

[vjack]

Why eliminate the XT? You can get the battery grip for it if you want a bigger grip. It's far superior to the original Rebel/300D and far superior to all but the 20D.

I tried the XT with the battery grip. It doesn't help. It adds weight, but doesn't make the camera any easier to hold. Trust me when I say I've tried everything to make the XT comfortable. As I said, I was 99.9% determined to buy one, and I'm discouraged to drop it from my list. However, it just doesn't work for my hands.

[Rex914]

The Nikon us superior to the original Rebel in raw functionality, but the Rebel takes just as good pictures if not better pictures than the Nikon. And even with that, you can apply the firmware hack to unlock quite a few features. But if you're willing to go that route, why not get a new 10D instead for about $800?

[D70FAN]

I tried the XT with the battery grip. It doesn't help. It adds weight, but doesn't make the camera any easier to hold. Trust me when I say I've tried everything to make the XT comfortable. As I said, I was 99.9% determined to buy one, and I'm discouraged to drop it from my list. However, it just doesn't work for my hands.

There is another option... the new D50. For $899, with a very competent 18-55 kit lens, it would seem to meet what you need in a dSLR.

[Rhys]

There is another option... the new D50. For $899, with a very competent 18-55 kit lens, it would seem to meet what you need in a dSLR.

I think the D20 sounds better for large hands. Personally, although I'm 6 feet tall, I have smallish hands and find the XT very comfortable.

[Chucko]

If cost is a concern, an EOS 10D can be had used for about the same price as a new Digital Rebel (300D). That was my choice.

I haven't tried the Nikons, being a confirmed Canon guy myself, but if your budget will extend to an EOS 20D, I'd say go for it.

[D70FAN]

I think the D20 sounds better for large hands. Personally, although I'm 6 feet tall, I have smallish hands and find the XT very comfortable.

In this case I just don't see the 20D's $700 added value (over the D50).
While the 20D is arguably the best consumer dSLR currently available it is also the most expensive by a good margin and most of it's capabilities are overkill for the amature to semi-pro user.

As for the XT being very comfortable...

As you know I promised not to say anything negative about the XT... so I'll just say that the XT has several attributes, but even after using it with a battery grip, I strongly disagree.

[Rhys]

In this case I just don't see the 20D's $700 added value (over the D50).
While the 20D is arguably the best consumer dSLR currently available it is also the most expensive by a good margin and most of it's capabilities are overkill for the amature to semi-pro user.

As for the XT being very comfortable...

As you know I promised not to say anything negative about the XT... so I'll just say that the XT has several attributes, but even after using it with a battery grip, I strongly disagree.

Actually, the most uncomfortable camera I've ever held was the Olympus E-300. That was just way too small to be comfortable. It's designed for very small hands.

[vjack]

I grew tired of my weeks of indecision. I just ordered the 20D and Sigma 18-125. That should at least get me started.

[D70FAN]

I grew tired of my weeks of indecision. I just ordered the 20D and Sigma 18-125. That should at least get me started.

This may be to late, but I just found out that the D70 body is now being sold for $749 at Ritz, and that with the very excellent 18-70 DX kit lens it is now $999 after $100 rebate. Substitute the Sigma 18-125 and it's $1019.

Just thought you should know.

P.S. D70 with the equally good Sigma 18-200 = $1149.

Note: Sigma lenses purchased separately. Prices may vary slightly from dealer to dealer.

[aparmley]

I think he made a great choice! I think you had very good considerations in the D70s and 20D, You can rest assured that the 20D won't let you down. I own the XT, for most purposes, especially on the novice side of things the two are identical except for in size. the 20D being bigger your getting the same XT with more features and bigger size.. I'd have the 20D too but the price was too high for me. Great choice and happy shooting!

[Rhys]

Yes. The 20D is an excellent choice. I'm happy with my XT for the moment. When I've got my I-485 approved then I can start earning money from taking photos.

[aparmley]

I-485? Whats that some type of Small business licensing permit??

[Rhys]

I-485? Whats that some type of Small business licensing permit??

Permanant residence permit. I got married to my wife who's a US citizen. Since she has her own well-established dental practice in South Carolina and since I'm much more mobile, we decided that I should live in the US rather than her moving to Britain. If she were to go to Britain then she'd have to re-take loads of dental exams etc to the lower British standards.

[ReValveiT]

Since when has the 20d been a 'consumer' dSLR?

Lots of pro's are using the 20d exclusively.