Canon 10D or something...help!

[JonHoule]

Hi!

I’m looking for a dSLR and I’ve narrowed my selection down to a few models, but I need the opinions of the pros! I love the Rebel XT, but it’s just too damn small…I have large hands and it just doesn’t feel comfortable when I hold it. Which is really too bad because the price is right, the specs are great, the reviews are fantastic, and it’s exactly what I need in a camera. This is where you “pros” come in…hahaha!! I’m assuming the next logical step for a dSLR for me would be the 20D…but frankly the price is a little high for me. So what I’m wondering is…what about the 10D? I could probably find one for a reasonable price, maybe not brand new in the box, but still in good condition. Is the next logical step for me really the 20D or is there another camera that I haven’t even considered yet?

Any help would be great.


Budget
~ US$1000

Size
dSLR that feels sturdy and solid in the hand, doesn't necessarily have to have an alloy casing.

Features
I hear anything more than 6, unless you're making very large prints, is overkill...so I'm thinking 6 to 8 MP.

* What optical zoom will you need? (None, Standard = 3x-4x, Ultrazoom = 10x-12x)
I will also need advice on after market lenses, I've been reading good reviews on the Sigma 70-300 deluxe macro and the Canon 28-135 IS. I figure the kit lens that comes with most cameras will be a fine place to start.

* How important is “image quality” to you?
The best I can get for my dollar. Out of 10, I give it an 8.

Do you care for manual controls?
Yes. I want to take shots of a wide variety of subjects...indoor portraits, outdoor landscapes and portraits, sports/action.

General Usage

* What will you generally use the camera for?
I'll be doing black and white and color photography. Mainly landscapes and some action/sports. I live in Alberta, land of big blue skies and mountains, bright sun and cold winters.

* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?
Yes - some.

Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?
Both indoor and outdoor. I like natural light when possible.

Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?
Yes. So I'll need something with a relatively fast shutter speed, hence the need for manual controls. Also I'll something with a fast start-up.

Miscellaneous
I'm a beginner...planning on taking classes to improve...mainly self-taught as of right now.

Are there particular brands you like or hate?
None that I hate. I like Canon, Nikon, and Olympus.

Are there particular models you already have in mind?
I have read about the Canon Rebel, the Rebel XT, the 20D, the 10D, Nikon D70, D70s, and D50 and the Olympus E-300.

Thanks again!

Jon.

[TheObiJuan]

You could find used 20D's for aroun 1000-1100.
If the XT is not an option, then get a used 20D. The images these cameras can produce are amazing.

[timmciglobal]

Buy and Xt and get the bG-3e battery grip. Feels more like 1 series camera at that point, vertical shutter release, AA batteries in emergencies, 2 regular batteries, better ergonomics then 20d alone.

Tim

[TheObiJuan]

Here is a 10D for sale on fredmiranda.com
The owner is asking for $525
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/251772/0#2084507

[JonHoule]

Thanks for the heads up, although when I click the link it says the topic could not be located....but I'll keep looking. Great site by the way...thanks!

Now I'm wondering if it's worth buying a camera that is discontinued. I have faith in Canon products and all, but maybe I should just look into finding a used 20D....I'm so confused!! Hahaha!!!

[TheObiJuan]

you have to register to view the forum, btw.
A used 20D can be had for 1000-1200 dollars.
This 10D was at 525, that's a big difference.
There are still MANY people using 10Ds, it's a great camera, afterall.

[timmciglobal]

The major issue with a used 10D is shutter failure and wear and tear. You could get one in immaculate condition or one that "looks great" but has taken 60,000 images and will run you another 350 to get a shutter replaced.

Tim

[JonHoule]

That's exactly the kind of thing that worries me. I guess the main idea behind buying a used 10D was the low cost for a great camera that would allow me to pick up one or two good lenses.

Someone earlier mentionned that I pick up the XT and buy the battery grip, but I really don't think the grip will add that much to it, since it's the "width" of the camera that just doesn't feel right. I can't get a good hand on it (I can't wrap my hands around it properly..too much hands and not enough camera! haha!!), and I have a feeling the only thing the battery grip would do is add to the XT's height.

[timmciglobal]

Well, I'm 6 3" and have giant hands and with the grip I do fine, what do you mean "wrap your hands around it"

I tend to shoot one hand (my right) on the shutter/grip and left on the lens or under camera to stabalize.

I find the grip makes it far more ergonomic then the 20D.

Tim

[JonHoule]

That's about where I'm at too!! I'm 6'3 with big hands...so if you say it's that much better with the battery grip, maybe I'll give it a try with the BG-3E myself.