20D vs. Rebel XT

[futboldad]

I am about 12 inches from making a decision between these two cameras. However, I still don't know if the $500 difference between the cost is worth it? I need fast for action sport shots but I'm no professional. Will the XT do the trick? Also, is one camera shooter-friendlier than the other??

Thanks for all feedback!

[cdifoto]

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17475

[Rhys]

I am about 12 inches from making a decision between these two cameras. However, I still don't know if the $500 difference between the cost is worth it? I need fast for action sport shots but I'm no professional. Will the XT do the trick? Also, is one camera shooter-friendlier than the other??

Thanks for all feedback!

I have the XT. I think I would have been happier with the 20D

[aparmley]

I have the XT. I think I would have been happier with the 20D

I second that. But hindsight is always 20/20. But, you can still learn from our experiences. . .

I'll glady elaborate on the reasons. I can only assume for Rhys, but I have a feeling we share similar opinions.

Little bit larger body for handling purposes.
More robust body - really for putting my mind at ease.
little faster shutter response I think
smaller viewfinder blackout time after taking photo
Faster and a little bit more accurate AF capabilities.
ISO3200
Quick Control Dial
5 fps
9 autofocus zones
max SS of 1/8000 - useful in full sun with large apertures
100,000 cycles vs 50,000 on the xt

And here is a big one - if its important to you one could nearly make up the difference in price right here.

The EOS 20D ships with Adobe PhotoShop Elements 2, the Digital Rebel XT ships with ArcSoft PhotoStudio 5.5. Adobe have an upgrade offer from Elements to full Photoshop CS for $299. This offer applies to copies of Elements which were supplied bundled with Canon products. Since Photoshop retails for up to $599 ($649 list), this can be a significant saving.[taken from bob atikins page here]

Those are the reasons that jump out to me. . . . At the time they weren't big enough reasons for me to pay the difference but now having used the XT, if Doc brown was my friend, I'd take the delorean for a spin and get the 20D instead of the XT.

[Alnath]

I sold my 350D for a 20D and the 20D is miles better (even if it is a little subtle at first), not only is it built better, faster and has a much more accurate AF system the viewfinder is bigger and brighter, it is also easier to handle.

[Rhys]

I second that. But hindsight is always 20/20. But, you can still learn from our experiences. . .

I'll glady elaborate on the reasons. I can only assume for Rhys, but I have a feeling we share similar opinions.

Little bit larger body for handling purposes.
More robust body - really for putting my mind at ease.
little faster shutter response I think
smaller viewfinder blackout time after taking photo
Faster and a little bit more accurate AF capabilities.
ISO3200
Quick Control Dial
5 fps
9 autofocus zones
max SS of 1/8000 - useful in full sun with large apertures
100,000 cycles vs 50,000 on the xt

And here is a big one - if its important to you one could nearly make up the difference in price right here.

The EOS 20D ships with Adobe PhotoShop Elements 2, the Digital Rebel XT ships with ArcSoft PhotoStudio 5.5. Adobe have an upgrade offer from Elements to full Photoshop CS for $299. This offer applies to copies of Elements which were supplied bundled with Canon products. Since Photoshop retails for up to $599 ($649 list), this can be a significant saving.[taken from bob atikins page here]

Those are the reasons that jump out to me. . . . At the time they weren't big enough reasons for me to pay the difference but now having used the XT, if Doc brown was my friend, I'd take the delorean for a spin and get the 20D instead of the XT.

My gripe with the XT is different. I dislike the controls. I'm happy with the response because I don't really need speed. I like the small body although I have put the battery grip on it in order to be able to use AA batteries. I figured I'd best get the grip now as in a year or so, I might not be able to. I do agree that the AF needs to be better - a lot better.

I don't need the faster ISO although a cleaner high ISO would be better.

I'd like less menu-driven stuff and more intuitive buttons/dials. I'd also like button text that does not rub off. The two buttons on the back at the top right have no labels now - the white symbols rubbed off so now I don't know what they are!

[ReValveiT]

Only you can really answer such a question. Go try 'em out and make your choice.

[ReF]

well, depends on your budget and how you look at the purchase. i'm on a limited budget and i'm always buying, selling, and upgrading so i went from the 300d to the xt. the xt is more than enough for some, i feel it's a bit lacking, but i can live with it knowing it's temporary. for now, i put the $$$ i save towards better lenses or accessories or whatever i need at the time (maybe a vacation). but if i had the mindset to make a purchase that i would live with for a long time, i'd definately get the 20d (or better, if i could afford it). all those little extras in the 20d are sure to make a difference (even if it's just a more enjoyable shooting experience) if you use the camera very often and make use of the more advanced features (as in not just shoot in Auto or Program).

[fizbin]

Buy the 20D.
Prorate the $500 over the life of the Camera. Look at it that way.
Also, that is how I get many items approved by the wife,