Canon 20d or 400d

[james]

ok so i am considering buying my first dslr
and i am currently looking at the d20 and d400
it would cost roughly the same amount to buy a used/refurbished d20 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CANON-EOS-20D-SLR-DIGITAL-CAMERA-18-55MM-LENS-2GB-CF_W0QQitemZ180092322240QQihZ008QQcategoryZ31388QQ rdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) as it would a new d400 (http://www.jessops.com/Store/s35964/1-136-481/Home/Cameras/Digital-SLRs/Canon/EOS-400D-(Black)-+-EFS-18-55mm-Lens/details.aspx)

i know that the d400 has a couple more mp, bigger lcd and that lens cleaning thing
and the d20 is bigger and more durable

are there any other major differences between the two?

and are there any problems with buying refurbished from canon or generally buying an older generation camera?

basically what i am asking is what would you go for and why?
thanks : )

[Saralonde]

Have you Held either of thesed cameras to see which feels better? There should be no problem with buying an older generation camera, just make sure you go with a reputable dealer. As for a comparison, check this out
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos20d%2Ccanon_eos400d&show=all

[james]

thanks for the response
you're right i definitely am going to have to go to the shop to get a feel of them before i make any investment like this

anyway (correct me if i am wrong) after looking at that link provided there does not really seem to be any major differences in spec so it really will ultimately come down to which one feels more comfortably to use

does anybody have else have any useful insights?

[smc1377]

When I started using DSLR's, it was on higher end cameras both Canon and Nikon. After having shot on those for so long, it feels funny to hold the smaller Rebels (300D, 350D, 400D). To me, they feel small and toyish, no offense to anyone. I was just at circuit city again yesterday and held the XTi in my hands again. It still just felt small and weird to me.

If it was me, I'd go with the 20D without much hesitation for no other reason than I just like the feel of it much better and it looks more professional, if that makes any sense.

[mikeboy]

^ what smc1377 says makes a lot of sense, people "judge by the cover" and think that the bigger the camera the more professional you are, however, other people's opinion should not be the main factor when buying a camera.

Go by the feel, I am amazed, there is practically no difference between them, but the prices are not equal... why is that?

[james]

cheers for all you help
picked up a 30d today
very happy :)

[Saralonde]

Excellent choice! We'd love to see some of your shots. Have fun with it:D .

[dlade]

Excellent choice! We'd love to see some of your shots. Have fun with it:D .

This reminds me of a local restaurant, where the waiter always answers "Excellent choice!" no matter what you order. My conclusion, after having been there a few times and tried various things on the menu, is that everything on the menu is an excellent choice. I believe the same is true of the 20D, 30D and 400D... :)

[Bail]

There are differences where I would consider a 20D over the 400D.

- 400d can only do 1600ISO where the 20D can do 3200ISO
- 400d does not have a LCD control panel on top of the camera. You have the use the rear of the camera to make adjustments.
- 400d Shoots at 3fps. The 20D does 5fps
- 400D Has No Spot metering
- 400D has a 1/4000 Shutter speed where the 20D has 1/8000

However the 400D has something that I would love.
ICS (Integrated Cleaning System). Basically it shakes the filter in front of the sensor. I wouldn't call it cleaning but It will make so you won't have to clean as often as you would on a 20D.

IMO after trying both I would get a 20D over the 400D unless there is a reason you need all 10mp. I love the LCD Control panel on top of my camera. There are times where I dip into the 3200ISO. It's noisy but in the right situation (ie. Fast action, Low Light) it helps. Plus having big hands the camera fits me better. even more so when I use the battery grip.

Have fun with the 30D.

[Sickness]

I'm in this same situation and I'm glad I found this topic, it was very informative. I found a 20D for $649 Refurbished at Adorama and a new XTi for $665. I hope to go to Best Buy to get a feel for both, but I doubt they'll have a 20D on display. Then they have the XTi with the kit lens for $749. Decisions, decisions, decisions...

[whiteflyer]

I think you made the right choice in getting the 30D.

Don't worry about 10 or 8 mega pixels you'll never see the difference as for anti dust just get a rocket blower. Now the spot metering maybe worth while and yes that 1/8000 shutter speed may be needed on a very bright day, but having a metal body over a plastic one for me was a big thing as I'm sure the 30D will last longer and it just feels much nicer in the hand.

Now get out there and get shooting :)