Used 20D for $500 a Good Deal?

[TacoTito]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to buy my first DSLR, and a friend of mine is offering to sell me her used 20D + 50 mm prime f/1.4 lens for $500. She studied photography in school and has since upgraded to a 5D Mark II, so she no longer needs the 20D. I am just trying to decide if this is a good price for what I'm getting. I know she takes good care of her equipment and I like the fact that I know her pretty well so I don't think she would be cheating me.

I am moving to Taiwan in a few weeks, and anticipate doing quite a bit of traveling, so I would like a sturdy camera that I can take with me. I figure the 20D is better than going with an entry level for this reason? Or would I be better off buying a new, entry level camera kit?

I like to shoot mostly landscape photography, but have never owned a DSLR and would like to have a good camera to experiment with.

Thanks in advance for any help and advice!

Miguel

[scootermcq]

Sounds good to me. The 50mm 1.4 sells for around $350-400 here. The only problem I see is she is selling you a canon

[TacoTito]

After a bit more research, these would be the new kits I'm considering as an alternative to the 20D:

Canon EOS Rebel T2i with 18-55mm IS Lens Instructional DVD + 4GB SD Memory Card - $799
Costco - Canon EOS Rebel T2i with 18-55mm IS Lens, Instructional DVD, + 4GB SD Memory Card

Nikon D5100 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens + 4GB SDHC Card - $849
Costco - Nikon D5100 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens + 4GB SDHC Card

Canon T21 with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS & EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS - $899
*$899 after $100 Instant Savings* Canon T2i Digital SLR Double Zoom Lens Kit - Sam's Club

Canon T3i with 18-55mm IS Lens - $849
*$849 after $50 Instant Savings* Canon T3i 18.0MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm IS Lens - Sam's Club

Nikon D5100 with 18-55mm VR Lens & Nikon 55-200mm VR Lens - $999
*$999 after $220 Instant Savings* Nikon D5100 16.2MP Digital SLR Value Bundle - Sam's Club

Thanks again for all the help!

[Doug Pardee]

My concern with the 20D is that it just isn't as robust as it feels. There were a number of problems that affected 20D users, notably shutter failure (which showed up as a runaway shutter; unstoppable continuous shooting) and hotshoe problems. The 30D is, to a considerable extent, a 20D without the problems. (There aren't a lot of functional differences between a 20D and a 30D.)

As long as it stays working, the 20D is a fine camera. And for most people, it should stay working. But compared to other Canon DSLRs — including its "lesser" sibling, the Rebel XT/350D — the 20D isn't one of the more reliable models.

Ditto for the 50mm f/1.4. It's a great lens, but it has an AF motor system unlike any other lens that Canon ever made. Reliability of the AF drive is very good but not up to what you'll find in other Canon lenses.

Personally, I'd have trouble paying much for those if they've seen a lot of use (and the 20D is what, almost seven years old?). But that's just my own bias. It could well be that particular camera and lens will last a lifetime with no trouble.

[gturner]

The 20D for free if you take the lens - I wouldnt pay more than $400 for both. I agree with Doug above, I disliked my 50mm 1.4 for the AF drive.

The newer entry level cameras are a huge step up in terms of IQ and ISO preformance.

[donniehyatt]

I have a Canon 20D outfit that I am trying to sell. All in excellent condition, $1,000.00 plus shipping.

20D body with battery grip
Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS lens
Canon EF-S 10-22mm lens
Canon EF 70-300mm IS lens