400d to 20d?

scottishpaul

scottishpaul

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paul
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is it really an upgrade?
i have long wanted a bigger heavyer body. and could get a cheap price on 20d.
noticed 20d is 8.2mp and 400d is 10.1
i know the world doesnt resolve around megapixels but sensors etc better quality?
 
that has always been an option and for the second shutter. but my 400d is silver and i aint seen a silver grip and dont know what black would look like.
 
If its about looks then a 20D will look "old" IMO...
 
20D - better built, better weather proofing. Solid. Excellent camera - don't worry about the MPs - but why do you want to change anyway? What can it do that the 400D can't? Consider whether spending the money on glass is a better investment.

I reckon that before you decide to change a body, you should be able to answer that question - why do I need this body over the one I've already got? If you can't answer the question, then don't bother - your photos won't improve.

With lenses, the issue is a bit different - with better lenses, then, all other things being equal, chances are that your pics will be better.
 
that is the jubious desicion is whether i need to change body. but the top screen. general bigger better looking build. although i am waiting for the right priced L glass.
 
400d is a better camera in my opinion, the 20d is old news now and apart from the wheel on the back i'd say the 20d isn't giving you much more, mind you i'm not really a fan of canons

if it's about the looks i'd definately put a spoiler on it and maybe some 20 inch rims

either grip the one you've got or save up for something more modern that's going to help you get better shots because of iso handling/frames per second/auto focus points whatever

dunno what you've got as a lens selection but that's where i'd invest my money, even though it's a consumer camera it's still very capable of taking good pictures
 
for what it's worth, an it's an opinion only, i wouldn't swap a 400d for a 20d. But... a 30d, that's a different story.

But it really comes down to what your main use of the camera is. Do you need the features found on the 20/30d or not? Although not guide to the 20d, the following link may help you as it compares the 400d and 40d, with references to the 30d and 20d models.

http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/canon-40d-guide.html
 
i agree a 20D is a waste compared to the 400D, i had one and apart from your cosmetic needs there seems to be nothing else in it for you.
I used the grip (ok mine was black) but it improves the handling 1 0fold. The 400D has newer technology than the 20D.

As above save 300 notes for a 30D if you are set on a new body. If all you have is the kit lens and maybe another cheap consumer lens. Your images will improve a lot more with a lens investment then a new body.
 
The 20d is getting on a bit now, technology has come on a way since then, if your upgrading I'd look at the 40d now to be honest, prices have come down since the 50d came out. Wayne
 
I had similar dilemmas when wanting to upgrade my 300D last year. Thought about secondhand 20d/30d. But in the end I went the whole hog and got the 40D and havent looked back. So I'd either save to get a 40d/50d or stay where you are and get a better lens.
 
I upgraded my 350d to a 40d for the better noise handling and better frames-per-second.
Im glad i made the jump now and would recommend it if those are things that you need, if not then stick with the 400d.

Also, lenses over body, remember that.
What lenses do you already have?
 
Having a 20D in my collection, It's still a good camera even being several years old. It still has outing to this day, despite more modern cameras being available. But is it an upgrade from a 400D in most cases no. It has a much more rugged body, is larger and has I think a better feel. ( For me th 400 was too small). But I can't think of any advantage you'll get.

You may be better off adding the money to a 40/50d fund or buying some more glass ( good quality glass doesn't depreciate that quickly and doesn't need upgrading so often if at all).
 
hepburn said:
for what it's worth, an it's an opinion only, i wouldn't swap a 400d for a 20d. But... a 30d, that's a different story.
Click to expand...

Why?

If the 20D isn't a step up, I doubt the 30D would be. Same AF, same sensor, slightly deeper buffer and "Picture Styles".

Surely a 20D would be better value?

Having said that, I think I'd stick with the 400D and wait for the 40D to drop in price a bit more/save a bit more - that is an impressive camera.

Paul
 
I thought pretty much the only difference between the 20D and 30D was the spot metering.

I'd cetrainly be looking at spending the money on glass.
 
Craikeybaby said:
I thought pretty much the only difference between the 20D and 30D was the spot metering.

I'd cetrainly be looking at spending the money on glass.
Click to expand...

I think the 30d has a bigger lcd. I have recently bought a 20d as a backup camera to my 40d.

The size of the lcd is miniscule... Im sure you will really notice that after your 400d.
 
grumpybadger said:
Yup, but does the LCD help take pictures. I'm happy with the LCD on my 1D/1Ds as they show the histogram clearly enough...
Click to expand...

Yes thats true. Im ok with mine too... but some people may find that you really cant see whats going on... especially if they have only ever had large displays.
 
i went 400d to 30d, but i think the 20d is a little bit to old in comparison.
 
The 20D is behind the 400D in two places. Pixels and screen size.
The autofocus is better, the burst is better and the handling is better. Overall it is a much better and more capable camera than the 400D and for the £200ish you pay for them they are a bargain IMO.

As for looking older, it is a black DSLR, they all look about the same from the front!
 
20D may look older but it'll feel better and more substantial in your hands. That IMO means more.

I'm sure most people are blinded by marketing BS when they say newer = better.

I bought mine because for the money they fetch second hand, they'll be better than anything that will be of similar price new, small screen or not.
 
Janice said:
Yes thats true. Im ok with mine too... but some people may find that you really cant see whats going on... especially if they have only ever had large displays.
Click to expand...

I went from a 2.5" screen on my last camera to the 1.8" on the 20D and I cant say I miss it.

I'm willing to let people assume I'm being bias because I own one but from person experience of also trying a 350D and a 400D I much prefer what I have now. But at the end of the day it's up to the buyer/user what they prefer.
 
grumpybadger said:
Why?

If the 20D isn't a step up, I doubt the 30D would be. Same AF, same sensor, slightly deeper buffer and "Picture Styles".

Surely a 20D would be better value?

Having said that, I think I'd stick with the 400D and wait for the 40D to drop in price a bit more/save a bit more - that is an impressive camera.

Paul
Click to expand...

I would agree with the 40d comment. Some of the differences between the 20d and 30d are:

2.5" LCD vs 1.8". Not just a bigger screen but enhanced viewing angles.
Faster startup time (marginal).
2 different continuous shooting speeds (3 & 5 fps).
Larger buffer.
ISO changes seen in viewfinder.
Built in picture styles.
Spot metering.
rgb histogram.

I was trying to keep in mind stepping back from a 400d to a 20d. Not so easy to lose something you've become accustomed to. The step to a 30d would be easier than to a 20d in my opinion, thus my original post. :)
 
grumpybadger said:
Why?

If the 20D isn't a step up, I doubt the 30D would be. Same AF, same sensor, slightly deeper buffer and "Picture Styles".

Surely a 20D would be better value?

Having said that, I think I'd stick with the 400D and wait for the 40D to drop in price a bit more/save a bit more - that is an impressive camera.

Paul
Click to expand...

The 30d would also be about 18 months newer and as well as the better buffer and has a better lcd screen, but is that really an upgrade? I still say the 40d a much better bet. Wayne
 
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