Difference between a 20d abd a 30d...

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hailinguk

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Hello,

After some advice earlier in the week I'm looking at getting a 20d or 30d as my starter camera.

I just wondered if there's a massive difference between them as the 20d is obvioulsy cheaper than the 30d.

Thanks :)
 
I believe spot metering and a better screen on the 30D.
 
There isn't a whole lot of difference between them to be honest, the main differences are spot metering, larger buffer (30D can shoot more frames in a single burst) and larger screen.

I went for the 30D but unless any of the above is important to you I don't think you can go far wrong with a 20D.
 
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That's great thanks for that. I've no idea what spot metering is...

I'm looking to take pics of my son and family etc. Ive been told the nifty fifty is best for this so will be getting one of those if I can get the camera body cheap enough :)
 
hailinguk said:
That's great thanks for that. I've no idea what spot metering is...

I'm looking to take pics of my son and family etc. Ive been told the nifty fifty is best for this so will be getting one of those if I can get the camera body cheap enough :)
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When shooting in any mode other than manual (e.g. auto, aperture priority, shutter speed priority) the camera has several alternative ways it can look at (or "meter") the scene (or part of the scene in some cases such as spot metering) to achieve the desired exposure.

Evaluative metering, centre weighted, average, spot... it's useful to know how they work so you can choose the appropriate mode for any given scene.
 
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All the metering modes apply to manual too.

Edit: Spot is very useful for manual mode as you have a much better idea of what exactly your meter is taking a reading from which helps your judgement and consistency.
 
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30D also has a larger buffer, RGB histogram, 1/3 stop ISO increments, spot metering, low burst mode of 3fps (in addition to the full burst mode of 5fps) and a little faster start-up time.

In addition to the above the Burst speed with DC motor (non-USM/HSM) lenses in AI Servo AF mode is 5fps on the 30D and 3.5fps on the 20D
 
Thanks for the info. So ideally I'm better off investing in the 30d...
 
I have a 30d and i'm very pleased with it. I considered the 20d, and almost bought one but then a 30d with a grip came up for the right price so i grabbed it. I read that the screen on the 20d is much smaller than the 20d so that pretty much swayed it for me. I'm just in from shooting a gig by a local band and although i was eyeing up another togs 7d for a while i was happy with how my 30d (which cost about a fifth of the 7d) aquited itself :)
 
Fab thanks lexie. Ii think 'll go for the 30d. What's a good price for a second hand one (body only).
 
hailinguk said:
Fab thanks lexie. Ii think 'll go for the 30d. What's a good price for a second hand one (body only).
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check the classifieds on here if you have access to them(i'm not sure what the criteria is for access, ie number of posts or length of membership) or advertisers on the forum like mpb photographic. i've dealt with ffordes before too and have only good things to say about them.
 
Hi,

I've had a look at classifieds but they are all more expensive on here than on Ebay. I guess it might be worth paying a little more though for piece of mind that it's coming from a genuine photographer and works etc.

I really want the 30D but it would mean having to save a bit longer now.. or I can get a 20D now... What to do!
 
I have a mint and boxed 30D with 3 batteries and an 8GB CF. Was going to keep it but with my wedding in 1 month I might need to let it go after all.

If interested I can put a thread up. I am off for my holiday today so I can either post today or in 2 weeks time.

Do not suppose you need any lenses too? I have a 19-35 and a 70-300 I could bundle with it.

All boxed and in fantastic condition.
 
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Hi, how much would you be looking for? Thanks
 
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