Please help me replace my Canon EOS

[shelly3girls]

Our Canon Elan EOS camera is broken. I will most likely get it fixed but it really got me thinking that I want a digital version. We have 3 children and I am tired of poor quality photos when using the digital zoom on our Canon SD400. Since I already have several Canon compatible lenses I want to stay with a Canon. I really don't know anything about photography so I will only use the fully automatic functions of the camera. I will use it to take fast action photos from a distance (telephoto lense). I was looking at the Canon Rebel XT, the 20D, and the 30D. Will I be happy with the Rebel or should I spend the extra money for one of the others? Also, while looking on BHphotovideo.com I see several different Rebels at many different prices, what is the difference? And lastly, any advice on where to purchase?
Sorry for all of the questions, thank you in advance for any advice!

 

[Kelly Grannell]

I only know one RebelXT. You maybe seeing RebelXT + kit lens, RebelXT body only, RebelXT + kit lens grey-market, and RebelXT body only grey-market. Those are the options available at B+H.

I personally would go all the way to 30D.

Reasons:

1. better built
2. more widespread type of battery (BP-511, compatible will all Canon dSLR except RebelXT. Even the original Rebel non-XT uses BP-511)
3. because of addendum 2, cheaper 3rd party extra battery (buy from Sterlingtek and not from B+H, they are overpriced)
4. Better AF in backlit situation (if you're taking pics AGAINST lighted background)
5. Better centre-AF when you're using F/2.8 lens or larger (f/1.8, f/1.4 etc)
6. Far larger LCD (a requirement for me)
7. Spot metering (great for concert picture)
8. Slightly cleaner ISO 1600

 

[Anewman]

I really don't know anything about photography so I will only use the fully automatic functions of the camera.

Stick with the Rebel XT, it is a great camera and you will not miss the more advanced features from the other models.

 

[WillCAD]

You're in the right neighborhood!

Kelly is right in everything she said, although your budget may dictate which model camera you buy.

A Canon 30D (body only) is going for $1279 at B&H. The Canon 20D (body only) is $1059, and the Rebel XT (body + 18-55 lens) is only $749 (before a $100 mail-in rebate).

So basically, if you can only afford to spend $600-$700, you'll be limited to the Rebel XT.

Incidentally, the original Digital Rebel 300D is still available from B&H (body only) for $549.

 

[captaincrash]

Our Canon Elan EOS camera is broken. I will most likely get it fixed but it really got me thinking that I want a digital version. We have 3 children and I am tired of poor quality photos when using the digital zoom on our Canon SD400. Since I already have several Canon compatible lenses I want to stay with a Canon. I really don't know anything about photography so I will only use the fully automatic functions of the camera. I will use it to take fast action photos from a distance (telephoto lense). I was looking at the Canon Rebel XT, the 20D, and the 30D. Will I be happy with the Rebel or should I spend the extra money for one of the others? Also, while looking on BHphotovideo.com I see several different Rebels at many different prices, what is the difference? And lastly, any advice on where to purchase?
Sorry for all of the questions, thank you in advance for any advice!

Based on your original posting - I believe your interests would be best served by a Rebel XT. Body alone for a USA warrenty model with rebate mmakes it a "no brainer" compared to every other choice. Ypu may not even need the kit lense if you have anything in your current inventory that goes wide OR if you KNOW WITH CONFIDENCE that you have no need for anything wide. HOWEVER, bear in mid that all the new DLSLRs you are considering use a smaller APS sensor. This has the effect of making a 50mm normal perspective lens behave like an 80mm lens. This is like a 5% wide angle difference from your eyes' normal perspective with a 50mm - and with the new DSLR it will look like a 1.6 power magnification. SO - everything is converted by 1.6 multiplier. A 100mm lens acts like a 160mm. PLUS... most lenses optical performance is challenged near the perimeter and corners. Light intensity can drop off (vingette), distortion and resolution loss can occur. Especially on the inexpensive consumer zoom lenses. WELL NOW... as a benefit... the DSLRs are undersized compared to the size of a 35mm negative... so they do not use the outer perimeter of the image where performance is challenged! So it really benefits most lenses - converting an otherwise ho-hum underperformer into a "good" or "excellent" performer in some cases.

BUT the penalty is your medium wide angle lenses will behave like normal perspective lenses. And if you are a fan of shooting really wide angle shots or in tight quarters where a wide angle lens is invaluable - then you NEED that 18-55 kit lense as it is your cheapest ticket into an 18mm wide angle perspective with good performance. Some people sneer at a sub $100 retail priced lens but I'd call it a BARGAIN PERFORMER! Alternatively, you can buy very expensive super wide angle lenses.... fixed focal length prime or zoom. I would be wary of the "super zooms" like the 18-200 models. The widest you might consider is the 18-125 Sigma... but even I am mildly skeptical of it. I do feely admit to being curious enough to consider BUYING one though to evaluate for a few months. AND IF it performs well enough for me then I am willing to sell the 28-135 IS I just purchased and recieved 2 days ago. The cost savings would be $315 versus about $115 or so (used on eBay). The $200 I save; in combination with dumping a 20-35; and the 70-300 IS would go towards either a body upgrade and/or ??? a zoom upgrade to a 100-400 or 70-200 pro series IS lens.

I try to keep my expenditures under a certain cap since I think I've spent too much on equipment lately - and I am mildly disgusted with the drop in value with all the rapid introduction of new DSLR bodies. The body I'm using now is a 10D that was introduced at $2100 (announced 2-2003) and retailed on average on the street at about $1700-1600. I paid $590 for it used on eBay mid year in 2005... about 28 months after it was introduced (not available to consumers in 2-2003). The replacement of the 10D was the 20D - and that was introduced 8-2004 .... 18 months after the 10D. And the new 30D replaces the 20D ... the 30D was announced 2-2006. So we can assume the next DSLR in this performance range will be announced in August of 2007. I actually am happy with the 10D that I have... but newer and more powerful would be nice, eh?

FOr the record ... the 10D is now available for about 450-550 on ebay. However, now that all the 10D models are 2-3 years old - you are probably getting a sample that has more age/use on it.

Oh well... you are not buying a used camera - and you'll probably go new. And you should. I have about $5000 in equipment over the past 6 years - since the birth of my 1st child - so I am trying to keep it under control for a little while as I sort through what seems cost effective given my evolving interests and needs.

I would be curious to know what your current lenses and flash consist of. If you don't mind - let us know so we might volunteer suggestions in anticipation of your needs or gaps with a new DSLR.

Cheers!

My newest lense - just arrived thursday from a dealer in Toronto...

I kno... I'm a nut!
​

 

[shelly3girls]

Thank you for all of the wonderful information. I went to the store just to check out the cameras and I think the Rebel is the one for me. The size and weight felt good and I don't think I really need the more advanced features of the more expensive cameras.

The lenses that I have are a Canon 28-80mm and a Sigma 28-200mm Ispherical IF. I have not purchased a flash yet. Will these lenses be adequate? TIA!

 

[Kelly Grannell]

won't be wide enough. 28mm x 1.6 crop factor is about the same image width of a 45mm lens.

If you used to use the 28mm a lot, you'll need a lens starting at 17 or 18mm.

PS: I'm contemplating in selling my brand-new (only used for testing when purchase as a back up lens) Sigma 18-125mm. wink wink, nudge nudge.

 

[rtphokie]

I only know one RebelXT. You maybe seeing RebelXT + kit lens, RebelXT body only, RebelXT + kit lens grey-market, and RebelXT body only grey-market. Those are the options available at B+H.

I personally would go all the way to 30D.

I was faced with the same question recently and went with the XT. Price was certainly a factor but I was perfectly willing to spend the extra $400 for the 20d or even $700 for the 30d. The differences just aren't worth the money to me. In the end I bought a Rebel XT and love it. I really like that it's smaller and lighter than the 20d yet produces images that are just as good as the 20d or 30d.

What it comes down to is, can you take better pictures with a camera that costs half again as much? twice as much? Maybe. How experienced are you. Are you coming from a P&S? Do you have some SLR experience in your past. If you are decrying the lack of spot metering in your old film camera, you probably shouldn't consider the XT, if you cant think of a time you've needed spot meetering or might in the future, I wouldn't rule out the XT.

Reasons:

1. better built

The 20d and 30d have metal bodies. I take care of my cameras so this wasn't a big deal for me. It was a downside in fact because of the extra weight. I personally think the XT is built just as solidly as the 20d or 30d, the big difference is the material the body is made out of.

2. more widespread type of battery (BP-511, compatible will all Canon dSLR except RebelXT. Even the original Rebel non-XT uses BP-511)

My powershot takes the BP-511. They are bulkier than the NB-2LH the XT takes. I can carry spare batteries in less space. The travel charger that comes with the XT is really nice and very small as well.

3. because of addendum 2, cheaper 3rd party extra battery (buy from Sterlingtek and not from B+H, they are overpriced)

You want cheep batteries, check Ebay, there are tons at 1/10th the OEM price. Most also lack the life and maximum capacity the OEM batteries do. I'll never bother with a non Canon battery again.

4. Better AF in backlit situation (if you're taking pics AGAINST lighted background)

I noticed this as well when playing with the 20d and XT.

5. Better centre-AF when you're using F/2.8 lens or larger (f/1.8, f/1.4 etc)

This is true

6. Far larger LCD (a requirement for me)

The only thing I look at the LCD for is the histogram, formatting CF cards and to change ISO. It took some getting used to coming from a P&S but everything I need is on the LCD and in the viewfinder now.

7. Spot metering (great for concert picture)

True, but I'm not there yet so this wasn't a factor for me.

8. Slightly cleaner ISO 1600

[/QUOTE]
I can barely tell them apart.

The XT is superior to the 20d in that it can use low cost infrared remotes and that it is smaller and lighter. If a smaller SLR bothers you, add a grip and you'll get better battery life as a bonus.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

You want cheep batteries, check Ebay, there are tons at 1/10th the OEM price. Most also lack the life and maximum capacity the OEM batteries do. I'll never bother with a non Canon battery again.

hence I suggested Sterlingtek, actually BETTER than original Canon (longer life)

I can barely tell them apart.

hence the choice of the word "slightly"

The XT is superior to the 20d in that it can use low cost infrared remotes

get 3rd party remote, they are $20 and work 100% the same. Also IR remote requires you to be in front of the camera, not very flexible. Especially during daytime.

My powershot takes the BP-511. They are bulkier than the NB-2LH the XT takes. I can carry spare batteries in less space. The travel charger that comes with the XT is really nice and very small as well.

but when you upgrade to a better camera later on, you have to get rid of your batteries. I still use the extra batteries I bought for my 10D, Rebel and 20D. Oh, far longer lifespan too.

 

[WillCAD]

Thank you for all of the wonderful information. I went to the store just to check out the cameras and I think the Rebel is the one for me. The size and weight felt good and I don't think I really need the more advanced features of the more expensive cameras.

The lenses that I have are a Canon 28-80mm and a Sigma 28-200mm Ispherical IF. I have not purchased a flash yet. Will these lenses be adequate? TIA!

I also had a Sigma 28-200 Aspherical left over from my Rebel G 35mm. The lens didn't work on my Digital Rebel - some Sigma lenses have a software problem with Canon digitals - so I emailed Sigma to ask about upgrading it. This was the reply:

If your 28-200mm has a filter size larger than 62mm, we regret to inform
that your lens is not compatible and can not be upgraded.
If you live in U.S., we have a 'trade-in' for lenses that can not be
upgraded.
Please contact us at 1-800-896-6858 for more information (Monday through
Friday, 9AM to 5 PM EST).

You should also keep in mind the 1.6 cropping factor that others have mentioned. Because the sensor of a Digital Rebel is the same physical size as a frame of APS film, which is smaller than 35mm film, your 28mm lenses will give you a zoom equivalent to 45mm - far too narrow for my taste. But the 18-55 kit lens that comes in a Rebel XT kit is equivelent to your Canon 28-80, so you will be using that for wides.

After you've had the camera for a while, you may want to get one of the new Sigma 18-125DC lenses. These are designed specifically to work with digital cameras, and will give you the same zoom range as your old Sigma 28-200 did on your Elan 7. Cost of this lens is about $230.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

I'm thinking about selling my backup (never used, still in box) in the near future.

wink-wink, nudge-nudge!

 

[shelly3girls]

All of you are just wonderful. I really feel like I am making the right decision now. I am ordering the Rebel today. I am going to purchase it with the lens and try it out. Once I do that I will consider purchasing another lense (and by then maybe Kelly Grannel will be selling hers )