I am looking for a new semi-pro digital SLR.?

Question

Am am currently debating between the Cannon 20D or the Cannon Rebel XTi, since they are comparable in price. Which is better overall? Some of the more important features for me are that the camera's pictures look good at high iso settings, and can get good shots in low light, and have the least of amount of noise as possible. I am open to other camera's in this price range as well.

Answer 1

Between the 20D and 400D, I wouldn't hesitate to get the 20D. If image quality at high ISO (> 800) is as high a priority as it seems to be, you needn't look at the competition.

Please note that the 20D goes up to ISO 3200 and the 400D tops out at ISO 1600. If you plan on shooting in VERY poor light, the 400D might be a non-starter.

Here are in-depth reviews for both models with sample pictures at various ISO settings:
20D: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos20d/page28.asp
400D: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/page29.asp

As for other brands, I personally use a Nikon D200. The Nikon D80 is another nice choice. These models are more expensive than their Canon counterparts (the 30D and 400D) but for this you get a better all around camera. I regularly use my D200 at ISO 800 and even at 1600, but 2000 and above is really pushing it. Nikon and Canon are both excellent up to ISO 800, but beyond that Canon takes an ever bigger lead.
The Pentax K10D is another great camera in this price range, but its main selling points are build quality and value for money - it doesn't match Canon in terms of image quality... at any ISO level. Neither does the Sony A100, etc..
Here are some side by side Canon-Nikon-Pentax samples: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxk10d/page14.asp

Okay, back to the 20D/ 400D. The Canon 20D is a semi-pro model. Compared to the 400D, you get:
* 5 frames per second vs. 3
* a metal body vs. plastic
* a shutter rated for 100,000 actuations vs. 50,000
* more features
* good ergonomics vs. a tiny grip and having to dive into the menu to change important settings

The 20D is practically identical to the current 30D, so it's very interesting to see the 20D selling for just $900 retail.

The 400D is an entry level model. It's also newer than the 20D, and this in itself offers a few advantages:
* more megapixels (although 10 vs. 8 is not a noticeable improvement until you start printing posters)
* a built-in dust reduction system.
* a larger LCD screen (2.5 inches vs. 1.8)
* scene modes (improves ease of use for a beginner)

Like I said, between these two models, I'd get the 20D.

Have you thought about lenses yet?

Answer 2

Over all the 20D will take better pictures than the XTi because it has a larger sensor than the XTi. It does handle ISO a little better than the XTi does but its not by much. I would get the 20D if you really want a semi-pro camera. But if this is your first SLR I would recommond getting the XTi because its still a great camera just that its a little bit easier to use than the 20D in terms of manuel features.

Overall the 20D will take better pictures than the XTi IF you invest the money in good lens and time into editing RAW pictures.

Answer 3

I suggest looking seriously at the Nikon D50 or D80, as well as the Canons. Either Canon or Nikon will be a fine camera. Nikon's kit lens is a little better. (Of course, I am biased toward Nikon SLRs)

Go to www.dpreview.com or www.stevesdigicams to compare features and specs, see test results, and read reviews.

Then I would go to a camera shop and handle all of them. One or another may feel better in your hands, or the buttons may fall naturally under your fingers. or you might like the viewfinder better or the weight...well, you get the point!

Have fun picking out your new camera.! Don't obsess over which one you end up getting, you will make fabulous pictures with which ever you choose. People get caught up in nitpicking over tiny little details (many times un-noticeable in the image anyway) and forget the satisfaction that photography brings.

So go have fun!

Answer 4

Ok first a correction....
the canon Xt/Xti/20D/30D all use same sized sensor (1.6 FOV crop factor)

IF you go to Canon get the 30D or wait til it's replaced (due sometime this year)

Nikon D40, right now is a b*stard child..... there is only 1 consumer lens that will AF with it and it comes with it (18-55). The only other lenses that will currently AF with that camera are $800-$1800 lenses (AF-S series). Nikon came out with this camera before they were prepared to support it.

If you go Nikon go with the D80, it has a nice feel to it.

THE BEST CAMERA for around $1,000 usd is the Pentax K10D
and of course I'll supply links and proof for quality and awards.

Prime lenses that match Leica
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/columns/sm-02-05-02.shtml

10 meg comparision DSLR's
http://neocamera.com/feature_compare_10mp_dslr.html

Design and engineering awards
http://www.slrtoday.com/articles/117/1/Pentax-Receives-Innovations-Award-for-the-Pentax-K10-dSLR/Pentax-Named-Innovations-2007-Design-and-Engineering-Award-for-Pentax-K10-dSLR.html

Highly recomended by DPREVEIW.com
http://dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxk10d/page25.asp

Used by profesional surf-board photographers, check news for surf board contest in/near LA and you'll find several links

Answer 5

Consider Nikon D40 also.
If you are concerned about low light shooting, check www.dpreview.com. They actually post the photos of different cameras for the same ISO.
Also Pentax K100D. It has Shake reduction feature, which might be useful.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

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