Differences between Canon 20D and 30D? Is 30D worth it?

Question

Trying to choose between the two cameras, wanting to know if the 30D has a big enough difference to justify the extra $300-400. Advice? Thanks!

Great feedback so far, thank you so much!!!

Answer 1

If your not a pro, or pro amateur, then go with the 20D, save your money for a lens to go with it. However, if you are wanting to get into photography, go with the 30D, most people answered why if you go with this route. If you like sports, the frame burst rate is awesome on the 30D. It would be an excellent camera for you, but so would the 20D. I personally shoot with a 5D and a D60 for a backup. If you want speed, go with Canon, image quality? stick with Canon and invest for the 5D. Nikon's are great system's, however the lenses is where they nip you in the butt for prices. And they dont read and write as fast as the CMOS sensors for Canon. Nikon still uses CCD senors for better image quality, however with Canon new Digic II processor, it helps, and so does the wonderful adjustments in the menu for color and temperature. So as for me, between those two, 20D and then get a killer lens. If you want Gold, save for a 5D. :)

Answer 2

I'll wade in here. I use the Canon 30D. I stepped up from the 350XT. I am very impressed with how "quiet" the chip is for low light, high ISO shots. I do a lot of model photography by candlelight. Do not use the in-between ISO settings. 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 or 3200. Don't use the ones like 350.

I also love the ability to select how fast the camera takes photos in "fast mode." The 30D allows you to select 1 shot, 3 shots per second, or ten shots per second with the button depressed. I love the 3 shot mode.

I like the build and feel of the camera. The batteries are also longer lived, it seems. The view and the back panel are a tad larger (I still wish the eyepiece were bigger). The 30D takes CF cards larger than 2 Gig, too. I am not sure about the 20D.

The 5D was almost my choice but I have a 10-22mm EF-S lens I would have lost on that deal.

My lenses?
10-22mm EF-S
24 mm f/1.4 L series
28-135mm IS
50 mm USM f/1.4
100-400 mm L series IS

Promaster 7500 flash (just bought a Gary Fong Lightdome for it)

Answer 3

The 30D is a big step up from the 20D. It inherits alot of it's features from the 5D, which is a completely awesome camera. If you are stuck in the Canon platform, such as already having alot of lenses, then the 30D is worth the investment. But if you are starting new with an SLR system, take a really, really close look at Nikon. Their picture quality is second to none. I personally own a Pentax K10D which is no slouch itself, and has a better price point for prosumer features.

Answer 4

In my opinion, the 30D isn't worth the extra price. The biggest advantage of the 30D is the addition of a spot meter. Here's the full list of improvements as part of an in-depth review for the 30D: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos30d/
In fact, when the 30D specs were announced, even Canon users agreed that it didn't deserve a new model number. A true replacement was expected again this year, at the recent PMA show, but again Canon failed to deliver. In this segment, anyway - they did announce a spectacular new pro model.
The rumour now has it that Canon will announce a 40D this summer. Who knows?
The only certainty is that the 20D currently offers fantastic value for money.

Answer 5

The rear LCD is bigger- that's a plus. I've got the 20D, and that 1.8" LCD becomes useless pretty quickly.

here's what DPReview had to say- which sums it up well:

"So eighteen months after the EOS 20D comes the EOS 30D, which honestly has to be one of the least exciting upgrades so far. The real headline improvements are a larger LCD monitor, standardizing on 'Picture Style', spot metering, third stop ISO selection and selectable continuous shooting speeds."

only you can decide if the LCD, the spot meter, and being able to select between 5fps and 3fps is worth the extra $ to you. (the 20D does 5fps but not 3fps).

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos30d/

Answer 6

30D's ISO can be set in 1/3 EV increments. Spot meter, bigger lcd, shutter rated at 100.000 cycles. 20D's shutter life was unspecified. It inherits the picture style functions from the 5D. You can set a low speed burst mode with 30D. Dont know why you'd want to. Direct print button. (never use that).

Answer 7

Really depends. Do you really need a spot meter? Do you really need Picture Styles (Adjustable picture styles preset in the camera)?

If these are all maybe or no, then no its not worth it. I would either wait till the newer verson comes out since it is basically the 20D just with more features.

Answer 8

1) frame rate difference
2) LCD difference
3) noise reduction is better in 20D..

Steve Davidson also uses 20D..
check more reviews..

Answer 9

unless you are professional
go with the cheapest
it will be more than enough for you