Anyone have either of these cameras? Is the the extra $300--400 dollar difference between the two worth it? the primary difference seems to be a larger LCD and 5fps vs. 2.5fps rapid shot modes.

Also, it is worth ponying up the additional $400-500 for the EF-S 17-85 stabilized lens or should I just start out with the stock EF-S 18-55mm non-stabilized lens?

Adam

I am a Nikon man myself, but I would go with the 30D camera but I would stick with the basic lens until I found I needed it

I don't have an SLR, but in my experience I love the large LCD. (I have a Sony DSC-V3, with a 2.1" LCD.)

I've always been a Nikon man as well, I've had or have an SP, F, F2 and an F3. When the newspaper I work for got me a digital camera it was a 10D and it is very nice, I've heard the difference between it and the 20D isn't that great -- more megapixals. Haven't much knowledge of the 30D, guess I'll have to do some reading up. The Canon camera is very well made. The LCD size would make the 30D nicer to use, but $300 nicer? I'd save my money for lenses -- kinda like speakers for your stereo -- get the best you can afford.

I'd go with the latest one. I just picked up a Nikon D200 myself.

Good research site for all DSLR.

http://www.dpreview.com/

Here's a good site for reviews as well. I've gone there for info on DSLRs and photo printers.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/

I'd go with the latest one. I just picked up a Nikon D200 myself.

Jmark, the Nikon D200 looks like a nice camera but it's just a bit over my budget once you factor in a lens and accessories. Thanks for the pointer to dpreview.com. This is where I have done most of my research to date.

Go240Zags, thanks for the pointer, I haven't been there yet.

I'll probably go with the Canon 20D at this point and spend the difference between that and the 30D on accessories. It depends on how much commission I make this quarter. I have to save the rest for my trip to Europe.

A friend just returned from Alaska with pics from her 20D. Some of the most amazing shots I've seen from a digital camera. Of course the lens is huge in pic quality and I can't comment on what she is using other than a 100mm macro, but it was the best sales tool I know.

You have pretty much pointed out the differences, Adam. If the larger LCD and faster "drive" speed is worth it to you, get the 30D. I would not imagine the image stabilization is necessary for the lens unless you plan to shoot a lot of low light exposures without the flash. My EF75-300 is IS. I had trouble calibrating the 550 EX flash, but other than that, the 20D is my recommendation.

I have been doing research about EOS 30D. I found a site that lists all expert reviews about it in which most are positive. You can compare what the experts are saying and I hope you can learn a lot from them which would make your decision a lot easier. Here's the link:

http://www.smartratings.com/review/photography/digital_cameras/175

LCD size:

I have a 350D and am seriously considering the 400D just because of the larger LCD. Even though I can zoom in to check the pic, I would rather have a bigger screen to check the shot and waste less time checking shots. Bigger is better in this case.

Lens:

I bought the 17-85 with IS. I really like the lens and find it quite usable. It overlaps nicely with my long lens, 70(?)-300.

My brother in-law has the 20D and got the 18-55. It is an okay lens but the zoom range is limiting. He ended up getting a (non-Canon) lens that is ~17-200 (no IS) and is rather happy with it.

One disadvantage to the 17-85 is that the lens casts a shadow on very close-up shots when using the built-in flash. (Something I almost never do)

Frame speed:

I think the 20D and 30D are 5fps. My 350D is 2.8fps. My brother in-laws 20D *is* noticeably quicker. But, I rarely shoot continuously. A moot point if you are choosing btwn a 20d and 30d.

Final thoughts:

I third the DPReview.com recommendation. This is an excellent resource.

I would consider the 400D (aka Digital Rebel XTI) for the following reasons:

- lower cost, $685 vs $1121 (Body only at BHphoto.com)

- lighter weight

- smaller package. (B in-law gets tired of 20D bulk, may get a 400D next)

Get IS for your long lens.

Get the 580EX flash, though the 430EX is very nice.

Shop at Bhphoto.com. I really like these guys.

Al

If you think you might shoot auto racing/sports get the faster camera.