Canon 400D or 20D?

[Dave B]

Hi folks,

I notice I can pick up a 2nd hand 20D plus kit lens for about the same price as a new 400D + kit lens.

Which would you go for and why?

Thanks

Dave

[macshark]

Hi folks,

I notice I can pick up a 2nd hand 20D plus kit lens for about the same price as a new 400D + kit lens.

Which would you go for and why?

Thanks

Dave

If you like the bigger grip, better viewfinder, 5fps and the click wheel, go with the 20D if you are willing to take some risk (no warranty, many clicks on the body, etc.)

If you like the 2.5" LCD, 10MP sensor, sensor cleaning, brand new body with warranty, go with the 400D.

[eastwood]

It is much of a personal choice. Macshark has already listed the important points.
One thing you should do, may be, to check out from the information menu about the number of shots already fired in the 2nd hand Camera. Because I think the shutter of the 20D is tested in factory to 50,000 cycles. If the number of shots taken is anything close to this figure, you may expect problem to arise anytime.
Also the EV compensation adjustment of the 20D is in 1/2 step as agaist the 1/3 in 400D.
Hope this can offer you some help.
Eastwood.

[Dave B]

It is much of a personal choice. Macshark has already listed the important points.
One thing you should do, may be, to check out from the information menu about the number of shots already fired in the 2nd hand Camera. Because I think the shutter of the 20D is tested in factory to 50,000 cycles. If the number of shots taken is anything close to this figure, you may expect problem to arise anytime.
Also the EV compensation adjustment of the 20D is in 1/2 step as agaist the 1/3 in 400D.
Hope this can offer you some help.
Eastwood.

Thanks for the advice so far.

I'm mainly interested in getting good quality flight shots using the camera hand-held with, say a 400 prime lens. Are there any significant advantages of one over the other to do this?

[squirrelman]

As far as flight shots go the 20D shoots 5 FPS and the 400D shoots 3 FPS, so 2 FPS slower may make a difference to you if you are trying to get that great flight shot or any other action shot you are trying for.

[UlfL]

I'm mainly interested in getting good quality flight shots using the camera hand-held with, say a 400 prime lens. Are there any significant advantages of one over the other to do this?
The 5 fps and 9 AF points made me switch from 350D to 30D, since I take a lot of flight shots. The 400D has the 9 AF points, and also a larger buffer than the 20D (correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it will record 9 RAW pictures before the buffer is full, the 20D will record 5). Still, the 5 fps alone can make an important difference for flight shots.
Personally, I like the build size and the ergonomics of the 20D/30D better, so if your 20D is technically ok, I think I would opt for the 20D.

[macshark]

Thanks for the advice so far.

I'm mainly interested in getting good quality flight shots using the camera hand-held with, say a 400 prime lens. Are there any significant advantages of one over the other to do this?

Basically, this comes down to whether you need the 5fps or not. Both cameras have the same AF system. If you are using the 400 f/5.6L without a teleconverter, the 400D will probably give you a bit better resolution as this lens can clearly outresolve a 8MP sensor.

20D has a better viewfinder, 400D is lighter and a larger buffer.

It is a tough call, but you can't go wrong with either of these bodies unless you can afford a 1D MkII body.