20D or XTi, either with a 17-85mm

yoyostockyoyostock Registered Users Posts: 120 Major grins
edited November 22, 2007 in Cameras
OK, I know practically every this or that permutation has been tossed out there, but how about this one...a 20D or an XTi, either of which with a 17-85mm?

A buddy of mine just had a baby, and he's looking to buy his first DSLR. He's willing and wanting to learn how to fully use his soon-to-be camera, there there is some investment mindedness there. But he's no photo enthusiast yet, so there is also the chance that he'll not like it. He'll mainly be shooting pictures of his new baby, but I'm sure it'll expand to other things. And price is a factor, and he's wanting to keep in at $1000 max.

He's been leaning towards the Nikon D40x with the standard kit lens. It's a good start. The XTi is also in the running. But, I wonder...what about a 20D, with a 17-85mm lens? Yes, the 20D's a little older, but two things...that wheel on the back is key, and the (missing) LCD on top of either the D40x or the XTi is a big minus for me. Think the 20D option is OK? A bad idea?

Comments

  • z_28z_28 Registered Users Posts: 956 Major grins
    edited November 19, 2007
    I'll chose 20D.
    I never owned 17-85, have different priorities.
    But it may be good as only one lens kit.
    D300, D70s, 10.5/2.8, 17-55/2.8, 24-85/2.8-4, 50/1.4, 70-200VR, 70-300VR, 60/2.8, SB800, SB80DX, SD8A, MB-D10 ...
    XTi, G9, 16-35/2.8L, 100-300USM, 70-200/4L, 19-35, 580EX II, CP-E3, 500/8 ...
    DSC-R1, HFL-F32X ... ; AG-DVX100B and stuff ... (I like this 10 years old signature :^)
  • Moogle PepperMoogle Pepper Registered Users Posts: 2,950 Major grins
    edited November 19, 2007
    I'd take the 20D over the other choices! But don't worry about him not being a photo enthusiast ... yet.clap.gifD He will soon join us!
    Food & Culture.
    www.tednghiem.com
  • Scott_QuierScott_Quier Registered Users Posts: 6,524 Major grins
    edited November 20, 2007
    I'm unable to advise RE the Nikon as I know almost nothing about the Nikon line, but between the XTi and the 20D - go with the 20D - no question in my mind.
  • yoyostockyoyostock Registered Users Posts: 120 Major grins
    edited November 20, 2007
    Thanks everyone! I think the 20D route will be better too. It'll do the job, as well fit within his price range, and help him learn to make adjustments and play around with his camera until which time he decides to upgrade...to the 60D or whatever Canon will have at that time.
  • claudermilkclaudermilk Registered Users Posts: 2,756 Major grins
    edited November 20, 2007
    Yup, the 20D is a workhorse. Still a great camera even 2 generations old.
  • Dusty SensibaDusty Sensiba Registered Users Posts: 91 Big grins
    edited November 22, 2007
    Male hands
    Male hands=large
    20D=large (comparatively)
    XTi=small

    My big hands needed a 20D but I limped along with at XT for a year and a half waiting.

    My wife is happy with the XT, but I wonder what I'd do with that small of a camera now.
  • leaforteleaforte Registered Users Posts: 1,948 Major grins
    edited November 22, 2007
    I started out with the 20D and 17-85, and though adding a few more lenses, I still use the 17-85 most days. I love the combo.

    EXAMPLES:

    20D w/ 17-85 72mm EXIF

    195939657-L.jpg

    20D w/ 17-85 @ 50mm EXIF

    173480276-L.jpg
    Growing with Dgrin



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