What's the difference between the Canon 20D and 30D?

[islandfamily.com]

I really just take photos of my kids. I currently have a Nikon D200 and do love it but lately it has given me a little trouble, same thing happened with my D70 after a while. So I was thinking of getting a Canon. I take so many photos that I never feel guilty buying a new camera ; )

Can anyone tell me the difference between the Canon 20D and 30D?

Thanks!!

Michele
www.islandfamily.com

[Lauren]

Not a huge amount, but here you go...

New features:
- Spot metering
- ISO in 1/3 stop increments
- New "Picture Styles" for JPG settings
- ISO in viewfinder (only when changing)
- RGB Histogram

Improved features:
- 2.5" LCD (20D has 1.8")
- Larger buffer (30 frames instead of 23)
- Choice of 5fps or 3fps (20D is locked at 5fps)
- Additional custom function (I have no idea what, to be honest)
- Improved AF (still 9 point, but apparently better)


If you're shooting in RAW, the image quality should be identical as they use the same sensor and processor. Picture styles may provide a slightly different image quality in JPG mode, but I haven't seen a comparison between the two. I think it's safe to say that the image quality between the two will be close enough to not call one better than the other.

If it were me and money was no object, I would get the 30D as the new features are useful. However if on a budget, a used (or even new on clearance) 20D is probably considered the best value Canon buy at the moment.

[Lauren]

And this is pasted from Bob Atkins at photo.net...

Canon EOS 30D or EOS 20D?
The EOS 20D is a very good camera indeed. I've been using one for over a year and I've been very happy with it. Good resolution, low noise, very good quality. Even though the 20D and 30D share the same digital sensor, the 30D does have some nice additional features. A larger LCD screen which, from my experience with the EOS 5D, is significantly easier to read (especially if your close vision isn't all that it once was!). The firmware improvement such as Picture Styles, and RGB histogram, tweaked AF etc. are also a definite plus, as is the addition of a spotmeter. Though these extra feature don't change the intrinsic image quality, they do make the camera easier to use and features like the spot meter and RGB histogram allow the advanced user to more tightly control and analyze exposure.

Right now the 20D is selling for around $1150. The 30D is expected to sell at $1400 initially. If I didn't already have an EOS 20D, I think I'd pay the extra $250 for the new Canon EOS 30D. Whether it's worth the expense of selling a 20D for maybe $900 and buying a 30D for $1400 is a different question. For some it will be, for some it won't. The image won't be any better, though the EOS 30D will be a nicer camera to use.

Welcome over to the Canon side, btw! ;)

[islandfamily.com]

Thanks very much!! I really appreciate this. I would have to say that I am definitely leaning towards the 30D now.

xoxo Michele
www.islandfamily.com

[Hollie]

Right now the 20D is selling for around $1150. The 30D is expected to sell at $1400 initially

I got the 30D for $1199--it was temporarily on sale from $1299. Not much more to pay either way, really. Maybe some people don't care about spot metering, but I was surprised that it was new on the 30D and I wanted it.

[Lauren]

Hollie, the article is fairly old so the prices are probably out of date. :)

I have to say I didn't think I'd care about the larger LCD since I don't "chimp" that much. But I love it! The new ISO features are very handy too.

[Deanna]

id be all over it for the spot metering!

[islandfamily.com]

So if I went with the 30D and bought the 70-300 lense but wanted ONE more lense for doing portraits what should it be?

Thanks!!

Michele

[Deanna]

the 50 mm f1.8 is a nice cheap lens...its like 100 bucks..and lets you go pretty open, and get some great DOF....the 50mm f1.4 is about 400...better qaulity lens...but you can buy 4 of the 1.8's for the price of 1 1.4,,,

[Lauren]

85mm 1.8 unless the focal length is too long for you indoors (135mm film equiv.) then one of the 50s. 50mm 1.8 is the bargain of the lens lineup but I don't personally like it because of its build quality, I would get the 1.4.

Or if you wanted double duty and a 2.8 lens would be fast enough (usually is for natural light portraits, but can struggle a bit in low light - Canon's high ISO is very good though so don't be afraid to use it) the 60mm macro is an amazing lens for portraits. My favourite shot (http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/pg.asp?cmd=display&layout_id=893881) of my husband was taken with this lens (on the XT, btw).