[www.adorama.com]

5 frame a second and ISO 1600 and 3200 that are pretty useable. Great for action particularly in lower light shooting.

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I am presented with a dilemma. My 20D is currently ailing. When I power it on or remove and replace the battery the shutter begins to chatter. It doesn't stop. A fast loud chatter. I removed the battery and the date-time battery for a day and reinserted them. Still the problem persists. I've contacted Canon and they recommend that I send it in for inspection and repair. It needs a thorough cleaning also. With the cost of the 20D now so low, should I simply buy another? or consider a different model? I'm invested in Canon lensing but could sell if needed. I prefer Canon but want to be open to suggestion.

WillyB - did they say how much it would cost to give an estimate? It might be worth getting an estimate first and make the final decision then. For me, if my 20d were doing the same, the point of not worth fixing is probably around $300.

michael

I doubt that I'll get an estimate until it's inspected. I've not sent it yet in hope that someone will chime in with a DIY repair idea. I agree that $300 is a good number but even $300 would be put toward a well used Camera. Using EXIF viewer, where in the EXIF data is the total number of shutter clicks found? How many clicks are a lifetime estimate? Methinks I'm now more confused.

The repair should be no more than $300. What's nice about Canon service is when they repair a camera, they clean and fix everything. For that <$300 you'll have a camera that is as good as new (minus any minor scuffs and scratches).

I'd guess a blown shutter.

The shutter on the 20D is only rated for 50K exposures but I don't think it's actually warrantied. And shutter problems on the 20D are fairly common and don't necessarily wait until 50K exposures.

Thanks! I'll ship it out tomorrow. It needs a good cleaning anyway. This is a convenient time to send in my battery grip too. How quickly are repairs normally made?

WillyB, I would get it fixed, but I would relegate to being my backup camera. Then I'd get a 30D or just save up for the hopefully upcoming 40D.

I only know that after buying my 20D for around $1500, which I considered a great deal at the time, I think pRON is just trying to make me feel bad with his posts about the 20D pricing

Certainly, for this price, it's a terrific deal with its excellent build quality and many features. I haven't had any problems with my heavily used 20D.

I'm very happy with my camera, but if I could afford it I'd upgrade to the 5D… but I can't afford it

As I always say, "that's just my opinion, I could be wrong."

GeneL

I think it's finally reached the point to where by Digital Rebel --- yes, the 300D --- is now worth about as little as the Elan II it replaced. The Elan could be worth more, or will be one day. Gotta love digital technology.

I'm still using my 300D as well. I've got the hacked firmware, and the 3200 ISO is very important to me. So a newer Rebel is not an option.

It would be nice to have the faster processor/programming, though. The 300D is dreadfully slow pulling up pics on the back compared to the newer Canons.

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Don't ask who the bell's for, dude. It's you.

Price seems to read $719 now....

I've been thinking for a long time about getting into a DSLR.... Can't decide if something like this with a cheap-ish lens (gulp--$150-200 or so?) is better than an XT/XTi plus its universally despised kit lens.

IMHO the best way to go is to buy the better camera and start off slow with the best lens you can afford.

I bought the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Image Stabilized AutoFocus Wide Angle Telephoto Zoom Lens as my first lens. It does a great all-around job and costs $404 at Adorama for a US, not grey-market lens. You might find it for less.

For me it has been a perfect "starter lens."

BTW, Best Buy price matched Adorama and B&H for me since I had print outs showing both price and that they had brick and mortar stores.

If your credit is good, it's certainly worth stretching a little bit for the best quality you can buy. This equipment should last a long time and whatever new technology comes along, your pictures will still reflect the quality of your equipment if it's top notch.

You'll also end up needing an external flash unit and there is no question in my mind that the 580EX was worth the "stretch" it took for me to buy it.

One nice thing was that by buying these items at Best Buy with both price matching and extended terms (a year or more no interest) the "pain" was diminished.

Oh yes, you might buy just the body to save a few bucks. I've never even taken the kit lens out of the box and I've never heard that anyone has said anything good about it.

As I always say, "that's just my opinion, I could be wrong."

GeneL

Yup. Up to $719 now...bummer.

I'd say its pretty much a toss up 20D vs XTi. Frame rate, a bit more rugged, and more professional controls vs. dust removal and lightweight. Image quality essentially identical.
No matter which you choose, look to the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8.