 Brandon Currey |
Question About the 20D - Obsolete Soon? I currently have the Canon Rebel 2000. I'd like to upgrade to a 20D, because I've really gotten into photography over the past couple of years. In fact, some people are starting to ask for me to take various pics for them. I also have a baby due in February, which would enable me to make lots of pics, and probably save money in the long run with film and development. Plus, I hope to get more business from folks once they see my baby pics. Anyway, my question is: Has anyone heard of a 30D coming out anytime soon? I know the 20D has been out for a while. I'm concerned that as soon as I buy the 20D, and better model will come out and the prices will drop like rocks. I keep going back and forth with the purchase because of the price, so I'm trying to look at all the angles. Thanks for your help.
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John P. Sandstedt |
There is no way to assure that your camera will not become obsolete once you make your purchase. That problem has existed since companies began selling their cameras and increased as photography has move to digital. A camera body is a tool; there's nothing magical about it - in that a good photographer will take great pictures regardless of the camera body. Moving into digital (and in the Canon "mode"), you could consider a Digital Rebel, which is cheaper than the Canon 20D. Since you're concerned about a 30D, which hasn't/may not be announced, I'm concerned that you're worrying way too much about the body of the camera. To me, it makes little sense to buy anything now (playing the "come that people might buy your pictures"). Rather, I'd make sure you develop the demand with what you currently use - that means "hone your skills" Once a real demand appears, justify the body based on need, not manufacturer's literature. But, if you're playing the come, why not go all the way to the Mark IID? Too many people purchase too much camera and spend way too much money for features they'll never use. But, there's the ego-trip issue -"Hey, I've got the latest, most expensive photographic computer!" I spent ~$900 for my Canon EOS 3 body six years ago. Yes, it's film based. I just can't see spending $1300 for a 20D, because it just won't assure me that I'll take better pictures. I scan my slides, negatives and prints, so I'm in the "editing mode." You know I can buy a lot of film for $1300. You indicate the digital you buy will let you take lots of pictures. I sure hope that's not the reason you want a digital. Remember, the more pictures you take, the more you'll have to review, edit, print, etc. That takes time and money. And, remember, just because you'll be able to take a lot of pictures, that's no reason that you should. Rather, you should carefully plan, compose, check lighting, use photographic rules, adjust exposures, use on-camera features, etc. That being said, merely pressing the shutter to take a larger number of essentially-the-same pictures is the way to go.
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Christopher A. Vedros |
Brandon, The "next step up" from the 20D has already been released as the 5D. It is a significant step up, though. It is not meant to replace the 20D. The body goes for about $3300. The 20D currently goes for about $1300 without a lens. I think that price has already come down some from when it was released. Good luck.
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Thea Menagh |
Good morning ... I've been shooting digital for years, and started with the Canon SuperShot!! Do you believe I was shooting weddings with that little, non-SLR camera?! Next, I upgraded to the Rebel ... and used the SuperShot as a back-up. Next, I traded in the SuperShot for a D10 and used the Rebel for a backup. Then, when the D20 came out, I traded in the Rebel & used the D10 for a backup. I so love the D20, I traded in the D10 and now use two D20's. Because I have arthritis (I'm 60 and very busy with maternity, baby, child & family portraits & weddings and events), I've checked the weight of cameras carefully. I figured I could pretty much get used to the features, but to me, weight was most important. Before the D5 came out, the next camera up was way too heavy for me to hold in one hand (which I need to do when photographing babies), and as far as features and all the other considerations, the D20 is wonderful ... for me. At 8.5 megapixels/inch, and the RAW ability to shoot for poster-sized images, anything other than this would be overkill for me. I have Use Agreements with greeting card companies & corporate clients, and any type of printing is just fine with images taken with the D20. I'm not one to shop forever to compare prices ... or wait for the next, better, model. When I find something that works for me (as the Canon D20), I jump in with both feet, and I've never felt more at ease knowing my settings are the same because I have 2 identical cameras!! For me, comfort level during a shoot is my prime concern!
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- Greg McCroskery Contact Greg McCroskery Greg McCroskery's Gallery |
Brandon, Since I assume you have an investment in Canon lenses, and want to stick with Canon, I would say that the 20D would be an excellent investment for you. The problem we can all get into is feeling like we're going to either pay too much or miss the next greatest camera to be released -- life is too short! The 20D was a great camera for the price when it was originally released, and it has not diminished in its usefulness with the passage of time. I shoot with an Olympus E-1 which was released two years ago -- it's still capturing just as excellent images today as it did when the first one was sold. The same holds true of the 20D. I say, unless you can afford an upgrade like the 5D, go for the 20D and start learning how to use it to its potential. God Bless,
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Lewis T. Beasimer |
Going digital is not necessarily less expensive. The costs are not the same, they just shift around to other things. Of course you don’t have to pay to have film developed, but there is still the cost of printing, not to mention storage space on your computer’s hard drive, your time to process the images, and burning the images to DVD (Gold DVDs are the best archival choice). If you haven’t noticed, digital cameras are more expensive than their film cousins. As for film, there are CF cards with an initial higher purchase price but most likely less cost in the long run. I would not go digital with the intention of saving money. The 20D is a great camera. The fact is that now that cameras are little hand held computers, they are replaced more often. It’s just like buying a PC for the most part. I have no knowledge of any new model coming out, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they announced the 20D’s replacement late next year. My speculation is only based on historical release patterns. I don’t think there will be a replacement announced in a couple weeks. That being said, should that prevent you from getting a 20D? I don’t think so. When you purchase a PC, you know there will be a better faster model coming out; do you upgrade your computer with every model release? Do you wait for that one computer that will not become obsolete? I suspect the answer is no. A PC relates well to a digital camera, but they are not exactly comparing apples to apples either. I started shooting digital with the 10D. It was a great camera and I enjoyed using it very much. After a year with the 10D, the 20D was announced. I reviewed the differences as I was not about to upgrade to a camera if I wasn’t going to benefit from the differences. After careful consideration I decided to upgrade. I sold my camera for about $350 less than what I paid for it and bought the 20D. I can say with a certainty that the upgrade benefits for me was worth the expense. Now I’m watching the price of the 20D drop from where they where when first released. Even though I feel I made the right decision and couldn’t be happier with the 20D. When the next generation camera is released, I will review the differences and decided to upgrade or not based on the benefits I can take advantage of. If I can’t benefit from the differences, there is no reason for me to justify the cost of upgrading. As long as I shoot digital, I’m always going to be faced with a “better” model being released. As for you starting out, unless you know specifically of a new model, this is not something I would worry about.
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Thea Menagh |
Fantastic response, Lewis. You've just about covered it! Just a reminder .. remember with digital that each time you upgrade your camera to a higher megapixel one, you'll need more memory cards, more batteries, and perhaps a more powerful flash (with batteries!), and additional lenses. And here's something really important to consider ... find a reputable camera outlet such as Henry's in Toronto, and stick with it. I've worked with the same sales rep for years, and he gives me his undivided attention each time I come in. There's never a problem with exchanges, and I get the best prices. It helps to make yourself known as an honest, fair, and 'returning' customer. I also bring my cameras into the CANON Service Centre for regular overall checks & maintenance of the shutters to ensure consistent good working order and cleanliness. It feels good to know I won't NEED to upgrade again. There's enough of that with my software programs and other computer needs ... like memory!! Be well, everyone!
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Lewis T. Beasimer |
Thanks Thea, You make a valid point regarding accessories. For me, the memory cards, flashes, lenses and all the accessories have transferred well from one model to the next. Going from a Canon DSLR to a Canon DSLR most likely will not be a big deal outside of the memory card issue and possibly those S lenses. Even so, I continue to invest in my equipment and purchase the items that either push my limits or help me shoot the things I like. In my opinion, this scenario exists in both the film and digital camps. LB
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Brad A. Oaks |
At $1300, I think the 20D is a bargain. If you are jonesing for a full-frame DSLR and considering the 5D, I would not buy it before January or Febuary. Why? Nikon's just announced D200 has, I think, sent some shockwaves into the market and price point on current DSLR's, most notably the 5D. Although not a FF like the 5D, the D200 specs out very favorably at about half the cost and will put heavy downward pressure on the price of the 5D. The 8MP, 5fps, high ISO performance of the 20D will mean that it will not become obsolete anytime soon, no matter what comes out before PMA. It is a solid performer that has most of the features that most people want. If you wanted to wait for the 30D, expect it to be positioned near the D200 and comparably priced. I don't think the 20D will be significantly discounted fromwhere it is now when the 30D releases, IMHO. With your baby due in February, I think it would be better to get a camera now in order to get yourself quite familiar with it before the baby arrives. You're likely to be fairly busy and distracted after the birth, and not have the time or patience required to learn a new piece of equipment. If you are fairly new to digital in general, this is even more reason to get an early start on devising a work flow, and honing editing techniques.
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x |
If the 20D is valid now, it will be valid in ten years. It's ludicrious about the way we are in a feeding frenzy over megapixels. As a pro, there are reasons why I may buy a new model camera. The 5D, with it's full frame and affordable price, just gave me a reason. But, my 20D's are still very valid and serve their purposes very well. Don't jump on the bandwagon. I use my Rebel all the time at home. It's great for what it does. Why would you want to upgrade? Is there a particular feature you want?
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Ken Henry |
Damn! My Black & Decker Toaster I purchased 6 months ago is already outdated. I could REALLY use that No-Burn control feature. So, I better get that NEW toaster so 'it' can make me a better cook. Parden me, Ken
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Brandon Currey |
Hello. My name is Ken H. I am a smart ass.
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John Rhodes |
Brandon, I guess I don't look at obsolence like many do. Does my camera take great photos? Will it continue to take great photos after a newer model comes out? If the answer is yes, then I don't see a need to upgrade, at least not now. John
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- Bob Cournoyer Contact Bob Cournoyer Bob Cournoyer's Gallery  |
Lord, I hope it won't be obsolete since I just ordered one!!!!!! Bob
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Thea Menagh |
Obsolete is in the heart of the owner!! The computer guru who built my computer, builds a new one every 6 months because he says the 'old' one's obsolete. He can afford to do that. I saved for a long time and worked long, hard hours to earn the money to buy my two 20D's which I use for weddings & portrait sessions (one's a backup). The memory cards & lithium batteries will not become obsolete ... so neither will the camera! I have the equipment I need, and until I run it into the ground, for me, it will not become obsolete. Same goes for my car!! I'm not looking to do work where I NEED a different camera. Anything more than what I have now would be overkill for the work I do. And the work I do is what I can afford to do and will continue to do ... and do it well. If I can't do the job asked for by a prospective client with the equipment I have, I offer my regrets. What ever happened to limitations?! I have priorities ... my kids & granddaughters. Consistent upgrading is not one of my priorities. There's no need for sarcasm. We just need to remember that some people work with the equipment & some consider them toys. If you can afford toys, you don't need a pot lid & wooden spoon!! Have a great day, everyone.
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- Bob Cournoyer Contact Bob Cournoyer Bob Cournoyer's Gallery |
Did I say something wrong? Bob
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Thea Menagh |
No, Bob ... you certainly did not, and I'm very sorry if I gave you that impression. I hope you'll enjoy your 20D as much as I do mine. It's absolutely wonderful! Mayby my tone was due to having gotten only 2 hours of sleep. One of those 'might as well get up and do something useful' nights! Take care, and thanks for letting me know how my response sounded. It wasn't intentional! Kind regards, Thea
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- Bob Cournoyer Contact Bob Cournoyer Bob Cournoyer's Gallery |
Whew, thanks, Thea...:-) I plan on enjoying the heck out of it....Now I just have to think of something to get for my wife of equal or greater (probably greater when she finds out what I bought) value for Xmas! Bob
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Ken Henry |
My apologies Brandon! But, I was playing with ya. Your concerns are valid, because you as well as me are growing to a more confident and competent photographers. And that is why we look for "better" gear to keep up with our growth. Stepping up to the 20D will be real exciting because it's a real power horse with all sorts of tricks and capabities. Besides, it's usually better to not buy the begining production of new models. It takes about a year or more to fix all the new bugs. By the near end of production they have become solid performing tanks with upgrades and lower prices. (My equipment sales and mfg background)
Ken.....the smart ass, oh well.
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Craig m. Zacarelli |
I cant afford the 20D so Im hoping a new cam comes out so the 20D drops. Craig-
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Kerry L. Walker |
"Ken.....the smart ass, oh well." Better than being a dumb*** like me!
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Dr. Evil |
you called it
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David A. Bliss |
I am very late on this thread, I realize ;-) I bought the 10D shortly before the DRebel came out. Then about a year later the 20D came out. Was I disappointed? Sure, a little, but I have never regreted buying the 10D. I can't afford to upgrade to the 20D yet, and the 5D held no extra appeal to me other than the full frame sensor. I am waiting to see what happens in the digital SLR arena. I believe there will be a replacement for the 20D, since the 5D is too expensive to most hobbyists and not quite good enough for pros. With that said, I would not wait if I were you. Get the 20D. You can probably find some good deals, or even find one used. It is a great camera. As for the issue of getting digital to shoot a lot of pictures, I can only speak from my own experience. I was a mediocre to fairly good photographer for many years, simply because I couldn't afford to shoot a lot of film. Yes, I know, taking time to make the shot right is always best, but, shooting mostly landscapes as I do, there are so many variables. I came into some money, bought the 10D, and have since seen my ability increase by leaps and bounds. I had the ability to bracket, experiment with different shutter speed/aperture settings, and shoot from many different angles to see what worked. Buying the digital was one of the best things I have done to improve my photography.
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