Canon 20D used

[Nathaniel]

It may sound ridiculous to all the experienced members in this forum but I have been offered a Canon 20d in excellent condition for a very low price and am wondering whether to take it. It is not that I wish to collect camera bodies but I am one who prefers not to keep on changing lenses because of my fear of accumulating dirt and grit on the sensors.I know that many members are experts at cleaning their own sensors but this is a mind boggling task for me. So far by changing lenses very rarely I have got clean sensors on my DSLR's. I know that the 20D is an old model but was used by many professionals a few years ago.

My apologies for making a nuisance of myself with such a silly question.

[colin C]

Re: Canon 20D used

Great Camera in it's day and many photographers are still getting great results with it, but it's not for you.

It is the semi-pro body, but with small rear screen, Digic II processor and no self cleaning system, there is no advantage over what you already have.

Look out for a 40D at the right price and that will do you quite nicely.

Colin

[Colin]

Re: Canon 20D used

If it is less than £200 it may be worth considering BUT as Colin says the screen is very small and the high iso performance isn't great. A 40D at around £400 is a much better bet.

[MX5]

Re: Canon 20D used

Put the money in the kitty for the 40D fund.

btw - if it was a 20Da ... then that's a wee bit special.

[Nathaniel]

Re: Canon 20D used

The price being offered is £150 for a well kept and looked after 20D.

[MX5]

Re: Canon 20D used

Nat - I think you have to let this one pass you by. Put the money towards a previously enjoyed 40D if you really do NEED a second body.

I know we all get temptations like this. It's sometimes hard to resist.

[Nathaniel]

Re: Canon 20D used

Point taken. I have fought the temptation and thanks for all your good advice YET AGAIN!! I agree that the auto sensor clean is a big plus as well as a bigger screen

[Quentin]

Re: Canon 20D used

As one currently using both 20D and 50D bodies it all depends! I use the 20D for a specific purpose, in the studio, which it fulfils admirably, and my recently acquired 50D for the remainder (plus a G11), which it also fulfils admirably!
However, for your specific wish to minimise changing lenses the advice you have been given above is sound. To take it to the ultimate, rather than a 40D I would go for a 50D, they are coming down in price all the time as the 'latest gadget freaks' all upgrade!
Quentin

[EOS_Jim]

Re: Canon 20D used

Nat I loved the 20D and many of my favourite images were taken with it. ISO performance is not "bad" just not as good as todays standards. the big let down is the very small screen - useless other than to check the histogram - which really is all you need.

For £150 I think it's a bargain. I sold mine about 2 or 3 mionths ago for a tad under £200.

If you have one camera body, the 20D is a perfect backup. Just learn to use it though so that if something happens to your main camera you can switch immediately.

Cheers
Jim

[DrJon]

Re: Canon 20D used

Wow, if people are getting £200 for them I think I'll sell mine (while trying not to think it cost something like £1300 new)...

I think it's worth its price point, as it can take nice pictures, if you have a 450D or 500D stick with them. (The ISO isn't too bad, it has big pixels.)

John

[EOS_Jim]

Re: Canon 20D used

I got mine from Canada when they just came out. I paid about £600 for mine! Started high but fell very quickly.