Canon DSLR: EOS 350D or 20D?

[michael lai]

Benny has recommended me to get the 350D. After doing some research these few days, a second hand 20D could be had for about 1.4-1.5 w/o lens, do you think it's a good buy? I probably would be using it to take fish..heehee, please advise.

[mervin]

to buy the 350 or 20 .....personally i have not use the 350 so can't say much except i like the "feel" of the 20 cos its bigger and more "solid".

i just started out not that long ago....i guess i not a very good person to give advice....sorry....

benny will be a better person to clear any doubts.

[michael lai]

Thanks, mervin. Didn't want to ask Benny too much, wait he come at me with the monopod again or was that Simon?

[mervin]

guess 20 or 350 is ok, i feel that what matters is technique is most important in aquatic photography.

benny is the right person to speak to, just look at his work !

[hwchoy]

both 350D and 20D produces about the same image quality. one major difference is handling. you need to get your hands on a set to see which fits your personal preference. for me I decided the right one for me is a 20D with battery grip. some people like it small, some like it big, so try it out.

the 20D does have some features over the 350D, e.g. better AF capabilities and that 5FPS shooting mode. but it is also bigger so if you like it small then it would be a disadvantage.

[budak]

it not size that matters, but how you shoot it.... hehe

[hwchoy]

size is important for comfort lah. especially if your sessions are hours at a stretch

[michael lai]

Thanks, Choy. On my part I can only afford 1 camera for the forseeable future. So was kind of hesitating between the 2. Was also thinking since I would have to buy another macro lens, the 20D body becomes a option too. Is the size between the 2 alot or weight?

[hwchoy]

yes budget for a lens. 20d and 350d is quite a lot of difference in size. I think the 350d without a grip your last two fingers will be dangling. the 20d without a grip, only my pinky is dangling.

[michael lai]

Thanks for the info, Choy. Mervin, sorry for going out of topic.

[valice]

Sorry for continuing with the OT, but just want to remind Michael that budget a flash first before a macro lens... With flash, your kit lens can still give you good photos, need to crop only...Without flash, it is a pain to photograph fishes... Trust me...

[michael lai]

Thanks Benny,
Since we are here might as well Here it goes....
1) The 350D standard lens can used for fish photography or must get another macro lens? BTW, what's the standard lens?
2) Which macro should I get? Budget?
3) Which flash should I get? Budget?
4) Any other accessories? Tripod( monopod?? ) remote control? Budget?
5) 350D users would like to hear your recommendation, thanks.
6) This size thing the grip or feel, any more comments from 350D and 20D users??
7) Ranma would like to hear yours too on your new toy and how it has work for you and why you decided to get that model??
Justikanz would also like to hear from you how the hobby is catching on?? Any particular remarks on the 350D?
Thanking all in advance. Please bear with me as I'm starting from ground zero..

[budak]

Standard lens is 18-55 mm... no good for fish or close-up.... better for 'wide angle' and party shots. Macro lens: get the Canon 100 mm if you don't mind the price, but I hear good reviews for the much cheaper Tamron 90 mm too. I got my 350D together with the battery grip, which feels just right for my fat fingers.

[valice]

Hi Michael,

1) Standard kit lens for 350D is the 18-55mm lens. I tried using the kit lens with an external flash, and it is still good...
2) At the 100mm+-, there is the Canon 100mm/F2.8 USM, the Tamron 90mm and the Sigma 105mm... The Canon is the most expensive, followed by Tamron and Sigma. I using the Tamron and I like the sharpness...
5) 350D is a good starter camera... Still learning about its full capability.
6) I using 350D, it is abit 'thin' for my hands, so got lobang between fingers and camera sometimes...


Hope this helps abit... From a neither here nor there 350D user...

[michael lai]

Thanks Budak, Valice,
So if I'm reading correct, the 350D is great but need to buy new lens and grip to fit into what I want to do? fish taking...Err I read earlier on, the canon 100mm can buy another new 350D and still got small change leh.

[valice]

All SLRs need to buy extra lenses sooner or later... Hehheh... With the grip, it gives you extra battery life too since you can have a 2nd one in it... And better stability too.. When shooting fishes, the batteries runs out very quickly... Hahaha...

Think the Canon one is around 950+? My Sigma is about 540+... Just to give you a gauge...

[Simon]

michael, is boils down to your preference, some like it small, light, while others like me prefer a heavier body. Why don't you try out both cameras before you decide? or do you want to play around with my 300d first?

I agree that you have to consider the other factors too, like lenses and flash :P. Like most people, they hardly take those in consideration and realised at the end of the day, how much more they have to fork out

[michael lai]

Thanks Simon, I might take you up on that offer( 300D ). The thing here is I'm trying to tie down to a budget. Been spending quite alot on my hobbies and the next thing I don't need is another white elephant in the storeroom. So really appreciate you guys giving your advise over this. Hey, maybe I'll really take up that Volunteer thing, who knows..

[Simon]

do let me know, but I do not have any lenses to go with it :P

[michael lai]

The lens thing I would have to approach the 'ONE' who works in Orchard road.