Well...just played with the 20D as stated and wow. Its like going from a yugo to a 720i in terms of performance. After an hour of assurring me that my wife wouldn't divorce me for buying one, the sales clerk and I came to a devious little arrangement. I'm going to buy it for my wife for Mother's Day Seriously... What camera would you buy if you had no lenses or other accessories to sway you one way or the other. Keep in mind here if I go over $1500 for the camera, it could be really bad for the DTI (domestic tranquility index) ..... Index goes from -10 all the way up to 0. You're never in positive territory. The best you can do is break even. My DTI is currently running a -5 due to the work load lately so any camera over $1500 would make that hit rock bottom. <_<
Later,
Gary
Buy a used 20D from all those shooters that MUST upgrade to a 30D or a 5D.
Dave has the correct answer.
Go used - think maybe a Nikon D70.
There are loads of idiots out there ( and I am one of them ) who have baught into the D200 and will shortly be needing to shift one year old equipment so as to mitigate their own DTI.
Paul C
Well...just played with the 20D as stated and wow. Its like going from a yugo to a 720i in terms of performance. After an hour of assurring me that my wife wouldn't divorce me for buying one, the sales clerk and I came to a devious little arrangement. I'm going to buy it for my wife for Mother's Day
You should also give hints that you'd like a housing for Father's day.
The 350D has essentially the same sensor as the 20D and is now down to ~$700. However, the camera body is only the tip of the iceberg on the $$ needed for a system. Housing, lenses, ports, strobes.... will add up to much more.
I think there is a DTI kit that includes camera and 15 roses for a little more
"The 350D has essentially the same sensor as the 20D and is now down to ~$700."
It's currently cheaper than that. Canon has rebate going that gets it down to $570 to $580 through several reputable retailers;
Ditto what others are saying. The Canon 20D is a great camera, but if keeping costs down is a DTI factor go for a Rebel XT. I have TWO that have produced thousands of photos allowing me to spend more on lenses plus actually have $$$$ to go diving and shoot photos
It is not a little toy either, as many, many reviews attest to. The sensor and quality images produced out of the Rebel XT / 350D is equal to the 20D, for a lot less. Some minor ergonomics that are easy to overcome if you practice with the camera and know the controls. I personally LOVE the small, light size for traveling....
Hope this helps!
dhaas
I just went throught this myself. I acutally purchased a new 20D on sale at Circuit City. The day that it arrived, I decided that I might as well go with the 30D for just a little more. If I am going to spend all that cash on housings and such, I figured I might as well start with the latest version of the product line. Again, it was only a couple hundred more :-)
Now I am searching for the right lens for use above and below water. I am thinking the Image Stabalized lenses may be a bonus underwater (considering currents and all).
Anyone have some advice? Currently leaning toward a 70-300/4-5.6 IS USM Cannon lens.
Greg
Currently leaning toward a 70-300/4-5.6 IS USM Cannon lens.
I don't think any housing manufacturer produces ports for this lens, and I've never heard of anybody using it underwater. When you decide on a housing check their website for a lens compatibility chart.
Luiz
The only long lens I'd consider for underwater use is Canon's 70-200 F4L
It's small and focuses reasonable close when used with a +2 diopter. You'll need a zoom gear at the back and a focus gear at the front. And a flat port that has a focus knob on the front.
Cheers
James
Thanks for all the feedback. Seems like the Canon Rebel XT is a logical choice considering my DTI.... Roses + Rebel = Longevity. How could she argue since we're going to Cozumel in June?
for Mother's Day 
Seriously... What camera would you buy if you had no lenses or other accessories to sway you one way or the other. Keep in mind here if I go over $1500 for the camera, it could be really bad for the DTI (domestic tranquility index) 
