Help Choosing Canon 20D Setup (Body, lenses, flash, etc)

Ken Tough wrote:

Alan Browne wrote:


Ken Tough wrote:

But I've had half-used film in my FE2 for probably years now, and

"half-used film" -- does that mean it's underexposed by 1 stop?


I tried to avoid the same thing happening years ago by taking
the roll out mid-use to be put back in later. After a few years
I forgot what it was, re-shot it, and so ended up with a roll
of mostly double-exposures. So it went from being half used
to being twice used. Bugger.


'twas just a little exposure humor. I do mid-rolls from time to time. I carry
a sharpie in my bag (well more than one) and carefully note the next unexposed
fram no. on the cassette. Then I put a strip of electricans tape over the film
can lid as a reminder that the roll therein is part exposed. I have screwed up
a couple times but generally get it right. Knocks on wood.

Cheers,
Alan


--
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-- e-meil: there's no such thing as a FreeLunch.

On Tue, 9 Nov 2004 21:10:01 -0000, "A" wrote:

Hello group. I am after advise on buying a Canon 20D setup, for a non
professional enthusiast.

Situation:
I am considering upgrading from 35mm to digital because I hate changing film
at crucial points, and also feel very restricted from experimenting with
film as much as digital. Another thing I hate is that sometimes there is a
film in my camera half used, when I want it developed. Also, I am PC
literate and am pretty familiar with Photoshop, so it would make sense to go
digital. Until now I have fought the need because I didn't think DSLR's
were capable of competing with 35mm SLR's on the functions they provide,
especially lock up, and start-up times.

So, what do I go for?

Body:
I am considering either a Canon 20D, or Minolta 7D, but the Canon seems to
have more spec. for the price, is available now, and has been tested by
users already. Nikon D70 is cheaper, but accessories are more expensive.
Also, the specs still don't match the 20D. Therefore, I think I will be
going for a 20D if anything.


I have the Canon 20D and LOVE it! (Guess I might be a bit biased
then... ) )

20D 'Normal' Lens Choices:
I am torn between the 17-55mm lens, and the 17-85 Image Stabiliser lens.
The main reason is NOT because one is a image stabiliser lens, but because
for the greater focal length which will allow for more flexibility in
'normal' use without changing lenses. Any recommendations?


I bought the kit with the 18-55mm lens and then later I got the
28-135mm with IS (image stabilization) for just over $400. The
28-135mm sits on my camera the majority of the time. I find it is a
good all around lens.

20D Telephoto Lens Choices:
Again, I am torn between two lenses. The choices are between the 75-300mm
USM, and the 75-300 Image Stabiliser lenses. The thing is, I have never had
a problem with blur when shooting at 300mm on non image stabiliser lenses in
the past. But, with a digital 35mm equivalent of 480mm, maybe the Image
Stabiliser lens would be the better choice. Or, would it be better to just
a tripod and not hand hold? Any recommendations?


As far as which telephoto, I can't say but as far as limiting yourself
to a tripod I wouldn't. I love the IS lenses.

20D Flash Choice:
I am also torn between two choices. The choices are between the 420EX, and
the 550EX. The 550EX has more manual controls, etc, but is big, heavy, and
needs a lot of understanding to get the most from it. It also works better
with 45 point autofocus, but the 20D only has 9 AF points, so it would be a
bit wasted. Power wise, the 550EX is only about 1/2 a stop behind the
420EX. (BTW, 580EX is another choice, but is the same as the 550EX, except
minor alterations to make it more efficient for digital users). Any
recommendations?

Media Storage Choices:
I have decided to go for 2GB (Approx. 220 RAW photos). The choices are
between the IBM/Hitachi 2GB Microdrive, and an equivalent fast CF card. The
Microdrive seems to be better value for money in this respect. Any
recommendations?


I bought the Sandisk Ultra II 2GB Compact Flash card. It was about
$160 after rebate back then. It has more than enough room for me for
now. With the microdrives, just remember they are MUCH more sensitive
to mistreatment. As far as speed, I have heard the Canon 20D camera
can only write to the compact flash card at up to ~5MB/S. If you stay
faster than this you should have no problems.

Conclusion:
Bear in mind that money is hard to come by, so I do not want spend it
unnecessarily, as I am not a pro making money from the photos. Also,
another alternative would be to stick with my 35mm setup until prices come
down and DSLR's become better value for money. After all, spending this
amount will not really compensate for the processing and developing costs.
Although will have more benefits.


Since money is hard to come by for you I would recommend sticking with
film for now. Digital SLR cameras will come down in price as time
goes by. Also by the time you are ready to buy, there will probably
be even better ones out there. As a much less expensive alternative
you might want to buy a scanner that has a negative adapter then you
can scan in the negatives and work with them just like they came from
a digital camera.

Cheers for your help.

On Tue, 9 Nov 2004 21:10:01 -0000, "A" wrote:

Hello group. I am after advise on buying a Canon 20D setup, for a non
professional enthusiast.

Situation:
I am considering upgrading from 35mm to digital because I hate changing film
at crucial points, and also feel very restricted from experimenting with
film as much as digital. Another thing I hate is that sometimes there is a
film in my camera half used, when I want it developed. Also, I am PC
literate and am pretty familiar with Photoshop, so it would make sense to go
digital. Until now I have fought the need because I didn't think DSLR's
were capable of competing with 35mm SLR's on the functions they provide,
especially lock up, and start-up times.

So, what do I go for?

Body:
I am considering either a Canon 20D, or Minolta 7D, but the Canon seems to
have more spec. for the price, is available now, and has been tested by
users already. Nikon D70 is cheaper, but accessories are more expensive.
Also, the specs still don't match the 20D. Therefore, I think I will be
going for a 20D if anything.


I have the Canon 20D and LOVE it! (Guess I might be a bit biased
then... ) )

20D 'Normal' Lens Choices:
I am torn between the 17-55mm lens, and the 17-85 Image Stabiliser lens.
The main reason is NOT because one is a image stabiliser lens, but because
for the greater focal length which will allow for more flexibility in
'normal' use without changing lenses. Any recommendations?


I bought the kit with the 18-55mm lens and then later I got the
28-135mm with IS (image stabilization) for just over $400. The
28-135mm sits on my camera the majority of the time. I find it is a
good all around lens.

20D Telephoto Lens Choices:
Again, I am torn between two lenses. The choices are between the 75-300mm
USM, and the 75-300 Image Stabiliser lenses. The thing is, I have never had
a problem with blur when shooting at 300mm on non image stabiliser lenses in
the past. But, with a digital 35mm equivalent of 480mm, maybe the Image
Stabiliser lens would be the better choice. Or, would it be better to just
a tripod and not hand hold? Any recommendations?


As far as which telephoto, I can't say but as far as limiting yourself
to a tripod I wouldn't. I love the IS lenses.

20D Flash Choice:
I am also torn between two choices. The choices are between the 420EX, and
the 550EX. The 550EX has more manual controls, etc, but is big, heavy, and
needs a lot of understanding to get the most from it. It also works better
with 45 point autofocus, but the 20D only has 9 AF points, so it would be a
bit wasted. Power wise, the 550EX is only about 1/2 a stop behind the
420EX. (BTW, 580EX is another choice, but is the same as the 550EX, except
minor alterations to make it more efficient for digital users). Any
recommendations?

Media Storage Choices:
I have decided to go for 2GB (Approx. 220 RAW photos). The choices are
between the IBM/Hitachi 2GB Microdrive, and an equivalent fast CF card. The
Microdrive seems to be better value for money in this respect. Any
recommendations?


I bought the Sandisk Ultra II 2GB Compact Flash card. It was about
$160 after rebate back then. It has more than enough room for me for
now. With the microdrives, just remember they are MUCH more sensitive
to mistreatment. As far as speed, I have heard the Canon 20D camera
can only write to the compact flash card at up to ~5MB/S. If you stay
faster than this you should have no problems.

Conclusion:
Bear in mind that money is hard to come by, so I do not want spend it
unnecessarily, as I am not a pro making money from the photos. Also,
another alternative would be to stick with my 35mm setup until prices come
down and DSLR's become better value for money. After all, spending this
amount will not really compensate for the processing and developing costs.
Although will have more benefits.


Since money is hard to come by for you I would recommend sticking with
film for now. Digital SLR cameras will come down in price as time
goes by. Also by the time you are ready to buy, there will probably
be even better ones out there. As a much less expensive alternative
you might want to buy a scanner that has a negative adapter then you
can scan in the negatives and work with them just like they came from
a digital camera.

Cheers for your help.

wrote in message
...
On Tue, 9 Nov 2004 21:10:01 -0000, "A" wrote:

Hello group. I am after advise on buying a Canon 20D setup, for a non
professional enthusiast.

Situation:
I am considering upgrading from 35mm to digital because I hate changing
film
at crucial points, and also feel very restricted from experimenting with
film as much as digital. Another thing I hate is that sometimes there is
a
film in my camera half used, when I want it developed. Also, I am PC
literate and am pretty familiar with Photoshop, so it would make sense to
go
digital. Until now I have fought the need because I didn't think DSLR's
were capable of competing with 35mm SLR's on the functions they provide,
especially lock up, and start-up times.

So, what do I go for?

Body:
I am considering either a Canon 20D, or Minolta 7D, but the Canon seems to
have more spec. for the price, is available now, and has been tested by
users already. Nikon D70 is cheaper, but accessories are more expensive.
Also, the specs still don't match the 20D. Therefore, I think I will be
going for a 20D if anything.


I have the Canon 20D and LOVE it! (Guess I might be a bit biased
then... ) )

20D 'Normal' Lens Choices:
I am torn between the 17-55mm lens, and the 17-85 Image Stabiliser lens.
The main reason is NOT because one is a image stabiliser lens, but because
for the greater focal length which will allow for more flexibility in
'normal' use without changing lenses. Any recommendations?


I bought the kit with the 18-55mm lens and then later I got the
28-135mm with IS (image stabilization) for just over $400. The
28-135mm sits on my camera the majority of the time. I find it is a
good all around lens.

20D Telephoto Lens Choices:
Again, I am torn between two lenses. The choices are between the 75-300mm
USM, and the 75-300 Image Stabiliser lenses. The thing is, I have never
had
a problem with blur when shooting at 300mm on non image stabiliser lenses
in
the past. But, with a digital 35mm equivalent of 480mm, maybe the Image
Stabiliser lens would be the better choice. Or, would it be better to
just
a tripod and not hand hold? Any recommendations?


As far as which telephoto, I can't say but as far as limiting yourself
to a tripod I wouldn't. I love the IS lenses.

20D Flash Choice:
I am also torn between two choices. The choices are between the 420EX,
and
the 550EX. The 550EX has more manual controls, etc, but is big, heavy,
and
needs a lot of understanding to get the most from it. It also works
better
with 45 point autofocus, but the 20D only has 9 AF points, so it would be
a
bit wasted. Power wise, the 550EX is only about 1/2 a stop behind the
420EX. (BTW, 580EX is another choice, but is the same as the 550EX,
except
minor alterations to make it more efficient for digital users). Any
recommendations?

Media Storage Choices:
I have decided to go for 2GB (Approx. 220 RAW photos). The choices are
between the IBM/Hitachi 2GB Microdrive, and an equivalent fast CF card.
The
Microdrive seems to be better value for money in this respect. Any
recommendations?


I bought the Sandisk Ultra II 2GB Compact Flash card. It was about
$160 after rebate back then. It has more than enough room for me for
now. With the microdrives, just remember they are MUCH more sensitive
to mistreatment. As far as speed, I have heard the Canon 20D camera
can only write to the compact flash card at up to ~5MB/S. If you stay
faster than this you should have no problems.

Conclusion:
Bear in mind that money is hard to come by, so I do not want spend it
unnecessarily, as I am not a pro making money from the photos. Also,
another alternative would be to stick with my 35mm setup until prices come
down and DSLR's become better value for money. After all, spending this
amount will not really compensate for the processing and developing costs.
Although will have more benefits.


Since money is hard to come by for you I would recommend sticking with
film for now. Digital SLR cameras will come down in price as time
goes by. Also by the time you are ready to buy, there will probably
be even better ones out there. As a much less expensive alternative
you might want to buy a scanner that has a negative adapter then you
can scan in the negatives and work with them just like they came from
a digital camera.

I went this route and found it a much slower way of working. Scanning is an
art in itself. Its not that cheap either considering you can get a 300d for
£528 after rebate.

wrote in message
...
On Tue, 9 Nov 2004 21:10:01 -0000, "A" wrote:

Hello group. I am after advise on buying a Canon 20D setup, for a non
professional enthusiast.

Situation:
I am considering upgrading from 35mm to digital because I hate changing
film
at crucial points, and also feel very restricted from experimenting with
film as much as digital. Another thing I hate is that sometimes there is
a
film in my camera half used, when I want it developed. Also, I am PC
literate and am pretty familiar with Photoshop, so it would make sense to
go
digital. Until now I have fought the need because I didn't think DSLR's
were capable of competing with 35mm SLR's on the functions they provide,
especially lock up, and start-up times.

So, what do I go for?

Body:
I am considering either a Canon 20D, or Minolta 7D, but the Canon seems to
have more spec. for the price, is available now, and has been tested by
users already. Nikon D70 is cheaper, but accessories are more expensive.
Also, the specs still don't match the 20D. Therefore, I think I will be
going for a 20D if anything.


I have the Canon 20D and LOVE it! (Guess I might be a bit biased
then... ) )

20D 'Normal' Lens Choices:
I am torn between the 17-55mm lens, and the 17-85 Image Stabiliser lens.
The main reason is NOT because one is a image stabiliser lens, but because
for the greater focal length which will allow for more flexibility in
'normal' use without changing lenses. Any recommendations?


I bought the kit with the 18-55mm lens and then later I got the
28-135mm with IS (image stabilization) for just over $400. The
28-135mm sits on my camera the majority of the time. I find it is a
good all around lens.

20D Telephoto Lens Choices:
Again, I am torn between two lenses. The choices are between the 75-300mm
USM, and the 75-300 Image Stabiliser lenses. The thing is, I have never
had
a problem with blur when shooting at 300mm on non image stabiliser lenses
in
the past. But, with a digital 35mm equivalent of 480mm, maybe the Image
Stabiliser lens would be the better choice. Or, would it be better to
just
a tripod and not hand hold? Any recommendations?


As far as which telephoto, I can't say but as far as limiting yourself
to a tripod I wouldn't. I love the IS lenses.

20D Flash Choice:
I am also torn between two choices. The choices are between the 420EX,
and
the 550EX. The 550EX has more manual controls, etc, but is big, heavy,
and
needs a lot of understanding to get the most from it. It also works
better
with 45 point autofocus, but the 20D only has 9 AF points, so it would be
a
bit wasted. Power wise, the 550EX is only about 1/2 a stop behind the
420EX. (BTW, 580EX is another choice, but is the same as the 550EX,
except
minor alterations to make it more efficient for digital users). Any
recommendations?

Media Storage Choices:
I have decided to go for 2GB (Approx. 220 RAW photos). The choices are
between the IBM/Hitachi 2GB Microdrive, and an equivalent fast CF card.
The
Microdrive seems to be better value for money in this respect. Any
recommendations?


I bought the Sandisk Ultra II 2GB Compact Flash card. It was about
$160 after rebate back then. It has more than enough room for me for
now. With the microdrives, just remember they are MUCH more sensitive
to mistreatment. As far as speed, I have heard the Canon 20D camera
can only write to the compact flash card at up to ~5MB/S. If you stay
faster than this you should have no problems.

Conclusion:
Bear in mind that money is hard to come by, so I do not want spend it
unnecessarily, as I am not a pro making money from the photos. Also,
another alternative would be to stick with my 35mm setup until prices come
down and DSLR's become better value for money. After all, spending this
amount will not really compensate for the processing and developing costs.
Although will have more benefits.


Since money is hard to come by for you I would recommend sticking with
film for now. Digital SLR cameras will come down in price as time
goes by. Also by the time you are ready to buy, there will probably
be even better ones out there. As a much less expensive alternative
you might want to buy a scanner that has a negative adapter then you
can scan in the negatives and work with them just like they came from
a digital camera.

I went this route and found it a much slower way of working. Scanning is an
art in itself. Its not that cheap either considering you can get a 300d for
£528 after rebate.