ok, i am so excited about this adventure of buying a LSR -D camera but am a bit nervous of going way too deep. But the reality is that I am in love with photography and will BE SURE TO LEARN everything about my camera.

Tonight I was at a bday party and was asked by the hostess to take pictures with her EOS 20D Canon. I couldn't believe how fast it took multiple pictures...( don't laugh...my personal current camera is a CanonA80.....and has such a delay in taking the pic..What is that actually called ( the professional term....to describe how fast it takes the pic and continuously?

AND lastly, do any of you know how THAT FEATURE compares to how the Rebel XT does...Is it similar, or is there a big difference...

It's called burst mode or continuous shooting.

XT 2.8 fps(frames per second) for up to 14 jpeg or 4 RAW
20D 5 fps for up to 23 jpegs or 6 RAW
Some of this speed depends on the speed of the CF card used for storage. You can certainly fire off quite a few frames with either of these cameras.

5 doesn't seem like a lot more than 2.8 when explained in numbers, but you really need to experience the difference. The XT feels like molasses compared to the 20d. I like to 20d's speed a lot.

EOSthree, none of the information that is given actually depends on the CF card. The camera's buffer is seperate from the CF card. Basically, the camera can hold 14(xt) or 23(20d) photos in its buffer, but while you are holding down the shutter button, it will record your photos in your buffer to your CF. So in reality, with a fast card, you can extend that max number of shots by about 50%.

Your right, I was brain farting and thinking of the S2 I have been using lately. The CF card speed will help in emptying of the buffer, and allow a couple more shots.

Since you've already held a D20 in your hands and know what it feels like, go down to your local electronics store and pick up a Rebel XT, unless you have very small hands your fingers will hang off the grip and your palm will be held away from the side of the camera such that you are holding the camera with nothing more than your finger tips. I find the grip on the low end Nikon's to be uncomfortable and undersized as well but not to the extent of the Rebel's. The only grip I really like for an entry level DSLR is on the Pentax. The 20D and up all feel much more comfortable in my hands, although heavier. Plus you get some more features like faster continuous shooting speeds and more convenient controls in the "pro" models. Millions of people disagree with me though so make your own decision. If you plan on hanging a 300mm lens or hot shoe flash off the camera at any point try to imagine how balanced the camera will feel with the additional weight. Lots of people say that the battery grip makes a huge difference on the Rebel series, especially with long lenses.

Lots of people say that the battery grip makes a huge difference on the Rebel series, especially with long lenses.

I have had my Rebel XT since February and I am definately a newb at photography.

I bought a battery grip and it does make a huge difference in how the camera feels and balances. I mainly use a Sigma 28-300 lens and I definately like the feel better with the battery grip

Mike

thanks so much.. :)
well tonight, i spent 3 hrs at my dear friend's house who owns the Rebel XT. She loves it, but I ..uhm..am not so sure..as mentioned above about the XT speed in taking pics seeming like Molasses compared to the 20D, that is so true.

Uh, I had wished and hoped I would have liked it more, but having tried on the 20D and used that one briefly, I was just SO much more impressed..

Now to see if ( and how) I can maybe afford the 20D..

You might consider the Canon XTi. The burst mode is 3.0fps - up to 27 frames. Check out and compare the specifications on each. Also note that B&H has a used 20D (see right side of first page).

Liz

XTi
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=457506&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

20D
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=348299&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation