In researching my first digital SLR purchase, I've read a ton of threads on here about various cameras. Based on the various reviews and comments I've narrowed down my choices to a Canon, and have been debating between the Rebel XT, Rebel XTi, and the 20D.

I'm very much an amatuer and recently started shooting my husbands cyclocross races, which precipated the need for a faster camera than our old SonyDSC-S75. I recognize that the Rebel XT isn't as fast as most sports photographers prefer, which is why I'm also considering the 20D (I'm trying to keep the price below $1000, so anything better than 20D is out of my price range). I thought I had my mind made up about the Rebel XT, but my husband (who always says "go big or go home") now has me thinking about the XTi. I have no intention of printing larger than 8x10, so I'm fairly sure the extra megapixels on the XTi won't be necessary - but will I be kicking myself in a year for not getting the "better" camera?

Any thoughts and opinions would be most helpful.

Thanks!
Sheesh

Here are the main differences that I am constantly telling customers

Xti

a couple more focus points
more megapixels
automatic dust deletion
bigger LCD
more expensive

Xt

cheaper
actually has the settings screen, isn't switched to the LCD which is VERY annoying in my opinion.
still 8 MP, which will print 8x10s fine.


i mean, there are a lot of things to consider, but the xt is still a nice, capable camera. I think the main selling poing of the xti is the dust deletion, and if you're wanting to do landscape photography with it, that's a very useful thing to have, and even if you aren't, and you plan on switching lenses a lot, the dust deletion is very helpful. The Xti is not a much better camera though, they're both along the same lines. but the settings screen on the xt is much better than the settings screen on the xti, that's for sure.

It's helpful to actually see the differences laid out like that...I think I'll try to find a place that has both models and play with the screen settings to see what you mean in more detail.

Thanks for the help!

If you want a good camera for under $1000, go 30D. With rebates it works out for a bit over $900.

I am having issues with my XT having too much noise and being too flimsy for my 70-200 f/2,8L

Hi Sheesh. Welcome to PR.

I've shot sports with the original Digital Rebel, the XT, and the 20D. As far as I am concerned, the Digital Rebel line, including the new XTi, isn't up to the task of shooting sports.

I base this on the continuous burst mode setting. Both the XT and the XTi are limited to a 3 shots per second in burst mode while the 20D can shoot up to (or very close to) five frames per second and the ability to shoot at ISO3200 (not that you need to...but it comes in handy sometimes).

As for prints, I've printed great quality 11x14s from my 20D.

used to hate to hear it, but it's true. FPS shouldn't matter as far as getting the perfect shot. actually a lower fps camera will help you become a better photographer. so fps isn't the deciding factor. But sean is correct when he says the 5 fps are much faster than the 3 of the xt or xti. But if you're already set on the rebel, we're not the ones to convince you otherwise.

I agree with Brent that the burst rate isn't everything - its just one of many features that are available on the camera. But I do believe that it is important, otherwise the top end bodies wouldn't have 8+ fps capabilities.

The fps difference is the one thing that is pushing me towards considering the 20D. In fact, the continuous burst mode is the main feature that I was looking for in an SLR, but I'm not quite convinced that I need the additional 2 fps yet.

I'm really looking at this first purchase as a starting point, and expect that I will need to upgrade in the future (once I can justify spending more money on a camera body). That's specifically why I wanted to start with a Canon; I expect to spend more money on lenses in the future, and then will just upgrade to a bigger, better Canon in a few years. But, first, I have a ton to learn and I can't justify spending a ton of money just starting out. Is the 20D good enough (at a low enough price) that I might be able to get away with spending a little extra now and delay the need to upgrade for longer than if I purchased the XT or XTi?

you can have a used 20d for cheaper than a brand new xti. PM me and I'll letyou know where to look.

It depends.

What sports do you plan on shooting? You mentioned cycling. Is that the only sport, or will you think about shooting others (like the kids football/basketball/soccer/etc)? Or will you just focus on cycling?

Do you plan on just sticking to sports, or are you considering doing other types of photography as well (portraits, weddings, landscapes, etc)?

The reason why I bring those up is that the 20D may give you more options as a photographer. It has more custom controls than the XT (can't really speak for the XTi) that you may (or may not) need.

Another thing to consider is how it feels in your hand. Go to a local camera retailer and try out both cameras. Hold them - see how each feels in your hand. The Digital Rebel series can be uncomfortable for some people with large hands.

Here's a amatuer's thoughts.

Get the best you can. I bought the bottom of the barrel (Rebel 300D) b4 I started posting here. I learned so much so fast I was hated that camera in just a few months time. Even with good glass. The reasons. lag time after I used up my 4 shots, fps (my dream was to throw it across the football field) and the stinkin' noise. Also lack of settings. For instance my iso went from 800 to 1600. Nothing inbetween.

I do not know that much about the models you are looking at. So those are some of the things I'd look at b4 purchasing. At least food for thought.

Also I wanted to add I really wanted the 20D when I decided I had enough of my pos 300D. At one point I studied the heck out of the 20D and thought it was an amazing piece of equipment for the price. Sorry. I'm 45 and already forgot all of the reasons I loved it though. :D

I have had my RBL XT for 3 months and I want to upgrade allready.It didnt help the situation when the day before my RBL came I shot with1 of my brother's 2 canon 1Ds.
Jimmy B

I'll second the handle as many cameras as you can. the Rebel series has a smaller body, and while its annoying to people with large hands, it fit my GF's (albeit freakishly small) hands perfectly. the larger-size cameras were not as comfortable.

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions! I went with the Rebel XT and so far it's great! I'm sure that I'll eventually want to upgrade, but hopefully the Rebel XT will keep me busy/happy for a couple of years.