Which camera - 20D, 400D or 450D

[cotswoldcs]

My dad has recently upgraded and bought a 40D, leaving him with a spare 20D and Canon 17-85 IS lens. He is offering to sell it to me (we've not talked money but it would be reasonable). I am very tempted to buy the lens but can't decide on the camera. I've been eagerly waiting for the release of the 450D and am sorely tempted. I've used his 20D and find it a little too big and bulky. I am only an amateur photographer and not sure I want the level of sophistication the 20D offers. The 450D is clearly aimed at my level yet a 20D is on offer and probably at a decent price!

I am in a dilemma, do I go for the 20D, splash out for the 450D (@ £600 for Body only) or go for the considerably cheaper 400D (@ £349).

How do you think I would get on using the 400 or 450D with the 17-85 lens? Is it too heavy a lens for the camera?

I don't personally get on carrying a camera around my neck and when on holiday for example I like to carry my current camera (a Canon G3) around my waist in a Targus case. I've used the 20D before and would want a hip pack bag so that I have both hands free when not taking photos. Obviously going to a larger camera is going to demand a larger bag and I've been looking at the Tamrac Explorer 5501 & 5502 (link) amongst others. It looks like I can get a 20D with lens in this but could I go for something smaller if I went with the 450D and 17-85 lens. However, would the length of the lens mean a smaller bag won't work?

With the 20D & accessories in a hip pack, Explorer type bag do you think weight and bulk would be a concern? Does anyone use an x0D with a hip pack bag?

Sorry so many questions!

[toolsong]

Can highly recommend the Kata H12 holster (ignore cc-191 in page title)
kata cc-191 for Nikon d70/d100 frames
Buy Kata H-12 Holster for Digital SLR at The Digital Camera Shop, UK Online Digital Camera Dealers

As for which body, you can get the 400D for £303.95 with the Canon £45 rebate for purchases before 30 June 2008.
Canon Europe - For Home

[IBM]

How much are you being asked for the 20D? I just picked one up for £250, so for family rates you shouldn't be paying more than £200....unless your dad's a miser.

I'd buy the 20D and the 17-85 (don't know how good that lens is though, so you might be better off putting the cash saved on the 20D towards a better bit of glass.

however, if the 20D is just too bulky, then go for the 400D, especially considering the saving you're making over the 450D.

Seeing it for £300 on ebay

Canon EOS 400D Body Only Digital Camera on eBay, also, Digital Cameras, Photography (end time 14-Mar-08 13:56:13 GMT)

[cotswoldcs]

Thanks for your advice.

I think the 17-85 lens is this one:
Amazon.co.uk: Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM Lens: Canon: Electronics & Photo

He bought it with the 20D so it might be an earlier model. It does have image stabilisation and looks the same as the photo How would this lens marry up with a 400D? All the 400D's I've seen come with a smaller 18-55 lens. The lens itself will probably be a similar weight to the camera so will this make it unbalanced?

Will look into Kata cases tomorrow.

Thanks again.

[Bobster]

i know a fair amount of people who use the 350 with 400mm primes for avaition photography and do just fine

[Funkstar]

I think the 17-85 lens is this one:
Amazon.co.uk: Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM Lens: Canon: Electronics & Photo

I use this lens as my main walk about lens. It been reviewed on DPReview recently (Canon EF-S 17-85 mm F4-5.6 IS USM Lens Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review), and while not perfect, suits my needs.

All EF and EFS lenses will work with the cameras you have mentioned as far as I know.

[Bobster]

yeah its only the 5D and the 1 series that you'll have trouble with EF-S as they're made for the Crop factor bodies

[cotswoldcs]

I've looked into Kata bags today (thanks to Toolsong) and whilst they look good I'm not sure how they work as a hip bag (so it can be carried around the waist.). All it mentions is that it includes "a 3D-mesh loop for waist belt". I'm not sure what this is - can anyone enlighten me?

Does anyone use a 400D or 20D (or similar) with a hip bag? If so I would be interested to know what you use and how you get on with it. How do people generally carry a camera whilst on the move - ie what sort of bag and where do you carry it?

[daza]

Ive got a 400d (in for repairs) but use this bag at the mo , Ill be honest and say its a tad on the small size as it will fit the camera with a 18-55mm lens then maybe a couple more if your lucky, in the front I can get my mobile hdd and a couple of filters and batterys but thats it.

Quick edit Im personally looking for something like this now as its much cheaper and looks to be great bit-tech.net Forums - View Single Post - Which camera bag?

[toolsong]

I've looked into Kata bags today (thanks to Toolsong) and whilst they look good I'm not sure how they work as a hip bag (so it can be carried around the waist.).

It's a holster, the strap runs over your shoulder but it rides on your waist at the front or back. Have at back for walking, swing around to front and pop the clip to take a shot.

Shown here with much bulkier additional attachment instead of the strap.

[Bobster]

look for a shoulder bag.. Lowepro - Camera