Second Hand Canon 20D v New Canon 400D

nk3905 · 25-04-2007, 10:26

I have the opportunity to buy a second hand canon 20D + a 18mm-85mm lens for £370 Is this worth it or am I better of getting the 400D brand new?

P-E · 25-04-2007, 10:30

Any guarantee at all with the second hand one?

nk3905 · 25-04-2007, 10:42

I don't think so but I know the guy and know its been well looked after and he's never had problems with it

Whipspeed · 25-04-2007, 11:35

It's a lovely camera & a bit bigger & more robust than the 400 (don't quote me on that, it's how it felt to me). If you're not worried about some of the extra bits on the 400 like sensor cleaning, go for the 20D if you know the guy well.

***Dave*** · 25-04-2007, 12:05

Looking on EBAY, the body alone usually sells for between £350 - £400, with the 18-55mm lenses selling for about £30

**stepheno** · 25-04-2007, 14:21

Having had the 20D and knowing what it is capable of I'd go for it at that price - would be handy if you knew the number of actuations.

nk3905 · 25-04-2007, 17:38

Sorry to be a bit dumb but what are actuations? THis is my first time buying an slr.

**stepheno** · 25-04-2007, 17:46

I'm the dumb one for making an assumption

An actuation is the technical terms for one frame or one open/close of the shutter. If a camera has only 20,000 actuations then it is low usage - if it has 100,000+ then it's been hammered. HTH.

**Dabhand16** · 25-04-2007, 17:51

It's the number of times the shutter has been released. It will give you a clue as to the camera's history. If you know the seller it is probably not so important, but if it has belonged to someone who you do not know and it has, in the time it has been owned, taken a huge number of shots, you might need to consider that it might need a service or parts etc in the future - rather like the milage on a car will indicate the useage.

peteer01 · 26-04-2007, 01:10

The Nikon D80 includes the number of "Total Pictures" in it's EXIF data, which (based on my experience with 3 D80 bodies) show the total number of actuations and doesn't seem to be resettable by the user. Would the 20D offer that kind of information in the EXIF data?

LadyStardust · 26-04-2007, 13:43

Hi there,

I've had a quick scoot around the internet and it seems that the information may be contained in the EXIF data but that it's not easily readable by "Joe Public" - and is indeed primarily there for access by Canon's repair centres.

Also, the forums where this is discussed do say that if you can access it (perhaps by using a hex reader piece of software), the numerical sequencing does not always appear to be consistent.

In a nutshell - it's not looking good...

peteer01 · 27-04-2007, 01:12

Irfanview with it's EXIF plugin (both free) give easy and clear access to all the EXIF data for shots with a Nikon. While I don't know if this would help you get that info with a Canon, it's free SW, so it's worth a look if you haven't given up on the idea.

***Steve*** · 03-05-2007, 15:53

The true number of actuations (shutter releases) on Canon cameras can only be read accurately by specific Canon calibration software that is used in registered Canon repair centres. The exif information is inaccurate due to many factors, some of which are the ability to alter or reset the numbering system within the camera itself via the user menus.

Dave Canon · 02-06-2007, 11:06

I have a 20D and would strongly recommend it. If you are confident that the camera on offer has not been thrashed, then it will be worth negotiating. I am not sure what the second hand value of those items are but it would be worth finding out. I suggest you establish what the trade in price is and offer a little bit more seeing as it is someone you know.