Canon 20D from Craigslist?

[marketsons1985]

Someone's selling a 20D on craigslist near me, for $250. Looking, all I see is the body selling for LOTS more on Amazon...person is saying 11k "actuations," guessing that's shutter actuations?

Anything to be wary of here? I plan on scoping it out and thoroughly testing before even thinking about buying, but it seems too good to be true. I could definitely see someone too rich to care selling this for a fraction but...

 

[angry hampster]

I wouldn't pay more than $300 for a 20D. Check it out. If the shutter action is still smooth and all the buttons still work, go for it.

 

[corkyg]

1000 shutter actuations is actually a low usage for a 20D $250 is a good price - if you can get it for $225 - even better.

 

[velillen]

Sorry to post but figured why not. how would 350 be for the body+ EF-S 18-55 lens be? Little usage as well. I've been looking at getting a new camera and well, this doesnt seem bad to me but i was looking for a "pro" sort of opinion. Will say im not much of a photographer and would mostly be using auto modes so what do people think? Maybe to much of a camera for me?

 

[angry hampster]

Sorry to post but figured why not. how would 350 be for the body+ EF-S 18-55 lens be? Little usage as well. I've been looking at getting a new camera and well, this doesnt seem bad to me but i was looking for a "pro" sort of opinion. Will say im not much of a photographer and would mostly be using auto modes so what do people think? Maybe to much of a camera for me?

Not at all..there's nothing wrong with getting a good camera and starting on the auto modes. 350 for the 20D and 18-55 would be an acceptable price IMO. The 18-55 is probably Canon's worst zoom lens, so don't expect much. Would be a great way to start what could be a lifelong hobby though.

 

[alfa147x]

Not at all..there's nothing wrong with getting a good camera and starting on the auto modes. 350 for the 20D and 18-55 would be an acceptable price IMO. The 18-55 is probably Canon's worst zoom lens, so don't expect much. Would be a great way to start what could be a lifelong hobby though.

I might be wrong but the IS version of that lens is SOME good, right?

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-18-55mm-f-3.5-5.6-IS-Lens-Review.aspx

 

[996GT2]

Sorry to post but figured why not. how would 350 be for the body+ EF-S 18-55 lens be? Little usage as well. I've been looking at getting a new camera and well, this doesnt seem bad to me but i was looking for a "pro" sort of opinion. Will say im not much of a photographer and would mostly be using auto modes so what do people think? Maybe to much of a camera for me?

The thing is, if you can get the body for 250, then the body+lens combo is not worth 350. The EF-S 18-55mm (non IS) is worth $50 used. The IS version, which is optically superior, is worth about $90 used.

 

[randomlinh]

The thing is, if you can get the body for 250, then the body+lens combo is not worth 350. The EF-S 18-55mm (non IS) is worth $50 used. The IS version, which is optically superior, is worth about $90 used.

please tell me where I can get the 18-55 IS for $90 used. I don't think I've ever seen it that low.


and even 11k on the shutter isn't bad so long as the camera was taken care of. And I'd say 250 is as high as I'd pay for it. I really need to get around to selling mine one of these days

 

[alfa147x]

please tell me where I can get the 18-55 IS for $90 used. I don't think I've ever seen it that low.


and even 11k on the shutter isn't bad so long as the camera was taken care of. And I'd say 250 is as high as I'd pay for it. I really need to get around to selling mine one of these days

http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EF-S-18-5...iewItemQQptZCamera_Lenses?hash=item414a9baa0d

http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EF-S-EFS-...mera_Lenses?hash=item27af7aa657#ht_500wt_1182

http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EF-S-18-5...iewItemQQptZCamera_Lenses?hash=item335a39fd50

 

[Madwand1]

how would 350 be for the body+ EF-S 18-55 lens be?

The 20D was great in its day, but that was a long time ago, and there are significant benefits in more recent alternatives (e.g. a much bigger screen). The XSi kit can be found for < $500; I'd suggest that instead. E.g. http://www.adorama.com/ICADRXSISKR.html

 

[angry hampster]

The 20D was great in its day, but that was a long time ago, and there are significant benefits in more recent alternatives (e.g. a much bigger screen). The XSi kit can be found for < $500; I'd suggest that instead. E.g. http://www.adorama.com/ICADRXSISKR.html

There's really no significant benefit in a bigger screen. Also, no way in hell would I suggest a rebel series camera over a xxD.

 

[alfa147x]

There's really no significant benefit in a bigger screen. Also, no way in hell would I suggest a rebel series camera over a xxD.

Nor would I, I went from a XTI to a 30D
^ on of the best upgrades ever!

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

There's really no significant benefit in a bigger screen. Also, no way in hell would I suggest a rebel series camera over a xxD.

I use a 20D, and there is no way I'd trade it for a Rebel. The 20D is solid as a rock, and has a very good noise profile.

I say that if the camera is in good shape go for it, and save money for good glass.

 

[randomlinh]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EF-S-18-5...iewItemQQptZCamera_Lenses?hash=item414a9baa0d

http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EF-S-EFS-...mera_Lenses?hash=item27af7aa657#ht_500wt_1182

http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EF-S-18-5...iewItemQQptZCamera_Lenses?hash=item335a39fd50

well I'll be damned. Though, I have some hesitation on ebay, heh.

 

[Madwand1]

Someone's selling a 20D on craigslist near me, for $250. Looking, all I see is the body selling for LOTS more on Amazon

Amazon has lots of listings for obsolete gear at inflated prices which are attempts to grab cash more than proper indication of value. The 20D cost around $1500 US when it first came out in 2004, but it hasn't been worth that for a long time now, even though there are some listings on Amazon at that price. Note for example that there are new 30Ds and even 40Ds listed at less than that, and with these models, there's no possible argument that the 20D is better.

 

[Kelvrick]

Seems to be average price, but a decent price if the actuation count is accurate. I'm still on the 20d and I'm always tempted for an upgrade to the latest rebel for auto-focus and things, but in the end, none really sway me away from having two control wheels.

Here is a posting on fredmiranda for a 20d and batterygrip for 300. I'd personally trust a fred miranda member over craigslist.
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/869340

EDIT: I agree on the lens. The basic 18-55 isn't worth it. If you're starting out, go for at least the 18-55 is. Here are some examples for used prices.
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/869422/0?keyword=18-55#8152147
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=827317&highlight=18-55

 

[velillen]

thanks for the advice to everyone. I'd have to ask but looks like it has pretty low accuations as well and is pretty dang good shape as far as i can tell. Comes with a 4gb high speed card to (yeah yeah whoopy doo). Just not sure if i really need/want something that large. Especially since i have access to a nikon d90 (believe thats what it is) And at least i know its not as good of a deal as i originally thought!