New vs Second Hand?

[havoc]

Hi all,

Sure this has been done before, but the search engine's acting up.

I'm about to buy a D-SLR to replace my old Canon. I've narrowed it down to a new EOS-350D (probably with battery pack), or a second-hand EOS-20D. Have tried to stretch to new -20D, but can't do it, not without sacrificing on lens or memory-card quality.

Current thoughts:-
- EOS-20D feels better size and weight. Also feels more robust.
- EOS-20D will be the better camera, but I'm an amateur and will struggle to use half the capability of the -350D. Only real feature advantages are the battery life (but see above), and the increased capacity for taking multi-photo bursts (half the photography will be motorsport). So is it worth the plunge on the basis of features?
- EOS-350D will be new and have a warranty, and I won't really have much of a budget for repairs, at least initially.
- EOS-350D interface slightly more intuitive to this newbie.

So...any advice?
edit: How reliable and robust is the 20D - will a 2nd hand one be a safe bet? Can you get 'extended warranties' at sensible prices for them?

Thanks all,

Martin

PS - No Nikon recommendations - I've made my mind up.

>> Edited by havoc on Monday 27th March 16:58

[_dobbo_]

The Nikon D70 is... ha ha just kidding.

I'd get the second hand 20D.

[Simon K]

Have a look on the Canon outlet shop on ebay. They have plenty of 20D's at the moment with the benefit of a one year warranty, I've got a lens through them and have been very impressed.

[havoc]

Simon K said:

Have a look on the Canon outlet shop on ebay. They have plenty of 20D's at the moment with the benefit of a one year warranty, I've got a lens through them and have been very impressed.

Just saw that.

I can get a brand new -20D with 18-55 for about 800 quid on the net, so if I can win an auction at around 700 for a refurb, I think I might...it's about 100 more than budget, but probably worth it.