If you use the side by side comparison in the buyers guide you can compare features.8.2 vs 10mp won't be much different20d is significantly bigger and heavier. metal body vs. plastic40dx has bigger LCD.20d does 5fps(frames per second) vs 3fps for the 40dx.

If you get the used 20d make sure you get the software CD. you can upgrade to the latest version from canon website but you need an earlier version installed for the download to install...

Oh... and the Canon 400D is also one I am considering..

Should I steer clear of the 18-55 kit lenses that these come with?Is one kit lens better than the other brands?..

Hmm, you're comparing two completely different cameras..

The first one is crippled entry level DSLR, targeted at novices..

The second one is full featured DSLR, targeted at enthusiasts/semi-pros..

Canon 20D definitely is a better camera..

Edvinas..

Thanks for the replies on that..

I can get a used (but barely used-only a few times by a hobbiest) Canon 20D with a couple lenses for $650..

Or.

I can buy a new Nikon d40x for $650 also with two lenses (kit).

Is the 8MP Canon a better camera (hands down) than the 10MP Nikon?..

IMHO, go with the Canon. As already mentioned, the Nikon is a consumer-grade DSLR, the 20D is a pro-sumer grade camera..

Plus, I greatly prefer the Canon line of lenses, but that's just my personal preference...

Billash wrote:.

IMHO, go with the Canon. As already mentioned, the Nikon is aconsumer-grade DSLR, the 20D is a pro-sumer grade camera.Plus, I greatly prefer the Canon line of lenses, but that's just mypersonal preference..

I prefer Nikon, but I'd take a 20D over a D40x subject to two caveats:.

A) The 20D is way bigger and heavier. Whether that's an advantage or disadvantage depends on your preferences and the size of your hands..

B) The Canon 18-55 lens is far inferior to Nikon's. Probably good enough to start, but plan on replacing it with the new IS version at some point...