Canon Rebel XTi vs Nikon d40X

[OB3]

I am going to finally pull the trigger on a dslr this week, and i have it narrowed down to the Canon digital rebel xti and the new Nikon d40X, both 10 mpix camera, both of them seem to have great ratings.

Anyone have any experince with either ? I know the nikon is a new model, bt maybe someone here has experience with the d40/50 ?

Any opinions are greatly appreciated, thanks

tl

[Medic721]

If you currently have any lenses you should stick with the same 'brand'. I purchased my first Digital SLR 2.5 years ago and I decided to go with the Canon EOS 20D. I love the camera and my only disappointment was the small lcd screen (not a major problem). Did I say that I love the camera? I quickly found out that good glass (lenses) do make a difference, especially when trying to photograph sports. I would like to switch up to the 30D, but we will see. The 20D has not failed me at all. I am not sure what kind of photography you plan on going into. It is mostly a hobby for me but I have some good links for equipment, tripods and brackets etc if you would like them.

There are many online stores that upsell or sell non us equipment (does not carry a us warranty). I purchased much of my equipment online (all US models) so I could save on tax. It adds up when purchasing a $1600 lens.

Anyway, whichevr way you go you will be happy. Canon and Nikon are the 2 big names with alot of product behind them. Comparing them is like comparing Ford and Chevy.

-Mike.

[ThePilotster]

I agree.. can't go wrong with either! Its all in preference, like test driving a car... go to a store and hold each one and ask for a demo... I decided on Nikon as I liked the controls and the way it felt.
Go to the link below and you will beable to compare side by side with in depth reviews..

http://www.dpreview.com/

[Mainer]

I have used both Canon's and Nikon's for more than 30 years and am happy with both brands. When I went digital, I went with the D50 as my older Nikon lenses work with it. I don't think the D40 will accept the older Nikon lenses. I love my D50 and would buy it again (except they don't make it anymore so I'd have to jump to the D80 to keep using the lenses.)

Mainer

[OB3]

I am coming from a fuji point and shoot 3.3 mpix camera that i purchased off this board from a past owner. I have had it a couple years now and i am ready for the switch to the dslr. I lurk other messageboards,and whenever i am impressed with the quality of the photographs, it always winds up being a canon or nikon dslr.
they really do take great pictures.

i know after purchasing either one, i will play around with the kit lense that comes with the camera, but i will most likely invest in a better zoom later in the year.

Are canon lenses better than nikon, or vice versa ?
price points ?

i have read all the reviews on dpreview.com, and kenrockwell.com, but thought i would come to my friends at hp.org

thanks all

tl

[Medic721]

I started with a Tamron 18-200 lens. worked well and served its purpose but didn't even compare to the L series canon lenses I have now. I use my
24-70 f/2.8L as my general purpose and my 70-200 IS f/2.8L for most sports and action shots with or without a 2x teleconvertor. I also purchased a canon wide angle zoom 10-22mm that ended up serving me very well, it is a little odd shooting with that lens. the field of view is wider than my normal vision. Great pictures though.

The ken rockwell site is interesting. I looked in many of the same places that you have been. It can turn into a bit of a 'disease/obsession'. I use a manfrotto aluminum tripod. I couldn't justify the expense for the carbon fiber. I purchased a Kirk photo ball head for the tripod and L bracket as well (www.kirkphoto.com). The bracket protects the camera and works great with the ball head. I also picked up a Manfrotto Monopod for taking sports shots of the US Open (tennis) or the kids soccer and lacrosse games.

To answer your question, you will not be disappointed by either the Nikon or Canon lenses, they both offer quality products. and Tamron, Sigma and others make less expensive alternatives for both as well.

-Mike.

[rocky]

I'll second the view that you purchase the same brand as you currently use.

I've become a huge fan, especially with the kids sports photography I do of image stabilizing lenses

Got a Canon Digital rebel about 4 years ago

[OB3]

Olympus e-500 ??

Anyone have any experience with this camera? Or Olympus DSLR in general. It seems to have gotten good reviews, jsut wondering ?

regards

[Medic721]

I read the reviews on the olympus as well, but I would still stick with Nikon or Canon. They are everywhere. If you are on a trip somewhere you will always be able to get a lens or accessory, not so for the olympus, and more likely than not, your lenses and accessories from your current canon or nikon (if you purchase one) will most likely work with newer models as well. A friend has old minolta lenses but can't use them on anything new, but older canon lenses can still work on my DSLR.

just my opinion.

-Mike.

[CMasten]

not sure if the D80 is on the list, but I just bought one last week, and could not be happier... its for my wife as an upgrade to the casio exs600 to get more kid sporting events pics etc.. it has the new 15mm-135mm autofocus and easy enough to switch from fully auto to pro when the time comes. There are some pretty aggressive prices online, I ended up getting mine as a package from beachcamera.com on the east coast.

[OB3]

after 3 months of saying 'i will buy it next week' i finally bought a dslr...
After much research and 'hands on' trips to best buy and CC, i decided on a pre-owned Nikon d50 with a Nikkor 18-70 lens.
Both items were shipped today, i should have them when i get into the office next week.
Can not wait.

[Mainer]

Originally posted by OB3
after 3 months of saying 'i will buy it next week' i finally bought a dslr...
After much research and 'hands on' trips to best buy and CC, i decided on a pre-owned Nikon d50 with a Nikkor 18-70 lens.
Both items were shipped today, i should have them when i get into the office next week.
Can not wait.

Welcome to the D50 Owners - Pilot Owners sub group.

There's at least two of us in this group

You are gonna love it. Great camera - well laid out controls - Phenomenal pictures.

Cute kid - will probably a frequent subject, I'm sure.

[OB3]

thanks Mainer ....

I am looing forward to receiving it this wednesday, i even had it delivered to my workplace so i would be able to 'play' with it sooner

my little guy is 4 now.. that pick was 2 1/2 + years ago, time for an update. After 5000+ pics with my trusted fuji, i will enjoy the dslr world.

tom

[labow]

I just bought the XTi with a Canon 28-135 USM IS lens. I am very happy with it so far. I also considered the Canon 5D and the Nikon D80. The biggest reason I ended up with the Canon is that my Father Inlaw is a professional photographer and he is a Canon man which gives me access to all kinds of lenses and accesories I can use with the XTi. The Canon 5D was sweet and has a full frame sensor but was out of my price range. So far Im loving it and I have gotten some great shots. You will be just as happy with the Nikon, especially comming from a Point and Shoot...there is just no comparison.

Enjoy the new camera! Dont forget about the conversion factor you have to consider to compensate for the size of the sensor if you do not buy DSLR specific lenses (or a camera with a full frame sensor). Im not sure about the D50, but I know the XTi has a 1.6...so for example, a 50mm would be equivalent to an 80mm.

[pat2k8]

I just bought a D40 a month ago, not the X so the megapixels are lower (6.5 i think) I am VERY happy with it. I do not need such a high megapixel unit, I will never print them as a poster!!! My wife was happy as she can still "point and shoot" with it. It takes AMAZING pictures!