New here-need DSLR advice

[Disneychix]

I'm new here to the photography board but I trust my fellow Disers and am looking for some advice :goodvibes

I am looking into purchasing a DSLR and have been looking on Craigslist locally. These 2 cameras have caught my attention and I"m wondering if anyone has any opinions.
Thanks!

Nikon D40-seller including 18-55mm A/F DX Nikkor kit lens w/ caps,
55-200mm A/F DX Nikkor zoom lens w/caps & hood

Canon Rebel XTi- including 18-55mm Lens with cap,
*28-135mm IS USM Zoom lens with polarizer and lens hood and cap

[photo_chick]

I'd go for the XTi between those two, myself.

[Mosca]

Both are great cameras, no matter which you choose you will be happy.

[MICKEY88]

I personally would be hesitant to buy a used dslr off of craigslist, dslrs have a certain life expectancy for the shutter mechanism, so although you might save a few dollars buying used, you also might be buying a camera that only has half or less of it's shutter life left..

[Disneychix]

Thanks for the quick replies. The canon actually comes with 2yrs left out of a 4yr warranty through Best Buy that the seller is stating is transferable.

[MICKEY88]

Thanks for the quick replies. The canon actually comes with 2yrs left out of a 4yr warranty through Best Buy that the seller is stating is transferable.

I'd make sure of what the warranty covers..

[Frantasmic]

It looks like the Nikon lenses are better, but the Canon camera is better.

I don't know much about the Nikon line. How old is the D40? The XTi sensor is still used today in the Canon XS camera.

What is the price difference between them?

If the XTi warranty is transferrable, I'd go with the Canon set up.

[PreludeVTEC01]

Being a Nikon lover myself I hate to say but the Canon seems to be a better deal. Call up Best Buy and see if the warranty will in fact transfer before the deal goes through. Good luck and it wont be disappointed in a DSLR!

[ukcatfan]

I would double and triple check that warranty. I thought that the extended warranty from BB was for original owner only. Also, I have not seen you mention the prices. Are you sure you are getting a good deal?

[mom2rtk]

If the warranty is not transferable, I'd definitely go a different direction. I am on my FIFTH Canon DLSR since 2004. I bought the warranty when I got my first one, and the most one has gone is 2 years. Sometimes they were small problems, like the hot shoe no longer working, but I can't imagine it would have been cheap to fix either.

Anyone know if there is a way them to check the number of frames that have been fired on the camera..... to judge the mileage?

Regardless, without posting the prices, there is absolutely no way to tell if either is a good deal or a horrible deal.

[Disneychix]

Thanks for the replys everyone!
Price wise sellers are asking:
$475 for the Nikon
$500 for the Canon
The Canon seller states "The warranty is the Performance Service Plan. This fully transferable plan includes prompt, professional product service. Coverage begins the day of your purchase, and includes protection from dust, heat and humidity, failures due to normal wear and tear/usage, failures due to power surges, full parts and labor, no-lemon guarantee."

But I will check it out at BB.

[Frantasmic]

For $500, you could get the baseline Nikon D3000 or the baseline Canon XS with a kit lens.

See ritz camera for the Nikon and Target for the Canon XS.

That warranty isn't really worth that much, IMO. I'd still go with the Canon since I think it's newer.

[Uncle Greg]

When first getting into shooting DSLR's, I'd hate to make a decision about which system I marry into based on 2 used cameras from Craigslist.

I'd suggest a lot of hands on time at a retail store trying out various brands and models to see which one resonates with you the most. Only after knowing which camera I intend to buy would I start shopping for possible used deals.

[ukcatfan]

For $500, you could get the baseline Nikon D3000 or the baseline Canon XS with a kit lens.

See ritz camera for the Nikon and Target for the Canon XS.

That warranty isn't really worth that much, IMO. I'd still go with the Canon since I think it's newer.

I have to agree that for $500, I would go with a new model. I would go with the Pentax K-x though and not just because it is the camera I have. It is a much better camera than the D3000 and Rebel XS for the same price. It compares to the D5000 and Rebel T1i, which cost more.

[Bstanley]

Adorama has the Pentax K-x w/18-55 at a very attractive $515 price right now.

For comparison they are offering a new Canon XS w/18-55 at $499.

Just to muddy the waters they are also offering a refurbished Canon XS w/18-55 (silver) for $389 - which is a startling price for a DSLR.

[photo_chick]

I tend to agree with previous posters that the price is a little high for those. I'd probably go new.

[Disneychix]

Thanks for the honest opinions everyone :)