Another which camera question. (Please don't be mad at me)

[Binkrin]

I am moving into the world of SLR cameras. I have been doing some research, and I figured that I would throw this question out there. I am leaning more towards one, but I want to see what you guys think. Any help would be appreciated. Also, if you could take a look at the packages that are offered, I would like your opinions on those too.

Thank you so much!!

Nikon D80 Or Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTI

 

[Master Mason]

I am moving into the world of SLR cameras. I have been doing some research, and I figured that I would throw this question out there. I am leaning more towards one, but I want to see what you guys think. Any help would be appreciated. Also, if you could take a look at the packages that are offered, I would like your opinions on those too.

Thank you so much!!

Nikon D80 Or Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTI

First and foremost, runnnn very far away from the site you linked to http://www.resellerratings.com/store/1_Way_Photo

Then. Go to Amazon, B&H, and Buydig/Beach. See what their prices are and that is what you should expect to spend, and when you decide order from one of them.

Now as to your original question.

Have you held them? The Nikon listed will be a lot bulkier then the XTi, for some that is a plus for others a negative. Both are very good cameras. The XTi is a little newer model I think, but the D80 was a little better camera than the rebel of its time. Canon and Nikon do not make camera that line up will for side by side comparison.

It honestly comes down to which one feels better to you.

 

[Steve's Girl]

We don't get mad over which camera questions - we just give very biased advice!

Hands down, get the D80. Why? Because that's what I have and I like it!

Now, the Rebel owners can chime in.

I did consider both of these cameras when I was buying my first DSLR in the fall of 2006. I chose the D80 because it felt more comfortable to me and also offered some things the Rebel was lacking. In hindsight, I am very glad I went with the D80. I still really enjoy this camera and don't have any desire to upgrade in the near future. Had I got the Rebel, I'm sure I would have wanted to upgrade a lot sooner. The D80 was easy for me to use right out of the box, but also gave me plenty of camera to "grow into". Now, the issue of upgrading lenses, well that is a different story...

 

[Binkrin]

... Now, the issue of upgrading lenses, well that is a different story...

Elaborate please!! PM if necessary. These are things I want to know!


Thank you for your responses. I did hold them both and I really like the feel of the D80. I will stay away from 1 Way Photo, thanks! I didn't know anything about it and just thought that was a too good to be true deal so of course I was weary. More likely than not I would want to go to an actual store to get it.

 

[AlienBrain]

When talking about Canikon, you are splitting hairs. They are both great cameras, but as Steve's Girl was getting to, the big issue is with the lenses.

It all comes down to garbage in - garbage out. If you have a garbage lens, I don't care how good your camera is ... it won't look good.

I had to make the same decision you are making right now about two months ago. I went with the XTi because it was cheaper. Money was an issue for me, so I went with the less expensive of the two.

In conclusion, you can't go wrong with either camera body.

 

[Frantasmic]

Go read the reviews at www.popphoto.com, www.cnet.com (editor's and user's), and some other site I can't remember right now. Finally, go to a local camera shop and ask that person which of the two are selling better in your area (even if you don't intend to purchase at that store).

 

[Steve's Girl]

Elaborate please!! PM if necessary. These are things I want to know!


Thank you for your responses. I did hold them both and I really like the feel of the D80. I will stay away from 1 Way Photo, thanks! I didn't know anything about it and just thought that was a too good to be true deal so of course I was weary. More likely than not I would want to go to an actual store to get it.

All I was saying is that the kit lens may be fine to start, but as you get more into photography, you desire better lenses. So, while I have been happy with my camera body, I am continually looking to upgrade lenses. But from what I hear, that process never ends.

In my opinion, the D80 with the 18-135 lens is a great starter kit. The 18-135 is a very good lens with a nice focal range. But also look at lenses you may want to acquire down the road.

 

[elizke]

I'm just in long term DSLR shopping mode. I wish I could buy now. But since I can't yet, I'm thoroughly enjoying the online shopping around. Sort of like I enjoy second hand smoke since I quit smoking.

Make sure you visit these review sites and compare the cameras you are interested in....

http://www.imaging-resource.com/ (be sure to try the comparometer)

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/ (too much information, but skim through and check out the conclusion page)

and a newer-comer but very good...

http://cameralabs.com/

 

[loveGoofy]

I am going to piggyback off of this thread.

I was just looking at my Costco Connection guide, and saw that they had a NIkon with a 18-135mm lens and 70-300mm lens. They also have a Nikon D60 with an 18-55mm lens and 55-200mm lens (which is more compact). I would be brand new to using an SLR camera. Would the D60 be enough for me... or should I go with the D80, figuring that eventually I will be appreciative of the 70-300mm lens.

What do you camera savvy dis'ers think? Thanks in advance.

 

[handicap18]

Master Mason is correct about Canon and Nikon bodies not matching up well for head to head comparison. The XTi is probably slightly below the D80. The BIGGEST thing between them is their physical size. The D80 is bigger. Not really a lot bigger, but big enough to make a decision one way or another on which to get. You really have to put each one in your hands and see how they feel. See how the different buttons and dials matchup to your fingers.

After that then you can look at the other differences to see if that would persuade you one way or the other.

As a Nikon shooter. I say go with the D80.

 

[handicap18]

I am going to piggyback off of this thread.

I was just looking at my Costco Connection guide, and saw that they had a NIkon with a 18-135mm lens and 70-300mm lens. They also have a Nikon D60 with an 18-55mm lens and 55-200mm lens (which is more compact). I would be brand new to using an SLR camera. Would the D60 be enough for me... or should I go with the D80, figuring that eventually I will be appreciative of the 70-300mm lens.

What do you camera savvy dis'ers think? Thanks in advance.

I have the D50 with the 18-135 and the 70-300mm VR (among a few others) and really like this combination. Great overlap so it tends to keep me from changing lenses as often.

 

[YEKCIM]

Another vote for D80 + 18-135 + 70-300VR. If you need a 70-300 lens, be sure you get the VR version. Nikon makes a non-VR version that sells for about $125 and you get what you pay for. Save your cash until you can get the VR version.

~Y

 

[Master Mason]

If your still in the undecided catagory, you should also look at the Pentax line up, the Sony Line up, and the Olypus line up. Each has their pros and cons.

 

[Todd_H]

I can't speak about the Nikon, but I have the XTi. I actually bought it for my wife for Christmas 2006 because it was a very good entry level DSLR and was smaller than most others in it's class. However, it has been me that has really taken the interest in photography in our house . That being said, my (ahem, excuse me... I mean her) XTi is capable of taking some very nice shots (especially with my 24-70mm / 2.8L lens), but lacks a couple of things that I would like to have if I were going to buy another DSLR today (spot metering, for example). Also, there seems to be considerable noise at higher ISOs under low light. I also have long fingers and the XTi is a little too small for me. It gives my fingers cramps after a while. I'm actually thinking about stepping up to the 40D. The feel of the 40D is perfect to me.

But would I recommend the XTi? Yes. Definitely recommend it to a new DSLR user (and would recommend the XSi even more).

 

[ukcatfan]

Depending how far off you are looking to buy, the Pentax in this range is the K200D. It is brand new, so no deals right now. Give it a month or two and that story might change. If you are going with a basic package, the benefit of the Pentax is built in IS (so it works on every lens), a higher build quality kit lens (optically, all are about the same), and weather sealing on the body (not the kit lens though). There might be some K10D models floating around for a good deal, but supply is really starting to disappear since it was replaced by the K20D.

That said, I think the D80 is a pretty good buy right now and would take it over any Rebel series camera. It comes down to a feel in my hands thing for me.

Kevin

 

[GrillMouster]

First of all, if anyone ever tries to tell you that one brand is better than the other, stop listening to that person immediately. The truth is that you can't go wrong with either Nikon or Canon. Both produce equally good camera bodies and lenses.

The cameras you are comparing are in two different categories. The Nikon D80 is aimed at advanced hobbyists, while the Canon Rebel XTi is aimed at the amateurs new to DSLRs and family snapshooters. That's not to say that the XTi is not good enough for advanced hobbyists; it's a great camera. The D80 is more camera and has more features; I know many professionals who use it as their backup camera, and many who use it as their primary camera.

Advanced DSLRs tend to have more dedicated buttons, dials, and switches that make it very convenient for a knowledgable photographer to quickly adjust settings. These extra buttons often frustrate beginners, leading them to give up on DSLRs and go back to point-and-shoots.

Another point that is often overlooked is the feel of the camera. Your average consumer generally looks for smaller electronic devices. Since entry-level cameras such as the XTi and Nikon's D40x are aimed at this market, they are smaller than other DSLRs. If you have large hands, you may find the XTi is too small for you. Take a trip to your local Best Buy and hold the cameras, see which one feels better in your hand. Of the two cameras you're looking at, the D80 "feels" better in my hands.

 

[oogieboogieman]

Now this is my opinion and I might be wrong. You won't go wrong with either system. The Nikon D80 is has a GREAT price, that would make me very cautious. I would verify to make sure it comes with a battery & a charger, I noticed in a picture to the right side of the ad they would reccommend a specific battery & charger. Same with the Canon model. I'm aware of tactics of company's trying sale additional items like this. Sometimes if you don't by their extra accessories & you still decide to order from them- they will tell you your order will be on backorder. BTW I don't own a Nikon or a Canon, I have an Olympus and a Sony Dslr. Like I said again , I MIGHT BE WRONG AND I APOLIGIZE IF I OFFEND ANYONE. Keep us posted!

 

[Master Mason]

Now this is my opinion and I might be wrong. You won't go wrong with either system. The Nikon D80 is has a GREAT price, that would make me very cautious. I would verify to make sure it comes with a battery & a charger, I noticed in a picture to the right side of the ad they would reccommend a specific battery & charger. Same with the Canon model. I'm aware of tactics of company's trying sale additional items like this. Sometimes if you don't by their extra accessories & you still decide to order from them- they will tell you your order will be on backorder. BTW I don't own a Nikon or a Canon, I have an Olympus and a Sony Dslr. Like I said again , I MIGHT BE WRONG AND I APOLIGIZE IF I OFFEND ANYONE. Keep us posted!

No you were dead on, that place the OP listed from is a scam artist joint.

 

[Binkrin]

No you were dead on, that place the OP listed from is a scam artist joint.

Yes, I said I thought it was too good to be true. I will not be ordering from them. Thank you.

And thank you all for your responses. You have all given me some things to think about. I am really looking forward to posting the pictures from my Disney trip in November with my new camera, which ever one I decide on.