Need opinions on Digital SLRs

[Shyvioletisme]

Right now I have a film SLR and a compact digital, however I've been looking into a digital SLR and these are the ones I've come up with...
Nikon D50
Nikon D80(mostly wondering if the money is worth the difference in these two)
Canon Rebel XT
Canon Rebel XTi


If those of you who might have these could give me pros/cons that would be wonderful. I'm trying to get into photography a little more and want a really great Digital.

 

[m1ckeym0use1]

What lenses do you have with your film SLR? If they could be used with your new digital SLR it may help with your decision.

 

[Shyvioletisme]

What lenses do you have with your film SLR? If they could be used with your new digital SLR it may help with your decision.

well I have a Minolta, so one lens is a Minolta AF Zoom 70-210 mm and then I have the kit lens that came with the camera. I'm not sure if this extra lens would be able to be used with one of the Digitals I'm interested in.

 

[mabas9395]

You have listed four of the very best beginner dSLR's. I could lie to you and tell you that you absolutely have to get the Rebel XT (because that is what I have and I love it). But the truth is that there is little difference between them that will dramatically impact your photos. There are some minor differences and you will have to decide which of those are most important to you. Actual camera size, memory type, megapixel count, spot meter, high ISO performance, etc are just a few of the things to consider and there are many good websites such as www.dpreview.com that can help you see the differences side by side.

 

[Master Mason]

don't think you can go wrong with any of them The D50 and the XT are the older models, but are still great cameras. I have the XT. It was bought before the XTi came out, so I didn't have to decide between the 2. There were still a few of the Digital Rebels around, but they were at the end of life on their sales, and I never really concidered it.

I have been a canon fan for years, so that was where I was drawn. But that doesn't discount or knock Nikon in anyway, they make great cameras.

 

[handicap18]

I have the D50 and LOVE it. I've taken close to 4000 pictures with it since I got it in January of this year. So I can highly recommend that camera. I have a friend who has a D80 and it is a GREAT camera as well. I've read 3 different reviews (2 from UK photo mags and 1 from Popular Photography) and they have all given the D80 VERY VERY HIGH marks. The 2 1/2 inch LCD on the back is better than the 2 inch one on the D50. The D80 has the same CCD sensor as the D200 (10.2 MP) which is a pro calibur camera. The D80 has a lot of the same features as the D200 (but is $700 less) and a lot more or at least improved features than the D50. I would love to have the D80, but since I already have the D50 and am looking to improve my lenses first, I'll wait a few years for the next newest and greatest.

As for Canon, the XT and XTi are great camera's. The only problem I found with them was that they are to small for me. I also like the layout and location of the buttons for the Nikon's better than the Canon. Image wise, they (Nikon and Canon) are pretty much on target with each other, with Canon a bit higher (though the reviews I've seen say the D80 may be better,slightly better). I've seen reviews that give better marks to Nikon for auto white balance and most seem to like the 8mp better than the 6mp. Though that has changed with the D80's 10.2MP.

As for lenses, both have very similar options. Nikon has more of a selection for the regular average every day photo buff in the 18-??? range with the 18-55, 18-70, 18-135 and 18-200 (along with a 18-35 f/2.8 and 17-55 f/2.8). When it comes to the "better glass", both companies are pretty much even.

Either way you can't go wrong with any of the 4 you listed. Though I'm partial to Nikon as I've been a Nikon user for almost 20 years.

Good luck with your shopping.
Be sure to post pictures once you decided.

 

[extreme8]

If you're interested in adding another option to your Your list, your Minolta lenses will work on the new Sony Alpha a100 (they took over Konica/Minolta's camera business last spring.)
It's in the upper end of the price range you're looking at, but you could save some money on glass if you're happy with what you have.

I personally got rid of my Minolta gear because my Minolta 5D died and the a100 was a bit too small for my hands. I bought the Nikon D200, although it was a really tough call between that and the D80.

You really can't go wrong with any of the machines you have listed.
Good luck!

 

[Jeanne B]

Not to add more confusion but the Pentax K100D (with shake reduction) is another option for you to consider.

I've had mine for about 2 months now and although I haven't been able to use it as much as I would like, I'm really pleased with it. I paid $587 including the kit lens from beachcamera.com and for the price I couldn't go wrong.

 

[PaulD]

The best thing you can do is actually hold one in your hand and take some test shots at a store. I had the original digital Rebel and really loved it. I never considered buying either the XT or the XTi because they just felt too small in my hands. I think the Nikons feel bigger and more substantial. Of course I already owned Canon lenses so I ended up going with the 30D.

One thing I can say is that I think the Nikons have a better flash system. It's easier to use and gives more consistent results. I used to use Nikons back in the days of film and it's one thing that still bugs me about my Canons.

As others have already said, any of the cameras you've listed are great. Pick the one that feels best to you.

 

[Groucho]

Like Jeanne says, don't forget the Pentax K100D. Generally the only reason people don't consider it is because they don't know that it exists - it's not carried by the big electronics stores so it flies under the radar, but offers image quality to match the others (identical sensor as the D50, actually) but also is the only, other than the Sony, to offer in-body image stabilization - plus it costs less than the others.

Stabilization is, IMHO, the only significant differentiating feature between the current crop of entry-level DSLRs. Take pictures from the non-IS DSLRs - Nikon, Canon, the non-IS Pentaxes, etc - and they'll all have superb quality. They all have a good range of features, each with a couple strengths and a couple weaknesses, but overall, all very competent and each one will make their owner very satisfied. But IS can have a big affect on blurring caused by camera shake, and only the Sony and the Pentax K100D (and upcoming K10D) feature in-body IS. Canon and Nikon demand that you buy special lenses, which start at about the cost of Pentax body alone. I believe they'll eventually offer in-body IS as well, but probably not for a while.

Not that you can't survive without it - my DSLR doesn't have it and I'm very happy - but if I were buying today, I'd have to buy one with in-body IS.

The Sony is a good choice if you can find a good deal on it, since you do already have the Minolta lenses, which should fit it. The only downside is that I've heard that the Minolta lenses are pretty expensive compared to the other brands, but that may or may not matter, if you already have the lenses that you'd want.

 

[spoon2003]

I agree with PaulD about physically holding one and see if you like how it feels. Before I purchased my XT, I thought I wanted a D50. But after holding both at BestBuy, I liked the feel of the XT better. I have small hands and the XT just fit better. As a reference, my DS8's hands are bigger than mine

 

[jann1033]

another one for trying before you buy...not only the size but the way the buttons are situated might make it or break it for you...i got the rebel xt mainly cause i had lenses that would fit ( only one i actually ever use but that is beside the point )but also cause it felt the best to me and i was looking for something smallish/lightish so i could get heavier lens without it killing me.

the sensor cleaning of the rebel xti would probably do it for me though as i have 2 little smutzes already that i have to keep cloning out of the sky in a lot of pics

and handicap now i know i am photo-crazed...I've take almost 6000 pics since med June when i got my rebel