[tsukemene123]

I'm looking into buying a digital SLR and I'm trying to figure out the respective merits of Canons and Nikons. I'm mostly looking at the Canon EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT, the Canon EOS 400D/Digital Rebel XTi, the Nikon D80, and the Nikon D200. The D40 is a little less than what I want from a camera. The D200 and D300 are really, really pricy, but I'm hoping I can find good deals if one of them is the camera I settle on. Nikons are more expensive than Canons.

Basically, I've looked at all the specifications and technical aspects of the camera, and was wondering if anyone has any information to offer in terms of ease of use and operational aspects of the camera. Does it work well? Is it easy to figure out? Are there any common malfunctions? Is the picture quality good? Do you like it (important, haha!)?

Also, I've never had an SLR before; only compact digital cameras like the Sony Cybershot. How's transitioning from a compact to a full-bodied camera? Is having an SLR as inconvenient as it sometimes seems?

Any help that can be given on this topic is appreciated! If you think all of these cameras suck, you can even suggest a new one, haha. I'm open to anything.

Thanks in advance!!

Pictures:


Canon EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT


Canon EOS 400D/Digital Rebel XTi


Nikon D80


Nikon D200

[whazzup101]

i've always wanted and slr cam too. i first wanted a D70 back then, but the D80 is supposedly like the upgraded version so i'd go with the D80.

[stressed_out]

according to one photographer i was talking to, canon is better in terms of economic value (proper use?) because lens that you buy under Canon regardless whether or not they are meant for the digital or 35mm film series or any model in those series, are interchangable so there is no need to buy seperate lenses for specific models or formats. The Nikon is more expensive in that it demands specific lenses for specific models. Other than that both brands are notable in function, it truly depends on what you're going to use the camera for. It seems a lot of individuals though, take more of a liking to Canon rather than Nikon. Good Luck!

[tsukemene123]

Thanks for your advice! This input really helps.

[watcher]

according to one photographer i was talking to, canon is better in terms of economic value (proper use?) because lens that you buy under Canon regardless whether or not they are meant for the digital or 35mm film series or any model in those series, are interchangable so there is no need to buy seperate lenses for specific models or formats. The Nikon is more expensive in that it demands specific lenses for specific models. Other than that both brands are notable in function, it truly depends on what you're going to use the camera for. It seems a lot of individuals though, take more of a liking to Canon rather than Nikon. Good Luck!

u sure you dont have it the other way around? nikon's well known for backwards compatibility. most (if not all) nikon lenses from back in the 1980's will work for current nikon models, including DSLR's. on the contrary, canon currently uses the EF mount, which is only 20 years old. The previously used FD mount is no longer used, and therefore, owners of old canon FD mount lenses cannot use them on newer canon SLR/DSLR bodies (canon EOS line).

to the OP:

if you compare the ergonomics of the xt/xti against the d80/d200, the nikon will win out hands down. this is because the xt/xti is much smaller and made primarily of a plastic shell. a better candidate from the canon side would be the 30D/40D, which is larger and more comparable to the build/size of the nikon d80/d200.

i think ultimately, it really comes down to what you prefer to shoot more. canon makes probably the best set of prime lenses as well as sports photography lenses in the world. though nikon is no slouch, nikon's bigger advantage lies in their advanced external flash systems that canon simply cannot compete with.

whichever system you decide to get, you're getting a fine camera and the potential to use some really great gear. either way seems fine in my viewpoint. there were only 2 reasons why i went with canon.

1. my friends had lots of lenses i could borrow from time to time
2. the 30D was on rebate and was a MUCH better deal than the d80 at the time

But i do have to say.... the canon L lineup is seriously an experience people should not miss!!!

[_ambrosia]

I went to go buy an SLR camera two years ago, and my photography teacher informed me that Nikon is one of the best companies that produces cameras, because they've been in this business for year (don't get me wrong so has Canon) but Nikon's cameras last very long, they are very easy to handle. He raved all about Nikon, so I don't know much about cameras, but I do know for a fact that the people at the camera store said a bunch of good things about Nikon's cameras. It's a good choice for professionals.

[tsukemene123]

Thank you all for your advice. It's really helping.

[lockinsocks]

It all depends on how you like the quality of the pictures after you take them. I prefer Nikon's quality over the Canons. If you google online, you should find some pictures comparison of the each camera. Sometimes this helps in deciding what camera you want and how the quality of the pictures turn out.

[d0wne]

It all depends on how you like the quality of the pictures after you take them. I prefer Nikon's quality over the Canons. If you google online, you should find some pictures comparison of the each camera. Sometimes this helps in deciding what camera you want and how the quality of the pictures turn out.

That's mostly because the Nikon has the better kit lens. Canon just came out with an IS version of their kit lens, and from what I'm seeing and reading about so far, it is very sharp.

[thiviyaa.]

I looked up the cameras and so far, by judging after what I've read, I think Nikon D200 and Canon EOS 400D/ Digital Rebel XTi. The qualities seem to be just as great and since I'm beginning to gain an interest in photography, I want a really good quality camera to capture what I actually want to get into my picture. I'm not sure if I missed it, but anyone know the speed for capturing the pictures, since some cameras are quite slow. They take their time to actually capture anything, so when it moves, it looks really bad.

[rrrrrai]

Wow, I've always wanted a dSLR, but sadly I can't afford one at the moment! T-T
Anyway, thanks for all the info, guys! (:

[watcher]

It all depends on how you like the quality of the pictures after you take them. I prefer Nikon's quality over the Canons. If you google online, you should find some pictures comparison of the each camera. Sometimes this helps in deciding what camera you want and how the quality of the pictures turn out.

picture quality depends more on the lens and technique than the camera body itself

[Tepper]

Indeed, even though I'm a Nikon guy, the 30D/40D wins over the D80 (D300 is too expensive), having a wider range of shutter speeds a more solid feel and also (somehow) more budget friendly. I think that the canon lenses are better at the budget end compared to the nikkors, once you get into the more expensive lenses both sides win, but then you'll be spending as much on a single lens as you are currently planning to spend on the camera body itself. D200 on the otherhand, matches up the Canon's 30D/40D, but ya, it's up to you.

Canon's all have their own similar learning interface/button layouts and Nikon's have theirs, either one will take a short while to get comfortable with, but luckily they remain similar across the eras.

Image quality is great in all of these cameras--light years ahead of most compact P&S cameras, lens quality (as well as photographic skill and composition) will often determine picture superiority between any of these models, not the MP or technical features available. --As I've said time and time again, even me with my measly 2 and a half year old 6.1MP Nikon D70s, my pictures quality-wise, turn out fine by my taste, at least.

[tsukemene123]

Thanks for all of the input! At this point I think I'm either going with a Nikon D40X or a Nikon D80...

But then I keep wondering if a Canon would be better! Haha.

[j00n]

They're both VERY good cameras. Even among professional photographers this is a hot topic. You're not going to get a definite answer on one or another, it simply comes down to a matter of preference and cost.

[lol]

Being a Nikon fan, I say it's the way to go. Feels like it's a hit or miss with Canons.

[pxd]

Being a Nikon fan, I say it's the way to go. Feels like it's a hit or miss with Canons.

It's a hit or miss? If you say so, then the same has to go for Nikon.

[KiYORee]

Ah, lolz. I worked at an electronics store and I got this question ALL the time. xP

I've personally worked with both DSLRs. I own a Nikon, but had to use a Canon in my photography courses. My first Nikon was a 35mm film one [I forget the model xP] and my family bought a pretty decent lens collection. Then we got a DSLR, and like someone already mentioned.. yes, old Nikon lenses can work with the SLRs [and that made my wallet very VERY happy! xDD] They're really durable too. My 35mm is still in great condition and my mom bought it back in the early 80's. Easy handling, easy layout, and they announce new equipment months before releasing anything new so you don't feel stupid when your brand new ______ is so 5 minutes ago.

As for the Canon series, its a good competitor. I didn't actually buy it so I'm not sure how much money I was handling at the time, lolz. As for quality, its almost even with Nikon depending on how you're using it. The buttons and features were easy to figure out, and should be even easier if you take a glimpse or two at the manual. The pictures were great too. There's more variety of lenses with Canon, and I hear they might be a little cheaper too.

If you're buying it for amateur photography like everyday pictures and that sort, all I can really say is feel it out. Lolz, I know it sounds stupid, but the way a camera feels in your hands, like the size and stuff, can help. It might be a little more bulky than you prefer, or a little heavier. It depends on you. Quality is great with both of them, and seriously, you can't go wrong with either! I love them both! Biased answer from me though, I like Nikon. ^^ Hope this helps! haha

[lockinsocks]

That's mostly because the Nikon has the better kit lens. Canon just came out with an IS version of their kit lens, and from what I'm seeing and reading about so far, it is very sharp.

Nikons do have better kit lens and it makes things a lot easier to start off when it comes to buying the cameras. I prefer Nikons more because I don't have to worry about which lens I want to buy next cause the lens kit that comes with Canon aren't the greatest out there.

picture quality depends more on the lens and technique than the camera body itself

Of course it all varies, but I'm generally speaking about the lens kit that comes with the Nikon's body.

[vip_gd]

canon all the way bby <33