STILL undecided...

gamerz · Apr 8, 2008

Hello,

I am still undecided on what DSLR to buy so that I can hopefully improve my photography as a hobby. The Cameras that I am looking at are the Nikon D40, D80, and the Canon XTi, and XSi. I don't really know where to start, so I made a little questionnaire to help.

1. What is your budget?

Under $1000 Canadian with accessories, lenses, etc. I would be willing to go a bit over for a higher end model (D80, XSi)

What Size DSLR would you like?

Something relatively small... I wouldn't want to go over the D80's size.

Are there any brands you prefer?

I would like to stick to Canon and Nikon, mainly because they have a good lens line.

What tasks will you be performing with this camera?

I will be doing a little bit of everything. As I progress in skill, technique, and style, I might want to get a little more into sports, landscapes, and macro.

Are there any features you would like to have?

Being able to Auto focus with alot of lenses would be very helpful.

How long do you want this camera to last?

I would want it to last at LEAST 2 years... What I am really looking for is a DSLR that I can have for a few years without having to buy a new camera because of a lack of features or technology.

Thanks for helping

evo5gsr · Apr 9, 2008

Have you tried playing around with them?

Mystwalker · Apr 9, 2008

Just my opinion ... do not think XSi belongs in same sentence as D80.

For D80 type performance you are probably looking at 30D or maybe 40D which is considered upgrade of 30D. I think the XSi is still considered "beginner".

D80 is pretty good @ ~$700 (B&H) - this coming from someone who has Canon and have no intention of ever switching. I have too much in lens invested into Canon so my opinions are biased towards Canon. BUT that D80 is a very good deal - if I were to choose today, I would choose 40D, but that does not stop me from admiring D80.

I think there is a D80 + lens for under $800. Do not know quality of lens though.

D80 and 30D are both larger, feel more solid then the XT, XTi, D40, D40x ... I'm thinking the D60 and XSi are in the category as XTi and D40.

"being able to autofocus ..." - do not think D80 nor XSi will have this problem

I think your camera will last longer then the technology in it. Whatever you buy today, there will be something better and cheaper in 2 years. In my case, something same price and better in 6 months

Gsurf1029 · Apr 9, 2008

i just got the d40 and im in love
and ya gotta love the price
gives you more money to spend on accessories .

Dutchboy · Apr 9, 2008

I've only owned Canon so I can't speak for the Nikons, but one suggestion would be to get the XTi instead of the XSi (get the body only without the kit lens) and put the difference towards lenses. The extra features of the XSi are great, but what really makes great photos is 1. your brain and 2. good lenses.

Just my two cents.

Village Idiot · Apr 9, 2008

I was talking to a local photographer that attended a lighting workshop I did last week and he said the D40 not including AF is probably one of the biggest blunders Nikon has ever made and that it shuts people off from some great lenses.

I told him "no comment"

abraxas · Apr 9, 2008

gamerz · Apr 9, 2008

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/541241-REG/Nikon_9483_D80_SLR_Digital_Camera.html

D80 with 18-55mm VR for $889...

And for the body alone it is...$729...

ghpham · Apr 9, 2008

Village Idiot said:
I was talking to a local photographer that attended a lighting workshop I did last week and he said the D40 not including AF is probably one of the biggest blunders Nikon has ever made and that it shuts people off from some great lenses.

I told him "no comment"

You should have asked him why then, are they following up with the D60....

Gsurf1029 · Apr 9, 2008

i would go with that d80 deal up there ^^ w/ the VR

Mystwalker · Apr 9, 2008

ghpham said:
You should have asked him why then, are they following up with the D60....

I would guess most beginners are not aware of the "autofocus" thing with D40, D40x, D60s. When I "tested" D40x, I sure did not know about that. I didn't choose D40x because it did not feel solid compared to 30D - WHEW

Most who are "just jumping into DSLR" (okay, me) will look for megapixels, and then probably zoom. Nikon seem to understand this "perception" because their beginner cameras all have high mp and their kits cover the short and long range "zooms" - very attractive to someone who only have P&S as a comparison.

Village Idiot · Apr 9, 2008

Mystwalker said:
I would guess most beginners are not aware of the "autofocus" thing with D40, D40x, D60s. When I "tested" D40x, I sure did not know about that. I didn't choose D40x because it did not feel solid compared to 30D - WHEW

Most who are "just jumping into DSLR" (okay, me) will look for megapixels, and then probably zoom. Nikon seem to understand this "perception" because their beginner cameras all have high mp and their kits cover the short and long range "zooms" - very attractive to someone who only have P&S as a comparison.

And this is the case.

I've seen threads where people want a D40 and when some one mentions the lack of an internal AF motor and how it affects certain lenses, the noobs are surprised. This doesn't always affect their choices though.

It could be a bad thing depending on what lenses you plan on buying. I look at it this way though; if you're buying into the Nikon system and buying lenses, you'll most likely upgrade to the next teir of bodies when you get some experience and realize how much better the features in those cameras are. That's why I usually reccomend them over the entry level cameras for people serious about the hobby.

nicfargo · Apr 9, 2008

That D80 is in a much higher class then Canon's XT class of DSLR. The D80 is the competition to the 20D/30D (what was out when it was released). Can't really compare it to the 40D because it was just recently released and the D80 is a couple years old.

somedumbname · Apr 9, 2008

I just got a D80 for my first DSLR. It freeking ROCKS! much more camera than i need right now, but at least i can grow into it. I also upgraded to the 18-200 VR Nikor lenz. I got mine on ebay with a pile of other gear like a packsack, cleaner, filters and memeory and the works for $1300.

Buszaj · Apr 9, 2008

I would say D80 or XTi. The D40 does not have an internal AF motor, so it will not autofocus with all lenses. The XSi in my opinion is not worth the extra money over the XTi. The best new feature in it would be the new Dig!c III processor. Save the money and go with the XTi and better lenses (if you go with Canon that is). Feel the cameras out, and plan in the future with what lenses you'll want to buy.