Which Camera to Choose

[whirlcool]

I have decided to upgrade my digital camera to a digital SLR. I have two models in mind, a Canon Rebel XT or a Nikon D40X. The problem is while both of these cameras are very good, I can't decide. All the user reviews of them give both of them 5 stars, and they both seem to occupy the same position in the marketplace.
To make it worse for me, our local camera shop has them both for $599. both including a kit that includes two lenses (normal and telephoto).
I have researched the hell out of both of these and it seems inconclusive as to which one is better. More than one camera magazine said you can't go wrong with either one.
What do you all think?

 

[selectomatic]

At work, we usually recommend Canon products, although Nikon has really caught up lately.

Remember that lenses are a big part of the equation, and you cannot get a good picture without one. It used to be that Nikon had far better lenses, but they've been pretty chintzy in the last several years. If you already have a film AF SLR from one of these companies, your old lenses might work with them.

With old, mechanical SLRs, I always liked Nikon best. Then Canon came out with the EOS AF SLRs, and they were better and easier to use than most of the Nikons.

With digital, the differences aren't as clear-cut. Still, I think I'd go with Canon if I were buying one today.

-kevin

 

[whirlcool]

During my research a few articles mentioned that while the Cannon Rebel XT is an excellent camera, the stock lens that comes with it is really crappy, in fact they said it was amongst the industries worst. But with a different lens, the camera is outstanding. It also stated to try to buy the camera "body only" and add your own lens. But that also raised the price to near $1K.
And with the Nikon D40X, they moved the autofocus motors out of the camera and into the lens system. This makes the lenses expensive. But my own research showed that the Canon and Nikkor lenses to be about the same price. Both cameras come with a normal and telephoto lens in this $599. deal.
I'm not too worried as you can't go wrong with either one. I was actully thinking about trying out the Nikon and if it didn't do what I want it to, I'd exchange it for the Rebel XT.

 

[bigbubbacain]

I was told a long time ago.....

Buy from a brand which actually manufactures their own lenses. On that list, that would be either Nikon or Olympus. Nikon lenses might be "chintzy" as of lately, but they're made in house for their own cameras. I absolutely love my Nikon D-80! I already own a Nikon F-6 and all of my lenses for that camera fit the D-80.

 

[selectomatic]

Last I knew, Canon was still manufacturing their own lenses.

As to the glass, a lot of it is made by Ohara, an optics manufacturer which supplies glass to many companies, including Canon, Nikon, and Olympus. As it turns out, Canon owns Ohara.

Another thing to consider about lenses is that virtually any Canon EOS-mount lens ever made, regardless of manufacturer, should work with the EOS Rebel XTi.

Nikon has made a number of changes in their lens specifications over the years, so not all Nikon-mount lenses will fit the D40x. Indeed, the vast majority of Nikon-mount lenses are incompatible with this model.

If you're only interested in buying new lenses that's not much of an issue, but there are a lot of high-quality used lenses available at very reasonable prices.

-kevin

 

[whirlcool]

While Nikon only has a few lens sets that work with the D40X they are expected to release a whole bunch of new ones maybe in the middle of next year. The older Nikon lenses will work with the D40X, but not in Auto Focus mode, you have to manually set the focus.
Yes, all Canon EOS lenses will work with both the Rebel XT & XTI.
And there are a good many to choose from.
Decisions, Decisions.....

 

[hydralique]

Do you want IS?

If you want IS (Image Stabilization) from Nikon or Canon you'll have to fork over a lot of money for an IS lens, as both of them use lens based systems. Pentax and Olympus use in-camera systems which gives you IS with any compatible lens.

I got an Olympus E-510 this summer and really like it. The kit lenses are generally rated better than the Nikon or Canon kit lenses, and the whold setup is commendably small and light. The IS seems to work quite well too.

My decision was driven to a large degree by the available lens selection. I needed a high quality very wide angle lens, and the Oly 11-22 mm (equivalent to a 35mm film range of 22-44) fit the bill. It was expensive, but I use it as much or more than the kit lenses. If you have any special needs then check out what lenses suit those needs before deciding on a camera.

Photozone.de is a great source for lens tests, and dpreview.com is a good site for general information on digital cameras.