Which camera is better?

[devo_stevo]

I'm going to be in the market shortly for a DSLR and want your opinions. I have narrowed it down to 2 choices. The Nikon D80 and the Canon Rebel XSI. They are roughly the same money and have a lot of the same features but the Canon has a higher resolution and a larger LCD screen.

The question is which of these would you buy and why? Keep in mind that I am wanting to keep this camera for a good long time and really get into photography as a serious hobby so things like who makes better lenses and all of that are important down the road.

Thanks for the input in advance on this.

[R]

Don't buy the D80 new - it has been replaced by the much more capable D90. A bargain on the D80 would be okay, but don't go over about $500 for one.

As far as which brand or camera, there isn't a better one, except that the best camera for you is the one that matches your style and abilities. Rent or borrow a Nikon and a Canon and see which one works best for you.

-Richard

[devo_stevo]

Don't buy the D80 new - it has been replaced by the much more capable D90. A bargain on the D80 would be okay, but don't go over about $500 for one.

As far as which brand or camera, there isn't a better one, except that the best camera for you is the one that matches your style and abilities. Rent or borrow a Nikon and a Canon and see which one works best for you.

-Richard

Thanks for the reply. I have noticed that there are a lot of deals out there on the D80. You can get a lot of stuff for the money on those right now. The D90 looks great too, but it's a bit out of my price range (I could get the body only, but that doesn't do me a lot of good without a lense).

I have used a Canon camera before and I liked it. Not sure the model exactly but it felt good and took great pictures. I'll have to go check out the Nikon and see what there is to see.

[Scott Card]

I was looking at the same choices a few months ago and I went with Canon. Seemed at the time to be more bang for the buck. I have very much enjoyed my wife's camera. :haha: I haven't a clue how to use all the gizmos yet but what I have figured out I have really liked. :2thumbs:

[asdf]

I have had my XSi (my first DSLR) for 6 months now and love it. But beware.... its a money pit. Soon you will want a nice Tripod, extra Batteries, Camera bags, and of course glass.... sucks.

The XSi uses SD and SDHC memory cards. I just picked up a second 4gig card for $7. :five:

Also.. you may want to consider getting a XTi body and Lens. What you are looking to shoot?

[DiscGo]

I also have the XSI and I love it! Though I am not nearly as good with mine as Summit is with his. If you get one we could form a club.

[Wild One]

Check out this side by side comparison from dpreview.com:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos450d%2Cnikon_d80&show=all

Might find it helpful. I've got an XTi which I love and a buddy who has the D80 he absolutely loves. Probably 6's to be honest.

[devo_stevo]

thanks for all of the help on this one guys. I'm starting to lean toward the Canon for the same reason that Scott mentioned above.

As for what I'm interested in shooting, I am working on putting together a book and maybe a website about the mountain biking and hiking trails in Box Elder county. I would like to be able to get some great pictures and besides that, it's always been an interest of mine and my wife enjoys it, so it is something that we can do as a family.

As for the money thing, I'm aware of the problem. I've been mountain biking for the last 16 years and I haven't stopped spending thousands of dollars every year on it in one way or another. I guess I'm at a point in life where I should be able to pick up one more thing. Maybe.

[asdf]

it's always been an interest of mine and my wife enjoys it, so it is something that we can do as a family.

Sounds like youre going to be shopping for a second camera soon. :nod:

[ststephen]

I'm in the same boat: looking to finally get a DSLR.

I'm a little worried about the XSi kit lens. Reviews indicate a lot of color aberration especially in the wide end of the zoom. Landscapes are going to be 75% of my shooting and the wide side gets used a lot.

Of course, I'll be carrying the kit while backpacking so weight is important.

Any thoughts on the Olympus cameras? My take on dpsreview is that they like the kit lens on the 420 or 510 a lot more. Or is there a good 3rd party lens for the XSi I should consider.

Goal is to keep body + lens < $1K.

[jodygrigg]

Here's my 2 cents....I used the Canon XSI last year as a backup camera, currently right now I have a framed 20x30" print from 3 images stitched together in my living and it looks great. Very light, small and easy to use. I would not recommend using the kit lens as they are always very cheap and plasticy and easily break. If you have the money invest in a good lens does not have to be an L series one. Drop me a line if you have any other questions.