Help me decide....

I've been looking around for a while now and I am stuck between 2 cameras

The Nikkon D80 (http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=2&productNr=25412)

And the Cannon Rebel XTI (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=14256)

Ive gone beyond the point and shoot stage and want a good camera. I don't plan on taking pictures professionally just for my own use and mabye for the website

It will be about another 6 months before I can justify the purchase so I have some time to kill

What would you buy and why?

Tough call. I am a big Canon fan, but a couple specs could sway me to the Nikon. If you have compatible lenses, that model would probably be the best choice. Aside from that, consider that the Nikon has a slightly faster power up and a touch better lens conversion factor (1.5 vs 1.6).

Lens conversion comes into play when you are dealing with faster lenses. Basically, you need to buy a lot better lens (and they are expensive on that end of the spectrum) to get the speed of a film (having a 1x conversion) camera. The camera sensor is not full size is sort of a laymans description, meaning the lens isn't used to its full potential. It means to get an equal shot as a film camera, your lens must be rated quite a bit better than the one on the film camera. Lens conversion was a large (the biggest) deciding factor in my camera purchase of the Canon 5D. I wanted a digital camera at least as good as my 35mm....after a little research, I determined I really needed that full size sensor so I could utilize fully the 28-70 2.8 lens I purchased with it. Totally happy with that decision, btw. Low light, motion and high contrast are the most difficult conditions to photograph. As a DJ....where do you work?

None of the features seem terribly significantly better or worse than the other, so it may come down to included software, available lenses, or just the feel of the camera.

Buy the cheaper one. They're all the same.

Hi Val

Thanks for the advice.

I don't currently have any lenses or any equipment beyond a half-decent point and click camera. I have done alot of videography in my time so I know the principals I am hoping that a better camera will make me a better photographer. I can see the shots but rarley get them with the point and clicks

Most of my events are weddngs/ private parties so I have all the Low light, motion and high contrast conditions.

Right now I am leaning toward the D80 because of specs and features but I like the feel of the Cannon camera a bit more

Ahh well I have a little time on my side Ill have to do some more reading

Where's Music Doc or Shirl the Pearl? I think they are the guru's to ask.

D80 is an awesome camera. We use one of those and a D70 right now and have no complaints. Your mileage may vary.

As a user Kirby what is the major difference in the two?

BTW nice to see you back around :sqbiggrin:

Thanks, Jeff...


Between the Canon and Nikon? I have no clue.

Coreen is a hard-core Nikon user and won't buy anything but.

Since I'm the "jr. photographer" I'm relegated to mostly using the D70.

I would recommend the D80. Especially if you're going to use it for your website. The D80 will give you more room to grow.

One thing to consider, if you're thinking about a D80, maybe you should consider the Canon EOS 40D. It's more in the same price range as the Nikon than the XTI (I believe).

Nikon D80 review:
http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3231/camera-test-nikon-d80.html

Canon Rebel XTI review:
http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3382/camera-test-canon-eos-digital-rebel-xti.html

Canon EOS 40D review:
http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/4668/camera-test-canon-eos-40d.html

Sorry for the hijack,
I just bought a point and shoot Fuji Finepix s700 for $150 shipped off ebay.
Plus I got 2 - 512 MB Cards.
New, they around $250.00.
Large body, nice big aperture.
But not SLR.
Its the step below some of their big guns.
I really like the picture quality from Fuji, so I decided to pick one up for my wife.

Newegg Reviews (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830122110)

My Dad has a smaller Fuji and I'm just stunned at the quality compared to my Olympus.....

The more I couldn't justify the expense of the D80 for what I am going to use it for. I did need a camera though my 2 point and clicks were falling apart fast

Tonight I picked this one up (http://www.dcviews.com/_fuji/s1000.htm)

When I get a few days using it I will post a review

I almost just bought that camera myself. I went with this one instead.

http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/16366/sony-cybershot-h3/

I went from an older 4 megapixel Canon. I will post some comparison photos soon

Thanks Madness

Why did you go with the Sony over the Fuji? I looked at that one too and found the specs to be a bit better on the Fuji for less money. I have also had some bad experiences with other earlier generation cybershots

A friend of mine is a photographer and he said it was a good camera. I think the main reason I went with this one was I ordered through dell and it would have taken 2 weeks to ship the Fuji.

Buy the cheaper one. They're all the same.

hmmm dont know if id agree with that when you get into digital SLR... Jeff Id go with the Nikon id also buy it at best buy with a psp in case you have a problem at a gig.

kyle

id also buy it at best buy


Why would you go to a department store for a camera??? Do you think they can help you understand how to use it??

You may save a couple bucks at Best Buy... just don't go back to them if you have a problem...

If your going to buy a camera.. go to a camera store... at least then you have service after the sale...