Beginner - D40 or XTI

[CYi5]

I have the chance to get some decent deals on a couple DSLR's at my work. The only experience i've had with cameras are the point and shoot, but I'm interested in getting into it a little more for wheeling, and large landscape shots. I'm not planning on printing huge posters, just good quality photos for myself and to share.

Nikon D40 w/1855 - $300
Canon Rebel XTi w/1855 - $400

Everyone I've talked to so far recommends the Canon, so I'm leaning towards that. Which would you choose since there is not much of a price difference? Thanks!

 

[DiploStrat]

Ford or Chevy??

I prefer Nikon as I find the ergonomics better. There is no wrong answer.

Remember however, with DSLR's:

-- Invest in lenses, and
-- Expense camera bodies.

 

[tdesanto]

Go to a reputable camera shop and try them both.

They're probably both decent cameras.

I prefer Nikon, but you'll also find several who prefer Canon.

 

[DaJudge]

I have an XTi that I bought in May. I love it! I can't really say it is 'better' than the Nikon because I have never tried the Nikon. I have always had good experiences with Canon so I stick with them.

If you go with the Xti I recommend that you get a battery grip. It makes it a little heavier but the ergonomics are better. Plus you get the added benefit of taking more pictures before your batteries need to be changed.

 

[CYi5]

Awesome, thanks for the input.

 

[PhoenixGSU]

D40 or D40x?? The D40 is only 6.2 mp to the XTi 10.1 mp. If that sort of thing interests you. I'd go a step further and say try to find a Canon 20D or 30D. Both are 8 mp and the bodies are much more solid than the XTi or D40. You can tell by the weight that the build is A LOT better. If not that, then atleast find a walkin store where you can hold both and compare. I prefer Canon. Nikon ergonomics to me are eh.

I've bought from KEH before, they are based in Atlanta.

6 mp 10D
http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/Prod...2=&ID=2&BC=DC&BCC=3&CC=2&CCC=1&BCL=&GBC=&GCC=

8 mp 20D
http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/Prod...2=&ID=2&BC=DC&BCC=3&CC=2&CCC=1&BCL=&GBC=&GCC=

8 mp 30D
http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/Prod...2=&ID=2&BC=DC&BCC=3&CC=2&CCC=1&BCL=&GBC=&GCC=

As always, do as much research as you can. I currently use a 40D for digital, and the better build and weather sealing is worth it.

 

[CYi5]

It's just a D40. I've been told the higher megapixels aren't necessary unless you're blowing up large prints, but more couldn't hurt right? While price isn't a huge issue, i'm trying to keep it in the range of these two as i'm still a college student for a few more months.

 

[PhoenixGSU]

i'm trying to keep it in the range of these two as i'm still a college student for a few more months.

I feel you on that, I've done 4 years, changed major and transferred and now I have 3 more to go. My personal rec would be to look at the 20D, its not too much more than the XTi. Good number of mp, solid body. I'd also tell you to look into prime lenses, the 50mm 1.8 II is great, and its only 80$. Very sharp, fast lens for th money. You won't get any zoom but it is a better lens overall than the 17-55.

the continuous shooting frame rate is also higher, good for action.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/2720732837_a9958be651.jpg

 

[cstamm81]

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

You asked for it, but I value this guys reviews big time. We bought a Nikon lens he recommended for our D50 and have been blown away. As far as he is concerned, the D40 is an amazing all around camera.

 

[GDmovingtoAlaska]

I have the XTI with 3 lenses and love it. I really prefer the Canon L series lenses. They are amazing.

 

[PhoenixGSU]

I really prefer the Canon L series lenses. They are amazing.

I can't really comment on that as I don't own any L glass, yet. Looking at a 70-200L f/4 though.

 

[CYi5]

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

You asked for it, but I value this guys reviews big time. We bought a Nikon lens he recommended for our D50 and have been blown away. As far as he is concerned, the D40 is an amazing all around camera.

Very informative site, thanks for sharing!

 

[toyrunner95]

I have a XTI and i love it. It almost literally goes with me everywhere. I have 2 lenses. An 18-55 and a 75-300. They both work great. The small one for closeups, and the long one for wildlife.

 

[DiploStrat]

Thom Hogan

Thom Hogan is a nature/landscape photographer who runs one of the best Nikon focused websites. I tend to agree with most of what he says.

In any case, he has lots of good reference materials on megapixels vs. print size, small sensors vs. large, etc.

Enjoy!

www.bythom.com

 

[7wt]

I had it explained like this,

Nikon's are better for landscape and still work and Canons are better for sports and action shots. The reasons are that Canon's shutters are faster and quicker but the color processors aren't as good as the Nikons. Nikons do tend to be use by more outdoor photographers that I have noticed. They capture almost unreal colors. A buddy of mine has an XTi and he comments on the color of my D40 all the time. We use to take shot together at work of the same thing at the same time with the same exposures and mine were always sharper with more color. I do like his shutter better, it seems faster and crisper. Seriously, for $300 you can't beat the D40, it is worth a fair bit more than that. FYI, Nikon isn't making the 40X's anymore. My advice would be to get the D40 and use the extra $100 for a camera bag and a book or magazine.

Good luck to ya!