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Discussion Board -> Photography -> Nikon D40x vs Canon Rebel XTi
Nikon D40x vs Canon Rebel XTi
::whttiger25
08/14/07 7:38 PM GMT
I can't decide! Does anyone have any opinions?
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Both are very very similar as im sure you have figured out. My call would be to go down to a good camera store (not a electronics store) and check them both out. Play around with them a bit and see which one you are more comfortable with. (ie which one is the most intuitive to you, and feels the best in your hands, and which one your gut wants). Then check out some of the future things you could buy like lenses. Once you pick your body you are best to stick with that brand. Both of their lens line ups are pretty similar, but see if there is maybe a few that stick out as ones you might like to get in the future. That can help lead your decision.
Personally i am very happy with my nikon kit, so i would go with the d40x, but that is really only because im a nikon guy.
Personally i am very happy with my nikon kit, so i would go with the d40x, but that is really only because im a nikon guy.
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No one wanted to pay to say something in my sig, so i will have to try and think of something creative now...
Most of the “experts” say that Nikon has the edge for landscapes and Canon for sport / action. I had a peek at your gallery (it’s a good one too). Anyway if the “experts” are correct then the Nikon is probably the one for you.
I don’t believe I said that, I’m a Canon shooter!
I don’t believe I said that, I’m a Canon shooter!
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There are three colours, Ten digits and seven notes, its what we do with them that’s important.
Ruth Ross
The Nikon is cheaper than the Canon, but don't forget that Nikon removed the AF motor. If you own old Nikon lenses, the AF will not work. But all new Nikon lenses (and Sigma, Tamron, ...) get HSM or USM (Ultra-sonic motor inside the lens).
I'm a Nikon shooter and very happy with it :-)
I'm a Nikon shooter and very happy with it :-)
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-Pierre-
I have a rebel XT my girlfriend has the XTi, I've only ever used the D50 and D80 from nikon, from an ergonomics point of view id probably take the nikon, as far as lenses go canon tends to specialize in long focal length primes whereas Nikon tends to be better with the shorter lenses (50mm f1.8 is excellent and cheap canons is a bit flimsy), as Trisbert said your gallery tends to be suited more to the nikons strengths. Im with Milo, check both out at a camera store with a few lenses to see what you prefer.
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Best thing to do is exactly what Milo said...goto a good camera store and play with them for a little bit. I've found at "good" camera stores the sales people are really open and unbiased toward branding. They should be able to help you decide which one is best for you.
*Canon...Canon...Canon...* but that's only 'cause I'm a Canon guy :op
*Canon...Canon...Canon...* but that's only 'cause I'm a Canon guy :op
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"To photograph is to hold one's breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality. It's at that precise moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy."
~ Henri Cartier-Bresson
Thanks guys!!
And Noahnott, my budget is always flexible....I'm just trying to get the best value for what I need....this is my first SLR camera and I've always used point and shoot cameras with minimal tweaking of manual settings. Most of all, I want to learn about photography and how to make my photos look like the real thing. From the research I have done it seemed the Canon Rebel XTi and Nikon D40x were the best options....it seems I could also probably be fine with the 6MP, but I'm willing to pay more for the 10MP. I expect this camera will last me a long time or until I cross the threshold into "professional" photography.
Given this, $700 sounds like the sweet spot, with another $500-$1000 later this year or next year for a better lens once I feel I know enough about photography to take advantage of it.
Do you agree?
And Noahnott, my budget is always flexible....I'm just trying to get the best value for what I need....this is my first SLR camera and I've always used point and shoot cameras with minimal tweaking of manual settings. Most of all, I want to learn about photography and how to make my photos look like the real thing. From the research I have done it seemed the Canon Rebel XTi and Nikon D40x were the best options....it seems I could also probably be fine with the 6MP, but I'm willing to pay more for the 10MP. I expect this camera will last me a long time or until I cross the threshold into "professional" photography.
Given this, $700 sounds like the sweet spot, with another $500-$1000 later this year or next year for a better lens once I feel I know enough about photography to take advantage of it.
Do you agree?
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The Nikon D40 (6MP) is excellent too -> link
10 MP is not really necessary, except if you expect very large prints. They also give very big files on your computer...
10 MP is not really necessary, except if you expect very large prints. They also give very big files on your computer...
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-Pierre-
If your budget is flexible i would recommend checking out the d80 :P. it is a bit more expensive, but you are getting a better camera with even more room to grow into. I think if i was getting into the slr market that is what i would be going for.
When i bought my camera i was faced with the rebel (first one), the d70, and the canon 20d. it sounds like i was in a similar place you are as well. It was my first dslr and my only other experience was on a point and shoot (canon s200). The 20d was a little out of my price range so i didn't consider that one very much. It was mostly down to the rebel and the d70. I ended up going with the slightly more expensive d70 and i am extremely glad i did. I don't think i would be happy with the rebel anymore, and would probably be looking at getting something new already. I would go into the reasons more, but it probably doesn't pertain to your situation much since the d80 is the next generation and the rebel xti is 2 generations away.
Anyways, thought id add that just in case your not having a hard enough time deciding:P.
When i bought my camera i was faced with the rebel (first one), the d70, and the canon 20d. it sounds like i was in a similar place you are as well. It was my first dslr and my only other experience was on a point and shoot (canon s200). The 20d was a little out of my price range so i didn't consider that one very much. It was mostly down to the rebel and the d70. I ended up going with the slightly more expensive d70 and i am extremely glad i did. I don't think i would be happy with the rebel anymore, and would probably be looking at getting something new already. I would go into the reasons more, but it probably doesn't pertain to your situation much since the d80 is the next generation and the rebel xti is 2 generations away.
Anyways, thought id add that just in case your not having a hard enough time deciding:P.
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No one wanted to pay to say something in my sig, so i will have to try and think of something creative now...
EOS XT (8mp) w/ 18-55mm
50mm 1.8
...And you set for the time being (you'll also need a memory card though). I don't know how one could live without a auto focus 50mm 1.8. ;-)
There are a bunch of good, sharp lenses that wont auto focus on a D40.
50mm 1.8
...And you set for the time being (you'll also need a memory card though). I don't know how one could live without a auto focus 50mm 1.8. ;-)
There are a bunch of good, sharp lenses that wont auto focus on a D40.
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...My Gallery...and my 'blog'.
Are there any AF-S or AF-I prime lenses made by third parties? I did notice that Nikon does not make any prime lenses that will autofocus on the D40....
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Sigma 30mm 1.4 HSM might do it. Other than that, I dunno.
Primes are usually the sharper and have 'wider' apertures of the lenses yet the D40 cant auto focus with them...Go with the Rebel XT.
PS: Make sure you buy from a reputable company (if you buy online)...like bhphotovideo.com.
Primes are usually the sharper and have 'wider' apertures of the lenses yet the D40 cant auto focus with them...Go with the Rebel XT.
PS: Make sure you buy from a reputable company (if you buy online)...like bhphotovideo.com.
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...My Gallery...and my 'blog'.
Thanks everyone for your input! In case anyone is curious I've decided I'll probably go with the Canon Digital Rebel XTi. While the 8mp seemed adequate I liked the lens cleaning and autofocus improvements and not to mention 2 extra mp's can't be bad. I was THIS close to going with the nikon but in the end got turned off by the lack of DOF Preview and Exposure Bracketing. From what I've heard the Canon kit lens isn't as good as the Nikon one so I'll probably just buy the canon body and some higher quality glass...might need to save up some cash first, agh! I want it now! :(
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I’m sure you will be happy with your choice, welcome to the Canon fraternity.
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There are three colours, Ten digits and seven notes, its what we do with them that’s important.
Ruth Ross
*thumps Noah on the head with a big inflatable hammer*
there...the Nikonian stuckupness is fixed ;oP (j/k)
While the kit lens that comes with the XTi isn't the greatest, it ain't no slouch either. I've gotten alot of great shots with mine (XT with the kit lens). When I say great I mean sharp, clear, no fringing etc. I not all together too sure where you're at with photography (seasoned veteran or fairly new...at least to SLRs), if you're new to photography I'd recommend starting with the kit lens (it should be able to show you what style of shooting you like the most). Unless you know exactly the style of shooting that you like to do, I'd stick with the stock lens till you find out.
there...the Nikonian stuckupness is fixed ;oP (j/k)
While the kit lens that comes with the XTi isn't the greatest, it ain't no slouch either. I've gotten alot of great shots with mine (XT with the kit lens). When I say great I mean sharp, clear, no fringing etc. I not all together too sure where you're at with photography (seasoned veteran or fairly new...at least to SLRs), if you're new to photography I'd recommend starting with the kit lens (it should be able to show you what style of shooting you like the most). Unless you know exactly the style of shooting that you like to do, I'd stick with the stock lens till you find out.
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"To photograph is to hold one's breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality. It's at that precise moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy."
~ Henri Cartier-Bresson
Haha very funny Noah.
I've been thinking about it further and I'm getting the Kit for precisely the reasons you metions Canuck Guy. I'm a complete beginner to manual photography, have only used auto settings on my point and shoot until now. It's only $100 more, and it the deal I found includes a 2GB memory card worth $40....so that's only $60 for the lens. Once I feel like I have learned about all the camera's features (and have saved up more money more importantly) I'll upgrade the lens. I'm planning on getting the Canon 28-135mm lens which has gotten great reviews and the Sigma 10-20mm eventually...so the kit lens will fill that 20-28mm gap in my lenses nicely. I am also considering getting a prime lens 50mm or 35mm but will wait on that one even longer. Will have to see if I want it at the time.
I've been thinking about it further and I'm getting the Kit for precisely the reasons you metions Canuck Guy. I'm a complete beginner to manual photography, have only used auto settings on my point and shoot until now. It's only $100 more, and it the deal I found includes a 2GB memory card worth $40....so that's only $60 for the lens. Once I feel like I have learned about all the camera's features (and have saved up more money more importantly) I'll upgrade the lens. I'm planning on getting the Canon 28-135mm lens which has gotten great reviews and the Sigma 10-20mm eventually...so the kit lens will fill that 20-28mm gap in my lenses nicely. I am also considering getting a prime lens 50mm or 35mm but will wait on that one even longer. Will have to see if I want it at the time.
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Sigma 10-20mm (a little wider, less chromatic aberration) and Tamron 12-24mm (good build) are the two wide angles i've been hearing good things about.
A prime would probably be the lens you should first get (my opinion). Best for low light photography, and the sharpness, distortion, etc from the 50mm 1.4/1.8 is amazing. Also great for taking photos of the milky way...but that's another argument. 35mm would be more 'normal' than a 50mm in terms of usefulness just because 50mm is like 75mm on a cropped sensor. :\
A 20-28mm gap isn't that much - i wouldn't worry about it. :)
Also, about UV filters for your lenses. I personally dont use them because they degrade image quality and it almost ruined (actually, it still has some problems) a $700 lens of mine/dad/brother. Others say it protects the lens's front element from scratches. :(
You may also want to look into a good tripod, maybe a flash for creative purposes, a remote/receiver/transmitter/thing for the flash (not cheap), polarizing filter to fit the widest diameter lens you own, and a camera bag (i use a jansport right pack stuffed with memory foam - cheaper, and i can also use it for school). :)
The most useful thing you should know how to use is the histogram - don't be like me, the first few months of pictures were not exposed correctly b/c i was looking at the screen instead of the histogram for correct exposures. :(
A prime would probably be the lens you should first get (my opinion). Best for low light photography, and the sharpness, distortion, etc from the 50mm 1.4/1.8 is amazing. Also great for taking photos of the milky way...but that's another argument. 35mm would be more 'normal' than a 50mm in terms of usefulness just because 50mm is like 75mm on a cropped sensor. :\
A 20-28mm gap isn't that much - i wouldn't worry about it. :)
Also, about UV filters for your lenses. I personally dont use them because they degrade image quality and it almost ruined (actually, it still has some problems) a $700 lens of mine/dad/brother. Others say it protects the lens's front element from scratches. :(
You may also want to look into a good tripod, maybe a flash for creative purposes, a remote/receiver/transmitter/thing for the flash (not cheap), polarizing filter to fit the widest diameter lens you own, and a camera bag (i use a jansport right pack stuffed with memory foam - cheaper, and i can also use it for school). :)
The most useful thing you should know how to use is the histogram - don't be like me, the first few months of pictures were not exposed correctly b/c i was looking at the screen instead of the histogram for correct exposures. :(
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...My Gallery...and my 'blog'.
actually, no. That post was by no means reminiscent of some of your earlier...ramblings. nice job ;-)
I too have heard good things about the Sigma 10-20, and the Tokina 12-24. as with cameras, try to "play" with each of these before plunking down your cash,and discovering your lens wasn't quite what you wanted.
I too have heard good things about the Sigma 10-20, and the Tokina 12-24. as with cameras, try to "play" with each of these before plunking down your cash,and discovering your lens wasn't quite what you wanted.
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Thanks this is great info. I'm going to ease into it and would never be able to fork over the cash for all that stuff at once. :)
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i can attest to the sigma 10-20 being great. I have it with the nikon mount and it is amazing. I have no regrets getting it over the nikon version. It is just as sharp as my other lenses. Only problem with it is it is a f/4 or something, so its kinda slow, but i use it outside most of the time anyways, and stop it down to f/11 or so.
Just a side note in response to noah. The remote flash stuff isn't actually that expensive if you go the Nikon route. It is built into the camera bodies (d80 and up for sure, not sure about the d40:S). So if you buy a flash like the sb-600 then you have it.
Just a side note in response to noah. The remote flash stuff isn't actually that expensive if you go the Nikon route. It is built into the camera bodies (d80 and up for sure, not sure about the d40:S). So if you buy a flash like the sb-600 then you have it.
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No one wanted to pay to say something in my sig, so i will have to try and think of something creative now...
I've got the Sigma 10-20mm too, it's a gooder! I've gotten some really good shots with it too.
Now...get that camera and start experimenting!
Now...get that camera and start experimenting!
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"To photograph is to hold one's breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality. It's at that precise moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy."
~ Henri Cartier-Bresson
Another thumbs-up for the Sigma 10-20mm, at least on my Nikon anyway.
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Nikon D80 & 18-135mm lens.
...i wish I had the Tokina 10-17mm fisheye...
...or any wideangle...
...or any wideangle...
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...My Gallery...and my 'blog'.
I have a Nikon and am horribly disappointed with the manufacurers and people who work with that company. They not only sold me probably the worst "lemon" they had, but they have not stood behind their claims. I spent a good deal of money on that camera, and I have regretted it ever since. I also have a Canon SLR and love it still. To me, Canon is BEST, always was and always will be. As soon as I can collect me a bit money I will own one too. THe best way to get to the truth of these cameras is to go to the website of StevesDigiCam.
If I knew how to hilight that with blue...so you can click and go there, I would..but I'm slow at that sorta stuff...Verena
If I knew how to hilight that with blue...so you can click and go there, I would..but I'm slow at that sorta stuff...Verena
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Living is like
licking honey off
a thorn....
I've actually had a really good experience with Nikon. One of my lenses had a griding feeling when i manually focused it. So i sent it in and they fixed it up in the time they said they would. This was even after there was obvious signs that i had dropped it. It had the problem before i dropped it, so it wasn't related, but i was worried they might try to get out of fixing it by saying that i cuased it. They didn't.
Also my battery was recalled. I was very pleased how that was handled. They provided an account number for purolator (shipping company) so i was able to send it in at no cost and get a brand new replacement.
Please don't take this as a statement of disbelief of verena's experience, but rather just a second opinion).
Also my battery was recalled. I was very pleased how that was handled. They provided an account number for purolator (shipping company) so i was able to send it in at no cost and get a brand new replacement.
Please don't take this as a statement of disbelief of verena's experience, but rather just a second opinion).
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No one wanted to pay to say something in my sig, so i will have to try and think of something creative now...
my last comment was just reflecting the stab-to-the-heart feeling. "Canon is BEST, always was and always will be."
...i better leave before i have a heart attack...
...i better leave before i have a heart attack...
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...My Gallery...and my 'blog'.
Well, I just ordered the Rebel STi. Looking into the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 as my first quality lens as well. Looks like I can get it on Ebay from a reputable seller for $360. Has anyone used this particular lens?
So hard to choose between the Nikon and Canon...everyone has their own opinions and good/bad experiences with both. For me, it came down to the lens versatility of the Canon and Depth of Field preview and a few other features the Canon had that the Nikon didn't. Once I saw how many different lenses were out there and what they could do, and how few of them would autofocus on the D40, my choice was pretty much made for me. I did think the Nikon fit more comfortably in my hand, but had to overlook that benefit.
So hard to choose between the Nikon and Canon...everyone has their own opinions and good/bad experiences with both. For me, it came down to the lens versatility of the Canon and Depth of Field preview and a few other features the Canon had that the Nikon didn't. Once I saw how many different lenses were out there and what they could do, and how few of them would autofocus on the D40, my choice was pretty much made for me. I did think the Nikon fit more comfortably in my hand, but had to overlook that benefit.
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