Canon / Nikon kit lens?

Question

I am about to buy either a Canon EOS 400D / or a Nikon D70s but can't afford to buy expensive lenses yet. Is there much difference in the quatlity of the kit lenses?

Also, how do Sony and Olympus compare?

Thanks for your help everyone, Ithink now I might spend a bit more, either get the nikon80 or the 400D with a better lens. I still don't know though, the Cannon feels better to me but the nikon seems to be much better value for money.

Thanks again for your help. I'm sure I will be asking you guys about different lenses soon.

Answer 1

If you can afford it, you should buy the Nikon D80 with the kit lens. If you can't afford it, you should buy the D70 with the kit lens. The kit lens for the Canon isn't good at all (although the camera is very nice...if you spend extra for a good lens).

Don't even consider the Sony or the Olympus. The Sony A100, in particular, I found to be unacceptable (which is a major disappointment). Read this review carefully to get an idea of what I am talking about:

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/sony/dslr_a100-review/index.shtml

Anyway, skip the A100.

The Evolt E-500 is a decent camera for the money. However, both the Canon and both Nikons are alot better.

Answer 2

The Nikon D70s comes with the 18-70mm (kit price $870) and the Canon 400D comes with the 18-55mm (kit price $900).
Between those kit lenses, the Nikon is much better. And so it should be: the Nikon lens retails for $310 (and it's a bargain at that price), vs. just $140 for the Canon lens.
Of course, the 400D is a much better body...
If you really can't spend more at this time, I'd personally get the Nikon. I can't put together a Canon alternative that can beat the image quality for the price. Perhaps you could look at the Canon 350D with the 17-85mm (together for $1100). The Canon 17-85 is a bit weak from 17 to 24mm, but otherwise a fantastic lens.
Nikon and Canon both offer a phenomenal upgrade path if you want to invest more at a later date. And if that's your plan, I'd steer clear of other brands.
The Sony A100 and other brands & models offer stiff competition at the entry level, but they can't touch Nikon and Canon as you progress.

Answer 3

The Canon kit lens (18-55 EF-s) is a peice of junk. If you go canon then upgrade that lens ASAP (plastic lens mount). Same with Sony alpha (plastic lens mount). Nikon D70s, Olmpus E500, Pentax K100D kit lenses have metal lens mounts. The lens optics are decent enough in each, but the construction varies.

Answer 4

I might prefer the Canon each time however, you'll nail down a more moderen mannequin Canon at a miles larger fee should you get the Rebel XS. I consider the ten.1mp is solely as sharp because the XSi and saving a few inexperienced for a lens in a while. Good Luck