Professional cameras?

Question

Does anyone have an opinion on whether the Canon 30D is better or is the new Nikkon D80 better? Who has the better resolution?

Answer 1

Check out this page:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos30d%2Cnikon_d80%2Cnikon_d200&show=all

Click on "In-depth review" and read the whole thing for each camera. Click on "Read owner opinions" when you have some time.

Given a choice between the Canon 30D and Nikon D80, I think I MIGHT lean towards the Canon (and I am a Nikon guy), because the build quality may be a bit better than the D80. Since you say "professional," this matters. NOT THAT THERE'S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE D80, it's just not built as solid as the 30D. I would encourage you to put the solid and strong D200 in the mix, though, and then I'd highly recommend that over the Canon. This is just my personal bias speaking, though. When you mention Canon vs. Nikon at this level, you need to go to a camera shop and feel the camera in your hands. They are both excellent and the way one feels over the other is what will really make the difference in your decision and your happiness with the camera.

See also:

Canon 30D: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/30d.html
Nikon D80: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/nikon_d80.html
Nikon D200: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/d200.html

Answer 2

I believe the 30D has a more professional degree construction. The 30D is used by a lot of high-end professional wedding photogs as their second camera behind a 5D or a MkII.

There are rumors floating that Canon will be releasing a 40D in the coming months so 30D prices could take a nice dip (nice for us buyers). That is just 'net rumor but just wanted to pass on what I am hearing.

I'm a Nikon shooter and like a previous poster I would see the Nikon D200 as being in the same market as the Canon 30D while the D80 is more of a serious enthusiats camera than a "pro" camera. The D200 has the magnesium construction and all of that stuff that make it a more sound/tougher body. I'd see the D80 more as the direct competitor to the XTi and in that case I'd pick the D80 hands down.