Choosing a DSLR (3)?

Question

Thank you to those who contributed to the 2 previous questions.

To recall, I need a macro lens and a tele (500mm in 35mm terms) for my wildlife shots, a wide angle that starts at 28mm for townscapes and monuments. Last, image stabilisation, which for Canon and Nikon restricts the choice of lenses.

Nikon and Canon are expensive and heavy (over 2kg for my combination of lenses - over ₤2000). Sony cheaper and lighter, and Olympus even more so (E-400 + 3 lenses 1.1kg/₤1000!!) but with their kit lenses. Olympus has no image stabilisation, what a shame.

Played around with the D80 and 400D in a shop today. Both unbelievably fast (auto focus, start time). Canon was neat but awkward to hold and the viewfinder small/dim. Also I like Nikon's 18-200 zoom as an all-rounder, and their macro lens is the only one on the market with image stabilisation. So it looks like Nikon, unless there is evidence the Sony kit lenses are up there with the more expensive Nikon and Canon lens.

Answer 1

The Nikon D80 is meant to compete with the 30D not the Rebel XTi, the D80 breaks the $1000 price point without a lens so its alittle unfair advantage to compare the XTi with the D80 since its competing with the 30D. But what ever floats your boat.

No to Olympus, their quality is not as good as Canon or Nikon and if you do want to get a better model of the Evolt series there isnt any. Of course no to Sony, I am a fan of Sony in the Digital Video aspects but not for photography. Their built in imagine stabalization will never match Canons or Nikon's lens IS or VR. I wouldnt get a Sony if I was you since it does use Konica Minolta mounts which arent the best in the world. They tend to grind a lot. Sony has a few problems to twick out of their SLR before any professional will buy one of their cameras.

Answer 2

You certainly couldn't go wrong with the D80.
Sony uses all of the Minolta lenses, and the Sony DSLR is entirely made by the same team of engineers that they bought from Minolta.

If you're very concerned about image/lens quality- then you probably already know that the 18-200mm zoom, while good for an 18-200, probably isn't your best choice

Answer 3

It really depends on how versatile you wish your choice to be ( Telephoto lens, Wide angle lens or Long focal length lens) and how large a print you want at the end of it all. If, your need is to have lens interchangeability then I suspect the Nikon is the choice and that of professionals worldwide together with Canon. As emulation is the sincerest form of flatery, do as the pros do and you cant go wrong.

Answer 4

I think you've made the choice. You won't regret buying the D80.

Answer 5

go to adorama.com
for many choices

Answer 6

canon for life ... everyone is using it on flickr... even the pros :)