Camera Comparison?

Question

I'm looking to get a dslr and it's proven to be difficult to decide. I've read several reviews of the cameras and they seem to be fairly similar. Good anyone give me some ideas-do you have a preference?

This is going to be my "starting out" camera, I will be upgrading in a few years-after school-and I'll probably want to stick with the same camera company-so is there one above the rest that would make for an easy transition?

I will be shooting some landscape photos but mostly people-a few studio type but most outside. For the starter camera I won't be doing sports-the fastest action will be dancing-but the next camera I get will have to be able to take good pictures of action-track/cross county, etc.

My experience with digital is limited to the canon powershot, but have used a 35 mm slr.

The 3 cameras that I've been trying to decide between are:
Nikon D80, Canon Digital Rebel XTi, and Pentax K10D.

Thanks in advance.

~Christen

Answer 1

You have chosen three fine cameras. You will be interested to read about them in this head-to-head comparison. I'm a Nikon guy so I am happy with the outcome of this test, but you will need to go to a camera shop and see which one feels best in your hands. The equipment is only part of the equation in making a good picture. You have to be comfortable using your camera. Since you ARE looking towards the future, your choices are among the best, because all three companies have an extensive line of lenses that will work with these cameras. Nikon and Canon won out in that category, but Pentax is not too far behind. All three companies have been around for a long, long time.

The February 2007 issue of Popular Photography has an article where they compared the top 10 MP DSLR's.

I took the scores and ranked the cameras similar to the way Formula 1 gives championship points. I just gave 5 for 1st place down to 1 for last place, splitting the difference when cameras tied in their catagories.

They evaluated Image Quality (giving this twice as much weight as anything else), Ease of Use, Control, and System Flexibility.

The final order and my scores are:

Nikon D80 - 17.5 points
- BEST in Image Quality, Control and System Flexibility
Canon Rebel XTi (400D) - 13.5 points
- Tied for best in System Flexibility
Pentax K10D - 11 points
- Tied for best in Ease of Use
Samsung GX10 - 11 points
- Tied for best in Ease of Use
Sony Alpha 100 - 7 points
- LAST in Image Quality, Ease of Use and System Flexibility."

Then again, this is the same magazine that put the Sony Alpha 100 dead last in this comparison named it the camera of the year in the previous issue!

Go to the original question and read the responses for more opinions.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AiG00eHyd0oq5b.X7J.jiULzy6IX?qid=20070113133139AAHWJY0

If you want to get the "best" for the real world, consider the Nikon D200 or Canon 30D if you can afford it. For about $300-500 less, look at the results of the recent PopPhoto test and choose from that list according to your taste.

Personally, I use a Nikon D200 and would recommend it without hesitation to someone who has some knowledge of photography. For someone who wants the "best," but is starting with somewhat of an "entry level" knowledge base, I'd suggest the Nikon D80.

There are people out there who will state their preference for the Canon cameras and I will not argue with them. The Canon 30D and 400D are excellent cameras as well.

You would have to visit a camera store or camera department and pick them up and see what you think.

This review is now available online at:

http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3569/10mp-dslr-shootout.html

Answer 2

The XTi will give you more bang for your buck under $1000 price point with a lens. I would recommond it if you do not mind it not having all the pro features that the 30D or the D80 have and of course the smallish size. I really dont mind it, I acutally like it since I can carry the camera around and not be weighted down but of course I gave up pro features like the thumb wheel and the spot meter but I can do without those. Personally, if your going to get a camera for under $1000 the XTi is right for you. If you have the extra $3000 in your pocket (for the body and the lenses, I've spent over $2000 on my XTi with accesories) then I would recommond the D80 or the Canon 30D. Generally Canon menus are almost identical to the SLR menus and buttons. The SLR will have more menu opinions but you can learn them pretty fast. If you have used Canon in your past then making the transition from Canon P&S to SLR is going to be easy. My vote is the XTi or the D80, cant go wrong with either (really depends on personally preferences and $$)

Answer 3

I'd go with the Rebel.