Canon 400D.... yay or nay?

Answer 1

I have had the same exact question for a while now, but after HOURS of research I finally decided on a dSLR. Hope my hours of research are useful for another person too.

When I was younger I used to use a Canon film SLR. When I had to choose for a dSLR, I automatically went for Canon, but afterwards I started browsing for other brands. For that reason I entered the inevitable Canon vs. Nikon argument.
I was between the Canon 350D (Digital Rebel XT), the Nikon D50, Nikon D70s, and, recently, the Canon 400D (Digital Rebel XTi) and Nikon D40x.

After hours of research I reached the conclusion of getting the Nikon D80.

Why not Canon?

1) Nikons have a better build quality. The plastic quality used on Nikons is way better. Also, my hand are big, and the small size of the Canon Digital Rebels looked and felt uncomfortable.
2) Personally, i think that Nikon did a better job on the D80 than Canon did on the XTi (the XTi does not have spot metering).
3) There is no doubt that Nikkor glass is as good as Canon, so that's not a problem.
4) The main concern I had with Nikon was the fact that moire patterns appeared on pictures taken with the D70s and D50. This problem has been solved on the D80.
5) The flash system of the Nikon is way better than the Canon.
6) If I decide to go professional on the future, I can keep my lenses because all Nikons use the DX format.
7) If you have old Nikon lenses, you can still use them in your D80.

I don't want to sound biased. You won't go wrong with either brand you chose. Canon is an OUTSTANDING brand, so as Nikon. I still prefer Nikon because of those neat-picks I described before.

If you have any other question, I recommend you check these following webpages:

http://www.dpreview.com/ --> the Bible of digital photography
http://www.cnet.com/ --> go to "reviews"

One more thing. Whatever camera you choose to purchase, don't go for the lens kit. Usually, the lens that comes with the kit is not as good as the retail model. Buy the camera body only, and then purchase a lens separately. It will cost a little bit more, but you won't regret it later.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

My choice is the Xti (400D). Its cheaper the the D80 and it takes about the same quality picutres as the D80. The D80 does have more professional features on it such as the spot meter, but most of the features on the D80 I didnt need like trimming, red eye reduction, small picture, etc. The D80 is a great camera but for the price, I could get the 30D, but I do a lot of sport shots so the 30D isnt the most appealing camera if you dont need the fast FPS. The Canon cameras do take better JPEG files, which are great if you do not want ot do any post production after wards. But at the RAW level, both the D80 and the XTi are evenly matched, from there it depends on your skills and the type of lenses you get. For Canon get their red ringed lenses, I tried one and I couldnt go without one, any Canon with a red ring should have xx-xx mm f/x L <--- the L stands for Luxury which is Canons pro line. For Nikon their gold rings are the best ones they have (I do not know the name for their pro lenses). The D80 has the same imagine quality as Canon, why pay $300-400 more when you can get it for $700 with the XTi? Unless you already have glass invest in Nikon.

The reasons why I didnt choice the D80 over the XTi for myself.
1) Nikon does not have as fast auto focus as Canon lenses do. I needed all the help I can get since I do a lot of indoor sport shots.
2) More IS lenses, although I only have one it helps alittle bit in low light situations, other wise I just leave it off to conserve energy.
3) Full frame sensors at the end of their line (Mk-II's and the 5D)

Nikon vs Canon, this agrument can go on forever with flame wars. Nikon has better optics in my opinion (my dad owns a film Nikon) and Canon seems to have better in camera firmware than Nikon ( I own the XTi so I am a little biased to my camera).

The D80 if your going with Nikon, all lenses work for it and it will blow your mind with the imagine quality.

Just remember 80% of chocing a SLR is based on personal opinion (rough est.). If you have used a Canon use a Canon, if you have used a Nikon use a Nikon. Go to a local camera store and try one out yourself and see which one you like.

Answer 3

I am using it right now. Comparing Nikon D80 and Canon 400D. I will say both hav almost same quality of pics. But as a procomsumer, i will get the 400D due to the lower price.
Same qulity of pics, why pay more??

Answer 4

get canon 30d--$200 more and for your whole life you don't have to upgrade no more (unless you want a compact size SLR for travelling, then get the 400d).

Answer 5

In addition to the good reviews mentioned about and the personal testimonials, maybe you'd like to see some "shootout" comparisions:

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

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/news-electronics-computers/november-2006/shootout-10-megapixel-digital-slr-cameras-11-06/overview/0611_digital-slr-shoot-out.htm

http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Canon-Rebel-XTi-vs-Nikon-D80-vs-Sony-Alpha-A100-Head-to-Head-to-Head-Digital-Camera-Review-.htm
[Note the navigation menu near the top of the review]

Answer 6

Go to Dreview. ( Digital Review ) Good information.

Answer 7

It's a good camera. IT's discontinued and bit over priced, but a good camera.

Answer 8

yay

Answer 9

yay

Answer 10

i'd say go for it!