I want to upgrade my camera...Nikon or Canon?!?

Question

Right now i have a Canon powershot A540, and i want to get a slr camera either a canon or nikon. I was looking at the Canon Rebel XTI and the Nikon D70. Which on should i get? Any advice is appreciated.

Answer 1

Here are some pro's of the D70

* Excellent resolution and sharpness, seems better than EOS 300D / EOS 10D
* Neutral color balance, 'Nikon like' (tuned towards skin tones)
* Good clean sharpening algorithm leaves almost no 'halo' artifacts
* Low noise even at high sensitivities, more monochromatic (film like)
* Excellent image parameter control; sharpening, tone, color mode, saturation and hue
* Custom curves allows user definable tone response
* Superb Nikon Matrix metering
* Very fast camera operation, virtually no startup, minimal usage delays
* Excellent continuous shooting, great throughput and 'Smart buffering'
* Very fast CF write performance
* Body design, finish and build quality
* More logical control layout, faster settings access than D100
* Lighter weight than D100, considerably lighter than EOS 10D
* Help pages on custom function menus
* Viewfinder gridlines (surprisingly useful)
* More manual control and more customizable than Canon EOS 300D
* RAW mode provides the 'digital negative'
* Image comment attachment
* Multiple color space support (sRGB, Adobe RGB)
* Orientation sensor for automatic image rotation
* Fully Nikkor lens compatible (plus new DX lenses)
* High resolution 134,000 pixel LCD monitor
* High capacity Lithium-Ion batteries, included CR2 battery carrier
* Superb value for money, better still than the EOS 300D (Digital Rebel)

Answer 2

If you were comparing the Canon Rebel XTi with the Nikon D80, the current release, I'd say to get the D80 in a heartbeat and provide references to back it up. The D70 (or D70s) is a different matter. I own a D70s, so I am familiar with the camera.

What it really boils down to is two or three factors. The first one, which I can't overlook, is that the D70s is "only" 6 MP and the XTi is 10 MP. You truly can get stunning image quality from the 6 MP, but the 10 MP is SO much more versatile, in my opinion. (This opinion is based on my experience with the D200 for the past year or more.)

The second factor is which family of lenses you think you will prefer and be able to afford. Both have very complete lines, but each one is lacking in certain focal lengths or only offers very high line or low line with little in the middle of the range.

The third and, perhaps, most important factor is the general feel of the cameras. The Nikon is somewhat larger and has a more substantial feel to it. It may not be any more durable, but it is for larger hands and the Canon is for smaller hands. If you are not comfortable with your camera, you will not enjoy it and you will not make good pictures with it.

I can't leave the soapbox without mentioning that the Nikon has a real spot meter and the Canon only gets as tight as a 10% central area meter.

Answer 3

Why the D70? Its been outdated by the D80. Nikon does have better optics than Canon for sure but Canon seems to have better firmware in camera than Nikon. Besides from that, their basically the same.

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 4

They are both excellent brands, and you will have people saying one or the other is hands down the best. I think you should go to a store where you can try them out, and get a feel for which one is more comfortable to you. I started with Canon cameras years ago, but as soon as I got a Nikon in my hands, I've never gone back.

By the way, I have the Nikon D70, and it is a great camera.

Answer 5

The comparable camera to the XTi is the newer Nikon D80.
They are so closely spec'ed, and image quality is near identical (and outstanding on both).

I'd disagree with the poster that claimed Canon lenses are better than Nikons. Many choose the Nikon for the sole reason is that they make a great 18-200mm VR (image stabilized) lens for a reasonable price, that you cannot get for the Canon.

here's a good review on them both, which includes studio photos for you to compare. But really- the image quality on both is so close- it's a non-issue.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/

personally- I like the feel of the Nikon better. And, as Dr. Sam mentioned, the spot meter and general heft of the Nikon.

Answer 6

Both nikon and canon make great cameras. However I have found that both the conventional film and digital cameras from Canon are far easier to use than anything on the market.

I have an old Rebel film camera from 15 years ago and it is the best camera. i also have a canon digital A70 and the functions and features with both cameras are very similar. it was very easy to adapt from one camera to the other.

Answer 7

I have a Canon Rebel Ti with a 28-90 lens and a 70-300 lens. I am looking to sell it if you are interested. It's a great camera but I'm looking to go digital. I'm trying to put together enough money for a Canon 30D. Let me know if you're interested.

Answer 8

I would recommend Nikon D80, D70 is a bit old and and many new improvement has transfer to D40X and D80. both of the are them having the latest and new generation DSLR camera.

Answer 9

canon lenses are the best.so i would get cannon.