nikon d40x or canon eos rebel xti?

Question

ok. I have read reviews and looked at answers here. There seems to be the opinion that both are about equal. Are nikon lenses typically better? Apparently not all nikon AF lenses are compatible. Has anyone actually tested both cameras ??

Answer 1

I like the cannon lenses better because you can see a better picture.

Answer 2

You may be overlooking the fact that neither the Nikon or Canon cameras will meet your needs should you opt to acquire telephoto lenses down the road. Even though Nikon offers a special set of telephoto lenses with built-in shake reduction, these specialized telephoto lenses are not inexpensive. Perhaps there is another camera manufacturer who has thought out this issue of "shake reduction" thoroughly and has produced a product which is reasonably priced and works on all their accessory telephone lenses. So who's the competition. The answer is Pentax and its K series, beginning with the K100D through the K10D series with "shake reduction" built into the camera "body." Check out the Pentax K Series camera line and you will discover a whole new line of professional cameras.

Remember that the real value is the end product and if you cannot make out which picture is "better" than another when using either a Nikon or Cannon or a Pentax, then why all the fuss about having bought top-brand cameras. An even smarter option overall, is to never "buy" and instead "rent" all your camera equipment. Using the "rent" strategy means that you never have to say that "I made the mistake of buying old technology."

Good luck!

Answer 3

Since both the D40X and the XTi will offer much much more than any pocket camera, I don't think picture quality will matter at this point. Besides, camera bodies will go obsolete after a few years or so. I believe both camera are comparable. Nikon have an edge on the external flash system (having radio transmitter ready when Canon still sticks to the IR system), but it has limitation with its lens compatibility (only 20 or so lens for full compatibility compared to the 60-ish from the XTi). I'm sure it won't be a problem since you just starting though. The only thing I hate about my XTi is the small grip that feels like a toy. Otherwise, it's just a perfect camera for me. I believe both lens mount are made of metal so there's no worry here. The poster who tells you to go to a camera store and try the camera yourself is correct - a camera is a very personal matter. Try to hold them and fiddle with the buttons and menus a little. I'm sure you'll like one better than another.

Answer 4

Both the cameras and the lens quality (and selection) are almost identical.

I would check the sample pics and see which one you prefer. And also go handle them and try their menus. Major difference!

Check the reviews and samples at www.dpreview.com, very unbiased reviews. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40x/page20.asp

And no, only the current lenses will work with the d40x, but that's really not an issue if you don't have old Nikon lenses.

But really, either one will serve you well. Neither is a bad choice, just personal preference once you try them out. You may find one suits you more than the other (I prefer the Nikon grip, pics, and menus better).

Answer 5

Nikon D40X vs. Canon Rebel XTi

The D40X is so new that I don't see any decent sample images yet. Can we assume (hope) that it would give similar results to the D80? It seems so. See:

http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3896/camera-test-nikon-d40x.html for a glowing review that even compares it with the XTi just a little bit.

I still like the idea that the Nikon has a spot meter and find it odd that the Canon doesn't. The Nikon is a bit limited in autofocus capabilities and speed compared to the Canon, though.

Here are some pertinent quotes about the D40X:

"Noise suppression was generally better than the D80's and much better than the Rebel's. As ISOs increased, the D40x's resolution exceeded that of the Rebel."

"The economy-model status of the D40x doesn't show in picture quality, either. At ISO 100, the D40x turned in an average resolution of 2075 lines, slightly behind the Nikon D80 and Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi."

Continue on down on page 2 for a direct comparison to the XTi. I'll let you read it for yourself, as it seems to lean slightly towards the Canon and it would kill me to write that. I'll leave that job for Koko.

But seriously, these cameras are EXTREMELY close in performance and value. It is true that there is a "problem" with older Nikon lenses not autofocusing on the D40, but if you do not own a bag full of older lenses, it is not going to be a problem. I hate to see people slam the camera because it can't autofocus with older Nikon lenses. It is true that there is a "slight problem" with older Nikon lenses not autofocusing on the D40, but if you do not own a bag full of older lenses, it is not going to be a problem. It is barely a problem anyhow. If you check www.nikonusa.com for "AF-S" lenses, which are ALL 100% compatible with the D40, you will find 23 lenses, including 7 "VR" (vibration Reduction) lenses and one true macro lens with "VR". There are another 25-plus lenses in the current catalog that provide all functions except autofocus as well as many (possibly dozens) "out of print" lenses that will work just as well. In addition, although these lens will not autofocus, most of them will still give focus confirmation. From the D40 manual: "If the lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 of faster, the viewfinder focus indicator can be used to confirm whether the portion of the subject in the selected focus area is in focus. After positioning the subject in the active focus area, press the shutter release button halfway and rotate the lens focusing ring until the in-focus indicator is displayed." (See http://www.members.aol.com/swf08302/nikonafs.txt for a list of AF-S lenses.)

You need to go to a real camera store and pick up both cameras and see how they feel to you. Some people will love the Canon and some will love the Nikon. Find out which one you are. You will be happy with either one, but you will be happiest with the one that fits your hands better.

See also:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos400d%2Cnikon_d40x&show=all

B&H Prices, April 2007

Nikon D40x, 10.2 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera Kit with Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens - $800

Nikon D40x, 10.2 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera Kit with Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens - $1,030

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi (a.k.a. 400D) 10.1 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera Kit (Silver) with Canon 18-55mm EF-S Lens - $770

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi (a.k.a. 400D) 10.1 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera Body (Black) with Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens - $1,180

Answer 6

If you want a spot meter than the Nikon D40x is for you the XT-i doesn't have it.
If you want double exposure capability than Nikon D80, D200, D2Hs is for you, none of Cannon has it

Answer 7

CANON!!!!!