Can someone PLEASE tell me which Digital SLR I should buy??? The Canon EOS 400D OR the Nikon D80.....?

Answer 1

There is no "better" when it comes to those two camera makers. Both have similar quality, both get you outstanding pictures, both have a huge array of gadgets that will help to solve some of your photography issues. So from a quality point of view, you can flip a coin.

There is however a difference. Each tends to design their cameras differently so one brand might feel better in your hand than the other. For me that's the Nikon, it's a bit bigger than the Canons and I find the key controls slip comfortably under each finger making the camera a joy to use. However, there are people who say the same about Canon too, it depends on your hands and what kind of work you do. So in the end you have to physically hold each model to determine which you prefer.

The other difference is historical. Nikon tends to be more conservative and slower to innovate but in return when a new model of something does come out it's incredible both in quality and functionality. Canon innovates faster so in any given moment they seem to have more solutions than Nikon, but by rushing things to market they end up selling things that aren't really fully debugged and working. Their new stuff works well to be sure, but if you wait a few months or a year, Nikon's version ends up a hell of a lot better.

Nikon also tends to stay away from wizbang stuff. Canon often builds in features which seem just wonderful to the novice photographer but in fact they are features that you'll never use since there are better ways to achieve the same end. Still though, it sells a lot of cameras since people are taken in by features even when the features have no value. Nikon doesn't build in stuff that you don't need, they put their resources into making sure that what you do need is functional and effective.

In the end "better" still depends on what you want to do. If you're just into snapshots either brand will give you outstanding quality, flip a coin and have fun. If you're into more specialized stuff it's not the camera that is the issue, it's the lenses and other accessories that are important, will they help you achieve the goals you set for yourself. Better is meeting your specific needs, so understand your needs and then come to a decision.

Finally, better is whatever feels right for you. People who believe a camera should be a solid piece of work and is designed to be easy to operate often prefer Nikon. People who believe a camera has to be small and light and are willing to accept more cumbersome controls will pick Canon. And both will tell you that theirs is the best.

Oh yes, and what do I use? I use a Nikon D200. I started with a D70s (now replaced by the D80) and eventually migrated to the D200. Both bodies placed the critical controls under my fingers and both bodies fit comfortably in my hands. With the D200 I never have to go to a menu to turn something on and my eye never has to leave the viewfinder either. To me those kinds of things are critical because often seconds count when you’re taking a picture.

I hope this helps a little. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Depends a lot on what you plan to do, as each camera has different strengths.