Canon EOS400D or Powershot S5 IS ? Compact or DSLR for beginner?

Question

I am currently using a canon compact camera (i dont remember the model :) and i want to start photography and i've been trying with my current camera but its broken and while i've got the chance, i want to buy a camera that will help me take up photography as a hobby.

i have worked on this a lot actually, i have come to a point of decision in DSLR cameras between Nikon D40 and Canon eos400D

but then, i thought if i'm gonna get a camera, why not buy a compact SLR-like camera which has a full manual mode and a video mode. so i came up with another choice : Canon Powershot S5 IS.

I think i'll take portraits and scenery photos the most.

so if anyone could help me, i would appreciate. =)

thanks

and please explain your choice: why you reccomend the camera and how you think it'll be suitable for me?

Answer 1

I do alot of "artistic" photography and i have a dslr, which is the best camera ive had because of the differnt settings, etc and i find it is great.

Answer 2

Here's one very helpful link to choose:

Should you buy a DSLR or a Compact?

http://www.cameralabs.com/features/DSLR_...

Answer 3

If you feel that photography could become a serious hobby, skip the point and shoot. Get a dSLR. There's more to learn, it costs more, you'll end up having to buy some glass, BUT the images and flexabilty are worth it.

Skip the Xti, everyone always recommends it even though it's an update to the waaay old XT, if you like canon, get the XS it launches next month it's known at the 1000D in the rest of the world

http://www.dphotojournal.com/canon-eos-1...

Some early reviews, just scroll down

Sony's alpha a200 http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/AA...

Nikon's D60 http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d60.htm

Answer 4

i suggest 2 models in 2 brands..and i think D60 is better.

Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Price : $612.88

reference : http://astore.amazon.com/hot-new-release...

Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens

Price : $604.24

reference : http://astore.amazon.com/hot-new-release...

Answer 5

S5is is just a point and shoot camera

it is not a DSLR

it all depends on what kind of pictures you want to take.

Answer 6

Well, my first thought is why deal with the overpriced S5 IS? yes it has Image Stabilization, a nice size optical zoom and flip back lcd, but it uses AA batteries ! or rechargeable nimh ones(which are not included by the way). No, that is unacceptable for a compact dslr type selling for $499 u.s.d

Obviously the choice is between the CanonEOS400D(I guess you are in Australia...it is called XTi in the U.S.) and the Nikon D40.

Eventhough Canon has proven itself with CMOS technology, I still stay away from it, because it doesn't cost much for them to make it.  Both cameras use lithium ion batteries which are included and a charger.

Nikon uses CCD which is the way to go for high quality RAW images, which matter in Digital Photography.

Therefore, Nikon D40 should be the clear choice, cheaper price, faster SD memory cards than the slower CompactFlash cards on the Canon, means longer battery life on the Nikon and eventually more pictures to take.

The only thing left to choose is the right brand of SD high speed memory card: I suggest Lexar Professional 2GB and higher. Good Luck with your photographic adventures!

Answer 7

Go with the Canon 400D.   It is a great camera and will do well for you for a long time.  

Be leery of people who say they hate one brand or the other.   Not fair to you when you need to make up your own mind.  Go to a good camera store, and handle these cameras to see which one is right for you.  You will know it when you hold it in your hands and try out the controls.

Answer 8

well i start with the canon s5 is but it didn't do it's job and now I'm a sim pro nature photographer with the Nikon use .so if you are interested in ppl and human or nature photography   you should get the Nikon D40 or D60 but D40 is 6.2 mp and the D60 is 10.2 mp that mean it's better but if you want sport photography you should get the canon 400D it's very good but I'm not a fan of canon .i don't know why i hate it but it's a good company so as i can see you are a fan of DeviantART website if you want a little help

on DeviantART you can see me on http://photographersamer.deviantart.com/

all the photos you see in the page is with the Nikon D40 and a sigma 70-300 mm f4, 5.6 DG if you have any question about any photo ask  me anytime you want

and good luck with buying the camera and with photography

Answer 9

Not the old Nikon or Canon issue, please. That's like Pepsi and Coca Cola. There is no right choice, they both make excellent cameras and personal preferences are different. Go to a camera store and try both of them, can you get a good grip, do you like the handling, the menu structure, etc.

Much more important than the brand name on the camera.