Canon Rebel XSI vs. XTI vs. XT ? and then.. Nikon D80 vs D60 ?

Question

- I'm just moving up from a point and shoot

- I have no lenses, strobes, or anything.

- budget of 900 dollars.

- considering the older/lower end models because I could use the money saved for lenses and strobes

- the camera (and at least one lens) must be bought before september

- there's not going to be a decision between nikon and canon until I've felt both in my hands, so please none of this "Well, nikon makes you smell better!" stuff

Answer 1

Nikon D60 vs Nikon D80:

The D60 may share the same sensor and shutter mechanism as the D80, but Nikon’s higher-end model is a much more powerful camera in many respects. It features improved build quality, a far superior viewfinder experience with optional grid-lines and a depth-of-field preview, a sophisticated 11-point AF system with autofocus support for older lenses, accurate feedback from the battery, an upper screen for shooting information and direct control over popular settings like White Balance and ISO.

Canon Rebel XSI vs. XTI

The camera which will most be compared against the EOS 450D / XSi is its predecessor the 400D / XTi. Predecessor is a slightly unfair term though as Canon’s keeping the 400D / XTi in its range as its entry-level model, with the new 450D / XSi designed as a step-up model.

In its favour, the new 450D / XSi features two extra Megapixels, Live View, a slightly bigger 3in screen, and a kit lens with Image Stabilisation. Beyond this you also get an improved viewfinder, spot-metering, 14-bit processing, slightly quicker 3.5fps continuous shooting and PC remote control software, along with what's arguably a better-looking body.

Together these all add up to a superior camera, but you may not want or need the new features. As we’ve illustrated, the jump from 10 to 12 Megapixels is smaller in real-life than you might think. The new stabilised kit lens is certainly welcome, but you could of course buy a different – and better – lens with IS instead. The bigger screen, 3.5fps shooting and improved processing are all nice, but hardly deal-breakers not to have them. Of course everyone places different weightings on new features, but arguably the most important on the 450D / XSi is the inclusion of Live View.

Ultimately you have to decide for yourself if you’d make use of the new features, and whether they’re worth spending the extra. The 400D / XTi kit is currently available at decent prices, and remember if you went for the body alone, you could buy it with the far superior EF-S 17-85mm IS lens for only a little more than the 450D / XSi kit. Depending on your priorities, this could be a better buy.

Ultimately the new 450D / XSi has some desirable features, but the 400D / XTi remains a great choice and a decent entry-level DSLR – and existing owners wanting to upgrade should be looking beyond to the EOS 40D for noticeable differences.

The D80 is therefore much better-suited to enthusiasts or anyone who wants to grow with their camera in the future. And the D60’s advantage of a stabilised kit lens is countered by typical D80 kits with longer zoom ranges. So unless you love the smaller and lighter body of the D60 with its slightly friendlier approach, the D80 is well worth paying the extra

Answer 2

I'm going to echo joemar and say that the XSi probably isn't that big of a jump over the XTi. Sure, it has some new features but none of them are "must haves". You'd be better off saving the difference and spending the money on lenses.

Another thing you may want to consider is looking at the Canon 20D and 30D on ebay. The 20D can be found for $400 and the 30D for $550. I currently have the 20D and it's a great camera. These cameras are a little larger but they have better build quality than the XSi and XTi.