Canon XSI or Nikon D40?

Question

I am still debating whether or not to get the xsi or the d40. I have read so many good reviews on the D40 but still can't make up my mind. Money isn't really that big of an issue for me at this point. I just want a good camera that takes nice pictures. I understand that the lens play a very important roll in taking nice pictures, but would a xsi take better pictures than a D40 if they were both to use the same type of lens or something very identical? Which camera would perform better? If money is not an issue, which camera would you get and why?

I'm a new user and this will be my first DSLR camera. I like to take pictures of landscapes and scenery. I think I will be using the camera very often so I want one that will last that I can carry everywhere with me.

Thank you

Answer 1

I don't think live view is that important in a DSLR unless you are going to use a tripod a lot.  The camera is too heavy to hold in front of you to use like a point & shoot.  Using the viewfinder is the best way.

I have a Canon XTi and am very satisfied with it.  It has been out for two years and has been a very reliable camera    The XTi is cheaper now than the XSi, so you would have more left to spend on another lens.

Go to a good camera store and try these three out.  Hold them in your hands and see which one feels the best to you.

Answer 2

Although the Nikon d40 is a very nice camera, it doesn't have much of the features you can get on the Rebel XSI, which in all fairness is a new camera, here are some differences for you

a) the Rebel XSI has a three inch screen, and the d40, only has a two and a half inch screen, you can get more into frame with the XSI

b) the Rebel XSI has twice the resolution of the D40. The difference is quality isn't going to be drastic, but you'll see a difference. The d40 has six megapixels, and the d40 has six.

c) Also, the Rebel XSI has a live view screen, and the d40 doesn't. This is nice to have, it's a point and shoot feature, but helps you adjust the settings and see the difference.

when it comes to the lens quality, yes, they are equal in quality. They'll give you SIMILAR sharpness and tone. However, you say you like landscape, so this would be a nice lens for you, because it can zoom into to a wide 18mm's, which is nice for landscapes. This is a nice all purpose lens, however, if you want something more wildlife, you'll have to get another lens, like a 70-300mm IS lens.

But, i suggest the Rebel XSI, it has more resolution, bigger, live view screen, it's more recent, and has more features.

Answer 3

I am a Nikon user. It just so happens I had a Nikon lens to start with, so I stuck to Nikon to save a bit of money.

Canon and Nikon, are pretty much equal in terms of quality. Cameras can be quite personal. There are people religiously defend one or the other. Go to a shop near you, try both of them out. Shoot some pics, test the menu navigation, download it and see which one you like better and suits your style of photography. Also, look at how much some standard lenses photographers have, or the one you have been dreaming of. Tele, macro and wide angle, compare the prices for both. See if there is a limiting factor of budget.  This is very important. Where I live Canon charges a bit more on their other gear, like batteries, hood, straps, etc.

The camera body will be a relatively low cost component once you start building up your collection of lenses and photographic gear. Most people I know spend $500-$1,000 bucks on the camera body and end up spending  up to $5,000 or more on lenses and other gear.

If you want, try rent each model for a day or so. Test drive it so to speak.