I'm stuck between these DLSR camera. HELP ME CHOOSE !!?

Question

if you are a photograper, please i need your help on deciding my first huge investment on a DLSR, but $800 and less only.

right now i have these in mind:

Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 - http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Canon-Digital-Rebel-XSi-12-2-Megapixel-Digital-SLR-Camera-18-55mm-Lens-Black-REBELXSI1855K/sem/rpsm/oid/205977/catOid/-16942/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Nikon D60 10.2 - http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Nikon-D60-10-2-Megapixel-Digital-SLR-Camera-18-55mm-Lens-Black-D60KIT1855VR/sem/rpsm/oid/203740/catOid/-16942/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Olympus E520 - http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Olympus-E520-10-0-Megapixel-Digital-SLR-Camera-with-14-42mm-f-3-6-5-6-Lens-E520/sem/rpsm/oid/216715/catOid/-16942/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Canon Digital Rebel XS 10.1 - http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Canon-Digital-Rebel-XS-10-1-Megapixel-Digital-SLR-Camera-18-55mm-Lens-Black-REBELXS1855K/sem/rpsm/oid/216713/catOid/-16942/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Olympus E-420 10 - http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Olympus-E-420-10-Megapixel-Digital-SLR-Camera-14-42mm-Lens-Black-E420KIT1442/sem/rpsm/oid/205983/catOid/-16942/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Answer 1

If you don't already have lenses for another brand, go with Canon or Nikon. They're the two major camera makers and they have the best selection of lenses. It's also a lot easier to find used lenses for them.

Soooo get either the XSi or the D60. They're pretty comparable so whichever you get will come down to personal feel.  

Answer 2

I like the XSi but the D60 is good too.

compare cams and read comprehensive reviews at dpreview.com

Answer 3

Ok the other people are right about the lenses.  Olympus lenses are not cheap and you really don't have many options YET. Due to the NEW 3/4 system FOR digital SLRs.  BUT this new system allows for lighter and nicer lens.  SO the quality of the lens is great but they are pricey.  Because this is a new system there are not many lenses out. I think with time that will change.

I own the E410 its last years version of the E420. I love it.  For the price you CAN NOT BEAT IT!! The image quality is wonderful.  The buttons and lay out of the camera is so easy.  It feels well made when you hold it.  Unlike some that feel of cheap plastic...  

The Olympus gets over looked but it is a diamond in the ruff.  Most people don't give them the time of day because they might not be familiar with the name. But its a great camera.

The E420 is very small compared to the E520.  So check them both out and see what one fits you best.  

Ps. all the reviews I read on the Olympus were good. Check out some for yourself.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/MFR1.HTM...

http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/05/re...

More reviews on other DSLR.  

http://www.wired.com/gadgets/digitalcame...

Answer 4

Stay with a Canon or Nikon.  There are more lenses to choose from.   Go to a good camera store and try some out.   Hold them in your hands and see which one feels the best to you.   Take some pics and ask questions of the salesperson.  You will know the one for you when you handle it.

Answer 5

unless you have lenses & accessories for Olympus, I would recommend going with a Canon or Nikon.

You have probably eliminated the Nikon D40 from you list. But I would suggest taking a good look at it. It is not obvious that the D60 gets you anything over the D40 that is material. You will be able to get the 55-200mm VR lens for the difference :-)

Between the Canons & the Nikons, go for the one that feels the best in your hands. They are all competent cameras.