Which Digital SLR would be best? Canon EOS D-Rebel XTi, Nikon D40 6.1 MP Digital SLR, SONYTM Digital SLR?

Question

The Canon is most expensive, the Sony's about 10% less than the Canon, and the Nikon is about 10% less than the Sony. I don't at all mind spending the few extra dollars, if it makes a difference.

The Canon comes with a 18-55mm lens, the Sony a 18-70mm Digital Zoom Lens and the Nikon, a 18-55mm lens.

I'd like to 'take up' photography, as a casual photographer...not even positive that I should go digital slr, given the ease and convenience of all the point-and-shoots out there and I'll never become a pro. Still, I'd like to get something that will give me versatility and really allow me to learn about taking great pics. I'll take an intro to photography course but I don't want to struggle with a camera.

Every camera store has a different story, naturally, relative to whether I should go the slr route and which model would be best. I just don't feel like I'm getting unbiased perspectives, so I'd greatly appreciate comments from a couple of photographers who do not sell cameras.

Answer 1

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommen...

Read some advice from a pro

Answer 2

Personally, i have a Nikon D40x because i like the way the menus etc work. I just like the camera in general. I think the 'everyday' nikon lenses they offer are a little nicer than the ones you can get from canon for the same price.

My friend has an XTi though, and there are a few features that i wish i had. he's got the 9-point autofocus or whatever it is, where i've only got 3. He's also got the mode where it'll take a few shots in sequence at different aperture values, which is nice for making HDR images. The XTi also has the auto-cleaning feature, but i've never had a problem with getting dirt in my camera in real life.

The nikons are a bit cheaper because they dont contain a motor for the autofocus in the body. thats why they need specific lenses that have the motor in it for AF to work.

Check this review:

http://www.dpnotes.com/canon-eos-400d-di...

Answer 3

Personally I am a Canon man but that said I would stick with Canon and Nikon. They have been in the business much longer and have the most lenses and accesories to go with your camera.

As far as whether you should get the Canon or the Nikon goes I think you first need to hold both in your hands and play around with them. The one that feels best in your hands is the camera you should get. Remember you are buying into a system. Lenses from one wont fit on any other brand so it can get quite expensive to swithch brands later on down the line. Both Canon and Nikon are excellent cameras and you can't go wrong with either of them.

Have you considered the Nikon D60 or the Canon XSi?

Answer 4

I have an XTi and think it's a great camera.  It has been a very popular model.  You need to go to a real camera store and hold these cameras in your hands and see which one is right for you.   Just because I like the XTi doesn't mean you will.  And if someone else likes a Nikon, you might not.  You need to see for yourself.   The Nikon you mentioned is a good camera for less money, but it is not as up to date as the Canon.  And they are discontinuing the Nikon.

Stick with a Canon or Nikon.  You will have a bigger selection of lenses.