Digital cameras 101

[dimitrz]

Hi Everyone

I am heavily biased on Nikon D80 but price is making me think twice and look for an alternative as well.

Ok After kind of extensive work I have found the features that I really like about Nikon D80

Now for your advice on whether they are really as great as they are made out to be? When compared to an Cannon XSI ?
Will I regret later not having spend that $100 more to not get these features ( I don’t plan to upgrade anytime in the next 5 to 6 years at the least )
Is  Cannon’s  XSI or  30 D matching these features somewhere that I am not aware about ?

Nikon D80 exceptional features versus  Canon XSI comparison:-

1)      3D Color Matrix Metering II  (evaluates your shots for accurate exposure )  = Is it really an added advantage  ? will this feature help in better exposure at the end ?
2)      Bulb setting   :  Does Cannon XSI have a BULB option somehow its not clear in few reviews I have read ?
3)      On Demand GRID Lines (Viewfinder)  :  Something That I always wanted in my DSLR :   It seems XSI doesn’t have it (I only use Viewfinder for taking shots )
4)      Is Nikons’s 11 Area focus really that much better than XSI’s 9 area Focus?
5)      Nikon’s Multiple exposure mode for recording up to 3 images as a single frame – Is it really an added advantage or really a great feature?
6)      Depth of field preview  - does XSI have this  ? and again Is it really an added advantage to have this feature ?
7)      What about Nikon’s  Selectable sRGB and Adobe RGB color space  ?
     Also the D80 can take multi-exposure pictures like the old SLR  - Is it really an added advantage or really a great feature?
9)      Did I mention I do suck for the Top LCD option that you get with D80 but is not there in XSI ?

Coming to Cannon’s XSI special features

1)      14-Bit A/D Converter:  Is it really an added advantage?
2)      AI Focus AF:  Is this the same continuous focus that you have in every other camera or something special ?
3)      Automatic Depth-of-field AE  : what about this ?

[bdery]

I will try to answer some of your questions, but I want you to remember that we do not recommend specific brands here, nor do I feel confortable evaluating the usefulness of a particular feature for you.

1)      3D Color Matrix Metering II

I doubt you will see dramatic differences in real world, but I've never read any actual tests about this.

2)      Bulb setting   :  

Doesn't look like there's a bulb.

3)      On Demand GRID Lines (Viewfinder)  :  

I believe that's a pretty rare feature. However, focus points pattern can supplement this to some extend.

4)      Is Nikons’s 11 Area focus really that much better than XSI’s 9 area Focus?

LOL! Olympus sell cameras with 3 points AF, and users are happy... This shouldn't be a real issue.

5)      Nikon’s Multiple exposure

I use this often on my DSLR.

6)      Depth of field preview  -

It can be invaluable, if it fits your style. Both have it.

7)      sRGB and Adobe RGB color space  ?

I have it also, and use sRGB as most print shops around here use that. A personal choice.

     multi-exposure pictures

Another personal decision.

9)      Did I mention I do suck for the Top LCD option that you get with D80 but is not there in XSI ?

I would never part with mine...

Remember that you are comparing an entry-level (Canon) with a semi-pro (Nikon).

One thing that stuck me while reading your questions is that there is at least another camera that fits this list, the K20D from Pentax. I am NOT saying you should or should not select it, but since you ask for a complete picture I feel you should not limit yourself to Canon and Nikon. I own the K20D so that that into account also. again, I'm not trying to steer you away from the "big two". Remember that at the end of the day, most cameras perform extremely well. Choose a camera based on the features you want, the lenses that interest you, and above all else handle the cameras to see which feels most confortable.

[dimitrz]

Thank you Bdery

Apologies to have put you in the spot- let me assure you that I wont be holding anyone accountable for their advise  

Ideally what I am trying to see here is can I get a similar camera to D80 without having to spend so much money.

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Ps: what about the 30D verus D80  or 30D compared to XSI

unoffically which would be a better bet.

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I was aware of k20 but was wary or the future avaiabilty and compactibitly of third party lens ---- let me check it out once again - since my main aim is to get the best camera possible in my sadly limited budget

[bdery]

Hi again,

the 30D is more of a match for the D80, while the XSi would be better compared to the D60. I would say in both cases, it really depends on the features that interest you. But it's clear that when comparing the D80, the 30D is the best Canon equivalent.

Unofficially or not, the best camera is different for each user. Someone using a tripod all the time would not care for built-in IS, for instance, one user might want weather seals, another wouldn't care.

Image-wise, they all compare well together, except for pixel peepers.

[ShutterbugGail]

Some additional comments:


2) Bulb setting: Does Cannon XSI have a BULB option ?

Yes. In Manual mode.


3)On Demand GRID Lines (Viewfinder):

Not in the viewfinder; but check with Canon. You may be able to replace the focusing screen with one with a grid.

It does in Live View. If by On Demand you mean that you can turn the Grid Lines on and off without going into the menus, the answer is no.

4)Is Nikons’s 11 Area focus really that much better than XSI’s 9 area Focus?

I don't think there is a distinct advantage. If there were a lot more focus points, as in more expensive DSLRs, there would be, particularly for action and wildlife shots.

6)Depth of field preview  - does XSI have this ?  Is it really an added advantage to have this feature ?

Yes it does. I never have used DOF preview but if I took a lot of serious macro shots, which I don't, I know it would be invaluable.

7)What about Nikon’s  Selectable sRGB and Adobe RGB color space  ?

The XSi has both.


9)Did I mention I do suck for the Top LCD option that you get with D80 but is not there in XSI ?

The XSi does not have it. But the screen is very large and easy to read so I personally have no need for a top LCD.


Canon’s XSI special features

1)14-Bit A/D Converter:

Personally, I don't think so.


2)AI Focus AF:  Is this the same continuous focus that you have in every other camera or something special ?

It is an AI Servo mode. For the type of photography I do, I use this mode often. It switches between One Shot focus mode and AI Servo as needed. I've found it effective.

3) Automatic Depth-of-field AE: what about this ?

I've tried it but personally find it useless. It may have some usefulness for group shots. However, I prefer to control depth of field rather than let the camera decide it for me.

For my thoughts about and experiences with the XSi, visit my XSi blog:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-logs/12/

[dimitrz]

Thank you Bdery and gail for sharing your views and opinion - was really useful