Digital cameras 101

[dimitrz]

Hi evryone

I am biased towards Nikon D80 and am looking for a cheaper cam coming closet to it.

So if given a choice

Which is better ?


Cannon XSI

or

Cannon 30D

Certains reviews that I read mentioned 30D is kind of inferior to XSI

also If I am going for 30D does it make better sense to go for Nikon's D80

[ShutterbugGail]

Of the cameras you've mentioned, I honestly don't think one is better than the other. I think any one of the three would be a good choice. Only you can determine if a camera has the features you need most, and if a cameras fit and feel are comfortable to you. I think ergonomics and button placement are very important.

In addition to comments in your other related post, I offer these thoughts for your consideration:

The Canon 30D takes CompactFlash cards, which to me would be a negative and added expense unless I already owned large capacity CF cards. Unlike CF cards, I can use Secure Digital cards in both my cameras, and most likely any digital camera I may buy in the future.

The XSi battery is long lasting compared to its predecessors

The XSi has a larger LCD

The XSi is smaller and lighter

At current prices, the XSi cost less (it's $200 less than when I purchased it in April 08 from Amazon).


As to the Nikon D80, it is a fine camera. It too, is larger than the XSi, but for some that wouldn't matter at all.

The only downside I see to the D80 is that its High sensitivity (ISO) noise levels are higher than the 450D. One of the main reasons I moved to a DSLR is because of outstanding high ISO performance. I want it to be the best it can be within the amount I can afford to spend for a camera.

[dimitrz]

Thanks Gail that was some intresting and useful advise

[ShutterbugGail]

You're welcome, dimitrz.

Let us know which DSLR you buy and how it goes. If you have further questions, let us know.

We've added a good deal of information about basic DSLR and lens use at the main site; just use the Search feature on the top of every page to find a particular topic.

[Darntoothysam]

Personally I would suggest the Nikon D80 just because I love Nikon lenses.

The XSi in my opinion 'feels' cheap because it is so light; I want my DSLR to feel like I am holding onto something substantial in my hands. The XSi is very light, I'm not saying it's a bad thing, it's just my preference.

The 30D I would rate as a Prosumer level camera, the XSi as a Consumer level. I think Canon is trying to get more people into DSLRs which is great, so if the XSi has the features you need then I would say get the XSi over the 30D.

Overall though, I would say the D80 is what I would choose. We have a couple Nikkor lenses that make all the difference in the world... remember your glass is a major part of your camera!

Hope this helps.

Thomas

[dimitrz]

Sure Gail I will  

Thomas : Thanks for the comments ( Even I agree on few aspects of D80 but then again didnt I say I am biased

Ps: What are these great Lens you are talking about ?

[admin]

The XSi in my opinion 'feels' cheap because it is so light; I want my DSLR to feel like I am holding onto something substantial in my hands. The XSi is very light, I'm not saying it's a bad thing, it's just my preference.

You bring up an excellent point about ergonomics. It's important how a camera feels in your hands and you should always check out the ergonomics before buying: is it comfortable, balanced, are the buttons and dials well-placed?

In my case, the smaller size and lightweight of the XSi is exactly why I bought it. I tried holding larger cameras and they were just too heavy and bulky for me.

With cameras, as with other things, the more you pay the more features you get, eg: metal casing vs. high impact plastic, weather sealing vs none; faster burst speed, etc.

But lack of high end features doesn't necessarily mean lack of image quality. Many of today's entry level DSLRs, such as the XSi, give outstanding image quality and have features only dreamed of just a few years ago.