I'm looking at getting into DSLR myself also. I have read reviews and whatnot, and I still like the Rebel XTi.

Since I am getting into it form scratch, now is the time to decide what brand to go with. I like Nikon, but I really like the canon. Seems quite a few people I talk to ( on forums etc) also like the rebel. I have also read where they actually advised the person NOT to get the Nikon. But people are still brand loyal.

I know the Nikon is a bit cheaper, I guess i have to play with one for sure, but I have played with the Rebel XT and the XTi and love them both.

My first "good" camera is my S3 IS that i bought a couple years ago. Those that went to WCBF seen it plenty of times, lol. Even billboost bought an S2 after seeing my S3. I think it'* time to upgrade to something better and I am looking at taking some kind of course, or a few courses.

So that being said, I DO plan on upgrading any lens that will come with the camera. I cold also buy a body and get a better lens from the get-go.

After reading some comments, I know I won't be going with the D40 series since it doesn't have the in body focus.

Does the rebel have the in body focus or is it all in lens focus??

Mike, the D40(x) is the only DSLR on the market which doesn't have the in-body motor. Everything else has it. What was the specific reasoning behind people not recommending the Nikon?

toasty: If you're going to go with Nikon I would rather you go with a D80, a little more $ for a lot more camera.

Off the top of my head I can't remember. I've been trying to read so much on cameras lately that all I can remember is I see more pros for canon than for Nikon. BUT it does also seem to be changing over to Nikon. One thing I remember is that people seem to like the picture quality of the canon over the Nikon.

I'm going to try and play with the Nikon D40 soon since Crystal'* aunt has one and we might be taking a photography course together.

The new Nikon line is great, the D3 is AMAZING. It'* High ISO performance is better than damn near any camera'* low ISO performance.

Granted we're not talking about $4k setups here, but the new line is nice. I've shot them semi-professionally , prefer the body on a Nikon over the compact entry level Canons, the full bodied Canons fit much better IMO. I picked up a Digital Elph for P&* myself, but I'd go Nikon for DSLR.

Can't go wrong with either, both have great glass, and know how to build a quality camera.

Looking at sample photos, the D80 vastly outperforms the D40 in high ISO shots, which is a big selling point for me. I cant wait to read more about the A200 when it comes out...

Yeah, A200 high ISO performance should be pretty decent. The A100 was actually pretty lousy, even though it easily could outshine the Rebels and similar competitors in daylight image quality. One thing you do need to pay attention to though, is the amount of noise reduction done by the software in the camera after the picture is taken. Yes, often times you will get less noise - BUT this is at the expense of image detail.

The A100 kept a lot of detail, but also a lot of noise. Preliminary/leaked high ISO testing of the A200 is looking really good so far.

Thats encouraging news to a DSLR idiot newb like me.

I have been looking at lots of RAW samples on DPReview, and i can see what you mean in a lot of pictures. I suppose if i had to pick one, i would rather have a little less detail if it meant eliminating some of the noise... This is proving to be a much more difficult shopping experience than i was expecting.. and i havent even started playing with them in person yet :?

It'* not easy at all. One thing I keep hearing is that the body is only one part of it and if you plan on getting other lenses, then you might want to look at what options in lenses you have. So a company that has been around for a while and has very good glass might be a better option than a good body and so-so glass.


Iknow that it will definetly be between Canon and Nikon. Just not 100% which one.

*dusts this off*

Aaron, did you get your camera yet?

I just got my brand spakin new Sony A200K tonight, I needs a CF card, so maybe this weekend.