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Nikon D80 vs Canon XTi vs Canon XT vs Nikon D40

August 3, 2007 by debbie T | Digital Photography

Well, I finally made up my mind (after what felt like years of indecision and research) and I ordered the Canon Rebel XTi dSLR yesterday from Amazon. It will be arriving very shortly today – HURRAY!

I figured I would share some of my thoughts and notes on the decision process. It was a difficult and draining decision, and I think I became obsessed with it. I am not 100% convinced I made the right decision, (don’t you love those nagging self-doubts), but it boiled down to lens choices, and I felt Canon’s offerings were more in tune with what I needed vs Nikon’s.

Canon Rebel XT (350D)

The older Canon Rebel XT (350D) was initially on my short list. It considerably less expensive than the new Rebel XTi (400D), but in the end, I decided the upgraded XTi was worth the extra $

The Canon XTi upgrades that were important to me were:

Better Auto Focus. The XTi has the same 9 point AF sensor as the higher end Canon 30D
Continuous shooting burst up to 27 jpg and 10 RAW images
Larger, brighter 2.5 inch LCD screen for image playback and camera settings, with wider viewing angles. The XTi also has a sensor that shuts off the LCD when you are using the view finder. I really fell in love with the bright LCD screen
The extra 2 mp weren’t as important, but I suppose it is a nice perk
The Auto Sensor Cleaning System is also a nice perk, along with the dust mapping and removal software
Histogram in playback mode

One negative against the XTi was the XT has 10% better battery life; in fact, the XTi’s battery life is fairly dismal.

To learn more about what’s new for the Canon Rebel XTi, read the review over on http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/

Nikon D40

There were a few moments when I considered the Nikon D40. The price was right, and I liked how it felt in my hands. In the end I didn’t want to deal with the lack of auto-focus in the camera body. I would be required to purchase lenses with Auto Focus (AF-S), so the choices would be limited and probably more expensive. I wouldn’t have the option to purchase many 3rd party lenses, like Tamron.

The D40 is a great camera, and I have seen some awesome photos taken by D40 users; it appears to be better suited to those that don’t want to use a full array of different lenses. Eventually, I would have felt limited.

Nikon D80 vs Canon Rebel XTi

This was my battle! I loved the Nikon D80, and it was an extremely challenging decision.

What I loved about the Nikon D80:

Battery performance was stellar, incomparable with the XTi’s battery
Sturdier construction
The ability to use older Nikon manual lenses
The ability to easily use wireless flash
Superior AutoFocus and Image Quality
Felt good in my hands
The camera initially felt awkward with the settings LCD on the top; but once I learned how to hold it, and mess with the settings, it worked for me!
Two adjustment settings knobs/wheels

Why I Decided on the Canon XTi

I read every comparison article between the Nikon D80 and the Canon XTi, and the D80 triumphed. It was approximately $300 more, but I was convinced that the Nikon D80 was the right camera for me.

But in the end, I had to factor lens choices. After all, you aren’t just buying the camera, you are buying a whole photography system, lenses and accessories included.

The ultimate reason that I purchased the Canon XTi over the Nikon D80 was the lens choices, in particular the macro lens. I love macro photography, and I am craving a good macro lens.

Nikon offers a 105mm VR (Vibration Reduction) Macro for just under $800, while the Canon offers a 100mm macro (no Image Stabilization) for less than $500. I know some don’t blink while spending thousands for good “glass”, but I simply cannot justify spending that kind of cash when I am not a professional.

It all came down to $money; when all is said and done, the XTi will have saved me almost $600. That will be enough for a new tele-zoom lens in a few months!

So, here I sit waiting for my package! Hurray Mr. UPS man! He better get here soon before I change my mind again!

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Permalink | Comments (5)

There are 5 comments

Well i chose D80 one month after. but i have the same clue, the reason for what i choose d80 was the same reason. The lenses, canon kit include a 28- 50 lens (correct me if i’m wrong) and nikon a 28-135 (it suit better for me in my candid and travel photos) and i think that nikon has a better optic (but my next lens will be sigma probably jajajaja).

In any case i think that both make the right decision
you miss some of nikon caracteristics, and i miss one some of canon

The world is not perfect, and this make wonder the photographie.

Regards
Comment by Santiago Caamaño on October 17th, 2007
Funny! 28 years ago I bought the Nikon FG SLR Camera – it was all the rage at the time. Now I think you can find one in a museum. This week I finally went digital. After spending weeks,yes weeks, I finally made up my mind between the Nikon D80 and the Canon XTi. Like you it was a really tough choice. Either one would suit my needs and wants. But, I think the final thing that swayed me was brand name loyalty. My old SLR served mr well with 1000s of great pics and durability. Money was not a factor, well maybe a little bit, but I went with the Nikon D80. It comes with the 18-55 standard “kit” lense and I also purchased the 70-300 AF-S VR lens. As my wife does a lot of birding and I take photos it was the perfect fit for both of us to pursue our passions.

Happy “shooting” with your canon it was a good choice.

I’m waiting for the “FedEx” guy/gal to show up.

Gus
Comment by Gus Brown on December 28th, 2007
Good for you, Gus. Digital vs film, it is so much nicer!!!!

If money wasn’t a factor, I would have definitely went w/ the Nikon D80, and even now, months later, I still get a pang of “hmm, what if” and for a split second wish I got the D80. But I snap out of it, when I tell myself that in a few years, I will be upgrading to a newer better Canon, so it will all even out in the end!!

So you will have to post again, Gus to let me know how you are enjoying the new toy. I hope you have lots of fun!!!
Comment by debbieT on January 2nd, 2008
I choose the Nikon d50 back in 2006, then sold it to upgrade for a d80. I love the Nikon feel, it just has this sturdy build that cannot be matched.
There are those times where the metering drives me crazy, and I look at the auto settings on the XTi and get a little pang of jealousy…but then I look at my d80 again and I am ultimately pleased with my choice.
Both camera’s are great, but if you are new I would suggest the d80. It feels wonderful and although the lenses are expensive, the 18-200 VR lens makes it all worth it!
Happy shooting!
Melody
Comment by Melody on May 10th, 2008
I shot with both cameras but neither scored a kill.
Comment by Fawzy on November 9th, 2008