Camera Gurus--D40, D50, or Rebel XT?

[foss]

I'm looking for a first time dSLR.

I have no lenses.

I am interested in shooting everything from cars to nature to people.

Anybody wanna give me some unbiased feedback?

[jb1830]

I own a D50 and it's been good to me. This camera is now discontinued though. The only plus is that you might be able to get a good price if you can find one.

I would recommend the D40x. It has the same 10MP sensor as the D80 for a couple $100s less.

Lastly I'd recommend the Canon XT(older 8MP) or the XTi(Newer 10MP) They are also great cameras and one bonus is the amount of great Canon lenses available. They are also slightly more professional than the D40x.

All in all any of the cameras you mentioned are good choices...I'd recommend you stop by best buy or a camera shop and check the cameras in person to see which one you like best and feel most comfortable holding. This was a deciding factor for me as the D50 felt more sturdy than the canons at the time.

[poolmike]

I just picked up a D40x. Loving it. I'm a total moron when it comes to handling a camera, and this thing makes it easy for me. Great machine for a newbie. The VR lenses rock.

[i like rice]

Used D70, D80 or used 20D/30D > entry level dSLR. Read up on the stuff and you'll be able to figure out what you want. Entry level bodies have small viewfinders, smaller buffer, inferior autofocus systems, not-as-good-ergonomics, not as good high iso performance, and a few other minor things. A used prosumer body will cost the same as a new entry level body but will be a better choice overall. If you get into photography, you'll probably sell the entry level body a few months after owning it.

[jspek]

^exactly. and in all honesty i would go for a d80 over a d40 or d40x. i prefer my 50 over the 40 any day of the week. just do some research and go out and hold the cameras in your hand before you make a choice.

[vwcorradokid]

I'll make a deal with you. Buy a Hasselblad H3DII-39 and I'll trade you my D50 for it. The Hasselblad is relatively cheap when it's mortgaged over 30 years, so it could be worth it.

I'm totally just messing with you. Like I tell everyone, comfort is probably the number 1 reason why people shoot with a specific camera.

[foss]

I really don't think I can afford a used D80 or high end Canon camera though, cause don't they still go for like $700+? I'm even having a hard time finding a D50..I'm kinda leaning towards the D40 because it's the newest and very affordable. I think it should be plenty good enough for myself to learn the basics of photography on a higher level than P&S's. Unless the Rebel XT is actually better than the d40...

[den9]

the d40 u can only use the newer lenses, well atleast for autofocus

[i like rice]

I wouldn't suggest a DSLR unless you have $800-1000 to invest. Once you add in the cost of memory cards, camera bags, filters, tripods, lens cleaning kits, better lenses, etc.. the price adds up quickly.

You can find a used 20D for about $450-500. I'm not sure on the market prices of Nikons but I would guess a D70 would go for about $500-575.

[foss]

Originally Posted by den9

the d40 u can only use the newer lenses, well atleast for autofocus

yeah, i have heard that canon has a much better selection of lenses..hmm..

[CarbonIS]

D80 with a 18-135 or a 55-200 is what u need

[foss]

Originally Posted by CarbonIS

D80 with a 18-135 or a 55-200 is what u need

ARRRR i'm not made of money lol. i'd love to have a d80 but i'm only 17 lol.

[i like rice]

Originally Posted by den9

the d40 u can only use the newer lenses, well atleast for autofocus

for someone getting into photography, this isn't much of an issue. this is more of an issue for people that already have an older collection of Nikkor lenses.

[4g64FTL]

I have D40x but kinda wish I went with a D80 but the D40x is a nice SLR and the VR lenses do kick ass

[foss]

What are the VR lenses?

[CarbonIS]

vibration reduction. Well worth the money.

[foss]

Do they work with the d40?

[4g64FTL]

Yes Nikon also called Nikkor has them

[djb5118]

yea i would go with a nikon for the sheer fact of the VR lens. I got my d50 used with the 18-55, 50mm F/1.8, filters and two batteries for like 450$ which was a steal! like what has been said, keep your eyes open for something used

[i like rice]

Originally Posted by djb5118

yea i would go with a nikon for the sheer fact of the VR lens.

You do realize other lens manufacturers have their own version of vibration reduction? VR isn't anything special or unique that makes Nikon any better than the rest.