Is it possible to lets say compare the 700 is to the XTi? Only asking because I was looking at the 800is also but how does it compare. If you took the 700is and compared it to the xti using just pictures you had taken how would they compare or matchup?
If you have no current SLR equipment to carry over to the digital SLR I'd have to recommend trying both and finding out which camera controls and menu system you prefer.
You'll get superb images from either, but you'll take better pictures with the one you're most comfortable with.
The less effort you dedicate to the camera, the more you have left to concentrate on the image you want to capture.
Personally, I've used EOS cameras for 18 years and they're second nature to me, so I couldn't be persuaded to change.
I myself faced nearly the same dilemma, and after careful and due consideration, came up with the following answer:
It doesn't matter.
Canon vs Nikon, when you are talking lower-end dSLR's, is like arguing Harvard vs Yale. Both are quality, both will get you where you want to go, and although one may be better in an area, the other is better in another, that for most people will cancel the first out. There is almost no difference.
My choice was between Nikon D40 (as a backup/everyday camera for D200, or Canon Rebel XT. At first, I was going to buy the Nikon, because I already owned lenses (both digital and 35mm), but then I found out that all the features of thoses lenses will not work with D40 body anyway, so it really didn't matter WHICH one I bought, as I would have to buy new lenses for it as well, so I decided on the Canon. You are considering the D80, which is compatible with all Digital lenses, so that is a more important factor for you.
If you already own Nikon lenses, buy the D80. If you don't, go to the camera store, try both, see which one feels the best to you, the manufacturer's waranty, and which one will give you the best deal on.
Compare prices with the lenses and accessories you want included in the outfit, as you will probably want to own more than the stock lens (they are not that great for either camera), and the cost of ownership can be driven up by this factor.
Ultimately, as long as you are comfortable with the camera you buy, you will be equally happy with either one. I never heard a Harvard Grad say, "I should have gone to Yale", (or vice-versa) and I don't know any (low end) Canon owners who said, "I wish I had bought Nikon..."
I currently have a Canon G2+Flash and a SD550 point and shoot camera. Shopping for a DSLR will be a tuff choice for me. I did the research for months, narrow down to XTi & D80 and ended up with D80.
Everybody has different tasking, but this is my personal reasons:
D80 has bigger viewfinder: Remembers on these 2 DSLRs, you won’t be able to see “live preview” on the 2.5”LCD before shooting, therefore, the viewfinder is what you will depend on.
XTi has dust reducer sensor: Good if you swap the lens regularly. If you’re planning to have only 1 zoom-lens (I do) like a kit lens or 18-200mm if you dare, you don't have to worry about dust sensor.
Flash and lighting: D80 has wireless transmitter signal (up to 30Ft) to SB800 or SB600 flash, a nice option for studio Portrait that I have to pay $200 extra for XTi
Multi Exposures: this is a fun option, I used it in the past with my 35mmSLR and I still love it. D80 has this feature.
XTi has smaller body: This is nice, D80 looks big, but once I saw 30D, I’m glad that D80 isnot a monster.
Made in Japan: Yes, on XTi. This is the downside for me for the D80. I found out most of the Nikon camera (incl. the D200) are Made in Thailand.
Top LCD information: This is a bonus of D80 if you’re not considered a Pro look.
Picture Quality: According to Dpreviews, I found XTi has slightly sharper in picture, but that’s with the cropped/enlarged image. After comparing sample pictures on both DSLRs. I see D80 isnot far behind.
Menu: D80 has more than XTi, more than I think.
That’s enough comparison for me to pick the D80. I decided paying an extra $$$ for the D80, I won’t regret it later.
I would suggest the Nikon D-80 because of an independent lab test. Nikon won 4 out of 5. The Nikon had better noise reduction at the lowest and highest ISO.There were actually 5 brands tested. You still can't go wrong if you decide on the Canon.
How about posting a link to this lab test?
May be this Lab test link? Right here, at CNET itself...
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11396_7-6654246-7.html?tag=btn
Anybody can implement high levels of noise reduction. The trick is to achieve a high ISO WITHOUT significant noise reduction. That's where Canon excels.
Noise reduction is a negative because it removes and/or blurs fine details in the image. That is not a desirable thing.
I just recently purchased a Nikon D50 over the Canon for the simple reason that I could not read the menu on the Canon without putting on my reading glasses...
I use the Nikon D80 and could not be happier, but Canon was a VERY close contender in my decision. I don’t have any significant investment in lenses so I faced a similar dilemma when I bought mine. I did a lot of research and came to several conclusions that clearly differentiated the two giants in the industry:
Canon’s biggest advantage is the CMOS sensor. It’s design generates less noise at higher ISO’s. Although the difference is not glaring, it is substantial enough for pretty much anyone to concede this advantage to Canon. Noise can be a serious consideration if you do a lot of shooting indoors or other poorly lit environments. This advantage alone was almost enough for me to choose Canon. It should be noted that the difference only occurs at higher ISO’s. At 800 there is a very slight difference but at 1600 the difference was much more noticeable.
In every other regard, overall image quality is really the same. Both offer very clean images. After spending many hours reviewing side by side comparisons, I determined that there was no significant advantage held by either manufacturer.
Canon has a sensor vibration feature that is supposed to clean dust off of the sensor. From what I’ve read, this type of solution is not very effective but it can’t hurt to have it.
Nikon has a superior flash system and commander mode built into the camera, a nice feature for a camera at this price point. The Nikon also had a programmable auto-ISO range. This is a very smart feature that the Canon did not share. The feature set seemed slightly in favor of the Nikon in general.
In the end, what made the difference for me was when I went to the store and tried using both of them. It’s hard to explain, but the Canon felt cheap compared to the Nikon. The overall layout and design of the menus felt more intuitive in the Nikon as well. It really came down to the way the camera felt and performed in my hands. I’d recommend visiting a retailer where you can try both and see what feels right for you.
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