Digital cameras: Which is the better first dSLR, the Nikon D60 or Canon XSI?
consider details and extras
by craigbob - 5/17/08 4:31 PM In reply to: Which is the better first dSLR, the Nikon D60 or Canon XSI? by jbwoy4lifeBoth are great cameras. I own a canon digital rebel xt.
I first suggest going to a retailer and comparing hands-on various DSLRs. Ask a lot of questions.
You may also want to research various photography discussion forums to see what types of questions and problems current owners have. Ask about the pros and cons of the software the camara manufacturers' provide with the camera. Is it intuitive and easy to use? Is it compatible with your operating system? (This could be a significant problem if it is not compatible, for example with a new mac or vista computer, or if your operating system is older).
Some minor things to consider are the costs of extras. How much storage card capacity do you require? On a recent vacation I took 5 gigabytes worth of pictures. The xsi uses SD cards - its a bonus if you happen to have a camera or other devices that use sd cards. There are other means of downloading pictures for storage, but I find extra memory cards to be cost effective and use little space in a camera bag.
Whatever camera you choose I recommend getting a second battery. Keeping a backup, fully charged battery is very useful. You may want to comparison shop the availablity and cost of backup batteries, depending on the camera.
You may also want to consider the costs of additional lenses, external flash, etc. I suggest you shop around online. Both nikon and canon offer excellent lenses. (I use canon, tamron, and sigma lenses). Regardless, compatibility and cost may be important to you. What you may save in the initial purchase may be forfeited in the cost of any additional accessories.
You will find that canon, nikon, pentax, sony and others all take excellent pictures. Although you won't enjoy your new camera if its difficult to find accessories, they're expensive; or the camera uploads slowly, or is incompatible with your operating system, etc.
Chose the system
by lookzovt - 5/18/08 9:57 AM In reply to: Which is the better first dSLR, the Nikon D60 or Canon XSI? by jbwoy4lifeFirst of all, you have to choose the system not camera. You are looking for your _first_ dSLR, so I think you can buy next in the future. So probably you will buy some lenses. Then when you will next dSLR, you probably stay with you first camera system.
So choose Canon 
Quandary of conflicting evidence?
by richteral - 5/18/08 11:46 AM In reply to: Chose the system by lookzovtJust flip a coin, or you may never make a decision. It's not about the camera but whose hand is holding it, anyway.
He's exactly right
by kalel33 - 5/18/08 12:18 PM In reply to: Quandary of conflicting evidence? by richteralWe can talk all we want about which one's better, but the weak link will be the person behind the lens, and for most will always be the weak link. Usually it's the camera being held back by the person taking the photo. I know I still have not come close to making my skills equivalent to the ability that my camera can produce. That's we we keep shooting and learning.
Your post "He's exactly right." Right ON!
by nervaz3 - 5/18/08 8:28 PM In reply to: He's exactly right by kalel33Don't get lost in the Gizmo. Work on your Art. For what the average amateur really needs in a camera system is versatility. If you don't know a working pro, then talk to the good people in your favorite camera store. Be sure to tell more experienced people that you want to get bang for your buck and that you are mostly interested in meaningful photos.
Once you have a system which does what you want it to, quit reading.
Strawberry or Chocolate?
by mggordon - 5/19/08 10:33 AM In reply to: Which is the better first dSLR, the Nikon D60 or Canon XSI? by jbwoy4lifeNikon and Canon have a slightly different tradition and very different marketing (similar to Mac vs PC in computers). PC is for business, Mac is for artists and rebels; Canon even calls their cameras "Rebel". It is an emotional label rather than descriptive or technical.
Nikon cameras have a tradition of being preferred by news reporters; their cameras are very fast and easy to use. I almost never have to look at my camera to operate its controls, it is almost an extension of my hand.
Canon cameras have a tradition of portraiture and weddings, also wildlife photographers use Canon because of the huge (and very expensive) telephoto lenses available for Canon.
That said, I believe you will find a combination of make and model that is clearly superior for any given situation. My mentor used both Nikon and Canon but I cannot afford two entire systems and more often than not I prefer the "quick grab" capabilities of the Nikon and 18-200mm superzoom while receiving the benefit of the larger sensor (as compared to a "point and shoot" pocket camera).
dSLR Camera Decision
by feline1618 - 5/19/08 5:25 PM In reply to: Which is the better first dSLR, the Nikon D60 or Canon XSI? by jbwoy4lifeJust last year in making my decision on what digital SLR to purchase,
I researched the features they all had online first. Made some notes on what was important to me. Then I looked at what I could afford to purchase,and decided some bells and whistles I did not really need for the price. After then going to the dealers and actually looking at them, I decided on an Olympus Evolt E-5OO. Came with a dual lens kit too. Check it out sometime, I really enjoy mine.
You are right about a Pentax option
by carlosalbertoandrade - 5/20/08 1:54 AM In reply to: Which is the better first dSLR, the Nikon D60 or Canon XSI? by jbwoy4lifeIf you try a Pentax K200D (cheaper) or a K20D (more expensive) you will forget the others. Do go to a shop and try all of them in your hands.
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