Canon XTi or Nikon D40x?

K!LL!@N

I'm looking to get a new D-SLR, will have a budget of up to $1000 and I'm living in the US.

Have found this deal for the D40x with two lenses, memory card and carry case for $849.

I've also found a similar deal for the Canon but it's $100 more expensive.

I've used the XT version of the Canon before and liked it.
I've never used a Nikon bar playing around with the display model in the store.

Is there a noticeable difference between these two cameras?
Is it a case of which ever one you used first will be the one you end up liking and will swear by that brand for ever and ever...etc?

Anyone know of reputable online sellers that offer good deals, remembering that I'm in the US.

Cheers!

Killian

Carrigman

Canon (but then I'm biased).

www.dpreview.com for comparisons.

B&H, Adorama.

quilmore

Nikon D40 (because resolution doesn't mean anything / higher sensibility at same noise levels / higher flash sync / €200 cheaper)
review here: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm

Thirdfox

Good deal - since the 55-200 with the Nikon is the VR version (not the older non-VR one).

Nikon has just introduced a 18-55mm VR lens too - it may be worth a wait to see if they'll include it into the D40 as a kit lens.

I'd also support Carrigman's advice but go for D40 since I'm biased too

People say that Nikons have better ergonomics... I haven't compared them. Make sure that the Canon deal with twin lens is the IS telephoto lens (and not a non-IS version).

K!LL!@N

Just had another look at Costco and they have a similar deal for the D40 for $679.

Looks to be the same lenses as the D40x deal but with a 2Gb memory card instead of 1Gb and no case(hardly a deal breaker).

Killian

Thirdfox

I'd take the D40 over D40x (I am a D40 owner by the way so laying my bias plainly for everyone to see).

You get a higher flash sync speed and a SB-600 flash for the price difference (you'll love flash photography once you've discovered bounce flash).

But B&H New York seems to be the most reputable dealer around...

quilmore

no memory but same 2 lenses for 70 dollars less: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/532253-REG/Nikon__D40_DIGI_SLR_CAMER.html

K!LL!@N

That's a pretty good deal too.

I would be inclined to go with Costco as they'll ship it for free (estimated 1-2 days delivery) and if anything goes wrong with the camera I can return it to the local Costco.
They also honour price drops within 30 days of purchase.

Thanks for the info so far, really appreciate it.

Killian

Thirdfox

If you're going for Nikon I really really suggest waiting a while to see if the new (just announced) cheap 18-55mm VR is any good.

I have the 18-55mm DX II version and love it - but having VR at the long end would be a help (not as significant as having it on the 55-200mm though).

Cheap American prices...if you're ever heading back to Ireland remember to get me a cheap lens!

K!LL!@N

How long of a wait do you think it'll be?
I'd kinda like to get the camera this side of Christmas.

Killian

Thirdfox

Well they say it will be available this Christmas (December). That seems awfully quick though.

The new lens is slightly larger and heavier than the older version (and misses the ED "magic glass" as Ken Rockwell calls it) however the MTF chart seems better than the older lens. And it has more glass pieces inside...

If you can't wait though the 18-55 is great and the VR isn't such a necessity on a shorter zoom lens range.

rahtkennades

K!LL!@N,
I have a 350D (XT) and a friend has recently got a D40x. I've looked at it, and it's not a bad camera. A few things to maybe watch out for would be:

Autofocus points. The canon has 9, the Nikon only has...3 (I think. Can't remember exactly).

Lens choice: Obviously with the canon there's a huge choice of any Canon EF or 3rd-party compatible lens. For the D40x, it's a bit more restricted, as it doesn't have the drive motor that other Nikons have, so you're limited with lens choice if you want autofocus.

Apart from that they seem like pretty similar cameras.

Have a look at a side-by-side on dpreview, it might give you some ideas.

padi89

My 2c for what its worth.Was in the same situation basically as you not long ago.A few people recommended getting into a shop and see how they feel in your hands.I cannot stress how important this is, one fit like a glove the other was cumbersome:mad:.I wont tell you which one i went for as its the individuals choice;)

Thirdfox

rahtkennades makes a good point about autofocus points (geddit *I'll grab my coat)

but I'm a "focus and recompose" kind of guy. So even the D40 has 2 extra points that I do not need

Another aesthetic point (which is highly debatable) - but the D40 has such a lovely quiet shutter sound. The Canon one sounds kinda peculiar to my (admittedly biased) ears and definitely louder than the D40. It may seem like a small issue but when you're in a church and people are looking at you due to the noise you're creating it wouldn't seem like such a small issue then.

templeathea

In my opinion there isn't much difference between these cameras. They are uniformly excellent so you can't really go wrong. Enjoy...

K!LL!@N

templeathea wrote: »

In my opinion there isn't much difference between these cameras. They are uniformly excellent so you can't really go wrong. Enjoy...

That's the impression I'm getting.
Both camps have their advocates.
From talking to people it seems that if you start off with a Canon you'll stick with them or if you start with a Nikon you'll stick with them.

Thanks for the input so far everyone.

Killian

Thirdfox

You haven't heard from the Olympus and Pentax camp yet

...oh and mustn't forget Sony..

K!LL!@N

Thirdfox wrote: »

You haven't heard from the Olympus and Pentax camp yet

...oh and mustn't forget Sony..

Haha!
I'm open to all opinions.
Just want to get the best camera I can get for my budget.

I don't know what the comparable cameras are from the others.

Killian

Thirdfox

Well out of the "cheap" cameras:

I know the Pentax one has weatherproofing. K100D if I remember correctly.

The Olympus has live view and the most effective anti-dust sensor filter thingie. E510 or E410. (Sebzy would be able to give you more info).

Sony...well it can mount the old Minolta lenses. (I just don't hear from many Sony users so perhaps they have a great camera...no idea). A100 is their low end camera.

These 3 cameras all have built in image stabilisation - meaning that any lens you mount becomes an IS/VR lens. Canikon would have you believe that it is better to have IS/VR in lens (not just for the extra profit they make) but also because in-lens is more effective.

Whether you believe them or not is another matter

Billie May

Hi,

does anyone have experience / opionion about the following:

Canon 17 - 85 IS USM lens
Canon 70-300 IS lens
Canon 17 - 85 IS lens

or do I have to start a new thread now? I still have to decide between D40(x) and 400D. I read too much about it. Try to focus on the lens now...since that is also important!

Ps, what is advantige of USM? especially when the lens already has IS.

Thanks!

Borderfox

Stick it in a new thread and you will get a better response Billie. 17-85 IS USM is a great lens and the USM just makes the focus faster and silent. 70-300IS is capable of some superb shots and is fairly compact.