Digital camera buying advice - Treo Forums

kabeyun · 04-14-2007, 03:02 PM

OK, my wife & I are going an a great vacation soon, and I'm going to upgrade my point-&-shoot digicam (which we'll also bring). I'd like some advice, preferably from anyone who's familiar with one or all of my choices.

It's come down to the Nikon D40/D40x, the Nikon D80, and the Canon Digital Rebel XTi (E400). Here's what I've found so far:

Pros:

D40(x): Nikon's metering system, very small & light, user friendly, availability of their excellent 18-200mm image stabilizing lens, price (D40)
D80: Nikon's metering system, 11-point AF (vs 3 on the D40(x)), dedicated WB control, depth-of-field bracketing
XTi: 9-point AF, dust reduction, dedicated WB control, depth-of-field bracketing, great color, availability of their excellent 10-20mm WA zoom lens, small & light

Cons:

D40(x): 3-point AF, no dedicated WB control
D80: price, size
XTi: Charging flash stops camera, no available low/mid-to-tele zoom lens

Things I don't care about:

Having to use AF-S lenses with the D40(x)
Megapixels.

Thanks in advance to any takers.

-K

chris · 04-15-2007, 10:21 AM

I was working at Olympus a few years ago, so opted for their E-1. Nice camera, but I prefer my friends D70. I assume the D80 is an upgrade to that model. Sometimes it's the picture taker and not so much the camera, but his D70 rocked. Any and all reviews of that camera are real positive. If you haven't already, check out dpreview. If you cannot find a review, you will find an active community of prosumer camera users.

Where is the great vacation?

-Chris

chris · 04-15-2007, 10:23 AM

Here is the D80 review, D40 review and Canon 400XTi.

-Chris

kabeyun · 04-15-2007, 11:16 AM

Going to Machu Picchu & then the Galapagos.

Thanks for the links. Yeah, I've read through the reviews there and at steves-digicams.com and kenrockwell.com. My curse is I'm an overresearcher, thinking there's always the "perfect" whatever. No better reference than personal experience, I suppose. I was leaning towards the Nikons, so your vote for the D80 helps push me there. I have to figure out if I like the size (camera & price tag). I'm going to play with both next weekend.

-K

Stillrockin · 04-15-2007, 01:22 PM

The last one I bought was the S3. Its a pretty good camera for my use, but probably a little lower end than what you are looking for. Funny thing is I kind of have my eye out for a very compact point and shoot now!

Just a heads up! A very good friend who had a fortune sunk into lens just went with a new Cannon Digital SLR (I can't remember model right now) The bad news is, about half of his lens collection wouldn't work. He said he had to send them in for re-chipping? Anyway, just thought it worth mentioning in case you had any of your own.

kabeyun · 04-15-2007, 04:48 PM

Thanks for the caution. I actually don't have any SLR lenses, so I'm open to either model.

-K

cchalkley · 04-23-2007, 11:34 AM

I always say....sort the cameras by user reviews at www.newegg.com Really good reviews and makes buying easier

chris · 04-23-2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cchalkley

I always say....sort the cameras by user reviews at www.newegg.com Really good reviews and makes buying easier

Good call both for reviews and purchases. Quick shipping and good prices. Never had to return anything, but would assume the same good quality service.

cchalkley · 04-24-2007, 07:45 AM

Newegg sales more electronics online than Bestbuy or Circuit City.

kabeyun · 04-24-2007, 03:52 PM

Thanks everyone for your input. After (over-)researching everything I bought the D40. It arrives late this week. For some reason, I think probably a small stroke, I bought it from wolfcamera.com for $599 instead of newegg for $549. Oh yes, I remember why: Wolf was offering a $50 gift coupon which I misread as a $50 rebate. Stroke, right? But no matter: the same stroke made me forget to buy a second battery (something I routinely do) and it costs $50. Done.

Thanks again.

-K