bajaguy - 2-29-2008 at 05:03 PM
I ma turning to all of you Baja photographers for some info/advice.......
I would like to purchase a digital SLR as a step up to my photography ambitions. I have looked at the Nikon D-40 and was almost ready to purchase,
however a a semi-pro photographer friend suggested I look at the Canon 40-D.
The Canon 40-D is somewhat out of my price range ($600 max) as is the 20-D and the 30-D. As an alternative, the Canon Rebel XTi was suggested. Anyone
out there using the Rebel or have actual comparitive experience between the Nikon D-40 and the Rebel XTi????
Thanks
Edited to correct to Canon from Olympus
[Edited on 3-1-2008 by bajaguy]
Ken Bondy - 2-29-2008 at 05:24 PM
bajaguy
My experience, for 40 years, is only with Nikon equipment. However it is my opinion that all of the DSLRs are so good now that there is little
technical difference between them. They all do about the same thing and they all do it very well. Do you own any Nikon or Olympus lenses? That
could make the difference. Also, if you go with the D40 you will have access to a huge inventory of Nikon lenses and accessories that might not be
available with Olympus. Beyond that it's probably just price. I don't think you could go wrong with either camera.
++Ken++
Cardon - 2-29-2008 at 05:33 PM
Yes, they are all good nowadays but I'd lean towards the d40. I have a Nikon d50 and love it. I also have a Canon 30d and love it too.
Taco de Baja - 2-29-2008 at 05:55 PM
You might want to look into some of the Lumix (Panasonic) cameras.
Although not an SLR they are great cameras, and some come with Leica lenses. They do make an SLR, but I think they are over you price range 
Most in their "FZ" line have fully manual lenses, but they are not removable, like a SLR. But, with a 12x optical zoom they are equivalent to 46-432mm
SLR lense. Add in the digital and you can go really big. They accept screw on filters, and you can even add on Leica doublers (but they cost and arm
and a leg).
The FZ18 with 18x optical zoom is equivalent to a 28-504mm (who really needs more than that? and no other lenses to lug around) It costs just over
$300
I have used the FZ-20 at my work with great results even close up macro is great. I think we paid around $450 for it. My boss bought the FZ30 for
~$600, and loves it as well.
Lumix link
Cnet FZ-18
FZ-20
FZ-30
OOP's
bajaguy - 2-29-2008 at 06:10 PM
My bad........I posted olympus, but ment to say Canon 40-D and Canon Rebel XTi, please see edited original post........sorry
Ken Bondy - 2-29-2008 at 06:20 PM
Same answer from me bajaguy. BTW I have heard nothing but good things about Canon digital cameras. ++Ken++
bajamigo - 2-29-2008 at 10:37 PM
T, I've had an XTi for over a year and love it. It's fairly light, fast, easy to handle, and very flexible. You can get great pictures even in point
and shoot mode, or you can shoot pics in RAW format and create some stunning results. And it's a tough camera: Dennis once drop-kicked across a
parking lot (accidentally), and it had nary a scratch. I'd like to move up, but am not thrilled by the added bulk. And I'd say the XTi has all the
features you'll ever need.
bajasol - 2-29-2008 at 11:03 PM
Depending which camera you do choose, you can save tons of taxes if you purchase your camera from a place named B&H Photo out of New York City.
They have an amazing selection and no sales tax!
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
bajadogs - 2-29-2008 at 11:07 PM
Canon XT here. It has withstood serious abuse and neglect. It is still way faster than any point and shoot camera. I've heard complaints that the
Rebel feels cheap. I guess it does feel cheap because it's lightweight. After using and abusing my Rebel (trail running, kayaking, dirt biking, street
biking, hiking, camping, dropping onto concrete from 5 feet), it still works great, and I wonder if a heavier, more expensive feeling camera could
handle the abuse.
Cannot comment first-hand on Nikon other than to say those who I know who use them show brilliant photos also. Bajaguy, let us know where you go with
this.
Edit - bajasol is right, I saved big $. Try cnet.com to get best deals from the east coast with no tax.
[Edited on 3-1-2008 by bajadogs]
Acuity - 3-1-2008 at 07:05 AM
I use a Canon 30D (and a G6 when I can't carry that). I found that the Rebel was just too small to hold (though I don't have large hands). I doubt
that you can go wrong with either Canon or Nikon - at the time of purchase, I found the Canon controls a little more intuitive, but that's a very
personal thing.
Once you have chosen - then you are probably stuck with that brand, as the cost of lenses makes any minor differences (mostly due to one coming out
with features a few months before the other!) pretty irrelevant.
Check out
The Gull - 3-1-2008 at 07:29 AM
Last year's discussion http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=24825
805gregg - 3-1-2008 at 07:44 AM
Check out Costco they sell a Nikon D40x with 2 lenses for about $900. A little more money but the x-model has the metering system from the D-80 and
10.2 mp. Great value with a much better metering system.
Wiles - 3-1-2008 at 09:29 AM
Nikon D40x gets my vote. A friend just bought one. NICE CAMERA!!
Bob H - 3-1-2008 at 10:48 AM
I have a Nikon D-40.... absolutely love it... here's an example.
Bob H
Private dock on the river in Mulege
Bahia Coyote
[Edited on 3-1-2008 by Bob H]
Natalie Ann - 3-1-2008 at 10:52 AM
I shoot with a Canon 20D or D60.... like them each very much. Older models, they are. As many have mentioned, which lenses you choose are an
important factor as well as the camera.
Nena
Russ - 3-1-2008 at 11:12 AM
I've been lusting over the Dx40 for awhile now and .... maybe some day I'll have one.
In the meantime I keep looking and reading about them and others. Here a site with some fun combinations:---http://www.digicombos.com/category_s/2.htm
Pompano - 3-1-2008 at 11:17 AM
Cameras!
I still have all the cameras I have owned since my first one, a Brownie Hawkeye. Reflexes, polaroids, point&shoot, 110, 35mm, early digitals, you
name 'em, I have them on my shelves. I love each and every photo they ALL have taken over the last 50-some years, regardless of my ineptness at
reaching perfection. It's like picking a new rod/reel....it's what turns your crank at the moment. My last is a newly released Nikon, plus a
repaired Coolpix 4300. More than good enough for me.