I know that many scrapbookers are hoping to find a digital SLR camera under the tree on Christmas Day (or helped Santa along by making the purchase themselves for him!) So for those of you who are wishing for one, or already have one, I have a question.
Pre-child, I was film SLR user. I switched to point-and-shoot for a variety of reasons, but now I am considering purchasing my first digital SLR. I’ve done a lot of research and found one that I think I like: the 10.2 MP Nikon D40x. The usability, the price point, and a variety of other things seem to be just right for a good all-around SLR.
Yet everywhere I see scrapbookers talking about digital SLR cameras it seems that the vast majority either have or are lusting after one of the Canon Rebel XT or XTi models.
What is the appeal? What am I missing, or what is it that everyone else likes about the Canon models that hasn’t called out to me?
Use the comments section to speak your piece and tell me about your dream digital SLR!
About Nancy Nally
Nancy I just got my first dSLR an Olympus e-510 don’t discount these! After a couple of weeks of trying to decide which to get the Oly looked like the best for me. Its lighter, and has all the bells and whistles of the Nikon and Rebel but with image stability built into the camera! Lots of pro’s for the Oly, IMO. I’ve had mine a week so far and am very happy so far! Oh and the Oly has the dust reduction system built in (thats not on the nikon).
Oh if you do get the rebel don’t get the kit lens, I read nothing but poor reviews on the rebel lens kit.
For good reviews try dpreview.com
I have a Canon Rebel my daughter has the Nikon-son has the Canon. If you are a member at Costco, you will find a delicous deal on the Rebel-bag, 2 lenses, memory card etc with the camera. The Rebel was the first and I saved for 2 years to get it. Not a whole lot of difference other than price but if you have lenses from an old SLR-they can be used with the Canon.
and the lenses are terrific with the Canon-I have 6 of them and my son has several too. if its a package deal, go for it. and extras from Tamron are affordable. Just depends on what you want and need. and the Canon lenses have the stabilizer in them!
I love love love love love my Nikon D70s I was a film Nikon girl, so all of my old lenses fit right on this camera. I am just thrilled with it. I love everything about it. I have friends who swear by that Canon, but I love my Nikon, and I have heard good things about that littl D40. I do not think you will be sorry if you go with the Nikon. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
Honestly, I wasn’t wild about my dRebel. After about 6000 photos, it started losing it’s focus. I ended up selling it and upgrading to the 30D and so far I like it a lot more. The poster above is right about the Rebel kit lens ~ it’s terrible. I think if you’re going to invest in a good camera, you have to get a few good lenses to go with it. And promise to take the camera off of automatic!
Another Kristi . . . I am looking at buying the Nikon D80 or the Canon Rebel XTi. I was hoping to purchase one before Christmas but cannot make up my mind!!! A friend of mine has the Nikon D40x and really likes it. Another has the D40 and it takes good photos. I have been told I will like the Rebel or the Nikon D80. The Canon will have better color and the Nikon will be sharper. Makes me want to go with the Nikon since I can fix the color in PSE. Merry Christmas!
I think it’s the name. Didn’t every girl always fall the for Rebel instead of the nice guy? lol
Nancy, thanks, as always, for the insightful post. I have wondered this myself!
I have the Nikon D40X 10.2 that you’re referring to and I LOVE it. After comparing it to the Rebel versions, talking to professionals in our local camera store and reading the reviews online, I decided to go with the Nikon. Every single one of the professionals I spoke with agreed the D40X was a better camera & took sharper photos than the comparable Rebel. And they weren’t trying to sell me on price, because the Nikon was actually cheaper and came with more “free” stuff in their package. Not that the Rebel is a bad camera, because it’s not at all. I just think the Rebel got out there with scrappers first and now everyone who’s looking for a new camera and knows little about them hears the word “Rebel” and automatically assumes it’s the one to get.
Go out there and feel both brands in your hands, play with each camera, talk to the professionals and read reviews online (cnet.com is my favorite). You might even find another camera that suits you even better!
David Pogue, who is the tech. writer for the NYTimes and the author of all of the “Missing Manual” series of books recommends and uses the Nikon D40. Costco had a great deal on it with 2 lenses earlier in December, for something around $600.
I got a D80 last year from Santa and love it. I think you have to pick what feels right for you and not always follow the herd…
You should go to a store and hold both cameras…which one feels better in your hands???
Best of luck!
I agonized for months between the Canon XTi, the Nikon D40x and the Nikon D80. So I went to the camera store and tried them all and bought…an Olympus E-510. I love it…
Well for myself Ive got a Pentax k10D or something like that!LOL Its dust proof and water resistant, has the swesome anti shake mode. Got y dd the Nikon youre talking about. She loves it so much shes going into the photography business. However shes an srtist and GD so she comfy with all that stuff! More than anything no matter what camera you get make sure you get a light scoop. I dont understand why the pop up flashes are so horrid in a camera that cost 1000.00, but it ends the harsh pop up flash. Its inexpensive, only 29.95. The scoop fits into your hot shoe spot and essentially bounces the flash behind you. If you want more info Id be happy to send it along. Otherwise Im sure you can google it for the addy under light scoop! HTH! Love your site!
I’ve got a Rebel and I love it. I labored over the choices also. The deciding factor for me was my familiarity with Canon from owning previous ones and, therefore, hopefully a less sharp learning curve.
I’ve got a Rebel and I love it. I labored over the choices also. The deciding factor for me was my familiarity with Canon from owning previous ones and, therefore, hopefully a less sharp learning curve.
I’ve got a Rebel and I love it. I labored over the choices also. The deciding factor for me was my familiarity with Canon from owning previous ones and, therefore, hopefully a less sharp learning curve.
I’ve got a Rebel and I love it. I labored over the choices also. The deciding factor for me was my familiarity with Canon from owning previous ones and, therefore, hopefully a less sharp learning curve.
I’ve got a Rebel and I love it. I labored over the choices also. The deciding factor for me was my familiarity with Canon from owning previous ones and, therefore, hopefully a less sharp learning curve.