I'm trying to choose between the Nikon D50 and the Canon Rebel XTI/400D. The D80 is out of my price range. Which would you recommend?

Agreed with Brenda. Something from my own experience: I switched from Nikon to Canon mostly because Nikon cameras are very picky on what lense you attach to it, it may start giving you errors limiting your creativity. Canon takes it all regardles of brand, including some good old MF lenses. If you like experimenting Canon is the best shot. Good luck!

I am also trying to decide between the Nikon D50 and Canon XTI, so glad I came across your question. It helped me to decide to get the XTI. Thanks.

I'm trying to decide between the Nikon D80, Canon Rebel XTI and the Sony A100K. My dilemma is that the Nikon and Sony fit better in my hand and seem to have higher quality shell than the Canon Rebel XTI. The Nikon lacks the shaking, self-cleaning feature as well as the stabilization feature - how important is that in the long run? I'm not a professional but do like a wide range of features as longest possible battery life (which the Rebel XTI seems to lack) quick start-up time, shutter speed and burst shots are huge for my kids' sport shots? Any advice would be helpful.

Hillary -- the Nikon D80 and Canon 400D are similar in most ways; both cameras are excellent and well liked by users. In both cases, they can accept lenses that have image stabilizers ("IS" from Canon, "VR" for vibration reduction from Nikon). So you're not cutting yourself off from IS with either of these. However, the Sony Alpha a100 has a new technique for IS -- it's built in to the camera itself, meaning you can buy considerably less expensive lenses without IS. I think the jury is still out on whether this strategy (also used by the Pentax K110) is as effective as the IS built in to the lens.

As to whether IS is important, the answer is ... kinda. IS in consumer cameras/lenses is a new phenomenon. But it caught on because it really works. I have been using non-image stabilized SLR lenses for 25 years, and was able to take clear shots. But now with my IS lens I can take clear shots without a tripod, or in lower light -- IS gives you more latitude. It's kind of one of those things that's just out and out good. And given that you are shooting fast-moving scenes, IS can be invaluable.

The Sony a100 is a new camera, sort of. It is a rework of the Minolta Maxxum 7D. Minolta is no longer in the camera business and sold their SLR line to Sony. It seems like a good camera and is getting good reviews. The internal IS feature is appealing, but I don't know if it really works. And no SLR has gotten reviews like the Canon digital SLR line.

I have a Canon 10D, several generations earlier than the XTi. I cannot say enough good things about it; my only complaints are LCD size, and startup time, both of which are fixed in new versions. I wouldn't be concerned about battery life of the XTi. I can take probably 100 or more shots on a battery, and extras are something like $12 a piece. I have three.

The Nikon is also very well reviewed, in particular the D200, but the D80 is good, too. If this feels better to you than the Canon, that's the right decision. If you're willing to take a risk on the a100, it's probably a good option.

I would get the XTi, but I am wildly biased :-)

hello all,

I too want a nikon D80 or D200 but it is out of my price range. I was looking around and notice that the D70 is a good choice as well as the canon Xti or XT. The main difference I can see is that the Nikon has a more vibrant color profile (the green are much more vivid). However, unless you compare the same picture taken side by side on the two type of cameras, you probably can't tell the difference.

The reason avid photographers like nikon is because they have superior lenses and that will make a diffence in your photographys. There is a D40x out, it is 10mp and cheaper than the d200/d80.

I also think that most people buy nikon because they retain their value a lot longer and that's why I want to by a nikon. I have a sony DSC717 and although it's 5mp it works great. However, I did notice that sony camera are grainy if it does not have very good lighting and are so in shadowy area.

www.dpreview.com is a great resounce to research camera, they have a side-by-side comparision chart on all types of camera.

I also go on www.flickr.com and look at the pictures taken by the various camera and see what they're capabilities are.

The Rebel XTi is solid, but i'm not sure how it's value will hold up after time and I personall don't like how it feel. The Rebel XT is a favored choice as well (at 8mp). A lot of art students/creatives like that camera.

I bought a D70 on-line and I should get it soon. I'll let you all know how it turns out.