Canon XTi vs Nikon D80 vs Pentax K10D

I'd stick with Canon or Nikon personally simply due to the available lenses... you aren't just buying the camera, you buy the lens options available through that company as well. (ignoring Sigma etc. offerings)

I wouldn't be afraid of sensor cleaning - you mostly need to use an air blower and not sensor swabs.. I've had my 20D for over a year now and I haven't once had to swab the sensor. Blowing air onto the sensor is very, very easy to do and very hard to muck up unless you start stabbing around the inside of the camera with the tip of the blower The mirror isn't involved either, it swings out of the way until you power the camera off (at least on the 20D) so you won't be touching that.

Have you considered a second-hand 20D? Definitely doesn't feel like a toy, much more robust feeling than the XT/XTi, not to mention frames per second and the various other advantages...

you seem to be a canon fan, and this is a canon forum, so you are going to hear a lot of canon votes, but if you like and are familiar with canons (which it would seem so) then the most logical thing would be to stick with them. but i would suggest you buy the 30D/20D so you can get the feel you want from the camera. you wont regret it.

Hi guys, thanks for your answers. Yeah 30D starts to be a strong option. The fact that it lacks 2 Megapixels and it doesn't have a sensor cleaning system are probably minor aspects when compared with what I get in return. My fear is that the $1550 price tag will leave me with little money for lenses. Also, I heard that the 30D will soon be replaced, and if this is the case I would feel bad to spend 3/4 of my budget on a camera when in a month or two there will be a better model at the same price.

thanks

Another vote for the 20D or 30D. But I may be biased because I own a 20D instead of some other manufacturer's SLR solution. Rebel line felt plasticky and is too small. Nikon cameras may be less expensive, but they nail you on the lenses when compared with Canon equivalents. In terms of build and features for the price, the K10D is quite the marvel with built in IS and sealing and all. The only problem is that the support (accessories, forums, info, etc) is not as good as Canon nor Nikon's. Its AF lens line lacks USM (which they're working on), and from the ones I could get my hands on, build felt cheap compared to Canon's equivalent offerings. The lil pancake lenses are fairly attractive though. Though Pentax's stuff costs generally less than both C & N while delivering good IQ, when you buy a DSLR, you're buying a whole solution; and in my mind, the best comes from Canon.

IF the 30D gets replaced soon it will be more like march. but that 2MP is quite little in significance actually. and as nice as the sensor cleaning system is, having a body that feels good in the hand, and the control that the 20/30D allows is very significant. if you havnt tried one out yet you should try. lenses are important thats for sure. and its good that you are thinking this through.

If you already have Canon EOS lenses, the most economical choice would be a Canon DSLR so you can keep using your existing lenses.

If you don't have any Canon EOS lenses, don't make your choice based just on the current camera models. With a DSLR camera you are starting to buy into a complete photography system, so look at all the lenses and other accessories to select a brand that will allow you to expand in the future the way you want to grow.

Canon and Nikon are just about tied for the most complete range of photography products. One is stronger is some features and the other in other features. Pentax has lagged behind, but shows signs of coming to life again. You have not mentioned the new Sony DSLR that uses Minolta mount lenses. It also deserves consideration.

All the cameras are capable of taking great pictures, so it doesn't really matter which brand you choose. If you do your part you will get good pictures from any of them. Most of the people who use this list have chosen Canon, but most of us have friends who are also happy with their Nikon, Pentax or Sony/Minolta equipment.

zenpro wrote in post #2218080
Hi guys, thanks for your answers. Yeah 30D starts to be a strong option. The fact that it lacks 2 Megapixels and it doesn't have a sensor cleaning system are probably minor aspects when compared with what I get in return. My fear is that the $1550 price tag will leave me with little money for lenses. Also, I heard that the 30D will soon be replaced, and if this is the case I would feel bad to spend 3/4 of my budget on a camera when in a month or two there will be a better model at the same price.

thanks

I don't know the prices for Canada on the 3 cameras, but the Canon 30D here is $1150USD before $100 rebate and it will be $200 rebate if you buy a rebatable lens, so $950. The K10D costs $999 and Nikon D80 $950. If you can get a friend to buy one for you and do the rebate, price just about becomes a moot point. And new cameras will always cost more than what you can buy the old one for right now. It will usually take 3-4 months before it starts dropping in price, so you'd be looking at a 6-7 month (assuming new model out in March 2007) window before the replacement is at the 30D's current price level.

mxwphoto wrote in post #2218110
I don't know the prices for Canada on the 3 cameras, but the Canon 30D here is $1150USD before $100 rebate and it will be $200 rebate if you buy a rebatable lens, so $950. The K10D costs $999 and Nikon D80 $950.

hi mxwphoto,

in Canada, Canon EOS 30D costs $1,550 and it's true that you can get then a double rebate if you buy it along with another lens (240 dollars rebate). The K10D will be available by the end of November and it costs $1050 with a free 1GB card. So I've two scenarios:

1) Buy the 30D for $1550, $100 dollars for a 2GB card, and buy a $300 dollars glass... it's more 2250 dollars after taxes. Then I will get back 240 from Canon.
2) Buy the K10D for $1050 and have more or less 800 dollars for a lenses right there.

I generally agree with the "buy a system not a camera" argument though.

The one advantage that usually doesn't get mentioned. If you go Canon, you get to utilize the full forum.

I'd recommend either Nikon or Canon because it allows you to buy and sell used equipment much easier than a 3rd party mount.

It's unfortunate to see the 30D being that much more expensive than its competitors in Canada. Guess you lucked out there. If you care a lot about the inital investment and won't be upgrading lenses for quite a while, feel free to go for the other systems. Personally though, even $800 in lenses isn't enough for me. Any of the systems in the end will allow you to take great photos. It just depends on your needs. And while you won't be able to use this forum to its full potential, each company's solutions has its own set of followers and forums to help you get the most out of your gear. Good luck in your decision!

Btw, if you're paying $100 for 2gb, you're likely paying too much. I got my 2gb for $40 (granted it's in USD, but at 1:1.13 exchange rate, prices shouldn't differ by that much).

mxwphoto wrote in post #2218251
And while you won't be able to use this forum to its full potential, each company's solutions has its own set of followers and forums to help you get the most out of your gear.

But you forgot, this forum is the best.

grego wrote in post #2218354
But you forgot, this forum is the best.

Ah yes, my apologies. Sorry zenpro, but you'd be missing out on a LOT if you don't go by Canon!

Ehehe... thanks guys.

What about buying from BHPhotoVideo + about $100 of priority Fedex shipping + 15% of taxes + $5 fedex handling?

In this way I could get the 30D and still be able to buy a decent lens, a vertical grip and a card to start with?

That would be good. If you buy a Canon lens at the same time, you can double your rebate with Canon. Remember to take advantage of B&H's discounts codes like PSAUG(you type it in the search on the main page).