[Wannabe]

My dh bought me a Rebel XTi (2 days ago) with an extra zoom lens.. but I keep getting the error 99 msg.. so.. i'm not really impressed. I wanted the Nikon D80 originally, but it is quite a bit more, however I think it's worth it to save my pennies and get my 'dream' camera...

What does everyone else think? I haven't even been able to take one picture with my XTi so that's turned me off.. I know I could very well exchange it and not ever have that problem again.. but from what i've read.. it's not that uncommon..


So.. Nikon D80 or exchange my XTi for another?

Thanks!

eta: Or... should I throw a Nikon D40 in the ring here too? And perhaps get an extra lens to go with it?

[GainfulShrimp]

I think the choice is largely down to ergonomics and personal preference on the handling. Once you've bought into either Canon or Nikon, it's likely you'll spend quite a bit on extra lenses and accessories for your camera after a while and it will then be very expensive to switch to the other brand because the camera body will only form a part of your overall investment.

I understand why you're frustrated with your XTi but I would give it another chance and get a replacement. There are many happy XTi (called 400D in Europe) users and they wouldn't be happy if their cameras were playing up like your copy has so far.

In terms of technical features and image quality, there's very little difference between (similarly priced) cameras of either of the big two brands... there are pros and cons of specific models but they tend to balance out overall so I would visit a camera shop where you can try both cameras. Handle both, get a handle for how they feel to you in your hands. Look into the menus and ask the sales asst to demonstrate the main features, then come back here with any specific questions if you can't get a straight answer from the sales person.

[sbtm]

For me, it was the size and the weight of the camera that tipped the scale. I was between the 350D and D50. The D50 felt much heavier and bigger in my hands than the Canon one (I've got small hands). Haven't regretted my choice even once!

[Boofers]

I like it when people talk about the lenses and the role they play down the road. The camera bodies come and go. My advice would be to look at your lenses, then the camera that you feel good with,,hopfully they will be the same brand

[GainfulShrimp]

But if you don't already own any lenses, you really can take you pick based on either lens choice or body choice, I reckon. At the consumer level, both camps have some very nice lenses. Arguably there's slightly more choice available in the secondhand market for Canon mount lenses, but not everyone would agree I'm sure.

Maybe if you're going to be using professional level long lenses - like those giant white beasts you see around the edges of football pitches - then you might choose based on a preference for a specific lens... but if you're talking about those lenses I would expect that you would not be deciding between the XTi and D80 (unless you've just won the lottery and plan to buy it all anyway!).

[Wannabe]

Originally Posted by GainfulShrimp

But if you don't already own any lenses, you really can take you pick based on either lens choice or body choice, I reckon. At the consumer level, both camps have some very nice lenses. Arguably there's slightly more choice available in the secondhand market for Canon mount lenses, but not everyone would agree I'm sure.

Maybe if you're going to be using professional level long lenses - like those giant white beasts you see around the edges of football pitches - then you might choose based on a preference for a specific lens... but if you're talking about those lenses I would expect that you would not be deciding between the XTi and D80 (unless you've just won the lottery and plan to buy it all anyway!).

Ummm.. yah... only in my dreams! lol!!!

Honestly.. i'm 33, and don't know much about photography or camera's. I've always been interested, and have been reading up on this site anything I can find. We have a couple digitals, but nothing on the SLR playing field.. i've been reading up on SLR's and it seems like the Nikon D80 is an awesome camera..

I don't know if i'm aiming too high or what though.. should I just go with a D40? Is the D80 more for professionals? I don't know.. i'm dreaming of that D80 though.. lol!! Looks amazing..

I won't be buying those white lens unless I find out i'm exceptionally gifted in photography AND win that lottery you're talking about.. lol!! So i'm gonna say no to that one..

[Wannabe]

I am now the proud new owner of a Nikon D80!!! Now.. I think I have a lot of learning to do.. lol!!

[Dave]

Congrats .... cracking camera

[j sotelo]

Good Choice !! I own one too and its a great camera, I have somewhat large hands so I bought the MB-D80 Multi-Power Battery Pack and it fits great, If you really want to get the most out of that camera...Forget the manual buy Nikon D80 Digital Field Guide, you will love that book. looking forward to see what you think about the D80 .... ahhh one more thing. The D80 is compatible with almost every Nikon Lens new and old....

[Wannabe]

Thanks for the book suggestion!! I'll be sure to grab that!! Kinda poor now for a while.. LOL! But should be able to scrape together enough for a book..

I'd never be able to hold onto the camera with the battery pack on it.. LOL! My 13 yr. old son has bigger hands that I do.. lol!!