Since the days of 35mm slr and film shooters, Nikon and Canon owners have always held very vocal opinions towards the opposite camp. Having owned both Canon and Nikon gear in the very recent past, I can say with all confidence - Nikon hit a home run with the D80.
Using many of the powerful components found in the D200, Nikon created an exceptionally powerful “prosumer” camera with an abundance of features with a reasonable price tag. Unlike its smaller counterparts, the D40 and D40x, the D80 has an internal autofocusing motor which allows it access to a much wider range of lenses. It incorporates many bells and whistles not found on similarly priced models from the competition.
The key features are:
- A 10.2 megapixel DX format CCD
- Image processing engine (similar to D200 / D2X)
- 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 420 pixel sensor (same as D50)
- 11-area AF system (new version of Multi-CAM 1000, similar to D200)
- Custom Auto ISO (selectable maximum ISO, minimum shutter speed)
- Configurable high ISO and long exposure noise reduction
- Mechanical only shutter (maximum 1/4000 sec, flash sync to 1/200 sec)
- Quoted 80 ms shutter lag (short viewfinder blackout; 160 ms)
- Larger, brighter pentaprism viewfinder (x0.94 magnification)
- Support for SD-HC (SD cards over 2 GB in capacity)
- In-camera retouching
- Multiple-exposures
- Compact body (smaller, lighter than D70/D70s)
- Improved menu user interface (same as D200)
- Higher capacity EN-EL3e battery (provides detailed information, same as D200)
- Wireless flash integration (same as D200)
When coupled with Nikon’s optional ML-L3 wireless remote, taking shots without ever touching the camera is wonderful. Its great for long exposures and multiple identical shots (for HDR bracketing or otherwise)
Nikon D80 vs Canon XTi.
Canon’s Digital Rebel XTi is considered a direct competitor to the Nikon D80. Frankly, this is not a fair comparison. The D80 carries a higher price point, but it also carries a much stronger feature set and is a generally more powerful camera. Compared to the toy-like body of the XTi, the D80 is well built and looks very professional. Appearance is only skin deep, but the D80 has the hardware to back up its slick looking exterior.
The D80’s viewfinder is a major improvement over the XTi. Larger and brighter, it allows for much easier shot composition. The grip is also an improvement. The D80 feels much more natural and well situated in the hand, and makes handling large lenses easier then with the XTi.
If you decide to go Nikon, you can’t go wrong with the D80 for almost any application. I would highly recommend it over the cheaper but far less sophisticated 4-series models.
Nikon D80 pictured with optional MB-D80 battery grip and Nikkor 18-135mm kit lens.
If you are looking for the best lens that $500 can buy you, look no further. Canon’s 70-200 F/4L USM lens puts the legendary L-series lens quality into a shockingly affordable package that covers a desirable range for most every type of shooter, whether a beginner or a pro. While it is significantly more expensive then the telephoto lenses that a chain store clerk will pitch to the new Digital SLR user, the quality difference is night and day. The 70-200 L focuses internally and faster then any lens in its class. The images are brilliant, very colorful and a compliment to any digital body.
Canon doesn’t skimp (like it does with its consumer-series lenses) on the extras with its L series. Included in the package is a lens hood (hard to manage the lens cap, but very high quality with suede-like lining and a cloth/leather bottomed carrying case for the lens its self. The attention to detail in building the package is one of the reasons that the L series really shines. It is well built and a bit on the hefty side, but certainly manageable and hand-holdable in almost every situation.
I paired the lens with both the Canon Digital Rebel XT and the XTi models, and the results were across the board excellent. The image quality, focusing speed and build are excellent. If you are on the fence regarding whether to spend the extra amount over, say, the 75-300 USM lens by Canon, I cannot recommend enough the 70-200 F/4L.
Those looking to shoot lower light or in less-then-desirable conditions may also want to consider the 70-200 F/2.8 or the 70-200 F/4 IS (image stabilized) versions.
The Canon Digital Rebel XTi is the 10MP big brother of the Canon Digital Rebel XT. The XTi, also known as the 400d in foreign circles, was is one of the only recent digital slr cameras without any real direct competetion from the other major manufactuer, Nikon. The D40x was introduced long after the XTi and the D80 is in a class above, so the low price niche is slanted in Canon’s direction.
The plastic body is a drawback for some professionals and the abnormally small grip may appeal to some, and repeal others. The fact of the matter is that for under $500 on sale, the Canon XTi can’t be beat for price. I ended up upgrading to a professional body but my time with the XTi was enjoyable and the image quality was similar to that of cameras that cost $2000+. When coupled with a strong lens, the XTi has the potential to create phenomenal images.
Similar to my complaint regarding the ergonomics of the XT, the XTi’s small size and “lacking” grip present a problem for people with large hands. Again, the BG-E3 battery grip is a fine solution to this problem but it is something to consider, especially if you don’t particularly want to purchase a battery grip.
If you have your eye on the XTi and can’t afford the D80 or 30d, give it a good, long look! Its a great camera at a greater price. With the money saved over similar models, the difference can be put towards a larger investment into Canon’s excellent lens system.
The Canon Digital Rebel XT was Canon’s answer to the low-price digital SLR void that plauged the genre since the original Digital Rebel was introduced. With a current street price of about $400 for the body, there isn’t a cheaper digital SLR from the big 2 (that is, Nikon and Canon) on the market. Don’t let the low price fool you though, the XT is an excellent body and you are buying into Canon’s full range of lenses and accessories. No matter which camp you pull for (Nikon or Canon) ther e is no denying that the XT is a really solid choice. Nikon’s D40 is also a strong contender but loses any autofocus ability with older lenses. With Canon, thats not a problem. You have access to their excellent range of lenses, old and new.
The image quality is also excellent. Megapixels aren’t everything but the 8mp sensor in the XT is excellent, even compared to Canon’s newer offerings like the XTi. The shots are clean, even up to 1600ISO. Noise is managable in most situations. Obviously, you’re going to get better shots out of the equivalent “pro” model in Canon’s lineup, the 20d, but the XT can produce great results with the right person behind the eyepiece.
The LCD on the XT, in contrast to its big brother (the XTi), is quite small. At 1.8 inches, it is good enough for a basic overview of the shot but not sufficient for reviewing or showing other people a photo. For some of its competition (Nikon’s D70), it is on par but against the XTi and the D40, it is quite small.
The one complaint that many have is that the body is quite small. This might be a good fit for people with small hands who need a lighter body, but for people with big hands, the grip is not totally natural. With Canon’s optional BG-E3 battery grip, the camera is a much more manageable size and much more comfortable in my opinion. Again, its a small quip to have with an excellent camera at a ridiculously low price.
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