Another Cannon Rebel vs Nikon D60 debate...

[pocahontas]

Okay, so I’ve read both T-Gal and Iwanna’s threads and FI and I have checked out the Nikon D40/D60 and Cannon Rebel XS/XSi cameras in person. Unfortunately, we still have questions and are hoping you all aren't too bored with the seemingly hundreds of questions regarding this debate to also help us with our decision.

So far this is where we’re at:

Nikon D40: we’ve eliminated because it doesn’t have the dust protection feature which is an essential feature for us.

Nikon D60; LOVE the look and feel, and yep, even the sound of the Nikon over the Cannon. T-Gal’s description of the Nikon’s "thwock" versus the Cannon’s “clack” is so funny and accurate.

Cannon Rebel XS/XSi: while we prefer the look and feel of the Nikon, we definitely don't hate the Cannon. We’re looking for a camera that will take great action pictures ‘cause FI and I like to take shots as we’re in movement (i.e. passenger in a car, boat or motorcycle), and the SA told us Cannon is superior to Nikon for this. Is this true?

Also, what are AF Points? The Cannon XS and XSi have 7 and 9 respectively while the Nikon D60 only has 3. Another reason the SA was recommending a Cannon, but neither FI nor I understand what this means.

If we did go with a Cannon Rebel, which model would you choose? The SA said he’d go with the XS and put our savings towards a lens. Thoughts? FWIW, the price differences aren't a huge concern 'cause with the various Christmas and Boxing day sales we can get our choice of any of the three cameras with various bundle packages within our $1000 budget. TIA

 

[robbie3982]

Hmm, can''t answer most of your questions, but I''m 99.9% sure that AF points are auto focus points. This means that you can change the AF point to 7 or 9 different locations with the cannon, but only 3 different locations with the Nikon. It comes in handy when you want to focus on something that''s not in the center of the shot.

 

[strmrdr]

For your use the xsi is the one you want.

 

[pocahontas]

Ohh, that's awesome Robbie - thanks! I wasn't sure how this would come in handy exactly so thanks for your response.

 

[pocahontas]

Date: 12/23/2008 2:04:45 PM
Author: strmrdr
For your use the xsi is the one you want.

Karl, I was hoping you'd weigh in on the issue. I know you tend to lean towards Canons in general, but can you explain what it is about the XSi that makes it a better match for what I'm looking for? TIA

ETA: Duh, spelled Canon incorrectly in my original thread and title.

 

[strmrdr]

Focus points are what the camera uses to focus.
3 is sometimes to few, 7 or 9 is fine.
The quality of the focus points is important also and here is where the xs is behind the xsi.
The xsi is worth the small price difference.
Get the kit lens(18-55IS) with the xsi it will serve you well and has IS. (make sure it is the IS version)
If you want a little more reach get the 55-250IS also.
Sometimes you can find a bundle of both with the camera at a savings.

 

[strmrdr]

great action pictures = more and better focus points = xsi in this case.

 

[pocahontas]

Karl, thanks so much for the information. I (we), really appreciate it!

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 12/23/2008 2:42:41 PM
Author: pocahontas
Karl, thanks so much for the information. I (we), really appreciate it!

Welcome

 

[TravelingGal]

I think the Canon Xsi might be the one you want as well.

I don''t mind the three focus points at the moment, but I can see later why that would be annoying. I take mostly snaps of the kid right now so that doesn''t bother me, but from an artistic standpoint, it would be nicer to have more AF points. Although if I were really good at this, maybe it wouldn''t matter - I can''t way because I am in no way an expert...or even a serious amateur.

I love the Nikon, however I think Canon has better bang for the buck features than the Nikon when it comes to Xsi vs D60. If the Canon felt right in my hand, I would have bought the Xsi. But I wanted the Nikon 18-200 lens (so therefore the dust control features was not an issue for me) and something I would want to just shoot pics with. I went with the D40 because while the D60 is a nice camera, it did not seem worth the premium at the time, nor did it seem like it was worth it compared to the Xsi. With the great deals that folks have been getting in the US (like Tacori and Erica), it changes things. For me, I spent very little on the camera body and if I wanted more focus points, more features, I would upgrade the camera later and still have a very nice lens. The D40 for me is essentially a throwaway, if needed.

As it turns out, I love it and I have miles to go to learn how to use it properly. But I can already see the limitations in the camera if I ever wanted to turn into a serious hobbyist. For taking quick snaps of Amelia, it more than does what I want it to do.

And yes, I much prefer the *thwock*!

 

[pocahontas]

Yah T-Gal, I was also hoping you''d chime in to add your perspective as I know you''ve done a ton of research in this area so thanks for taking the time AGAIN to help out yet another DSLR newbie

It means a lot to me that you also think the XSi is better suited to my needs and I''m pretty sure FI and I will be going that route. Too bad the Canon doesn''t have that "thwocK" we both like though

. Oh well, I guess it''s a minor sacrifice, right? Anyways, thanks again for your input - it''s much appreciated!