Help please.:Dum:
I'll be buying my first DSLR next week.
Which one would you recommend, Canon EOS 400d or Nikon D80?
My first choice was the 400D since my brother has a 300D, he's willing to share his lenses.
But I've heard that the D80 has more features than the 400D.

hi sir... if your brother has canon lenses, i think it's just practical to buy a canon camera so that you can borrow/share lenses... personally, i think that reason is enough to buy the 400d (or a 350d or a 30d or a 5d... hehe)

however, if you want to know more about the pros and cons of the technical aspects of the 400d and the d80, just wait for other members to reply to your thread...:Grin:

Maybe this should be moved to the General Photography thread since it covers 2 brands at the same time.

But I do agree with Jom, having a friend or relative with the same system and alot of lenses is one of those "deal-breakers" itself.

In terms of features, from what I read and seen they both fairly have an equal (and different) set of features and pros/cons.

For example... there's Canon's EOS cleaning system and there's Nikon's D-Lighting.

It all boils down to preference on which one you'd like to have I guess. In the end, there's no mistake in choosing either of them. :)

I'm not trolling, and what I'm going to say is probably gonna be taken negatively - but I just gotta say it. :)

I sell camera gear and I've met up with a lot of new D80 owners lately and, curiously, a lot of them are ex-Canonites (?). Such switchers were virtually unheard of as recent as a year ago and I curiously asked them why.

Most of them answered that at the same price point, the D80 has a lot more features than the 400D. One even quipped that the 400D is too small - too difficult to hold and the grip alters the balance.

I haven't hold the 400D personally, so the best way to decide is to go to a shop and try them both. Hold it to confirm if it feels like an extension of your hand. Go through the buttons/menus to find out if the controls are logically layed out. Try a couple of zoom lenses to see if the balance is right.

Then make a decision.

Check this spec comparison:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/page21.asp





Disclaimer : I am a Nikonfanboy and reseller. But I also sell Canon, Oly, and Sony products, so take my posts with a grain of salt. :)

Hey Dominic,

Had the same problem two weeks ago. I was all set to buy the Canon 400d but a friend of mine insisted to we still look at the Nikon d80 while we were at Hidalgo. It was really a tough choice. Both had pro's and con's. Canon's anti-dust system seems to be an important emerging technology with dslr's nowadays while you can't ignore Nikon's true dslr feel. Yup, you really felt you were holding a dslr with the size, the feel, even that nifty display at the top where you can see your settings. Also, both units had local warranty which was one of the factors I have been considering so it made things much harder. On the other hand, the 400d's size was not a problem for me 'coz I dont have big hands and I was a bit worried with the noise control for Nikon since I love taking night shots.

In the end I decided to go for the d400 for value for money. Imagine getting it for roughly 44k kit or 41k body only while d80s would start at 45k body only. Also, more friends were in Canon so I could simply borrow lenses from them (bought the body only 'coz a friend of mine even lent me his kit lenses until I can buy decent glasses). For me, it's always been about practicality since photography is an expensive hobby/passion. As of today, I have been happy with my decision.

Goodluck with your camera purchase dude and whatver you decide, happy shooting!

Hi Dominic,

Here's another link to give you some clarity heehee got the URL from Willy_Palacios. http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/ Canon EOS Beginner's guide.

There's a portion there where the author discusses about "Which brand is better" http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/general.html#which Good luck!

If you're comfortable with the feel and familiar with your brother's 300D then go for the 400D.
Go to the shop where you plan on buying your cam and try both cameras.
Whatever your camera you buy, remember it's not the camera that takes the pictures, it's you.

since you've narrowed it down to 2, and it seems that the price difference is not a concern, i suggest you go get a hands-on...based on what you said it would be logical to go with the 400d...

but sometimes we are an illogical bunch! hehe:D

Good luck. In the end - just shoot!

It's probably a practical choice to get a Canon since your brother has lenses he's willing to share with you. One thing about the 350D/400D is the size. I have very large hands, in fact the 350D feels so small to me, I think I can crush it with both my hands hehehe. People like myself complain about the size but a battery grip easily solved this problem.

Hi guys, thanks for the help.
Jerry & Tammy, thanks for the link. :)
It's a long read, but it sure is helpful.
Hope next week I'll have my avatar taken with my first DSLR. :)

what a comparison...well you have to get hold of this cameras and feel it for yourself after all you are the one using the camera thereafter.

ill be bias since ive already handled 400D and it has a feel of a really basic DSLR but quality-wise its superb.

goodluck!

I think your decision has to go above just the 2 bodies mentioned here. I think you have to consider the entire system because the body or kit is just the start. Sooner or later, you'd buy lens, flash and other stuff that commits you more to the system of choice.

Check out http://bobatkins.com/ <--- he has a lengthy discussion on comparing Nikon and Canon cameras. I had this dilemma a few months back ... polarized between a Nikon and a Canon. In the end, I chose Canon. I liked it for its simplicity and price ... and its after sales service is great too... they even gave me a book about their lenses EF LENS WORK III <-- i just emailed them to see / check where i can get hold of a copy ... they called me after a week and told me they have an extra they can spare ... and to think they just give these to pros and dealers (i think).

A.

If you already have canon lenses or have friends with canon lenses... then obviously go with canon.

But... you want to simply compare those 2 cameras head to head... the D80 is the obvious choice. For a little bit more, you get the following:

1. bigger viewfinder
2. quick access buttons on the body
3. top lcd
4. 2 control wheels
5. spot meter!
6. flash commander
7. Many more... but the point is, I believe it is worth the price difference.

I consider (IMHO) the 400D more of an equivalent of the D50... and even if I were given that choice now, I'd still go with the D50 over the 400D. Why? Spot Meter, ergonomics, build quality and price. :Grin:

Getting the D80 over the 400D also lessens your upgrade path, esp since I consider the D80 and the 30D on the same level. Getting the 400D means you will have to upgrade to the 30D someday. Getting a D80 allows you to skip that route. Remember all you gain from the D80 to the D200 is the weather sealing, and the 5 fps and a few other minor incremental improvements whereas the leap from the rebels to the 30D is gigantic.

Is it obvious by now that I am a Nikon fanboy?

But the truth is, both brands will take excellent photos. You can't go wrong with either.

Good luck choosing, enjoy shooting!

Well said Carlo.

Hey Dominic,

Had the same problem two weeks ago. I was all set to buy the Canon 400d but a friend of mine insisted to we still look at the Nikon d80 while we were at Hidalgo. It was really a tough choice. Both had pro's and con's. Canon's anti-dust system seems to be an important emerging technology with dslr's nowadays while you can't ignore Nikon's true dslr feel. Yup, you really felt you were holding a dslr with the size, the feel, even that nifty display at the top where you can see your settings. Also, both units had local warranty which was one of the factors I have been considering so it made things much harder. On the other hand, the 400d's size was not a problem for me 'coz I dont have big hands and I was a bit worried with the noise control for Nikon since I love taking night shots.

In the end I decided to go for the d400 for value for money. Imagine getting it for roughly 44k kit or 41k body only while d80s would start at 45k body only. Also, more friends were in Canon so I could simply borrow lenses from them (bought the body only 'coz a friend of mine even lent me his kit lenses until I can buy decent glasses). For me, it's always been about practicality since photography is an expensive hobby/passion. As of today, I have been happy with my decision.

Goodluck with your camera purchase dude and whatver you decide, happy shooting!

bro. confirm ko lang maliit lang price diffrence ng 400d at d80? last time i check kasi nasa 60+ d80. san yung price na nabangit mo?
thanks

Hi! Around 43-45k price ng D80 sa Quiapo as of last week. Canon seems very slightly cheaper naman.

I was in a dilemna last week cuz I got tempted to get a 400D for awhile since very compact and parang very good value for money ang dating.

However, I decided to go with the D80 cuz mas type ko yung feel and I really like the advantage of Nikon's 18-200mm VR lens.

For those who might be in the same position, this may help. Here is a features and physical attributes comparison of the latest 10mp cameras around.

http://www.neocamera.com/feature_compare_10mp_dslr.html

i've tried both. although i'm only a beginner, i would have to say the d80 fits my needs/preference more. :)

d80 and 400d boxing match!

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11396_7-6654246-7.html

with phil & and lori at ringside

when i tried both for a couple of shots, the 400d didn't impress me much. maybe it's because i had a 350d then and i couldn't appreciate the "upgrades". they are really similar cameras and i can't justify the cost of upgrading to it.

when i tried the d80, it offered something different and it felt an "upgrade" like what carlo leonardia said.

but if they are going to be my first camera, i don't think you will go wrong with either of them. both are very good and impressive cameras for their price.

Hi! Around 43-45k price ng D80 sa Quiapo as of last week. Canon seems very slightly cheaper naman.

I was in a dilemna last week cuz I got tempted to get a 400D for awhile since very compact and parang very good value for money ang dating.

However, I decided to go with the D80 cuz mas type ko yung feel and I really like the advantage of Nikon's 18-200mm VR lens.


Congrats on you new camera:):)

you are now officially a "SITH"

:)WELCOME TO TE DARKSIDE:)

Well post naman ng binyag photos

you really can't compare the two cameras,, the canon 30d is more of a match to nikon d80,,, i would recommend that you research the brand first then the cameras,, ( not limited to this two ),,
cheers

you really can't compare the two cameras,, the canon 30d is more of a match to nikon d80,,, i would recommend that you research the brand first then the cameras,, ( not limited to this two ),,
cheers

i don't know about that.

but i believe nikon d50>>d70(s)>>d80 are comparable with

canon 300d>>350d>>400d and not with
canon 10d>>20d>>30d.

at the recent price drop (hidalgo) of the 30D (59K for the 18-55 kit lens) compared to the D80 (57k with 17-70 kit) those two are head to head, price wise. i'd go with the 30D for the build quality if i have the budget. :)

but its neither the photographer nor the camera, its the model /joke

seriously try those cameras and make your choice. both will serve you well.

chairs!

Help please.:Dum:
I'll be buying my first DSLR next week.
Which one would you recommend, Canon EOS 400d or Nikon D80?
My first choice was the 400D since my brother has a 300D, he's willing to share his lenses.
But I've heard that the D80 has more features than the 400D.


Everybody here has chimed in very well. All advice given are good and solid. Here's my 2 kulangots worth:

The body is the accessory of the lens.

Before you even look at the body, remember that you will be marrying into a lens family. 2-3 years from now, there will be a 12mp body for maybe the same price. Maybe even better features, faster and more accurate AF.

But the lenses you pick will stay with you for a long time. Well, unless you pick the wrong ones or you don't care at all so anything will do.

Both Canon and Nikon have good lineups. Canon has advantage in some ranges, will Nikon has in others. So, you have to do your homework well. This means you have to ask yourself what type of photography you intend to pursue. Answer that first and it will help a lot in deciding things.

Right now, Nikon has an 18-200VR that is the rave of the town. Canon doesn't have one with that range. Yet. If you ask me, in time, they each will have their lineups covered, but it's still important to know what each has so you can build from there.

Personally, specs alone, the D80 is better. It beats the 400d my a couple of noses. But I wouldn't

I have a Canon setup. Used to have a Nikon F3 and a Nikon fan. Still am. But I am practical too. I have too many lenses invested in Canon now to switch easily. Maybe, if I have the spare cash, I'd spring for a d80 an 18-200VR and a 50mm prime. I'd still be operating with mainly Canon for the beter high ISO (w/c Nikon is getting better at), but mainly because the barkada has all Canon gears. My friends have 17-40Ls, 24-70s, 70-200s, etc w/c I don't have. OTOH, I have some lenses they don't have. Just got a nice CP-E3 batt pack w/c lets me shoot continuosly. I don't know if Nikon has that for P8k. But I like Nikon's implementation of the flash better than Canon, and the d80's having a built in ST-E2 w/c you have to buy expensively from Canon.

So, you see, each one has advantages and disadvantages. I could site more but I leave it for you to research. Besides, some of them are minor or meaningless if that's not your type of photography.

If you ask me though, today, it's the d80 (nikon), yesterday, it was the 20d (canon). I bet you, by Feb 2007, canon will take the reigns again with a 40d or something else that will shock the us again. Then nikon or maybe pentax will show their stuff. It's a never ending thing. So, best to look at your type of photography and the lens lineups.

For me, Canon or Nikon is just a tool. I like them both. I am partially biased for Canon, but I don't get envious with Nikon or any other brand. IF, I have to switch again, I would. I switched to Canon 3 years ago because they are the only ones with a U$1,000 dslr in the 300d. And Nikon's support then up to maybe a few month's ago is not good. Abysmal from Columbia. I think that has changed now, so that is even now. But let the Nikon guys tell you that since I don't have a gear to have fixed from Nikon. :)

In the end, as others have suggested, hold both in your hands, bring a CF, take photos and compare. If you have friends who have both canon and nikon, talk to them. Test run their units and lenses. Listen to they likes and dislikes.

But if you ask me, the bodies is the accessory of the lens. I'd check out if the lens lineups fit my needs.

i don't know about that.

but i believe nikon d50>>d70(s)>>d80 are comparable with

canon 300d>>350d>>400d and not with
canon 10d>>20d>>30d.

:D :D talaga,, my bad,, disregard my last post here:D

Congrats on you new camera:):)

you are now officially a "SITH"

:)WELCOME TO TE DARKSIDE:)

Well post naman ng binyag photos
Hehe, thanks sir!

Finally got the camera and the lens today. Played around with it and just took shots in my room. Nothing worth posting yet but VR sure helps alot especially when shooting without flash!

how much did you pay for the VR lens? thanks

i JUst bought my First Dslr as well same as you my dad uses a 350D and i could borrow lenses from him...it will actually save u a lot. I still bought the 400d coz' the different of the price for the KIT & Body is not really that much so i just took it with the extra lense to use at home. You wont regret the 400d!

Actually its you not the camera.
You may know when you will use it!!!

For me...
Nikon so nice with nature or architectural photography for Digital SLr.
Canon done well when fashion, glamour or even low light. but sometimes I need some grainny details if the photo's want it.

So take sample shoot and print with same size and resolution you may see the difference.

Remember always let control the camera not the camera controls you.

Regards

FherD


Help please.:Dum:
I'll be buying my first DSLR next week.
Which one would you recommend, Canon EOS 400d or Nikon D80?
My first choice was the 400D since my brother has a 300D, he's willing to share his lenses.
But I've heard that the D80 has more features than the 400D.

hi..just a greenhorn here. Still undecided what brand to buy ( Canon or Nikon?). Witheld buying the 400D. Columbia said Nikon D40 will come out next month. Tough decision for me...any comment from d experts??? one more thing....does a zoom lems of 18 - 200 mm means that the lens can focus clearly on 18, 19, 24 55, 150, 200 mm focal lenth??? thanks. looking forward for ur reply.

yah...Fherdy is rite..." it is not the arrow...it is the indian".

Help please.:Dum:
I'll be buying my first DSLR next week.
Which one would you recommend, Canon EOS 400d or Nikon D80?
My first choice was the 400D since my brother has a 300D, he's willing to share his lenses.
But I've heard that the D80 has more features than the 400D.

Access to more lens is better than features. unless you want to start your own collection of nikon lens.

Heres an input from somebody who agonized for almost a month b4 going with canon 400d, over all i decided to go this way because of the features and the company's overall performance along with its after sales service and value for money. but if you still have to argue with yourself do it against d80 not d40. (based on the reviews i read)

hi..just a greenhorn here. Still undecided what brand to buy ( Canon or Nikon?). Witheld buying the 400D. Columbia said Nikon D40 will come out next month. Tough decision for me...any comment from d experts??? one more thing....does a zoom lems of 18 - 200 mm means that the lens can focus clearly on 18, 19, 24 55, 150, 200 mm focal lenth??? thanks. looking forward for ur reply.

The D40 is only 6 megapixel. A 400D is clearly superior to it. Compare the Rebel 400D w/ the Nikon D80 and Sony Alpha. Reading alot of comparative reviews around the net seems to favor the D80, followed by the D400. But of course the D80 is a bit mor expensive.

The D40 is only 6 megapixel. A 400D is clearly superior to it. Compare the Rebel 400D w/ the Nikon D80 and Sony Alpha. Reading alot of comparative reviews around the net seems to favor the D80, followed by the D400. But of course the D80 is a bit mor expensive.

Go get the a DSLR. cant go wrong with Nikon or Canon.

i just purchased my first dslr last year. a canon 400d. why i decided to get a canon was because of my father's speedlite and sigma zoom lens. (although honestly, i badly wanted to get a d80). what i told myself was i'd rather go with what i have and can have more. now if i got a nikon d80, sayang lang ung flash and zoom lens ni dad na sigma 70-300 and the speedlite 420ex. i'm talking about availability of options here-that's why i chose the 400d over the d80.

(hanggang ngaun, i still wish i'd still have gotten that d80 though.... but i'm entirely happy with the 400d)

400d picture samples can be seen in http://paulescobar.multiply.com

i just purchased my first dslr last year. a canon 400d. why i decided to get a canon was because of my father's speedlite and sigma zoom lens. (although honestly, i badly wanted to get a d80). what i told myself was i'd rather go with what i have and can have more. now if i got a nikon d80, sayang lang ung flash and zoom lens ni dad na sigma 70-300 and the speedlite 420ex. i'm talking about availability of options here-that's why i chose the 400d over the d80.

(hanggang ngaun, i still wish i'd still have gotten that d80 though.... but i'm entirely happy with the 400d)

400d picture samples can be seen in http://paulescobar.multiply.com

Paul

I think you made the right decision. Happy Shooting.

Leonard

at least you get to use the flash and the telephoto lens.

both cameras are fantastic with what they can do :)

i love my 400D, shoots well.. its d80 i think. canon or nikon theyre the same its really creativity. its really technology vs controllability.