Same ol' argument

[Joezilla]

Ok, I need your opinion. Adorama is offering the factory refurbished Nikon D40 kit for $400. That is roughly the same price they offered me for my Canon Rebel XT with stock 18-55mm lens and a quantarray 70-300mm zoom lens. Besides the Canon vs Nikon debate, can I get honest opinions on if I should switch.

I bought my Canon many years ago. It has been halfway around the world with me (literally. From the galapagos islands to Germany) and taken many photos. I have had some issues with the flash, but many more issues with Canon trying to get the camera repaired. Am I giving up a ton to go from 8MP to 6.1, and am I gaining any real benefits by doing so?

[Scott]

I love my Canon XT and I've got both those lenses.

Sorry I can't offer an opinion on the Nikon. For me the missing 2MP would be a deal breaker though.

I just saw this too... http://www.6ave.com/shop/Product.aspx?sku=CANREBXTBKDLX maybe repair isn't worth it.

[DavdNeil]

I got a refurbrished D40 several months ago and have had no problems with it at all. Its reliable, quick, and rsponsive. I just added an 18-200 lens which gives good basic flexibility. Having not used the Canon, I can't comment on specific differences. I am not sure that the megapixel difference is really a big deal, unless you are printing out movie poster size images

[tuggie]

I can't comment on the cameras, being a Pentax man myself, but I agree unless your doing big prints the 6.1 will be adequate, I get great 8.5x11's with 6.1mpx
having said that I've just ordered a Pentax k200d, 10mpx so I'll see what the difference is!

Tuggie

[Joezilla]

So far in 3+ years I have only printed out 3 things bigger than 8X10. All 3 were 16X20 and look good. I think the only thing holding me back is the loss of a zoom lens. Other than that I am on board and ready to swap.

I think.

[graphixgeek]

the only argument i have heard was that canons are less noisy than nikons. though i have seen this at high ISO's, i am hard pressed to tell the difference at slower ISO's. other than that, i see no real reason to give up the canon other than to try something new. though 6MP is still good for most, i still like the finer detail of 8MP and higher (i do a lot of macro).

[Sierrakitten]

Have to agree with Tuggie, been using Pentax since 85, see no reason to change anytime soon.
DL & K10 here.

[burndog]

If you can basically trade for the D40 close to straight across and you XT is on it's last leg ( you mention you have taken many pics with it, and shutters only last so long) I would say to go for it, but count on upgrading soon after, as there are features you are used to having that you would miss on the D40.

For an excellent detailed comparison, check out http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/NikonD40/

Having said that, if you could sell your existing equipment privately, I would look into buying a gently used 20D...8mp and surely a big step up from either the XT or the D40 as far as features, longevity and ease of use. A whole lot larger and heavier than either the D40 or 350D, but way more solid. If one was patient you could likely find one for under $400 or less for the body only. Ideally you would not want to buy used from a pro, even if they used it as a backup, as it would have a gazillion actuations on it even though it looked new...best would be to buy used locally from someone who thought a DSLR would take better pictures, and found that they never used it much because of it's weight and size and instead used their compact, which they could conveniently carry in their pocket on their family outings. If you could be patient I'm sure you would find something that would suit your needs at a good price.

Back to the main question 6mp vs 8mp, there is a difference of 34%, but if like most, you only print postcard sized it may not be too noticeable, but of course with 8 you have a bit more reach so to speak, as you can crop a bit more so it is like having a bit more magnification, very useful for macro as graphixgeek mentioned and also for telephoto, plus you have the extra resolution for when you do want to enlarge that extra special capture.

Good luck...let us know what you finally decided upon.

[Joezilla]

I chickened out. The loss of the zoom lens is what really did it in for me. As I said, I like the camera. I despise Canons customer service, or lack thereof. That just wasnt enough to give 2 lenses for one.

[magic_fella]

Joe...here's an alternative for you.

About two years ago I got an Olympus e-Volt 500, a DSLR with TWO lenses (a standard and a telephoto) for $899. This has been a fabulous camera that has gone with me into every possible shooting environment from freezing cold to whale watch boats to Australia and beyond. I have taken tens of thousands of pictures and have never had a single problem with it.

I was recently in a camera shop and spoke with the clerk. There is a new "must have" model on the way and the older model Olympus models are HUGELY discounted. He told me about a Pro version camera (12mp) which sold for $2499 for the body only when it came out a little over a year ago. They moved ALL their models out at $699!!!

We are planning an August trip to Belize, where I am told that an expensive camera will attract unwanted attention, and so am considering investing in one of the new Olympus Stylus 1020 models. It's waterproof, crush proof and comes in a bunch of spiffy colors. And it's 10MP.

Look into the Olympus line in a month or two and you could be pleasantly surprised. Hope this helps!

David

[Ez2bFish]

:hijack: Ooohhhh real quick, sorry to jack this thread but one comment on Belize

....magic_fella you are about to visit one of the "BEST" dive locations on the planet. Having a waterproof camera will be very useful !!! I would recommend a dive enclosure for the camera if you plan on getting those under water shots. I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you don't already know...you are very traveled and wise to other lands. Enjoy a few snorkel adventures and dive if at all possible.

Sorry Joezilla, now back to the regularly scheduled debate Nikon v. Canon :lol: