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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Nikon D40 vs. Canon Rebel XT
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 12/05/2007 12:53:22 PM · #1
Hello, im a newbie and ive been looking for a DSLR camera for quite some time so i was wondering if anyone can help.
Im debating between the Nikon D40 and the Canon Rebel XT. I read some reviews and so far they even out pretty much the same. Ive compared picture quality as well but im leaning towards the D40. It seems the D40 gives a "warmer" color in some pictures? I like the vintage look and i havent seen many "vintage" type photos with the Rebel XT. But of course it depends on the photographer.

But im not sure if the AF would be a problem for me? As well as the focus points? I like macro mode, landscapes, city scapes, nature and such. I also live in the city so there is alot of movement. I dont know if so much movement would make the pictures blurry without the auto focus the D40? I also have a slightly shakey hand.
I also dont plan on buying too many lenses as i am still a beginner and i know the D40 has less selection.
And the 2 mega pixel difference doesnt make much of a difference, even though i am leaning toawrds the D40 there are still many options im sure i havent considered.

Are there many more features in the Rebel XT? The prices are lower since the XTi came out so both D40 and Rebel XT are around the same price range. I like the larger LCD on the D40 but ive heard the Rebel XT is easier to use.

So far i have been using point and shoots and my current camera is a Kodak P880. I bought it for the same price as the Rebel XT but i found it to be just like another point and shoot.

So if anyone can help me answer a few of these questions it would be GREATLY appreciated. I have been debating for days and hours on end X.X
 12/05/2007 12:56:09 PM · #2
There is aThread heretalking about the same thing... you might try getting in on that.

cheers
 12/05/2007 01:15:55 PM · #3
Hey there,

I was in the same boat about 6 months ago. I ended up getting the Rebel XT and I love it. Really, they are both excellent cameras.

I think the Canon is going to have a larger, cheaper selection of lenses for you since the Nikon only autofocuses on AF-S lenses.

Additionally, If you want to shoot RAW, the Canon bundles better raw conversion software than the Nikon.

Having said that, though, you really can't go wrong with either. People helped answer my questions in the following threads.

//dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=633006

//dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=632419

Message edited by author 2007-12-05 18:17:44.
 12/05/2007 01:42:16 PM · #4
^^ thank you both! ive read them twice over but im still skeptical.

benee, i am wondering if youve taken any portraits? and if so how did they come out?
i like a clean portrait with natural tones / warm tones
 12/05/2007 01:48:32 PM · #5
I've said it once and again and I'll say it again... that AF thing and being limited to AF-S lenses is a major inconvenience.

I'm not saying you have to go with the Rebel XT, but I really can't recommend the D40(x). I would recommend a used D50 or D70 or D70s over the D40, if you are intent on going Nikon.
 12/05/2007 01:50:36 PM · #6
Originally posted by aiko:
But of course it depends on the photographer.

Yes.

Originally posted by aiko:
But im not sure if the AF would be a problem for me? As well as the focus points? I like macro mode, landscapes, city scapes, nature and such. I also live in the city so there is alot of movement. I dont know if so much movement would make the pictures blurry without the auto focus the D40?

D40 with kit lens has auto-focus, as do any of the AF-S lenses.The blur you're talking about is camera shake, which is caused by hand-holding the camera at low shutter speeds. To avoid this, buy a good tripod or learn how to set the exposure settings (aperture/ISO) to avoid it, or ensure the scene has enough light.

Originally posted by aiko:
So if anyone can help me answer a few of these questions it would be GREATLY appreciated. I have been debating for days and hours on end X.X

Go to your local camera shop and try them out and see which one you prefer the feel of. That's the best advice! - You're not going to get very far comparing spec sheets.
 12/05/2007 01:54:19 PM · #7
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
I've said it once and again and I'll say it again... that AF thing and being limited to AF-S lenses is a major inconvenience.

It hasn't really caused me a problem. The next lens I've got my eye on is a 10-22 (which has a focus motor built-in). For macros I use the manual focus Tamron SP 90mm, I find manual focussing much better for macro shots. The only other lens I really use is the 50mm f/1.8 which is a manual focus anyway.

So I'm not really missing out on much.

Besides, when someone starts to purchase lenses above the kit lens it means they're getting more 'serious' about the hobby, it'll be a couple of years down the line from now, and they'll be looking at the latest Nikon body. I dare say that Nikon will pay heed to the market's response and put the auto-focus motor back into their entry-level dSLR.
 12/05/2007 02:39:37 PM · #8
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
I've said it once and again and I'll say it again... that AF thing and being limited to AF-S lenses is a major inconvenience.

I'm not saying you have to go with the Rebel XT, but I really can't recommend the D40(x). I would recommend a used D50 or D70 or D70s over the D40, if you are intent on going Nikon.


Hi, I really think your concern about "warm tones" may be overstated. The warmth or coolness of a picture is mostly affected by

1) the lighting conditions of the shot
2) the white balance setting of the camera.

Some say that Nikon is warmer and Canon is cooler, but I don't necessarily agree with this. even if you do see a *slight* difference between the brands, you can always adjust things in post-processing.

Any way, I don't have tons of pics to show, but here's a candid of my nehpew that might help...

link

JHonan is partly right, that your lens choices may not seem limited at first, but I should point out that the photo linked above was taken with my Canon 50mm 1.8 lens set to autofocus. This is one of my favorite lenses and it would be a real drag for me if it didn't autofocus. Apparently JHonan's 50mm on the Nikon lacks autofocus, which could be a pain.
 12/05/2007 02:46:03 PM · #9
Also, I wanted to add. I personally liked the way the D40 felt in my hand better than the Rebel XT, but ultimately the additional features (more autofocus points, better RAW processing software, *slightly* better High ISO performance) and lenses available on the XT swayed me. I felt that the XT gave me more room to grow as a photographer.

If I were you and definitely wanted to go Nikon I would look into the D80.

In any case, enjoy your new camera purchase!
 12/05/2007 02:48:39 PM · #10
FWIW, that "warm" thing shouldn't be a buying point. Even if you choose to shoot JPG instead of RAW, warming a photo is pretty much a one step process in post processing.
 12/05/2007 02:49:00 PM · #11
Originally posted by benee:
better RAW processing software

Which RAW processing software are you referring to? - I'm interested because I spent a while comparing outputs from different RAW s/w.
 12/05/2007 02:50:50 PM · #12
Hmm, canon vs nikon, nikon vs canon, this feature that feature, I do it this way you do it that way... :)

The real decision is to make the purchase. If you are looking at entry level DSLRs, they will all lack something that people say you need. I chose the Nikon based on price and reviews. If you choose the D40, then the only advise I can really give is to get the bundle with the 200mm lens as well. Its does give more bang for the buck.

When all is said and done, your real issue is to learn how to use your new investment. I don't think you'll be disappointed regardless of which brand you buy as long as you spend the time learning it. Might as well add the entry level pentax to your choices, as it has some good reviews.

So, step up, make the decision and start down the road! Congrats on your new adventure.
 12/05/2007 02:52:18 PM · #13
I never figured DPP (Canon's RAW converter) out, ofcourse I never gave it much chance. I don't find it intuitive at all.
 12/05/2007 02:52:54 PM · #14
Originally posted by jhonan:
Originally posted by benee:
better RAW processing software

Which RAW processing software are you referring to? - I'm interested because I spent a while comparing outputs from different RAW s/w.


Canon Digital Photo Professional - its bundled free with the Rebel XT. Nikon doesn't include comparable free software with the D40, you have to pay $150 US for it.

Canon Digital Photo Professional certainly isn't the best RAW software out there, but for me, on a tight budget, it was important to have more flexible software out of the box...
 12/05/2007 02:56:56 PM · #15
Originally posted by benee:
Canon Digital Photo Professional certainly isn't the best RAW software out there, but for me, on a tight budget, it was important to have more flexible software out of the box...

Yes, good point. Although Nikon are including Capture NX with the D300 and D3 for a 'limited time', they should really just be including it in the box for their entire dSLR range. This was a big problem for me. ViewNX and Picture Project just don't cut it as RAW convertors. It just doesn't seem fair to have to spend extra money to get decent RAW software.

Message edited by author 2007-12-05 19:57:19.
 12/05/2007 03:04:06 PM · #16
In defense of Nikon, Capture NX is top-shelf software. It's state of the art as far as RAW converters go.

DPP, on the other hand, is what bundled software is expected to be.
 12/06/2007 02:48:19 PM · #17
thank you all so much this was a GREAT help. after looking at the cameras in person i agree the Nikon seems to feel more compact but the Canon would probably save me alot more when i invest with lenses and such. It seems to offer more stability for a beginner. I dont really do RAW but it helps to have the option in case i do in the future.
So i think i will in fact go with the Canon. Thank you all again!
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