Need advice. Digital SLR Camera

[G-MONEY]

I think I'm going to pull the trigger on this.....


What do you guys think?


Costco Online
$799.99 after $100 OFF
Canon
Rebel XSi 12.2MP 3.0"
18-55mm IS & 75-300mm Lens
3.5 Frames per Second
Battery & Charger
Compatible with
EF and EF-S Lenses


Outstanding Image Quality: New Canon 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC III Image Processor, 14-bit conversion for smooth tone, gradations, extensive noise reduction technology, and new Auto Optimization for superior highlight-shadow control
Excellent performance with 3.5 fps continuous shooting, up to 53 full-resolution JPEGs or 6 RAW images in a burst, and reduced shutter lag time
Large 3.0-inch LCD monitor, with 170° wide viewing angle, superior viewing in daylight, and Live View Function
Fast 9-point AF system, and two types of AF during Live View Function
New advanced features include spot metering, external flash settings on the camera’s menu, and a new higher-magnification viewfinder
Compatible with SD/SDHC memory cards
What's Included:

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi Digital SLR Camera Body
Accessories:
Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens
Canon EF 75-300mm Lens
Battery Pack
Battery Charger
Video Cable
USB Interface Cable
Wide Strap
EOS Digital Solution Disc
"Great Photography is Easy" Booklet and "Do More with Macro" Booklet

[noworries]

I've got the 10MP XTi and we love it. Go for it if 3.5 fps is enough burst for you. Also, your lenses will appear longer than you'd think compared to comparable film-SLRs. There's a 1.6 factor in the body, so a 50mm lens has a field of view equivalent to an 80mm lens. I was hoping the 18mm would have a wider field of view. Other than that, nice.

[jwanck11]

Think it looks like a decent deal! Would rather a lens that has a taller range than 18-55, but that is not too bad either... it will handle anything indoors. Think it will take very sharp picts.

Doesn't look like it comes with a memory card. If not make sure you get one as you can't do anything without one.

[G-MONEY]

Think it looks like a decent deal! Would rather a lens that has a taller range than 18-55, but that is not too bad either... it will handle anything indoors. Think it will take very sharp picts.

Doesn't look like it comes with a memory card. If not make sure you get one as you can't do anything without one.

it comes with a 2gb card

[G-MONEY]

or I can get the D60 from costco with 18-55 and 55-200

what should I get

Is it worth the $100 extra for the cannon???



Regular price
$849.99
Instant Savings ____
- $150.00
Price after Savings
$699.99
Purchase the camera and the FREE Memory Card will be automatically added at checkout. Memory Card ships separately - WILL NOT arrive with the camera.

Features and Benefits:
Effective Pixels: 10.2-megapixel DX-Format CCD Sensor
LCD Monitor: 2.5
" super density 230,000 dot color monitor
Top Shooting Rate: Up to 3 frames per second
Focus Area/Sensors: 3 focus areas any single area can be selected
Dust Sensor Cleaning Unit: Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System minimizes degradation of image quality due to dust particles
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 100 to 1600 in steps of 1 EV. Can also be set to approx. 1EV (ISO 3200 Equivalent) above ISO 1600

What’s Included:

* Nikon D60 Digital SLR Camera Body
* 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Zoom NIKKOR Lens
* 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom NIKKOR Lens
* Accessories:
o Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery
o Quick Charger
o USB Cable
o Strap
o Software Suite CD-ROM

[TeamAllen]

G,

You should stop by Costco, Circuit City or Best Buy to check them out in person and see how they feel.

The Canon has Live View where the Nikon does not. Live View allows you to see the image on the LCD screen rather than through the viewfinder like most point and shoot cameras. They will all have this feature soon.

I heard the CMOS sensor is better than a CCD sensor. That is probably true, because the higher end Nikons have them.

Both of those kits you are showing don't have VR or IS lenses for the Telephoto lenses. I would think that is where you want it the most?

The Nikon D60 kit I bought from Costco Brick and Mortar ($825) came with a bag and BOTH lenses are VR. My wife saw it at our local Costco, a few days ago, with a $100 off. That should make it $749. So maybe check out your local Costco store. They might have a different package? Item #278162. The included items are on post #23 on page 2 of this thread.

Either way both cameras will be Awesome. I think between the two cameras you listed, the Canon has the edge.

[G-MONEY]

The D60 comes with a VR lens for the 18-55 but not the 55-200.

I have held both and the feel about the same to me. I like the feature of the view finders and I think Trisha would rather have that as well. I'm going to hit up costco tonight and look for that package with the 2 VR lenses. That is only going to make the choice harder because it will add a third option to my list. BTW the offer on the cannon ends today so I need to make a choice soon.

[jwanck11]

G - Both are gonna take great pictures for you and both will be decent platforms to add add'l functionality... so good you will have a hard time telling them apart.

Couple of things I saw:
Do both have on board flash?
With the Nikon, you will have effectively an 18-200 capability whereas there is a slight gap in the cannon range.
The cannon has a live view feature and this is a substantial winner over the nikon.

What is the other VR lens? This is a huge deal especially if you want to take picts of the chilluns behind the boat. 55mm ain't gonna cut it.

[G-MONEY]

G - Both are gonna take great pictures for you and both will be decent platforms to add add'l functionality... so good you will have a hard time telling them apart.

Couple of things I saw:
Do both have on board flash?
With the Nikon, you will have effectively an 18-200 capability whereas there is a slight gap in the cannon range.
The cannon has a live view feature and this is a substantial winner over the nikon.

What is the other VR lens? This is a huge deal especially if you want to take picts of the chilluns behind the boat. 55mm ain't gonna cut it.

Both do have onboard flash. The in store package from costco I heard from TA has a VR lens 18-55 and 55-200.


Nikon

* 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Zoom NIKKOR Lens
* 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom NIKKOR Lens

Cannon

Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens
Canon EF 75-300mm Lens

[raythompson]

Live can add a significant delay in taking pictures. If you rely on the live view to frame some moving shots by the time you press the shutter, wait for the image to taken, the event is long over.

Live view is good if you need odd angles of static objects where you cannot use the optical viewfinder.

Watch the noise at the higher ISO's. Go to dpreview.com to see some sample images.

Those lenses are relatively slow. Will probably be OK for your uses but will suffer in low light. Taking pictures of the kids surfing should be in bright daylight. In sunlight you can use f16, iso 400 at 1/400 of a second. Drop the f-stop to f11 and you can get 1/800 of a second, plenty fast enough for wake boarding. At 1/800 you are within the non-blur hand holding of the longer lens.

Bottom line is that I feel that it is a good choice, you will enjoy the camera, and it will serve you well.

[G-MONEY]

Live can add a significant delay in taking pictures. If you rely on the live view to frame some moving shots by the time you press the shutter, wait for the image to taken, the event is long over.

Live view is good if you need odd angles of static objects where you cannot use the optical viewfinder.

Watch the noise at the higher ISO's. Go to dpreview.com to see some sample images.

Those lenses are relatively slow. Will probably be OK for your uses but will suffer in low light. Taking pictures of the kids surfing should be in bright daylight. In sunlight you can use f16, iso 400 at 1/400 of a second. Drop the f-stop to f11 and you can get 1/800 of a second, plenty fast enough for wake boarding. At 1/800 you are within the non-blur hand holding of the longer lens.

Bottom line is that I feel that it is a good choice, you will enjoy the camera, and it will serve you well.

Knowing what you know about cameras....


If you were forced to choose one of the two and there were no other cameras in the world what would you choose?

[raythompson]

If you were forced to choose one of the two and there were no other cameras in the world what would you choose?

I don't know that it would really matter. If forced under gun point I would probably choose the Nikon system. I say that for only one reason. Nikon has a better flash system than Canon and I like the menu navigation system better (personal preference).

In fairness another person would probably, and rightfully so, say the opposite and choose the Canon system.

There is just no correct answer. Pick what feels good in your hands, buttons in logical places, balance of the camera. All other points of issue are insignificant.

[jwanck11]

The D60 comes with a VR lens for the 18-55 but not the 55-200.

I have held both and the feel about the same to me. I like the feature of the view finders and I think Trisha would rather have that as well. I'm going to hit up costco tonight and look for that package with the 2 VR lenses. That is only going to make the choice harder because it will add a third option to my list. BTW the offer on the cannon ends today so I need to make a choice soon.

Saw that you said they felt similar and if you are like 99% of users all the gadgets will mean little to nothing. The dial on top with Auto and other program settings are what you will use. If that is indeed the case...

I would single out the bold above as the thing that matters. Without VR (IS for cannon), a zoom will be unusable on the boat. You will also find VR/IS usable and helpful in many many applications - on Auto, basically say goodbye to fuzzy picts.

The view finder is the other element that I also called out to look at. Most people are very used to it and how it works. Make sure you want to stare into a small square like the good ole days. Regarding the delay... you will not notice a difference as you are most likely all ready used to it with your compact.

The nikon with 2 vr is the easy choice. (Take a look at Nikeypoo's shots - his will show you all you need to know.) As long as the cost is not too much more, that is the option, if pressed, I would choose.

[jwanck11]

Oh yeah... whatever you get, make sure you get a protective filter! Screw it on and leave it on. Post up what you decide and I can send you a few links to inexpensive but decent filters. Also, look right there at Costco to see if they carry any in the appropriate size.

[TeamAllen]

Did you decide on one?