Canon Rebel XT or Nikon D50

[Ereefic]

The wife and I are trying to decide between these 2 cameras. I am a newbie to DSLR, but the wife has some experience with film SLR's in the past.

Mostly, the camera will be used for tank photos, but will get the occasional 'this and that' use as well.

The Canon Rebel XT comes with the 18-55mm lens. Cost of this camera would be $799 after $100 mail in rebate.

The Nikon D50 comes with the 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens. Cost of this camera would be $629.

OR

I can get the Nikon D50 with 2 lenses, 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens and 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens for $809.

NOW, I was thinking about this macro lens.

Canon - EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens - $99.95

Figured this would be a decent lens to get started with until I can afford the Canon - EF 100 mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens. The cheaper lens would give me time to practice and figure out what i'm doing.

What do you think?

Also, can SLR lenses be used on DSLR cameras?

 

[Ereefic]

After getting here SLR back from her sister, it is a Canon T70 and has the following lenses:

Canon FD 50mm 1:1.8
Marexar - CX Zoom 1:4.5 f=80-200mm
52mm Closeup +1
52mm Closeup +2
52mm Closeup +4

Also, there is a Vivitar RL Edition 5250 Flash

So, i'm guessing all of these will work on the Rebel XT? If so, then the choice is a no brainer.

 

[Ereefic]

Ok, they won't work on the Rebel XT. Bummer. Probably still go with the Rebel though.

 

[bamann345]

I have the XT and LOVE it. It takes wonderful pictures, as I am sure the Nikon does too. I have always been a fan on the Canon cameras. Check out www.bhphotovideo.com ....they have the XT for $680 with kit lens after the $100 rebate and I dont think you will find many people who have be unhappy with BH.

You wont be able to order from them until the 21st, as I think it is passover....


Hope that helps some!

William

 

[Ereefic]

Thanks Bam, actually ordered from Dell (have an account). It was $899 minus 15%, so $764.15. With the $100 rebate, it'll make it $664.15. Right there with BH price.

Got the Sigma 105mm Macro lens as well. Can't wait to get started trying to figure out how to use the Rebel. :lol:

 

[Opiy]

I was going to suggest Buydig.com but I think you got it for like $12 cheaper. I am sure you are going to love it

 

[Ereefic]

Yeah, I think so too. The Kodak did pretty good, for what it was, but I want to take the quality photos that the DSLR's are capable of, and like I see on here all the time.

 

[BlueCorn]

The camera is only a small part of taking good pictures. Practice makes all the difference.

 

[Ereefic]

Indeed. Do you have any links to some good 'DSLR for Dummies' type of stuff?

 

[Dakna]

best site ever...

http://www.ximinasphotography.com/lessons/index.html

 

[bamann345]

Good deal with the Dell account

You will have to post pictures of your tank. I am saving to get the canon 100 macro...hopefully in a couple months!!!

William

 

[Ereefic]

Trying to get full tank shots of our 210 gal. with the Kodak is almost impossible. It's looks so far away if you get the whole tank in the pic and with the preset white balance, it looks like crap. 4' tanks it works much better. After some practice, i'll post some pics.

Dells intrest rate is pretty high, but it will be paid off in a few months, so not a big deal.

 

[Ereefic]

Thanks Dakna, i'll be spending some time there.

If anyone else has some links, please post them. I'm going to need them. :lol:

 

[Mykayel]

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/
A good photography forum... if nothing, there's a bunch of great people there that post some awesome pics. I've also picked up a couple of used lenses for a good deal there.

 

[agrusczak]

We have a Digital Rebel XT with the 17-85 mm EF-S lens. The lens has image stabilization. The camera takes great pics.

My only experience with Nikons is that they drain batteries pretty quickly.

Check www.dpreview.com or www.steves-digicams.com for in depth reviews of all the brands/models.

 

[piberoptikz]

Canon EOS Rebel XT Indeed! Some Nikons have bugs!

Check out my website and you'll see some of my Canon shots of Canon 10D , 20D, 5D and EOS Digital Rebel XT.

 

[flameangel88]

Battery drain is not an issue on the D50 and I got over 700 shots on a single charge but when the meter start to move it goes pretty quick. In the beginning I was using the camera's flash but since I've the Nikon SB600 flash which will be less drain to the camera battery.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7292341#post7292341 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by agrusczak
We have a Digital Rebel XT with the 17-85 mm EF-S lens. The lens has image stabilization. The camera takes great pics.

My only experience with Nikons is that they drain batteries pretty quickly.

Check www.dpreview.com or www.steves-digicams.com for in depth reviews of all the brands/models.

 

[flameangel88]

Here's the link for the 'Battery Life' from dpreview range from 400-2000 shots:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond50/page11.asp

 

[astrogazer]

I too get over 700 shots with my D70, I don't use the on camera strobe.

 

[astrogazer]

I too get over 700 shots with my D70, I don't use the on camera strobe.