Help me choose a camera

[dcombs44]

I know there is an ongoing debate between Canon and Nikon users. My budget will allow me to purchase a camera in the $500-$700 range. I've narrowed down to these two dslrs as I would like to have a couple lenses with my purchase.

Nikon D40
Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT

Can I get some feedback and suggestions on these two please?

 

[FishyBusinessKG]

I just bought the D40. It is supposed to be a GREAT camera for the $$. I paid $620.00 shipped with mucho accessories.

 

[racer69]

I have the Rebel XT, and it is awsome.

 

[BlueCorn]

Both will take great pictures and, no slight intended, will both make you the weak link.

That being said, the D40 is limited in the number of lenses that it will accept. The XT will use any Canon EF or EF-S lens. I don't know the details as I'm a Canon shooter but hopefully someone will chime in.

 

[dcombs44]

From my research, the D40 will accept quite a few lenses, but does not have an autofocus feature, therefore, you must use a lense with it's own motor if you want to autofocus, such as af-s and af-i lenses.

Please correct me if I'm wrong on this.

Racer 69, where did you order from.

 

[dcombs44]

I just found this site. Does anyone have experience with them. I found a Nikon D40 with 18-50 and 55-200 auto focus lenses, a 1GB Memory Card, and various other accessories for $589.

That's quite deal if it's legit.

http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prodetails.aspx?prodid=810426

 

[BlueCorn]

It's not.

Classic bait and switch operation:

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Best_Price_Cameras_6

There are a lot of slimey folks in the Camera Business. The standard routine is that you order online. They call you back to "confirm your order." They then inform you that the camera you picked doesn't come with a battery, software, lens caps, manual.....all that costs extra. If you agree to the addons you've just paid more than retail. If you don't agree the camera becomes "back-ordered" and never ships.

Buy from a reputable company. For a consumer grade camera like the D40, Best Buy, Circuit City or the like is just fine.

If you want to buy from a camera shop try B&H Photo/Video, Calumet Photo or Adorama.

Cheers

 

[Ebn]

Ditto on Doug's recommendation. Go w/a reputable shop; definitely not those guys.

The D40(x) doesn't autofocus w/non AFS and AFI lenses, so keep that in mind. AFS/AFI lenses are more expensive than others due to the built in motors and other associated features usually on the same lens (e.g. SWM, VR, etc.).

 

[edwing206]

BH photo is a good place to get a camera from. It's where I got y D50 from.

 

[TIMMYE]

There are some good deals to be founf on Craiglist, but you also need to know what you are looking for. I picked up a rebel XT with a stock lens, Promaster 70-300 macro lens, and a pormaster add on flash. This also came with 2 batteries 2 1 GB memory cards. I got this for 500. It worth a look a look.

 

[FishyBusinessKG]

My D40 came tonight. (UPS delivered at 10:32pm!!! ***??) My tank lights were already off but after charging the battery I got off a couple of shots of my dog using the stock lens and I must say that they are quite nice. Tomorrow I am going to see the Texas Rangers vs. Boston Red Sox with pretty nice seats....the camera will be coming along. I will post pics soon enough.