two different SLRs to choose from

[acsamples79]

okay guys i have 2 cameras i found on craigslist both are very close in price:
the first is a Canon Rebel Xt (about 3 years old) body with a 18-55mm 3X lens. all original box parts. price ($340)

the second is a Nikon D50 with a Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8-4.0 Wide Angle-telephoto lens. neck strap. carry case and all original box parts. for $350

both seem to be pretty good deals. but im confused on what way to go

thanks!

 

[BlueCorn]

Read the sticky up top. Either will do just fine. If you've got a friend that uses one brand or another, that'd be a good choice as they'll be your support.

 

[photongreen]

The Nikon Has a better lens although people never really stick with their first lens.

Id say canon as it seems their just everywhere.

But they both lack in camera stabilization so be prepared to shell out some money on each lens if you want that feature.

Or maybe look at the pentax kx. Great iso. In camera stabilization. Works with 20+ year old lenses.

 

[xtm]

They are both old school cameras and the lenses that come with them will be the basis of your decision. Nikon comes with 28-70 and Canon with an 18-55. The 28-70 is a bit long on crop body (about 42-105mm FOV equivalent). Pretty good for portraits and events but it's not wide enough or long enough on a crop body. The 18-55 is plenty wide even on crop sensor but doesn't have enough reach on the long end. The decision is yours.. I think that the 28-70, even though it's a Sigma, is a better and faster lens vs the 18-55 kit lens. My vote goes for the Nikon only because of the lens that's included.

 

[iceemn360]

If I were to pick between those two cameras I would go with the D50. The sigma is probably the better lens of the two.

The Pentax KX will cost about $400-$500 used but is a much newer camera model than the D50 and Canon Xt.

If your you can expand your budget then the Kx might be a good way to go. It has excellent low light performance (rated as one of the best for crop cameras), video, and comes in some awesome colors (blue, white, & red haha). Additionally you can get Tons of older manual focus fast glass from the film era (I bought a M series F 1.7 for $30) But thats just something to consider.