Choice of 3

[boiltheocean]

I do not want to start a flame war here but I need to decide which is the best camera out of the 3 i've seen.

D40x

450D

Alpha 200

 

[Syntax error]

The canon has the highest mp count but that doesn’t mean your photos are any better in quality as IMHO the lens is where the quality of your shot will be. Be mindful that which ever model you go for, it will probably dictate what other upgraded bodies you might by in the future. The one thing worth looking at if you do by the 450D, is getting a body only and buying a separate EF lens. The standard 18-55mm EFS is a piece of junk and should be treated as such. Canon does make some of the best lenses on the market ( I might be a little biased) so the canon is a good option.

I can’t comment on the Alpha as I’ve got zero experience with them, sorry.

I’ve played around with the original D40 but not the D40X. I’d imagine they are pretty similar (apart from some obvious upgrades). I liked the tones that come straight off the camera and it was pretty comfortable to use. I don’t know what the lens quality is like on the Nikons but the one I did play around with (although quality was good) it felt a little plasticy.

The best bet is to go down to the shops however and ask to try them out. Have a feel to see which one feels more comfortable in your hand. Does one feel heavier than the other, which feels more durable (The Nikon in my opinion). Can you access the buttons easily? Talk to the sales guys in camera specific shops, I usually find that they are usually enthusiast working in these places, so you usually get the right answer not just the answer to get them a quick sale.

 

[F1GTR]

450D as it can use the entire range of EF/EF-S lenses that Canon offer, as well as a multitude of adaptors for other lens mounts. I'd go for a D80 Nikon-wise; great camera (shame mine got stolen...), really easy to use manual mode on and it's very comfortable. At the end of the day, choose a camera that's comfortable to use and if you're really going to get serious, the company with the lens line-up that suits you best.

 

[Speedster502]

At the end of the day, choose a camera that's comfortable to use and if you're really going to get serious, the company with the lens line-up that suits you best.

I'd have to go with what F1GTR is saying concerning this, the camera needs to suit you rather than anyone else. As an example, I picked Canon over Sony and Nikon for a couple of reasons. The reason why I ruled out Sony was, I had no experience with their camera products, and for a start didn't even know they made SLR's. Nikon's I did consider, however when it came to using one (D2X) I found it incredibly heavy and it felt a bit cheap for what it was, I knew Nikon had a huge amount of lens possibilities though. In the end I went with Canon, I asked the people I worked with (Photo Section) which they thought was best, they all recommended Canon rather than Nikon even though they use Nikon as a living. I read multiple reviews on the Canon I was looking at and then the time came where the offer was good and I had the money.

When I got the Canon 350D first thing I noticed was how light it was in comparison to the Nikon I had previously used, even with my 55-250mm on its still lighter than the Nikon I used with the kit lens on. I loved the feel of everything on the Canon, it all feels like its built strongly and looks as though its built to last. Another thing I noticed was how many lens I could buy for my camera, the 350D (This will be the same for the 450D) supports both EF-S and EF lens which is great especially if you intend to upgrade to a full framed sensored camera, such as the 5D or 20D, or you can just stick to the EF-S lens which tend to be cheaper. I was pleased with my Canon, so hopefully if you choose the Canon you'd be pleased with yours.

But as I've said before, if you go and handle a Canon and decide it doesn't feel right. Then don't buy it! Buy the camera which suits you.

 

[exigeracer]

I've got an Alpha 100, which I've been shooting with since a little after it was released. I chose that one as F1GTR recomends to you; feel and comfort. All of them have pretty much identical stats for entry-level point-and-shoots, so just go with what feels best. I'm not a fan of the layout of the a350's buttons, but the 200 seemed great when I tried it out last. Sony's doing pretty well for being relatively new to the dSLR camp.

 

[boiltheocean]

Thanks guys! I have felt all three in a shop and I honestly couldn't find much difference in feel between the 450D and the Alpha 200. I added the Nikon because its in the same range as the others and I wanted to see what everyone thought of them.
Thankyou all for the tips.

 

[Omnis]

I'd get a D40 before a D40x.

 

[boiltheocean]

Hmm new problem. The 450D is still high priced but the other two have dropped quite abit. Even the 1000D is over the other two. I've also taken a shine to the Alpha 300, the image stabalisation is in the body not the lens allowing all lenses to benefit from it and the alpha system has the best live view of them all plus the tiltable screen helps in awkward angles which I'm starting to shoot from more and more. I know the Canon has more potential and can produce slightly better images but the price of it is putting me off abit. Argh this is difficult.

 

[Azuremen]

The kit lens on the 450D is superb for its cost. I am using it right now, and with the IS I've had shots turn out sharp at 1/4th of a second. A possibly solution would be to get the 400D body and source the IS 18-55mm lens separate, at which point you'd be using the exact setup I am. Most reviews have said the reason the 450D kit is much better than the 400D kit is simply because the kit lens in with 450D is just steps up from the 400D's kit lens. I've put $500 USD into my setup so far, but I bought used, which is a good way to save a lot of money with this.

And I know Newegg just dropped the price on the 450D with kit lens from $800 to $650 USD, so you might want to look there.

Nikons are used by sociopaths, so yeah...

 

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Nikons are used by sociopaths, so yeah...

 

[wfooshee]

Sociopath here pointing out the the Nikon will mount just about any Nikon lens EVER MADE since the '60s, if that ever becomes a point of contention. I specifically stayed in the Nikon line when I upgraded to a D-SLR so I didn't have to toss (or eBay) my glass. Autoexposure still works with most, and while the D40x won't, the D80 will also autofocus any of the AF lenses made for the film SLRs of the 80's era.

I know this isn't an upgrade, but you never know what kind of good lens you might find out there, and if it's a Nikkor and you've got a Nikon, you can use it.

Nikon makes very good lenses, but they also have some not-so-good. The 18-55 kit lens is probably at least as bad as the Canon mentioned above. Pincushion at one end, barrel at the other, in the middle it's not so bad.

I think the gap between the lower end of the Nikon line and the higher end may be a bit wider than the similar gap in Canon, which might explain the Nikon users' recommendation of Canon for a first-time or consumer-grade purchaser. In my experience, I don't see a lot of working pros carrying Canons compared to those carrying Nikons, but those are way different boxes than what we're looking at here.

 

[boiltheocean]

A300 with Kit Lens - £339

1000D with Kit Lens - £408

450D with Kit Lens - £470

I seriously can't go to £400. I'd even struggle for £350.

 

[Syntax error]

D80 will also autofocus any of the AF lenses made for the film SLRs of the 80's era.

I believe the EOS was introduced in the 80's as well and the autofocus on any all EOS lenses are compatible with any EOS camera. The problem with pre AF lenses on the new range of digital cameras is that it is terribly hard to focus accurately. Most old film camera had a focusing screen of some sort which helped determine if your image was sharp. This is not the case anymore unfortunately.

I don't see a lot of working pros carrying Canons compared to those carrying Nikons, but those are way different boxes than what we're looking at here.

I think that's probably just your mind trying to find a pattern. I always notice how many pros (media/sport/fashion) are using Canons. It's like when you buy a new car that you never really spotted too many of on the street and suddenly you see everyone driving one.

I tend to find that most pro's I’ve had dealings with will either go with what they feel comfortable with or what might be required (also what they may have already have compatible equipment for). My experience is that professionals are less likely to be split into Canon/Nikon camps. I certainly am not. I’ve used both and at this stage am looking at moving to medium format (which neither Nikon or Canon supplies lenses for).

 

[niky]

Personally, D80/D70 over 450D. The 450D might have a ton of features, but I just like the feel of the pictures out of the Nikon, off the bat.

But then, I use a Sony DSC-R1, so what do I know...

 

[Azuremen]

Dexter uses one Though most Nikon guys tend to be pretty out there, but that may have to do with most SLR camera guys being out there to start with.

 

[NLxAROSA]

The standard 18-55mm EFS is a piece of junk and should be treated as such.

The 450D comes with a different version of the 18-55 EF-S (with IS). It is rated *very* well at most review sites. The image quality is excellent. Build quality is rubbish though, but the price has to come from somewhere. If you're on a budget, it's an excellent place to start.

The kit lens on the 450D is superb for its cost. I am using it right now, and with the IS I've had shots turn out sharp at 1/4th of a second.

Agreed, if you want something better it will most certainly cost you a lot more.

BTW, I replaced my 18-55 3.5/5.6 IS with a Sigma 17-70 2.8/4.5, which was also rated very well. I have it for a few weeks now and I totally love it.

 

[Jondot]

A300 with Kit Lens - £339

1000D with Kit Lens - £408

450D with Kit Lens - £470

I seriously can't go to £400. I'd even struggle for £350.

Where'd the Nikon go?

But yeah, that's just the nature of Canon - they tend to be a tad more expensive than the other two manufacturers. They were no way near in my price range. If you really want a Canon and can't afford it, then wait until you can. If you're not bothered either way but want it ASAP, then I don't see anything wrong with the Sony.

I avoided it because I thought it would have a pitiful supply of lenses, but apparently this just isn't the case - supposedly you can use Minolta lenses on them, but don't quote me on that. That and I wasn't so sure about buying a DSLR from a company that's better known for making games consoles. In hindsight, though, it was probably the most sensible buy (I'd have got a bigger lens, image stabilisation and more megapixels).

But I've been very happy with my D40, so whatever

Signed,

A. Sociopath

 

[boiltheocean]

Well the Nikon went out the window abit because it doesn't have the right feel for me.

You are correct in saying old Minolta lenses do work, a quick check of the specifications comfirm that. Price and the fact that the image stabalisation is much better than Canons offering are swaying me in the direction of the A300.
I've spent two whole days now thinking about the cameras and I still can't decide.

 

[wfooshee]

. . . a company that's better known for making games consoles. . .

You do know they're a little bigger and busier than Playstations, right?

 

[NLxAROSA]

You do know they're a little bigger and busier than Playstations, right?

Basically they're just rebranded Minolta right? But, to show you a sample, the picture below was taken with a Sony A100. Click for bigger picture, on the next page click again for an even bigger picture.



Go here for a sample of my EOS 450D/kitlens. I have plenty more if you want to see more samples.

 

[Azuremen]

Yeah, Sony's dSLR cameras use a lot of Konica-Minolta developed stuff. I have an ancient Minolta X-700 from my film SLR days. Made good stuff.

 

[NLxAROSA]

Judging from the pics my friend shoots, they still do.

 

[boiltheocean]

I think I've decided on the Alpha 300. It's cheaper than either Canon and I don't think I'll be buying lenses for a long time.

 

[Azuremen]

I think I've decided on the Alpha 300. It's cheaper than either Canon and I don't think I'll be buying lenses for a long time.

That is what everyone says

Then you find yourself wanting to buy lenses all the time.

 

[boiltheocean]

Damn its actually quite funny you should mention that, I already have a dream of getting a Fisheye one day. I don't even have the camera yet!

 

[emad]

I'm a Nikon and Pentax guy, but I find the D40x to be a bit too limiting in features - for me, the biggest beef is that you can't use older lenses.

For your choice in options, I say go with the Canon. They have an excellent lens system (second to Nikon, imo - note the bias) and this camera has the ability to use older lenses. Something the Nikon won't allow. That'll help you with picking new gear in the future since Craigslist and Ebay are a treasure trove of some pretty sweet lenses that have been out of production for a few years simply because they were designed for film cameras.

I can't say much for Sony. Excellent camera bodies but I have no experience with their lenses.

 

[NLxAROSA]

That is what everyone says

How recognizable. But yes, you'll find yourself looking for some additions pretty soon.

Damn its actually quite funny you should mention that, I already have a dream of getting a Fisheye one day. I don't even have the camera yet!

A decent telezoom will be on your list as well, and perhaps a macro lens. And a good bag to carry it all in, and a tripod.

Tip: get yourself at least some decent UV/Protection filter right from the beginning. Easier to clean, cheaper to replace than the front element of your lens.

 

[wfooshee]

I'm a Nikon and Pentax guy, but I find the D40x to be a bit too limiting in features - for me, the biggest beef is that you can't use older lenses.

For your choice in options, I say go with the Canon. They have an excellent lens system (second to Nikon, imo - note the bias) and this camera has the ability to use older lenses. Something the Nikon won't allow. That'll help you with picking new gear in the future since Craigslist and Ebay are a treasure trove of some pretty sweet lenses that have been out of production for a few years simply because they were designed for film cameras.

I can't say much for Sony. Excellent camera bodies but I have no experience with their lenses.

You CAN use older lenses. If they don't have a focus motor in the lens it won't auto-focus. That's all. It will mount and auto-expose correctly.

Other cameras in the Nikon line (like my D50) have the focus motor in the camera body, and will auto-focus the older AF lenses.

 

[boiltheocean]

A decent telezoom will be on your list as well, and perhaps a macro lens. And a good bag to carry it all in, and a tripod.

Tip: get yourself at least some decent UV/Protection filter right from the beginning. Easier to clean, cheaper to replace than the front element of your lens.

Ha Stop tempting me. I will take your advice on a Protection Filter though, sounds like a worthy investment. Macro lens sounds nice and I've got a resonable tripod so that saves me alittle bit of money.

 

[Speedster502]

And I don't think I'll be buying lenses for a long time.

Say hello to your new friend, he is called "lens envy"....