Nikon D40 vs Canon Rebel XSi

computermaineack · 09-21-2008, 07:24 PM

A few days ago for my birthday I got a Nikon D40 DSLR. It came with an 18-55mm lens, a 55-200mm lens, and a 2gb SD card. However, I have the option of upgrading to a Canon Rebel XSi. From the same store as the Nikon (Costco), the Canon was a few hundred dollars more (it is $799, and I would have to pay the difference), but also comes with an 18-55mm lens as well as a 75-300mm lens and the 2gb SD card. I researched it further and I found the XSi with the 18-55mm lens for around $420, and I've also been looking at buying a 75-300mm lens.

Here is my dilemma: I've read good reviews about both the Nikon and the Canon, but purely in terms of the camera body, picture quality, and features, which is better? Then the next question is the lenses. Are the lenses for the Canon as good as the lenses for the Nikon (in terms of picture quality, etc). The two 75-300mm Canon lenses I've seen have pretty mediocre reviews.

So basically, should I stick with the Nikon D40 or should I go for the Canon Rebel XSi?

Punk · 09-23-2008, 05:49 AM

Before buying my D40, I read many reviews from different sites and forums to choose my DSLR. For the entry price category, the D40 always came first place.

As far as the lens, you can get a Tamron 70-300mm F4-5.6 for less than 200$ (can't find on Newegg, search google on it). It is a entry price TELE-Macro lens which is good, the only default is that it has a pretty high chromatic aberration on 300mm and Macro focus.

bomberboysk · 09-23-2008, 01:48 PM

Also.. where did you find the Xsi for $420, i was looking into getting one and all the ones that had anything in that price range were pulling the bait and switch, they try to upsell you on saying its a japanese/chinese model and has chinese menus and such, then when you decline they say its out of stock. Check reseller ratings/google for info on who you are dealing with

computermaineack · 09-23-2008, 10:16 PM

Mostly I just googled "Rebel XSi" or something but I think this is the one I was looking at: http://shopdigitaldirect.com/catalog...62441b0161d66c

scooter · 09-23-2008, 10:24 PM

The XSI is a better SLR...hands down.

I have a Canon 40D and I will always say Canon over Nikon.

The EOS lens are insane...The L-series glass is 'knock your socks off' amazing.

Also, alot of 3rd party lens makers are really pretty shitty..I dont care what people say, and call me a pureist but Canon glass on my Canon SLR...not this tamron crap and these other companies.

I've seen the differences and they do not compare...

Sigma has some nice options for the EOS line but thats about it.

MBGraphics · 09-24-2008, 02:02 AM

I would definatly go XSi as well, mostly because 1. I have a 40D as well and have always loved canon, but also because I have a friend that owned a Nikon D40 then got the XSi when it came out and said they liked it a lot more. As scooter said, Canon's L series is fantastic, I have personally used a 70-200 F4L and I own a 100-400L IS and I absolutly love both.

What is your budget? If your on a tight one, I would suggest the XSi plus kit lens and also getting the Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro (goes for around $200) I own this lens as well and really like it. As they say, you get what you pay for, but just about EVERY review I have read comparing the Tamron 70-300, Sigma 70-300 and Canon 75-300, the sigma beats them all by a pretty long shot. (Although many say the tamron is a bit better at the longer focal lengths) but overall the sigma is the best.

Good luck!

-Mike

computermaineack · 09-24-2008, 04:10 AM

I don't really have a set budget but like I said the Nikon was a bday gift so I have to pay the difference between the XSi and the Nikon.

I did some research on that company in the link I posted above and they're most likely not legit. They have bad reviews and an "Unsatisfactory" rating from the BBB.

However, how does this look to you guys: http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EOS-Digita...d=p3286.c0.m14

edit: but the L-Series is definitely out of my price range

edit2: it looks like that the cheapest legit price for any combination of the camera, 18-55mm lens (canon or sigma) and a 70-300mm lens (canon or sigma) is on Newegg for all canon lenses...total price is $753. anyone find anything cheaper?

MBGraphics · 09-24-2008, 04:23 AM

Personaly, I would stay far away from those kits on e-bay. they give you crap accesories...
for example:
memory card=crap
the extender and wide angle=crap
tamron 28-90=crap
tamron 70-300= good, but you can do better for very close to the same price
filters=crap
case=looks decent, but probably falls apart and is built like crap (looks cool though

)
flash=crap
card reader= decent
tripod= would work as long as you dont buy large lenses
table-top tripod=can be usefull at times but you can get one for like $5
bag= ok, but not very big at all
lens cleaning kit= basic, but will definatly work.

So yeah, I would stay away from it, you can do better for around the same price

If you can give us a set budget, I could give you a list of the best things you can get for the price

scooter · 09-24-2008, 04:27 AM

I gotta agree...that ebay listing is 90% junk!

So much useless crap to make it seem awesome..

TAMRON LENS' ARE CRAP...I DONT CAR WHAT PEOPLE SAY...THEY SUCK, THEY ARE PLASTIC AND CHEAP FEELING...AND...the prices are not much different..

Go Canon...or at least Sigma..

Also extenders and such are garbage,...all they do is space ur lens farther away and u can end up with blurred edges in close-in zoom.

For 200ish u can get a 55-250mm Canon lens' with Image stabilizer and ultra sonic motoring .\\

That is a very nice, afforable, versatile lens'....leaves off where kits lens ends and gives u a wide option of zoom, the glass is quite nice and the motor keeps the focusing smooth, steady, and quiet.

Fabulous all around telephoto lens;

computermaineack · 09-24-2008, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBGraphics

If you can give us a set budget, I could give you a list of the best things you can get for the price

I edited my post above...Newegg has the camera and two Canon lenses for $753. I think the Nikon was somewhere around $600 (not totally sure though) and I'd rather spend as little money as possible for the Canon and comprable lenses...preferably not more than $200 or so.

Thanks alot for the help.

09-21-2008, 07:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
computermaineack Diamond Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,322	Nikon D40 vs Canon Rebel XSi A few days ago for my birthday I got a Nikon D40 DSLR. It came with an 18-55mm lens, a 55-200mm lens, and a 2gb SD card. However, I have the option of upgrading to a Canon Rebel XSi. From the same store as the Nikon (Costco), the Canon was a few hundred dollars more (it is $799, and I would have to pay the difference), but also comes with an 18-55mm lens as well as a 75-300mm lens and the 2gb SD card. I researched it further and I found the XSi with the 18-55mm lens for around $420, and I've also been looking at buying a 75-300mm lens. Here is my dilemma: I've read good reviews about both the Nikon and the Canon, but purely in terms of the camera body, picture quality, and features, which is better? Then the next question is the lenses. Are the lenses for the Canon as good as the lenses for the Nikon (in terms of picture quality, etc). The two 75-300mm Canon lenses I've seen have pretty mediocre reviews. So basically, should I stick with the Nikon D40 or should I go for the Canon Rebel XSi? __________________ "In the beginning the Universe was created. This made a lot of people angry, and was widely regarded as a bad idea." -Douglas Adams CPU: Q6600 G0 Mobo: eVGA 680i NF67-A1 Case: Antec P180B GPU: eVGA 8800GTS G92 512mb HSF: Tuniq Tower 120 RAM: 4gb DDR2-800 Corsair XMS2 4-4-4-12 PSU: Antec True Power Trio 550w

09-23-2008, 05:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
Punk Diamond Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: France Age: 19 Posts: 5,227	Before buying my D40, I read many reviews from different sites and forums to choose my DSLR. For the entry price category, the D40 always came first place. As far as the lens, you can get a Tamron 70-300mm F4-5.6 for less than 200$ (can't find on Newegg, search google on it). It is a entry price TELE-Macro lens which is good, the only default is that it has a pretty high chromatic aberration on 300mm and Macro focus. __________________ Punk's Website making and registering tutorial! Rise And Fall, Rage And Grace The Offspring! Huck it! I just want to be who I want to be guess that's hard for others to see

09-23-2008, 01:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
bomberboysk VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Northeast Ohio, Between here and there Age: 15 Posts: 4,706	Also.. where did you find the Xsi for $420, i was looking into getting one and all the ones that had anything in that price range were pulling the bait and switch, they try to upsell you on saying its a japanese/chinese model and has chinese menus and such, then when you decline they say its out of stock. Check reseller ratings/google for info on who you are dealing with __________________ CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 @ 3.95Ghz Air \| Heatsink: Xigmatek S1283 \| Mobo: EVGA 790i Ultra SLI \| GPU: XFX 9800gtx \| Ram: 4GB(2 x 2gb) 1333Mhz ddr3 \| Case: Xclio Windtunnel Advanced \| Sound:Sound blaster X-fi Fatal1ty Championship, Z-5500 Speakers \| HDD: 2x Raid 0 7200.11 500gb \| PSU: Zalman ZM-1000HP \| OS: Windows 7 RC x64 Power Supply, not the place to skimp. If it fails, it usually takes out other components alongside it, and not worth the risk. New? Dont forget to read the rules.

09-23-2008, 10:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
computermaineack Diamond Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,322	Mostly I just googled "Rebel XSi" or something but I think this is the one I was looking at: http://shopdigitaldirect.com/catalog...62441b0161d66c __________________ "In the beginning the Universe was created. This made a lot of people angry, and was widely regarded as a bad idea." -Douglas Adams CPU: Q6600 G0 Mobo: eVGA 680i NF67-A1 Case: Antec P180B GPU: eVGA 8800GTS G92 512mb HSF: Tuniq Tower 120 RAM: 4gb DDR2-800 Corsair XMS2 4-4-4-12 PSU: Antec True Power Trio 550w

09-24-2008, 02:02 AM	#6 (permalink)
MBGraphics Platinum Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Garden Grove CA Age: 17 Posts: 734	I would definatly go XSi as well, mostly because 1. I have a 40D as well and have always loved canon, but also because I have a friend that owned a Nikon D40 then got the XSi when it came out and said they liked it a lot more. As scooter said, Canon's L series is fantastic, I have personally used a 70-200 F4L and I own a 100-400L IS and I absolutly love both. What is your budget? If your on a tight one, I would suggest the XSi plus kit lens and also getting the Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro (goes for around $200) I own this lens as well and really like it. As they say, you get what you pay for, but just about EVERY review I have read comparing the Tamron 70-300, Sigma 70-300 and Canon 75-300, the sigma beats them all by a pretty long shot. (Although many say the tamron is a bit better at the longer focal lengths) but overall the sigma is the best. Good luck! -Mike __________________ Mike NEW RIG IS HERE!! :D Case:Lian Li with Swiftek apogee watercooling,2 19" standard flat pannel monitors CPU: Intel Q6600 (2.4 GHz) GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 8800GTX BFG OC Edition RAM/Storage:4GB Kingston Hyper X DDR2/320GB(7,200RPM) an 160GB(10,000 RPM) internals, and 320GB External Sound Card: Creative X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatality OS: Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit) My SmugMug Winner of Photo Tournament: Automobiles

09-23-2008, 10:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
scooter banned Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Guelph Ontario, CANADA Age: 27 Posts: 2,333	The XSI is a better SLR...hands down. I have a Canon 40D and I will always say Canon over Nikon. The EOS lens are insane...The L-series glass is 'knock your socks off' amazing. Also, alot of 3rd party lens makers are really pretty shitty..I dont care what people say, and call me a pureist but Canon glass on my Canon SLR...not this tamron crap and these other companies. I've seen the differences and they do not compare... Sigma has some nice options for the EOS line but thats about it.

09-24-2008, 04:10 AM	#7 (permalink)
computermaineack Diamond Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,322	I don't really have a set budget but like I said the Nikon was a bday gift so I have to pay the difference between the XSi and the Nikon. I did some research on that company in the link I posted above and they're most likely not legit. They have bad reviews and an "Unsatisfactory" rating from the BBB. However, how does this look to you guys: http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EOS-Digita...d=p3286.c0.m14 edit: but the L-Series is definitely out of my price range edit2: it looks like that the cheapest legit price for any combination of the camera, 18-55mm lens (canon or sigma) and a 70-300mm lens (canon or sigma) is on Newegg for all canon lenses...total price is $753. anyone find anything cheaper? __________________ "In the beginning the Universe was created. This made a lot of people angry, and was widely regarded as a bad idea." -Douglas Adams CPU: Q6600 G0 Mobo: eVGA 680i NF67-A1 Case: Antec P180B GPU: eVGA 8800GTS G92 512mb HSF: Tuniq Tower 120 RAM: 4gb DDR2-800 Corsair XMS2 4-4-4-12 PSU: Antec True Power Trio 550w Last edited by computermaineack; 09-24-2008 at 05:04 AM.

09-24-2008, 04:23 AM	#8 (permalink)
MBGraphics Platinum Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Garden Grove CA Age: 17 Posts: 734	Personaly, I would stay far away from those kits on e-bay. they give you crap accesories... for example: memory card=crap the extender and wide angle=crap tamron 28-90=crap tamron 70-300= good, but you can do better for very close to the same price filters=crap case=looks decent, but probably falls apart and is built like crap (looks cool though ) flash=crap card reader= decent tripod= would work as long as you dont buy large lenses table-top tripod=can be usefull at times but you can get one for like $5 bag= ok, but not very big at all lens cleaning kit= basic, but will definatly work. So yeah, I would stay away from it, you can do better for around the same price If you can give us a set budget, I could give you a list of the best things you can get for the price __________________ Mike NEW RIG IS HERE!! :D Case:Lian Li with Swiftek apogee watercooling,2 19" standard flat pannel monitors CPU: Intel Q6600 (2.4 GHz) GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 8800GTX BFG OC Edition RAM/Storage:4GB Kingston Hyper X DDR2/320GB(7,200RPM) an 160GB(10,000 RPM) internals, and 320GB External Sound Card: Creative X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatality OS: Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit) My SmugMug Winner of Photo Tournament: Automobiles

09-24-2008, 04:27 AM	#9 (permalink)
scooter banned Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Guelph Ontario, CANADA Age: 27 Posts: 2,333	I gotta agree...that ebay listing is 90% junk! So much useless crap to make it seem awesome.. TAMRON LENS' ARE CRAP...I DONT CAR WHAT PEOPLE SAY...THEY SUCK, THEY ARE PLASTIC AND CHEAP FEELING...AND...the prices are not much different.. Go Canon...or at least Sigma.. Also extenders and such are garbage,...all they do is space ur lens farther away and u can end up with blurred edges in close-in zoom. For 200ish u can get a 55-250mm Canon lens' with Image stabilizer and ultra sonic motoring .\\ That is a very nice, afforable, versatile lens'....leaves off where kits lens ends and gives u a wide option of zoom, the glass is quite nice and the motor keeps the focusing smooth, steady, and quiet. Fabulous all around telephoto lens; Last edited by scooter; 09-24-2008 at 04:30 AM.

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