BetterPhoto Q&A
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BetterPhoto Member		Which DSLR is better for me? I will be attending college for Photography in the fall, and I need to purchase a Digital SLR camera. I have my heart set on one, but my dad thinks another one is better for me in the long run. I have two choices: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi (my choice) Nikon D40/D80 (his choice) Now... I think the Canon would be better for me, because I'm just a beginner, I don't own an SLR, and it would be easier for me to use- lightweight, small, and still a great camera. But my dad seems to think the Nikon is better for me, because it's what "the professionals use". It's bigger, more rugged, complex, but I may have trouble using it if I have not used an SLR before. Just going into college, what would be best for me? I know that in the long-run the Nikon would be better, but for now I think the Canon will suffice and I can always upgrade in a few years if I need to. Any advice or personal experience with these cameras would be great, thanks!! To love this question, log in above March 11, 2007

Jill Schreiner		Jill, I have the Rebel XTi and love it! It's my first SLR too, and it was very easy to figure out. I've seen other galleries of people who use Canon Rebels and their pictures are incredible, you should check some out(search photos by camera). I'm sure you'd be happy with it...you may want to skip the kit lens and go with something more upscale though, if your worried about professional quality. Sorry, I don't know anything about the Nikon. Good luck!!! To love this comment, log in above March 11, 2007

- Dennis Flanagan Contact Dennis Flanagan Dennis Flanagan's Gallery		Trying to decide between a Canon or a Nikon is going to be personal preference. If you are going to College expressly for Photography, then you will be doint a lot of shooting, so I recommend the camera that is built for the long haul and durable. You will be happy with either a Canon or Nikon. Based strictly on what you said above, I would go with the Nikon. You will only be a beginner for the first sememster, if that long. Go to a camera store, hold both in your hands, hold it up to your head and see what feels best. To love this comment, log in above March 11, 2007

Michael A. Bielat		Like Dennis said, you will be shooting a TON and will want something that is: a.) strong and durable and b.) will be there for you to grow as you grow. On that note, the Canon and Nikon D40/D80 are made more plastic than anything. If you want the best of all the worlds then a Nikon D200 may be up your alley... It has a metal chasis and is just a mini version of their flagship camera (the D2Xs). I am a Nikon guy and swear by them. Look at the catalogs and manuals or brochures from both companies, they will show you the best of the best and the photos that the pros produced with either Nikons or Canons will astonish you. So quality or Canon vs. Nikon isnt an issue, it is how you use it and how you implement what you know to control the camera to get you those amazing shots! Otherwise, if $1600 (not counting a memory card or lens) isn't $$$ feasible then I would say check out the D80 or the new D40x (10+mp not 6mp like the D40 and is a bit more expensive but has better specs) You will need a decent body and a large fast memory card (why not, take as many shots as you can and learn by shooting a ton!) and get 2 decent lenses... I would say get 2 zoom lenses. Maybe a 24-105mm, or 18-200mm and a 17-50mm lens. Try to get as low of an f-stop as you can such as f/2.8 To love this comment, log in above March 11, 2007

- Dennis Flanagan Contact Dennis Flanagan Dennis Flanagan's Gallery		Pentax just released their new 10Mp camera, the D10. One of the selling points that is getting high ratings is the durable body. It is in the $900-1K range. To love this comment, log in above March 11, 2007

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