Nikon baby. All the way!
At least thats the only DSLR I've tried :)
I've got a Nikon D40 and it takes pictures like I was holding a camera 3 times its price!
For my next buy (when the dough rolls in :), I'll look into a Minolta DSLR with Leica lens. I had a film-based Minolta SLR (now Sony) and it was fantastic.
The Nikon D40 didn't seem too bad, but there was a big difference in the megapixels. Does yours have 6.1 or is it a more souped up one?
I have the 6.1 pixel one. The 40X has a few more pixels but you could go one or 2 levels higher instead.
I would suggest Ken Rockwell's excellent site - http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40x.htm for in-depth comparisons.
He also reviews more Nikon brands here - http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/index.htm
It really boils down to which one appeals to you better and if its a Canon, then go for a Canon.
Just a bit more advice: drop your cash on the glass you put in front of the camera, and save on the body if you have to. As long as you pick a system (Nikon, Canon, etc.) you like, your lenses can stay with you forever.
Fast lenses (lenses with wide apertures) are perfect for the low light challenges of travel photography. I only had one lens on a 10 month trip around eastern Asia, the Nikon 17-55 f/2.8 and I didn't regret it for a second.
I'm no expert, but I've got the Canon Rebel XTi and I love it. I get most of my gear at B&H Photo Video; they're not the "best deal" you can find on the interweb, but they're reliable and trustworthy. I've never called in with questions, but I'm told that the staff all know what they're talking about.
I am a professional photographer and am currently using a Nikon D.70. I like
it alot but of course want the D-300 now. Mine uses the larger flash cards so
would have to go to the D300 for upgrade wth so many cards that I have now.
Any of the lower end Nikon or Canons are good cameras. Just get the best one you can afford for now. Will be glad to help you if you need questions answered if I know them.Ha
Good luck and good shooting. Photos that is.
aladytraveler
Look at my photos on my site here and also my website at http://aladytraveler.smugmug.com
Andris is on the nail with his advice about the lens you hang on the front. I use all canon kit, bodies and lenses.
In regard to MP, it really depends on what you want to achieve, I have to say that for high def images you need a big sensor.
Not a fan of Nikon personally so won't comment on them.
As a tech geek, don't fret the megapixels so much. That's all marketing and unless you're targeting your photos to large-scale glossy print, it doesn't matter.
Understand digital vs. print resolution--if you need to print pictures that are greater than 8x10, then you need a lot of high quality pixels. A 300 dot-per-inch printer (which is high-end) will need 2400x3000 pixels (7.2 megapixels) to print full resolution 8x10". If you're never going to print pictures, or 8x10 glossy's aren't necessary, than don't worry about megapixels.
By comparison, a picture that accompanies an article on BraveNewTraveler or MatadorTrips will only be 600x300, give or take.
Camera companies can expand the amount of pixels produces without expanding the methods in which those pixels are acquired. This results in lots of pixels that--frankly--don't look good.
It's a little complicated, but you can 6,100,000 (6.1 mega) *good* megapixels will be more useful than 1,000,000,000 (10 mega) shitty pixels.
Personally, we have the XTi...works great. Shop around on ebay. You can usually get the full package (flash, tripod, three lenses, case) for about $1000...which is a steal.
Joined: 12-27-07
I'm trying to save up to buy a digital SLR and was looking for some feedback from those of you who have one. I'm looking at Canon and Nikon specifically. The Canon Rebel XTi looks like my favorite right now, though it's suggested price is around $600.
The Nikon D40 doesn't seem too bad at $500, but only has 6.1 megapixels. Any suggestions on a good one, or also places that have deals on them?