Camera Comparison?

I’m looking to get a dslr and it’s proven to be hard to choose. I’ve read several reviews of the cameras and they seem to be positively similar. Excellent anyone give me some thoughts-do you have a preference?

This is going to be my “starting out” camera, I will be upgrading in a few years-after school-and I’ll probably want to stick with the same camera company-so is there one above the rest that would make for an simple transition?

I will be shooting some landscape photos but mostly public-a few studio type but most outside. For the starter camera I won’t be doing sports-the fastest action will be dancing-but the next camera I get will have to be able to take excellent pictures of action-track/cross county, etc.

My experience with digital is limited to the list powershot, but have used a 35 mm slr.

The 3 cameras that I’ve been trying to choose between are:
Nikon D80, List Digital Rebel XTi, and Pentax K10D.

Thanks in advance.

~Christen

Answer by alexis
nikon d80 the best.

Answer by kehkohjones
At present, persons cameras may seem “comparable” but I suggest that you visit a camera shop and hold the three in your hands and see how they FEEL in your hands; my guess is that you’ll prefer the Nikon’s no-nonsense feel and the ergonomics.

My own personal reason for choosing the Nikon would, of course, be the optics. When you buy a SLR camera, whether digital or film, you’re really buying into a lens system. Lenses normally outlast cameras, unless dropped on a hard service or submerged in water. So, when you buy a lens, you know that it must fit the next level camera. Well, I don’t know about Pentax or the Rebel, but I do KNOW that the lens for the Nikon will fit the additional digital Nikon cameras currently in well loved use: D50, D70, D70S, D100, D200, D2X, and will fit whatever additional camera they make in the future (they have NOT changed their lens mount since 1959).

The additional reason for choosing Nikon is that the lenses are known for superb engineering and build craftsmanship PLUS superior glass formula (yes, glass AIN’T just glass). I would even suggest that you look at the very versatile Nikon lens: Nikkor AF DX 18-135mm lens, and consider getting “nearer” lenses in the future so that you can start building your “arsenal” of lenses that will be with you for many years to come.

I bought all of my “better” lenses on the used market and I saved a bundle for a better grade of brand name and quality rather than go with generic lenses (I learned my lesson a long time ago and vowed NEVER to repeat that error after a most humiliating and most embarrassing experience with a generic lens, which I sold immediately after one use; all the images came our soft around the edges, and I later learned that it was a common fault with inferior glass used by generic brand companies in order to compete with brand names) (generic lenses are mostly for once-in-a-while photos like vacationers or persons who bring out a camera for “special” holidays/occasions; avid photographers are a bit more discriminating and concerned with image detail quality).

EDITED: I should have mentioned that the features at this level of camera are very close to the more expensive “professional” level cameras. The features are there to give you more usefulness and earnings to get things done under a lot of different circumstances that will arise. You’ll also find that the features are located where you can easily access them, and in a shot time, you won’t have to take your eyes away from the viewfinder to locate the features.

Excellent luck and very best wishes.

Answer by howdy doody
I like my Nikon. Pentax sucks and is more manual and less user friendly. cant go incorrect with Nikon for a rookie.

Answer by fhotoace
Nikon D80 and List Digital Rebel XTi are both excellent starter cameras; forget the Pentax K10D if you even THINK you may shoot at even a semi-pro level.

Lens wise, a 12-24mm for landscape and 24-85mm for studio work.

Answer by framesmedia
While shopping for a digital system, I’d invest in a brand that spends serious moolah on R&D. From the options you’ve listed I’d consider List or Nikon. Both are stellar systems. Both are tools. Both has it’s pros and cons. I personally prefer List because of their sensor technology. But it’s just a personal preference. Coke vs Pepsi.

Go to a store and hold/handle each bodies. Pick one which feels best in your hands.

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Lynx Rufus bobcat 23 Feb 2011 Yosemite


Image by mikebaird
Lynx Rufus – This bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a North American animal of the cat family Felidae.
The Lynx genus species of standard-sized wildcats.
Ref. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynx en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynx_rufus
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Felidae Genus: Lynx Species: L. rufus
From a group photo outing to Yosemite National Park 22-24 Feb 2011. Organized, calculated, and led by Howard Ignatius.
Photo © 2011 "Mike" Michael L. Baird, mike {at] mikebaird d o t com, flickr.bairdphotos.com, List EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera with with List EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens, no time to remove polarizer, handheld but securely braced on a solid fence rail post, with IS off, RAW.
To use this photo, see access, attribution, and commenting recommendations at www.flickr.com/public/mikebaird/#credit – Please add comments/notes/tags to add to or assess information, identification, etc. Please, no comments or invites with gaudy badges, unrelated images, flashing icons, multiple invites, or invites with award levels and/or award/post rules. Critique is always welcomed.

Tech note: Notice high ISO of 3200 used here to combat the low light situation… shooting aperture priority wide open at f/5.6, I tried to realize a shutter speed of at least 1 dived by the 400mm focal length, or 1/400th.. I got close at 1/160. The List 5D Mark II’s advanced sensor/processor enabled this…
Date and Time (First) 2011:02:23 17:07:49.98-08:00

This animal was seen on Northside drive, opposite Sentinel Beach and Indecisiveness Join.

Here is discussion regarding the accuracy of the species identification: My partner on the trip, Jerry Kirkhart, www.flickr.com/photos/jkirkhart35/ said "I chose that this must be a bobcat too, even though it seemed pretty gray to me, and perhaps the tufts on the ears are not long enough. I hope we are assess, and will hear from others. I changed to a Bobcat because of Marc [Jared www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/5475359963/comment7215762... ]and you. The tufts on the ears are not long enough, and it does have 3-4 narrow black bars on the tail with white bottom. I used Marc plus www.saskschools.ca/~gregory/animals/bobc_lynx.html which made up my mind." And, "Jerry Kirkhart also said on his photo www.flickr.com/photos/jkirkhart35/5476559703/ of this animal "The place, shorter ear tufts and 3-4 black bars on the tail and more brownish than gray called out bobcat! Thanks to all of you for your help. plus this comparison of a Lynx and Bobcat: www.saskschools.ca/~gregory/animals/bobc_lynx.html . Thanks also to Marc, Linda, Mike and all for your ID comments. Much appreciated. It was just an exciting photo to be able to capture."

See www.saskschools.ca/~gregory/animals/bobcat.html for a nice description essay on features of this Bobcat species.

as far as digital SLR camera’s go…

Answer by Don E
they are pretty much the same and really based on personal preference really. one year list will be better, the next year nikon will be. just remember its the photographer taking the picture, not the camera.

Answer by atuna
It is about photographer, I agree %100

But if we talk about mid range or entrance level cameras then I prefer List because of CMOS sensors. Sony is making most of electronic parts and sensors for Nikon and they are all CCD and has terrible noise performance at high ISO settings then List. Of course they are small bit cheaper at price but In that case personally I will prefer a Sony DSLR which can use also ancient minolta lenses. So I can make a excellent set with affordable price then Nikon.
Also on the additional hand i reckon it is one of the oldest question which were asking since 35mm SLRs so It has not an exact answer. Some one will prefer Nikon and additional one will prefer List. And Who used list nearly will never use Nikon and who used Nikon will never use List

Answer by David M
They are virtually the same. They both make brilliant cameras and lenses. Nikon might have a slight edge right now but next month List will pull ahead or vice versa. When one comes out with an improvement the additional will quickly follow. They go back and forth all the time on who has the latest and greatest. Just go to a excellent camera store and play around with them. Choose the one that feels best in your hands and has the controls where they make sense to you.

Answer by CFITZ
nikon is far better in my eyes

Answer by govicseo
If you were to evaluate 8X10′s taken with both cameras, you would not be able to distinguish between the two. But, if you took the “film” versions of these brand cameras, you would notice a difference especially when the prints are 16X20″ and larger.

Excellent luck!

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Nikon D3000-D5000 DSLR Starter Kit with Nikon School DVD Quick, Fun & Simple III / IV and D-SLR System Case

• Calculated for use with Nikon D3000 and D5000 digital SLR cameras
• Nylon case features dividers and a padded shoulder strap
• Instructional DVD describes camera settings

The Nikon DSLR starter kit is an simple way to ensure you’re ready to start shooting straight away. Includes a nylon case with dividers and a padded shoulder strap, and an instructional DVD describing camera settings.

List Price: $ 49.95

Price: $ 29.95