New member, same old questions

[dragoon]

hello everyone! My name is Jonathan and I am an amatuer architectual photographer! my wife is a Macro shooter, were considering going DSLR soon and the same question crossed our minds as I am sure crossed most every other DSLR newbie at one point or another, Canon or Nikon? Both are standout performers and both have stark raving supporters, so here is my question: What made YOU choose your Canon or Nikon? (or other brand) the two choices I am looking at are the Digital rebel XT and the Nikon d-50 thanks guys!

P.S. I am a t-o-t-a-l DSLR newbie so user friendliness is pretty high on my list of "what I like features"

[Wynngd]

Welcome to Byte Jonathan!!! The link below is a very good reference in comparing Digital Cameras. Between Rebel and 50D I will choose Rebel. IMO Rebel's disadvantage in me is the grip. It's smaller than 50D.

You can also check their in depth review of the camera for photo comparison and test.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/comp...istds&show=all

looking forward for your photos...

[Rocketball]

I would choose Canon, but I use Canon, so go figure.

The lenses Canon offer have lengendary optical quality in the higher end products that Nikon cannot match IMO.

[SMcEvoy]

I love my Nikon D50 and the kit lens 18-55 that comes with it rated better in the reviews than the kit lenses of the Canon's. Once you're outside kit lenses though, I'm sure both brands will get you virtually identical quality of shots. I also held both models when I was shopping and found the comfort of the Nikon in the hand to be more natural. Happy shopping.

[dragoon]

thanks to those who took the time to respond! the article was great btw, so far this is where I am at, I have played with both ( in store demo n such) and like the feel of the D50 quality with a good piece of glass in both was superb even at higher print sizes (very good for me considering I want to make some prints of my architectural stuff) so I came down to these counter points

1)Megapixels: Nikon 6.1 mp vs canons 8

2)the feel: this one goes to Nikon

3) ease of use:, so far I am undecided here

4) quality of image: thus far I havent seen one really surge ahead of the other even at higher print sizes

5) Third party lenses: both strong here

6)price Nikon wins my heart here

so there you have it, I am leaning towards the NikD50 a teensy bit more then the DigiRebelXT but again I have to save for about 6 months before I can have the kind of money needed to plunk for one of these magnificent cameras.

[pip22]

.................. by which time there may well be another model to choose from (since the 350D is ready for replacement anytime now, and canon are aware of it's shortcomings). Don't overlook the Olympus E-500 in this budget category either. I bought one recently and it's a great handling camera that's built like something costing twice the price. Oh, and it's got an 8 MP sensor so you can compare it directly with the 350D. I think you'll find the E-500 has a much better handgrip, and the LCD is bigger too. as you don't already own any SLR lenses, you are free to choose any brand of camera so don't limit yourself to the 'big two'. There are others out there at the non-pro level.

[Old Jim]

I have to go along with pip22. Don't overlook the Olympus E-500. It just may surprise you. The sensor cleaning function is a plus when you are changing lens in the field. Picture quality is fantastic.

Jim