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Canon 350D (Rebel XT) VS. Nikon D40 Anonymous
I'm getting my first DSRL soon, but I can't decide between the Canon Rebel XT and the Nikon D40. I'm looking for something easy to use, but with lots of different features and options for lenses. I'm really into manual focus over automatic though, so I would like something with a decent focus as well.

If I could get your opinions, comparison photographs, anything that could help me decide. Thanks!
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>> Anonymous
>>109719
The Nikon can still have AF (auto focus) with non-Nikon lenses that have AF motors inside them such as Sigma's HSM lenses.

All lenses that fit on the Canon will AF and MF. I don't think there are any SLR lenses that do not have MF.

Also, good call on switching out the S5 for a DSLR.
>> Anonymous
>>109719I know that the Nikon can't use non-Nikon lenses and still have autofocus, but can Canon use other lenses and still have autofocus AND manual focus.

Where did you hear that? The Nikon is limited because it only works with internal focusing lenses, but there are third party manufacturers that make them, the Sigma HSM line for example. All Canon AF lenses, regardless of manufacturer, have internal focusing motors so it's a moot point, but you can't just use any lens from any manufacturer on the camera. It has to be Canon AF mount, and there are only three principle 3rd party manufacturers: Sigma, Tokina, and Tamron- and they all also make lenses to fit Nikon. I don't really recommend the D40 to anybody, it was a stupid idea on Nikon's part. Go for a D50 or used D70, both of which have internal focusing motors so they will work with all AF Nikon lenses. It smart to choose a camera based on what lenses you can use with it, but it's not smart to choose one because of which 3rd party lenses it's compatible with.

If you're really interested in manual focus, neither of these cameras is the one for you. Probably the best choice in that area would be a Nikon D200, or maybe D1x because of the price. Both are fully compatible with the old manual focus Nikkors and have much better viewfinders and focusing screens than the D40 or 350D. You can also get replacement focusing screens for those bodies that will further improve manual focusing. Canon bodies are not compatible with their old manual focus lenses, so you either have to use an adapter or manual focus with AF lenses, neither of which is really very good for several reasons.
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
>>109728
>Probably the best choice in that area would be a Nikon D200, or maybe D1x because of the price.
If he's looking at the 350D and D40, he's not going to be buying a high-end body.

And you can get Katz Eye replacement focusing screens for either the 350D and D40 for about $100. I wouldn't want to do it myself since they're sure as hell not intended to be user replaceable, but if he really wants to manually focus it's an option.
>> else !L6xabslN96
the thing really going for the nikon is really the cosmetics of it imo. the interface just looks better and seems more intuitive to me and the body seems to be built more ergonomically than the 350D. Also, i hear the nikon kit lens is of a better quality.

The downsides to the D40 is that it doesnt have a built-in autofocus motor(which everyone has mentioned). Also, it doesnt have exposure bracketing(harder to HDR, tho that might be a good thing).

im not too clued up on what the 350D is missing tho. but i guess you should go for the one u feel most comfortable with. i chose the nikon and it serves me quite well while i save up for an sigma HSM lens...

check out dpreview.com for the comparison and then goto a store and feel them.
>> Anonymous
>>109732
I was unaware that katz-eye made screens for the D40 or 350D, but if that's the case it would help. Though I don't know how big of a deal it would be to change a screen in one of those cameras.

I suggested the higher end cameras because he seems to be looking for features that are not available on lower end ones. If he really wants to use MF primarily, he should not be looking at low end DSLRs. A used D1x should be in a similar price bracket anyway, and is a much better camera other than the shitty battery life.

Most likely he would be better off with a 350D or D50 (note I again don't recommend the D40 to anyone) because he will most likely end up using AF most of the time anyway. There are only a few luddites like me around that exclusively use manual focus on DSLRs.
>> Anonymous
>>109741


>>note I again don't recommend the D40 to anyone

why?
>> Anonymous
>>109762
Not the poster in question, but I'm guessing because entry-level DSLRs (including the D40) aren't designed well at all as photographic tools. Horrible viewfinders, half-assed controls, etc.

I second the suggestion for a used higher-end body. I really dislike autofocus in most situations and manually focus almost exclusively, but the viewfinders on these things are so disgustingly poor that even I'd probably autofocus if I owned one. Plus, if you get the D1X, you'll have a full coverage viewfinder, which is awesome.

The D40's viewfinder is noticably better than the Rebel, but that's like saying being shot in the head is better than being slowly bled to death. Out of entry-level DSLRs, Pentaxes have the best viewfinders. If OP is bent on an entry-level one, I'd find a used Pentax *ist body, which have the highest magnification of any entry-level DSLR hitherto produced and the only one AFAIK with twin command dials. In fact, according to this table, they have more magnification than any other APS-C DSLR except the K10D, which they match.

http://www.neocamera.com/feature_viewfinder_sizes.php?order=size

But I'd still go for a D1X, for the 100% coverage. And I've never looked through either of their viewfinders, but I'd guess the D1X's finder would be brighter. But that's just a guess.

I hate how the camera manufacturers either consign us to big, bulky cameras or cameras with poor interfaces. Or that certain $5000 wunder-camera with lenses the price of cars.
>> elf_man !!DdAnyoDMfCe
>>109779
That would make sense, if he hadn't recommended the d50 as well. It's probably just due to the limited range of lenses that will autofocus on it specifically, but will on nikon's other bodies.
>> Anonymous
>>109708
No contest the d40 sucks.

/thread
>> Anonymous
theres one thing that'll make the biggest difference in your choice of dSLR, or any camera for that matter.

Go to a store, ask to see both cameras and if it doesnt come with one on it, a lens. pick them up, feel them, put it up to your eye, hell, take a photo or two if you can, mess around in the menu, the controls, try and give yourself a brief tour.

And the deciding factor? which one feels best in your hands, and comes the most naturally to you.

goodluck.
n happy shooting