another camera question

[Brian Hammons]

I'm looking at Canon SLR cameras. I can get a 6 mp model at one price and a 10 mp for $100 more. Is the additional megapixels worth it? If Hans or Jon or others posted 6 & 10 mp photos here, would one be able to tell the difference? I can imagine the difference being seen in enlargements to 8x10's, 11x14's or larger, but smaller formats?

Thank you in advance for your input.

[Jonathan Long]

Brain,

More megapxels usually means a better camera, it does mean that the camera is more advanced and up to date. For a difference of only $100.00 I'd consider this a no brainer.
Even if I only planned on printing 4 X 6" prints... I'd go for the larger file size!

What models are you looking at?

The one thing that would make me choose the 6MP model would be if it were the "pro" version and the other is a consumer model. The pro version would be built much better and withstand hard use, the consumer version is most likely built with lots of plastic.

The other consideration is if you buy an older camera (6MP) the technology has advanced a ton since it was introduced... it's usually smarter to purchase something that has the more advanced technology.

Plus you need to keep in mind how much use a camera has received... the pro camera should have a shutter rated for about 100,000 actuations before it needs an overall, the consumer camera will need service much sooner.

Hope this helps you,

Jon

[Brian Hammons]

Yes, Jon. Very helpful.

[Jonathan Long]

Brian,

What 2 cameras are you looking at?

Jon

[Brian Hammons]

Brian,

What 2 cameras are you looking at?

Jon

The 10 mp camera is a Canon Rebel XS w/ a 18-55mm, f/3.5-5.6 lens. The 6 mp is a Nikon D40 w/ the same lens specs. Price range is $499 - $599. I imagine at those prices, I'm not dealing w/ pro models. I see the same basic specs from the same retailer for similar models going for $1200 - $1500

[Hans Deventer]

The 10 mp camera is a Canon Rebel XS w/ a 18-55mm, f/3.5-5.6 lens. The 6 mp is a Nikon D40 w/ the same lens specs.

Brian, to get more comparable, you'd have to put the Rebel XS against the Nikon D60. The D40 is already an older one.

Here are some thorough reviews:

Canon Rebel XS (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos1000d/)
Nikon D60 (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond60/)

Especially check this page (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos1000d/page23.asp) for a direct comparison.

[Cindi Hammons]

Brian, as you know we love Canon cameras. However, one thing I don't like about the Rebel is that so many of its functions are located several steps down an electronic menu. The Rebel really does many of the things our Canon D10 does, but our camera has almost all of them with one movement or click. The Rebel often need several clicks down a menu to get to where you want to go. As far as quality camera, it is a good consumer camera, but not a pro. You will get awesome images and can do all the "tricks of the trade" with it. It is a great camer for the price. If you are willing to use the menus, I would recommend it heartily. Canon accessories are easy to locate and good quality non-Canon lenses that work with the Canon cameras can found at a very competitive and affordable price.

Good luck and have fun! Give Mark a call if you want to know more about what we have and use.

[Hans Deventer]

Brian, as you know we love Canon cameras.


Brian, beware! Canon/Nikon is like Republicans/Democrats :laughing

[Jonathan Long]

Brian,

I'm not a big fan of the Nikon D40/50/60 series, even the newer D90 seems to be made solely of a plastic covered body...

I've been a Nikon user from way back... (1976-77), but unless you spend the money to get at least their Prosumer cameras (D200 or above) I don't think they compare to what Canon has been offering of late.

Please keep in mind that I shoot for a living, and so my perspective is different from a casual user. I demand quality and solid construction that will withstand pro use. Most people would never subject their camera to the rigors of professional photography, nor should they pay for the features that a pro requires...

Jon

[Jonathan Long]

Hans,

If it wasn't for the large investment in Nikon gear...... I'd have switched!

I guess I'll have to be labelled an "Independent" for this....

Jon

[Hans Deventer]

Hans,

If it wasn't for the large investment in Nikon gear...... I'd have switched!

I know. Reading the reviews, I still don't understand that though. :fav03

Surely Brian isn't looking for a professional SLR.

[Jonathan Long]

I think that Brian is looking for a good entry level DSLR. Either the Canon or Nikon model would be fine - it will all come down to preference...

Jon

[Brian Hammons]

Brian, beware! Canon/Nikon is like Republicans/Democrats :laughing

If Canon represents the right wing element, then I'll probably be a satisfied consumer:basic05

I'm heavily leaning toward a 10.1 mp Canon EOS . What I'm trying to figure out now is the difference between XT and XS models. Price is the same. Could it be a simple as different body color, black vs. silver?

[Cindi Hammons]

I'd go for black...it looks more professional.

[Hans Deventer]

If Canon represents the right wing element, then I'll probably be a satisfied consumer :basic05

Thankfully, that's where the comparison stops, you really can't go wrong with either. Both are very good brands for SLR's.

I'm heavily leaning toward a 10.1 mp Canon EOS . What I'm trying to figure out now is the difference between XT and XS models. Price is the same. Could it be a simple as different body color, black vs. silver?

Check out this one http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos1000d/page2.asp

(Can you tell I'm a fan of www.dpreview.com ? :rolleyes:)

In short, the recommendation is to go for the Rebel XS.

[Brian Hammons]

OKay, I think I have finally come to a decision. . . thanks Jon, Hans, & Cindi for the info & insight. Tonight or tomorrow I'll be going to purchase a Canon Rebel XS (aka 1000D), 10.1 MP w/ a 18-55 mm IS lens and a 2.5 " LCD screen.

Now, for the next (silly) question(s). . . this model doesn't have spot metering. Not a real big deal, right?

[Jonathan Long]

Brian,

While spot metering is a nice feature to have.... it's really not a requirement for most.

Jon

[Hans Deventer]

While spot metering is a nice feature to have.... it's really not a requirement for most.

Jon

Jon, I hesitate to disagree. As a general statement, I certainly agree, but if one buys an SLR....... I'd never buy one without.

[Jonathan Long]

Hans,

You and I would miss having the spot meter feature...

most people wouldn't...

Plus, if someone is that serious about photography I think they would be looking at a different camera model.

Camera meters have gotten much "smarter" in recent years... the program that the onboard computer uses to calculate exposure is pretty advanced. In an entry level DSLR I'd suspect that a spot metering function would go largely unused, the camera makers would rather add another bell or whistle to attract buyers than give photographers a tool they can really use.

Jon

[Brian Hammons]

Here it is. . . My new Canon EOS Rebel XS/1000D . Now to read the manual while the battery is charging.

I was going to drive nearly 90 miles round trip to purchase this at a Circuit City and save $50 over our local retailer, but overnight CC jacked the price to the same.

[Cindi Hammons]

Very nice! Congrats on the new baby...your life will never be the same! Ha! :laughing

[Jonathan Long]

You're doing the right thing by sitting down and reading your manual. Each camera has its own little quirks, figuring them out takes time.

My suggestion would be to use the first charge of your battery learning the menu system, makers seem to enjoy making the menu system impossible to figure out. They bury itmes several layers deep....

Now it's time to start saving for a flash!

Jon