D80 and the XTi: What do you love?

After a year or so of lurking and an occasional question, I finally have the budget to upgrade to a digital SLR. I don't want to get everybody started on a nikon versus canon rant but after reading so much about the XTi (400d) and the D80, in some ways I'm more confused than ever. I gather that I probably couldn't go wrong with either. I'm actually more curious as to what you love about your camera as opposed to why you think the other isn't as good. What made the Canon or the Nikon the perfect fit for you? I've held them both. And while I probably prefer the Nikon for ergonomics I'm not sure that will make such a big difference when a housing is factored in.

Thanks for helping me to stop my head from swimming.

Keith

Things I like about my Nikon D80:

The grip - its a bit larger than the XTi. My hand fits it much better (NDR)

The function button - I program it to act as the focus mode selector (NDR)

Two control dials - one for aperature and one for shutter speed (SDR - easier to control in the housing)

Top LCD - I like having this display, although the Canon's LCD display is also nice (SDR - Canon's method is probably more useful underwater)

I can't think of anything about it that makes it preferable for diving. Either camera would be just fine.

David

I was doubting between a D70 and 350D (XT) 1 + year ago

for surface use, also check the location of any buttons. To touch the AE function with the D70 (and i suppose the D80), my thumb isnt long enough so i have to flick my whole hand. (I have quite short, inflexible fingers and a broad hand)

I liked the two function dials in the Nikon, but liked the overall ergonomics better on the XT, even though it was a tad small.

That pushed me towards the canon 20d ... which just became cheaper then because the 30D was just arriving.....

whats NDR and SDR ?

NDR = Not Diving Related

SDR = Semi Diving Related

I forgot which board I was on. Those are often used in subject lines on Scubaboard.com.

Most of the D80 features that I like have nothing to do with diving.

Now that the 40D was announced, those 30Ds will be getting cheaper.

whats NDR and SDR ?

in hindsight, the things I mentioned as well. Although the two dial control is diving related if you ask me.

you guys really like abbreviations ... which is sometimes confusing. The SPG example jumps to my mind. We call it a manometer....

One of the main reasons I went with Nikon is the reputation and also cause I live in Thailand. I can send locally for maintenance as they are made in Bangkok.

I also like the feel and the build quality is solid, I like the two control dials and felt happier with the screen and the LCD. Another reason is that I am on limited budget and much prefered the Ikelite housing to the Sea and Sea for funtionality and the great support supplied by Ikelite. I have had bad experiences with Sea and Sea support.

Hope this helps

Saying that I have nothing bad to say against Canon as I never owned one of their DSLR's.

Another issue is lenses. If you shoot a lot of dryland you may want to look at what each has available.

Have been researching this and decided on the D80 due to the following:

D80 has a pentaprism vs pentamirror which apparently gives a bigger brighter viewfinder

Includes Degrees Kelvin white balance (Fine control over WB)

Has a higher capacity battery

More solid build

Higher max ISO at 3200 (But more digital noise than Canon)

However Canon has self cleaning sensor

I suspect I would be wrapped with either.