Which camera to purchase? HELP!

I am an absolute beginner and comparing three cameras to purchase I would love some expert advise...I'm trying to make a choice between the Canon Digital 400D Rebel XTi and the Nikon Digital D-80 and the Olympus E-410

I will also be using this camera for nature/wildlife photography....so lens options is a big factor to consider...if I invest in a few lenses then decide to upgrade the camera body...I want to be able to use the existing lenses so I don't have to keep buying a new system...in other words I need a brand that is flexible for different needs...

I favored the Olympus because I've use them in the past (film version OM2) but mostly it has a live LCD shooting view......but the image sensor in a comparison chart is smaller than the other two....

One thing to consider that I'm trying to make a decision about but can't because I don't know enough is the difference between eTTL(the Cannon has this) and the Nikon has iTTL....

Another difference is the sensor one is CMOS and the other CCD....

Please help....

Hi Juli,

You do know the can of worms you just popped the lid on ... right? I think you'll get lots of opinions based on who likes what brand. I own the E410 but it was mostly due to cost of the housing and the fact my wife already had the E-500. I like the camera but as a DSLR its very basic. The lens selection is terrific if you sell a kidney or two. I think it compares in image quality favorably to both of the other cameras with a slight edge to Canon. I didn't like the feel of the Canon xti. The plastic body just didn't cut it for me. The Nikon felt the best to me and I looked seriously at getting the D80. I think you'll hear people beckon you to consider the Canon 40D as an option as well since its body construction has a more professional feel. Not that I'm an expert but I've read that the kit lens for Olympus out-shines the other two kit lenses. I'm particularly fond of the new 12-60mm that I will have next year. There's also some really nice long lenses just released. Not to jumble the picture any but you might consider the prices of housings and ports when considering which camera to buy. I'm sure you have weeks of decision paralysis ahead of you...enjoy!

Cheers

Hi Juli,

I've never handled all three of the cameras you mention, but I would encourage you to do so. Go to a good camera store and handle each one to see what feels good to you. Nothing is worse than making a big investment and always saying -- jeez, I hate the fact that my wrist always hurts, etc. You can also compare viewfinders and actually try out the live view. I say the last thing because live view, as currently implemented in DSLRs, is not the panacea many think it to be. It is not nearly as "snappy" as compact cameras because the camera is actually moving a physical mirror to take the picture. In other words, shutter lag is an issue with live view. If you do a lot of manual or pre-focusing or if you plan to do a lot of studio shooting then live view has potential, but make sure you try it out and are comfortable with the timing.

With Nikon or Canon, you'll have a wider selection of lenses, because of the availability of third-party providers. The Olympus digital lens line is a bit more limited, but they do have a few very, very nice, low-f-stop telezooms that are, from all reliable reports, fabulous optics. Also keep in mind that the E-410, from the reviews, probably doesn't have the processing engine to live up the lenses. The E-3 is another story but much more money. They do have a new 70-300, but it not in their "professional" line (no weather sealing (not an issue with the E-410, because it isn't weather sealed either) and higher f-stops)). If you are not looking for "professional" quality, but still want decent photos, the E-410 plus the 70-300 might be the cheapest way to get a lot of reach.

For nature shooting, really look in to the value lenses offered by some manufacturers. I know some people who bought into Canon just to get a particular lens (candidates are usually the 70-200 f4 or the 400 f5.6, which are both really sweet lenses for the money). I know others (at the other end of the spectrum) who bought into Nikon because they fell in love with the 200-400VR. But if you're making decisions based on the availability of $4000 lenses, you can probably afford a bit more expensive body to match.

Not sure if any of this helps, but good luck anyway!

Mike

Thanks much...I did go to a camera shop they didn't have the canon it was sold out but I really liked the Nikon....I will do a bit more research on the lenses, then make a decision...thank you for your advise!...

I can't wait to get one and get started on some photography!...the underwater housing will have to wait till budget allows...the IRS is getting tooooooo much of my money this year!....haha....juli

Hi Juli,

 

I've never handled all three of the cameras you mention, but I would encourage you to do so. Go to a good camera store and handle each one to see what feels good to you. Nothing is worse than making a big investment and always saying -- jeez, I hate the fact that my wrist always hurts, etc. You can also compare viewfinders and actually try out the live view. I say the last thing because live view, as currently implemented in DSLRs, is not the panacea many think it to be. It is not nearly as "snappy" as compact cameras because the camera is actually moving a physical mirror to take the picture. In other words, shutter lag is an issue with live view. If you do a lot of manual or pre-focusing or if you plan to do a lot of studio shooting then live view has potential, but make sure you try it out and are comfortable with the timing.

 

With Nikon or Canon, you'll have a wider selection of lenses, because of the availability of third-party providers. The Olympus digital lens line is a bit more limited, but they do have a few very, very nice, low-f-stop telezooms that are, from all reliable reports, fabulous optics. Also keep in mind that the E-410, from the reviews, probably doesn't have the processing engine to live up the lenses. The E-3 is another story but much more money. They do have a new 70-300, but it not in their "professional" line (no weather sealing (not an issue with the E-410, because it isn't weather sealed either) and higher f-stops)). If you are not looking for "professional" quality, but still want decent photos, the E-410 plus the 70-300 might be the cheapest way to get a lot of reach.

 

For nature shooting, really look in to the value lenses offered by some manufacturers. I know some people who bought into Canon just to get a particular lens (candidates are usually the 70-200 f4 or the 400 f5.6, which are both really sweet lenses for the money). I know others (at the other end of the spectrum) who bought into Nikon because they fell in love with the 200-400VR. But if you're making decisions based on the availability of $4000 lenses, you can probably afford a bit more expensive body to match.

 

Not sure if any of this helps, but good luck anyway!

 

Mike

Mike,

"Also keep in mind that the E-410, from the reviews, probably doesn't have the processing engine to live up the lenses."

As a new guy to photography, help me understand what you wrote here. Does it mean the E410 can't use some of the 4/3's lenses that are available? Oh and as a point of clarification I believe Sigma is making 4/3 lenses for the E series of cameras.

Mike,

"Also keep in mind that the E-410, from the reviews, probably doesn't have the processing engine to live up the lenses."

 

As a new guy to photography, help me understand what you wrote here. Does it mean the E410 can't use some of the 4/3's lenses that are available? Oh and as a point of clarification I believe Sigma is making 4/3 lenses for the E series of cameras.

Yeah, that came out sounding a bit cryptic. The E-410 can use all of the 4/3 lenses. However, many reviewers agree that until the E-3 came out that the top level 4/3 lenses could out-resolve the cameras. Yes, Sigma has made some of their lenses available in 4/3 mount. One other thought -- if you are looking to do nature photography image stabilization might be of interest and the E-510 has in-body IS (as does the more expensive E-3). With Canon and Nikon, the IS is in each individual lens . . .

Mike