For those who know a lot about DLSR's and photography

I can't decide and I'm ready to take the plunge - the new Canon XSi or Nikon D80. Help!


NIKON D80

Features

10.2-megapixel CCD: The Nikon D80 digital camera features a 10.2-megapixel DX-format CCD image sensor that captures images with edge-to-edge sharpness and incredible color. You'll get outstanding images with high resolution and vivid detail yielding 3,872 x 2,592-pixel files.

Image processor: The 12-bit image processing engine combines color independent analog pre-conditioning with improved image processing algorithms to deliver smooth, consistent transitions.

Optical viewfinder: The optical viewfinder's large magnification (0.94x) makes composing frames easier while overall viewfinder brightness makes low-light photography possible.

3fps continuous shooting: Capture fast action and fleeting expressions, with the ability to capture high-resolution images at a rapid three frames per second. Sophisticated systems throughout the D80, including high-speed buffer memory handling, fast image processing, high-speed memory card access and large system bus bandwidth help make this possible.

Quick start-up: With a power-up time of a mere 0.18 seconds and a shutter release time lag of only 80ms, responsiveness is extraordinary.

Lens compatibility: The D80 offers seamless compatibility with the comprehensive lineup of high-quality AF, AF-S and AF-S DX Nikkor lenses.

11-area AF: The Multi-CAM 1000 AF sensor module offers an 11-area AF that ensures consistently fast and precise focus lock under varying shooting conditions. The wide area AF system gives greater compositional freedom when shooting sports and action.

2.5" wide-angle LCD: A high-resolution LCD monitor provides ultra-wide, 170-degree viewing in all directions. Playback images can be viewed easily from all angles with extraordinary color and clarity.

In-camera editing menu: The in-camera editing features include Nikon D-lighting, red-eye correction, image trimming, image overlay, monochrome black and white, sepia and cyanotype along with skylight, warm tone and custom color filter effects.


CANON XSI

Features

12.2 megapixels: The Canon EOS Rebel XSi digital SLR camera takes photo-quality, 300dpi images up to 8" x 12", and good-quality 200dpi images up to 13" x 19". These large 12.2-megapixel images give you the freedom to crop, edit, and enlarge favorite portions of photos.

3.0” LCD screen: The huge, bright LCD monitor features 230,000-pixel resolution and a wide viewing angle of 170 degrees. The maximum brightness of this screen is about 30% greater than its predecessor—a big benefit when using the camera in bright sunlight. You’ll also have a live preview of your subject, giving you point-and-shoot feel with the quality of a DSLR.

18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens: This standard zoom lens combines Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) technology and a highly compact design. OIS allows sharp hand-held shots at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than otherwise possible. This lens features 11 elements in 9 groups. The Aspherical lens element corrects aberration for excellent image quality throughout the zoom range. And the circular aperture exquisitely renders of out-of-focus backgrounds. Any time slow shutter speeds are needed, this lens expands picture-taking possibilities.

Auto Optimization mode: This image-enhancing tool comes to the rescue in tricky lighting conditions. It can actually lighten dark areas of a scene while ensuring that bright areas maintain tonal detail. It’s now available in all shooting modes, including P, Tv, Av, and Manual.

High-speed shooting: The XSi can capture the action at up to 3.5 frames per second—even shooting at full resolution.

Anti-dust technology: Photographers who must change lenses in dusty environments will love this time saver. Dust that settles on the sensor surface is removed using ultrasonic vibration. This Self Cleaning Sensor Unit routine is automatically activated whenever the camera is powered on or off. (It can also be manually activated.) A special collar positioned around the sensor collects the loosened dust. Dust particles can also be automatically removed via software.

Advanced features: The 35-zone evaluative metering system analyzes light based on each zone in the viewing area, enabling the camera to choose the overall best exposure for the entire scene. The spot meter reads a tiny area of the picture for extremely precise metering. Center-weighted average metering and partial metering deliver accurate exposure, no matter the situation. The high magnification viewfinder provides a larger overall view, and increased brightness and clarity. And the Display-Off sensor automatically turns the LCD monitor off whenever the camera is at your eye. All relevant shooting information, including ISO, is displayed right in the viewfinder so it’s easy to change settings without moving the camera away.

Re: For those who know a lot about DLSR's and photography

I'm a big canon fan and I want the XSi now!

I already have a Canon Rebel, it's an older model and i love everything about it. My dad has the Canon Rebel XTi and he loves his too, so do i

Re: For those who know a lot about DLSR's and photography

I have the Nikon D80 and love it! It was my first DSLR so I have nothing to compare it to. I think either one would be a great choice.

Re: For those who know a lot about DLSR's and photography

I have the Canon 30D...I would probably go for the Canon 40D over the XSI.

Regardless, you should handle both cameras and see which you like best. People either love Nikon or love Canon...it's all personal preference since they're both great camera makers.

Re: For those who know a lot about DLSR's and photography

Bump

Re: For those who know a lot about DLSR's and photography

Honestly, you cannot go wrong with either camera. Canons and Nikon's are EXCELLENT.

I have a Nikon D80 that I really enjoy using, although I don't consider myself an expert by any means.

If you want more specifics and user ratings. check out these sites. They are awesome and will give you the real deal on these cameras.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/

www.dpreview.com

www.dcresource.com

Re: For those who know a lot about DLSR's and photography

I love my Canon Digital Rebel XT!

Re: For those who know a lot about DLSR's and photography

I had a similar decision to make a few years ago - between the Canon 20D and the Nikon D70.

A few megapixels difference isn't going to be noticeable to the average user. That is a whole lot of camera there and a lot of people never use the full power that it's capable of.

Re: For those who know a lot about DLSR's and photography

go with the D80!!! I have the D40 and DH's dad has the D80 and we couldn't be happier!

Re: For those who know a lot about DLSR's and photography

LOVE Nikon! but you can't go wrong either way

something to consider - Nikon is located in Melville, Canon is in NJ... should you need a repair.

Re: For those who know a lot about DLSR's and photography

I'd go with the Canon. The anti-dust feature is newer technology and definately something I'd want.

Re: For those who know a lot about DLSR's and photography

Pros mostly shoot either Nikon or Canon and it's all personaly preference. My film camera is the Nikon N80, and I chose it over the Canon because of the wasy it felt in my hands. It felt good and was more intuitive to me, so I'm a Nikon gal, buying the D80 very soon (I have been saving gift cards for a looooong time).