Canon 40D or Nikon D80

Hi

I have that lens in a Nikon mount and it produces really sharp images, the only negative about it is that it’s not the fastest to autofocus - but that wont matter for you.

As for the cameras, the canon is the newer model and therefore has more features and probably has better image quality but in real life I don’t know if this would be that noticeable.

My best advice is to go to a shop and see how the feel in your hand, also if you have friends who have SLR’s I would tend to go for the same make as them so at least then you can borrow some kit from them.

Julian
 
Go to a shop and try them. Both manufacturers make good cameras and good lenses.
It very much depends how you see your photography two or three years down the line. What would you like to add to your initial purchase over that time?

There are also specific features that work slightly better on one make rather than the other i.e. Nikon have the commander flash mode that allows more than one flash off camera where the Canon requires another bit of kit to do the same job. Canon seems to be favoured among those looking for 500mm and above lenses.

So it's down to you I'm afraid. Try them both out and do your homework on the features and lenses you will need in the future.

Good advice about friends kit too :)
 
some sound advise already!!

One of my friends is about to splash out on his virgin DSLR equipment, but is adamant he wants to go Canon...I always knew he was a bit "special" :p
 
Either camera can do the job. It's you that make the result special though.

As already said go and play touchy feely with all your options to see which suits your hands best.

I've always bought Nikon as I just cannot get comfortable with Canon over a long period.
 
I think the 40D tramples over the the D80, does it not?
Don't forget you will probably buy a new camera sometime, by then you will have lots of kit I imagine.

You will probably stick with that one camera brand for a while, if not a lifetime. You buy into the kit. So if you can work out the best manufacturer...
They have their pros and cons.
Good luck, that is a very hard question.
 
Adam Rowney said:
You will probably stick with that one camera brand for a while, if not a lifetime. You buy into the kit. So if you can work out the best manufacturer...
They have their pros and cons.
Click to expand...

Very True - hence why i went for Olympus. They have they only "designed for digital" lens lineup, and some of the best glass out there (Yes its expensive and there not as much choice as the competition, but its all good quality)

Find a camera that feels right rather than following the crowd.
 
As already suggested, go into a shop and have a play and have a look at the lens lineups for each brand to see what suits you best.

Bear in mind though, the D80 has been around longer than the 40D and may be about to be replaced before the year is out
 
Chillimonster said:
Very True - hence why i went for Olympus. They have they only "designed for digital" lens lineup, and some of the best glass out there (Yes its expensive and there not as much choice as the competition, but its all good quality)

Find a camera that feels right rather than following the crowd.
Click to expand...

Very Wise words:bat: Thank you for all the replies, I will try and pop into Jessops this weekend and have a look at both cameras, I will try not to be tempted to have alook at the D300:gag: Olympus is a brand that I have never considered, but now you have got me thinking, I may have a look:eek:


Cheers
Mark.
 
I don't know if anyone else feels like this, but I personally don't like the tone of colour Nikon camera's produce. The pictures tend to have a colder tone and colour, which tends to look slightly un-natural to me. It seems to be a Nikon trait, whereas Canon images seem slighter warmer. Just a personal preference, something I'm sure some people haven't even noticed
 
tarmac_chaser said:
I don't know if anyone else feels like this, but I personally don't like the tone of colour Nikon camera's produce. The pictures tend to have a colder tone and colour, which tends to look slightly un-natural to me. It seems to be a Nikon trait, whereas Canon images seem slighter warmer. Just a personal preference, something I'm sure some people haven't even noticed
Click to expand...

Easily fixed in PP, surely?
 
tarmac_chaser said:
I don't know if anyone else feels like this, but I personally don't like the tone of colour Nikon camera's produce. The pictures tend to have a colder tone and colour, which tends to look slightly un-natural to me. It seems to be a Nikon trait, whereas Canon images seem slighter warmer. Just a personal preference, something I'm sure some people haven't even noticed
Click to expand...

My neighbour mirrors my expression when I read that..:lol:
Straight out the camera, sunny w/b.
If you see a colder tone, then I guess your right.
Yep, I did get a right bollocking, my ears are still ringing....:lol:
Exif time is an hour slow.

2zxw9au.jpg
 
If I were to choose, I'll get the 40D because its a newer model than the D80 and I'm familiar with the menus and the lenses, and It feels comfy in my hands (personal thing really).

So as mentioned in previous replies, go to a shop and feel them both. Don't rush, Take your time to weigh the pros and cons and probably do some googling to learn more about each system, then enjoy your purchase.

Good luck!!!
 
Whatever you decide definately look at the range provided by the brand. I chose nikon because it felt better. The D80 and 40D aren't really competitors, 40D vs D200 or 400D vs 80D is alot closer. The D200 is a better camera all round but even S/H it is right at the top of your range (£450 - £500 seems to be the going rate at the moment).

If you decide to go for the D80 and would consider S/H let me know as I am about to advertise mine it's just over a year old and hasn't had much use (especially since I got the D200 earlier this year. I'm looking at selling at about £350 body only so you would have quite a bit more to invest in your lens. PM me if you are interested.
 
The 40d is a semi pro body, the D80 is an entry level SLR, the 40D shoots about 6 FPS the D80 only does 3fps, theres no contest the Canons a far better buy if the price is similar, the D200 is a closer contender the D80 isn't in the same class. Wayne
 
Look's like i'm swaying towards the 40D, had a look at it yesterday in Jessops, it is a lot heavier than I had ever imagined:bat: Had a look also at the Nikon D80 I did not like the feel of it, I also had a look at the NIkon D300 with the Nikon AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G Dx VR Lens, which I really liked!! though it's a bit over budget, would this be a better investment than going down the Canon route? they are doing the lens for £450, special offer:'(

What lens would you consider to be a good all rounder with the Canon?


Thank's for all the help:thumbs:.
Mark.
 
Hi, Marky...it all boils down to personal preferences. I have the D80; it's a good camera that takes better pictures than I can.:lol: I'm sure the Canon is it's equal or better, since it's a newer model.
 
If it helps I got the 40D straight from a p&s and although it seemed really heavy at first it did not take long for it to feel normal, it only feels heavy now after carrying it with a 70-200 2.8 for a few hours!!

If it can produce shots that people (non photographers) reallly like with me using it you can be pretty sure its a good camera!!
 
Buy a D200. It is better than the D80, and a lot of D200 users are upgrading to the D300 which means that they are selling, and selling cheap. Many on this forum went for about £450, some for £500.
This camera had an excellent review in a buying guide to DSLR's, the highest rating in the whole magazine.
 
Magnum said:
Buy a D200. It is better than the D80, and a lot of D200 users are upgrading to the D300 which means that they are selling, and selling cheap. Many on this forum went for about £450, some for £500.
This camera had an excellent review in a buying guide to DSLR's, the highest rating in the whole magazine.
Click to expand...

Hi Magnum, from what I read the 40D , is getting better reviews than than the D200 in some respects, for near enough the same price new:suspect: what is you opinion on the 2 cameras side by side?
 
Marky67 said:
Hi Magnum, from what I read the 40D , is getting better reviews than than the D200 in some respects, for near enough the same price new:suspect: what is you opinion on the 2 cameras side by side?
Click to expand...

Well i wouldn't really be able to answer this question BUT this is a very good way to compare them:

I have just found this review site, excellent in depth reviews, everything you would need to make up your mind other than actually feeling the camera.

40D - http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_40D/index.shtml

D200 - http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/NikonD200/

Both cameras get a similar score. See what you think based on those reviews, very detailed.
 
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