D80 v. Canon XTi/XT/30D

Are there quality differences between these (other than the Canon oddly lacking spot metering)?

Thanks.

The D80 is night and day better than the XTi/XT, and will feel about the same as the 30D but the 30D is magnesium. The XT/XTi also lacks a top mount LCD and has a very small grip that you may not like. The 30 D is more like the D80. Also, you might find that when your hand is on the camera comfortably, with the canon, you have to reach forward to hit the shutter button where as on the D80 your finger is already nicely on it. Also, the 30 D is due for replacement any time now.

Those were my findings, hope it helps!

Mark

D80 vs XTi/XT not a question. XTi is a toy. 30D is a very good camera tough. Question: which lens how much money? D80 with 18-135 is excellent. Same price same quality lens with D30?? (I'm a D80 owner Iused to be a 20D owner before)
regards
PA

jonandabby said:

Are there quality differences between these (other than the Canon
oddly lacking spot metering)?

Thanks.

Click to expand...

--

................................................................................................
Nikon D80 18-200 VR II
http://w3.externet.hu/~aczelpeter

LOL... really, a toy? Why not take a look at some amazing pictures that have been shot with this toy? Is it the feel of the body? Sorry, I've put my old XT through quite a bit and it never failed me. Been dropped, hit and it was still popping out great pics when I sold it. Sorry, but that is one of the lamest arguments I hear. Viewfinder not as good... ok, but that it feels like a toy...get real.

Peter Aczel said:

jonandabby said:

Are there quality differences between these (other than the Canon
oddly lacking spot metering)?

Thanks.

Click to expand...

--

................................................................................................
Nikon D80 18-200 VR II
http://w3.externet.hu/~aczelpeter

Click to expand...

--
Jack
Krav Maga, Atlanta GA.

Of course nothing is a toy except the tin soldier of my grandson. I know with XTi you can shoot marvellous pictures. But as a tool...hm...

KravGuy said:

Peter Aczel said:

jonandabby said:

Are there quality differences between these (other than the Canon
oddly lacking spot metering)?

Thanks.

Click to expand...

--

................................................................................................
Nikon D80 18-200 VR II
http://w3.externet.hu/~aczelpeter

Click to expand...

--
Jack
Krav Maga, Atlanta GA.

Click to expand...

--

................................................................................................
Nikon D80 18-200 VR II
http://w3.externet.hu/~aczelpeter

Peter Aczel said:

Of course nothing is a toy except the tin soldier of my grandson. I
know with XTi you can shoot marvellous pictures. But as a
tool...hm...

Click to expand...

Well ok, I wouldn't recommend it if I was in need of a hammer.. (I'd use a D40 for that.. jk).

--
Jack
Krav Maga, Atlanta GA.

the build quality of the XTi is definitely inferior.. plus if you have big hands (like me), your pinky won't fit on the grip..

Agree that the plastic used on the 400d/350d/300d feels cheap and toy like but the image quality is extremely good out of it.

Going back to Op it really depend on how much you can initially outlay on body and a couple of lenses, then you have to ask what other accessories you need and which lenses you want to add in the future.

You can't go wrong with either D80 or 30d; but I must say that Nikon has come up trumps in their consumer and semi pro range of lenses, e.g., 18-70 AFS, 18-135 AFs, 18-200 AFs, 70-300 Afs, etc. It just they need to update the semi/pro range of lenses.

--

I think that you need to handle all your choices before making a decision. No one else can choose which camera feels best to you, and handling is important, all other factors being equal.

The biggest knock I have read regarding the new Rebel is its handling. It is even smaller than a D40, about the size of a "large" P&S. Both the Rebel xti and the D40 are too small for using large lenses IMO. But they would make nice travel cameras if size is important to the user.

I was surprised how much I liked the handling of the 30D; it may be the first Canon I ever really liked in that respect. Not that I actually made any pics with it; I'm talking strictly how it "felt" in my hands. But a number of factors (including owning a bunch of Nikkors...) pushed me toward the D80. I think that Ken Rockwell's article about the operational differences between Nikon and Canon DSLRs is well worth reading if you are on the fence regarding choosing a "system."

I don't know why so many folks make a point about the D80 being "plastic" vs. the "metal" D200. The D80 lacks the smooth plastic exterior of cameras like my N90s. Most of the D80 exterior has a slight textured feel to it, along with sticky rubber in one or two spots. I rather like the feel of the D80 exterior. My recollection is that the 30D has a smooth plastic exterior, but don't quote me on that... I may be remembering all those autofocus Canons from the 90s...