It seems are always a few debate on which is better camera to purchase. Here are some interesting comments on the likes and dislike of an average person who has used both cameras for 10 days.
Nikon D80
I liked almost everything about the Nikon D80
I especially liked the large OVF because it is easy to see your subject
My problem was seeing the small, washed out green marker of the EV adjustment setting IN BRIGHT SUNLIGHT. Indoors, all info is easy to see. I take most of my pictures at Classic Car Shows from 10AM to 4 PM (usually in bright sunlight) so many of you won’t shoot under those conditions. (ergo: Your mileage may vary.)
There are 14 icons on the upper LCD and some of the icons are very small - making it difficult for some people to easily see the smaller ones, but that is not as big a problem as being unable to read the EV marker. Most Nikon users like the current setup. However, Thom Hogan suggested that Nikon could add a feature that would allow anyone to see all data on the rear LCD (like the Canon XTi) at the push of a button. In this scenario, both LCDs would remain as they are now. But people like me could enjoy the large easy to read characters on the rear LCD screen, if we so desired, by just pushing a button.
If you use the Nikon D80 on a high tripod (70-75″) you will have to tilt the camera down to check certain settings while you don’t have to do this with the Canon XTi. (Not a problem for tall people.)
The 18-135mm kits lens is a high quality product similar to the Nikon D80. It is heavier and obviously zooms out much longer than the Canon XTi’s short 18-55 kit lens. The extra weight and longer reach of the 18-135mm lens is a matter of choice and usually depends on what you plan to photograph.
Nikon D80 uses SD card, not a big deal for some people because almost every retailer & e-tailor has them on sale
The Nikon D80 also offers a nice crystal clear, protective cover for the LCD. It would be nice to see this accessory available on all future cameras - regardless of make or model.
The Nikon D80 offers some extra features like spot metering, 11 point auto-focus, grid on demand, and remote control of one or more flashes, etc.
Canon Rebel XTi (400D)
I especially like the large, bright, easy to read information located in one place on the rear screen right next to the buttons you will use to make any changes
I like the ease of being able to change all important settings with 1 or 2 presses of a button, and the ability to dim the brightness - or turn off the LCD screen - if you choose
I am satisfied with the 18-55 kit lens for the moment, as it produces very nice pictures for my purposes. But, I will probably buy a 50mm prime lens and an EF-S17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM in the next 3 months - for family weddings & gets togethers.
I can live with the size and weight of either camera, especially with a short, lightweight walk-around lens (YMMV)
Both Nikon and Canon offer a huge range of high quality lenses, both stabilized and non-stabilized, so, no major difference there
I haven’t seen any dust in any of my pictures with both camera and so I haven’t bothered to look for a problem
RAW conversion software is included with the Canon XTi, but is approx $150 extra for the Nikon D80
XTi uses CF card and I already have a number of them
It would be nice if Canon switched to the same large Optical View Finder (OVF) as the Nikon D80, but kept the characters of the OVF display settings the same size - NOT any smaller
If you use the Canon XTi on a very high tripod (70-75″) you can easily make changes to ISO, WB, etc. without having to tilt the camera down or move your eye to the OVF
There isn’t a big price difference between the two (for most people) and it wasn’t an issue for me, either. I believe that the Canon XTi is the best choice for a person’s first digital SLR, and those moving from a Point and Shoot film cameras to the D-SLR world of larger cameras with changeable lens . I must admit the Canon XTi is easier to learn and navigate. All information is on one screen right next to the buttons needed for any changes. The Nikon D80 is a better choice for someone who needs remote control of one or more flashes; a defined need for a spot meter; one who prefers a grid, etc. The Canon XTi has its limitations, but the Nikon D80 is extremely flexible and offers more professional options for expansion.
I tried to present an unbiased opinion - so you have enough information to make the best choice for your needs. Finally, don’t buy either camera until you have held each in your hand and spent as much time as possible setting and changing ISO, White Balance, Auto Focus, etc. If possible, bring a memory card with you and take a few pictures in the store. Use the LCD screen to zoom in and see how you did. (Try to compare both cameras with their 18-55 lenses, if possible.) Take the memory card home and view the pictures on your computer monitor to see how you did. Then, try to decide.
Good luck with your decision.
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