[blenIgnigeSef]

i'm not sure which way to go. i like the bulkier body of the nikon, but i've never really used a canon before. are there any aspects where one camera has a clear advantage, or is it really just a matter of preference here?

[maniaringsq]

This is a tough comparison to make. I suggest reading this review (simply click the "in-depth review" for each camera to see a good side by side comparison with photographic tests) and analyzing the two based upon the particular selling points that matter most to you. One thing to also consider is the lens systems for each brand, which may again come down to you and your subject matter. I made this decisions about eighteen months ago and opted for Canon because I liked their lenses for sports shooting, but you may find differently, so tell us what you'll be shooting.

[petrarkaponye]

May I make your life more difficult and suggest you to consider the Pentax K10d as well?

[CxofxJFm]

I'd take the D80 hands down, I have a D50 and I have played around with the D80 a bit. I fell in love with the viewfinder.

[VFOVkZBj]

I'd take the D80 hands down, I have a D50 and I have played around with the D80 a bit. I fell in love with the viewfinder.

me to, Nikon man here :-)

What I would do is after reading all the reviews, lens surveys, tests and comparisons, I would just go to the shop and take some pictures with both camera's. See if you like the feel, the grip, the layout, the viewfinder and also the stock lens. No matter how good a camera is, if you don't like the feel of it, you will not enjoy using it and in the end you will just leave it be. A shame for such a big investment.

If you get the D80 I would suggest and look into the 18-135mm lens that has been released with the camera. It gives you excellent range and speed for a good price.

When you start looking into Nikkor lenses, I suggest this site: http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_surv.html you will find all but the newest Nikkor lenses. It is a great site with good reviews.

[SergeyLisin]

Don't forget you should pick a body based on the lens system, not just the body itself. Check out what lens are available for each model, and then decide which one has the lens that are most likely to suit your shooting style.

[soitlyobserty]

No matter how good a camera is, if you don't like the feel of it, you will not enjoy using it and in the end you will just leave it be. A shame for such a big investment.

If you get the D80 I would suggest and look into the 18-135mm lens that has been released with the camera. It gives you excellent range and speed for a good price.

that's the thing about the canon ... the body is just too small in my hands. i saw that 18-135 package on b&h. from what i've read people are pretty happy with it. my folks have the 18-200 VR lens ... it's freakin nice.

that's another reason i've been leaning toward nikon ... the family uses them. so if i'm nice i may get to borrow some lenses if i go on trips or what not.

[fygESytT]

I love my D80. I upgraded from a D70 because I never really felt right with that camera, but my D80 rocks. The 18-135 is a very good lens also if your going to go with a kit option.

[Unwiseevove]

I have an XTi, and I have unusually large palms, and when I got it I did understand what people were talking about when saying it's too small for large hands. I said wtf and bought it anyway, because anything can be got used to. now it really doesn't bother me, I'm used to it as If i would be used to any other SLR. I kind of disagree with Lysippos about this matter, imho no1 would leave such a great product sitting on a shelf because such a reason, well, at least not me, I never thought, even for a second, of getting rid of my XTi because of it. it's really easy to get used to it, if you do have large palms.

[theonsushv]

that's the thing about the canon ... the body is just too small in my hands. i saw that 18-135 package on b&h. from what i've read people are pretty happy with it. my folks have the 18-200 VR lens ... it's freakin nice.

that's another reason i've been leaning toward nikon ... the family uses them. so if i'm nice i may get to borrow some lenses if i go on trips or what not.

That is also the reason I went to Nikon and now some of my dad's lenses permanently reside in my camera bag . It is nice though cause when my dad or I consider buying a new lens or body we come together and decide what would be the best for both, saving money by not buying double lenses etc.

I have an XTi, and I have unusually large palms, and when I got it I did understand what people were talking about when saying it's too small for large hands. I said wtf and bought it anyway, because anything can be got used to. now it really doesn't bother me, I'm used to it as If i would be used to any other SLR. I kind of disagree with Lysippos about this matter, imho no1 would leave such a great product sitting on a shelf because such a reason, well, at least not me, I never thought, even for a second, of getting rid of my XTi because of it. it's really easy to get used to it, if you do have large palms. I did put it a bit black and white, I tried the Digital Rebel XT in the shop once and really didn't like it. Later on a holiday I used the one from a friend for a while and decided that you will get used to it. Still I won't buy it, but I agree that you can get used to almost anything. Besides that I still use my Nikon F75 (N75 in USA) and it is freaking small...

Chris, I agree that you buy into the lens system and not just a body but that also stronly depends on what you will be using it for. You are quite a professional photographer and the lenses are for you more important then the body, but when you are just a hobby/amature photographer (like me) and you want to take some nice pictures on a walk, holiday, trip, birthday or any other occasion you can do with basic lenses from all manufactures and I think that your connection with the body is more important then with possible future upgrades. nevertheless it is good to orientate on the beforehand.

[Nptxsews]

If you believe you will have access to some free Nikon lenses, then it's a no brainer as the D80 is better than the 400D (XTi) to begin with. However, if the free lens deal isn't a sure thing, have a look at the Pentax K10D. It is frequently regarded as the best in this class and has an excellent lens system. New bodies are coming this year as well so the system is only getting bigger and more stable.