What is the difference of these professional digital cameras?
gerbs_luvs_yumi asked:
Canon Rebel Xti
Nikon D40X
Nikon D50
Nikon D70
I am thinking about buying one of them at ebay, and I would like to get some advice because these can be almost the same price.
I will be taking some digital photography class at college next semester, and I am a beginner for professional digital cameras.
I would like to learn more about cameras in the future, so I am thinking to get one which I can use for long time.
Is there any suggestion???
Thanks.
None of those are professional level cameras, they are amateur and advanced amatuer units only.
See for a good start in learning about digital cameras.
Even though those cameras are far superior to point-and-shoots, they are not at a professional level.
The D70 was replaced by the D50 and the D50 has been replaced by the D40 and D40X.
Don’t buy an old SLR - it’s not worth it. The newer ones are always better and cheaper.
The D40 will do everything you need. You don’t need the X.
Have fun!
Don’t buy them from eBay. You’ll save just a bit and it’s hardly worth the trouble if you have to return it. Get it from BH photo video in New York–I have never had any problem with them.
(And no, I don’t work for them, nor do I own the place. I wish!)
The others are right about those models not being professional level–they are all fine cameras and like one of our learned colleagues said, it’s not the hammer that will itself build the house.
Like others have stated, these are a far cry from professional level DSLR cameras. The closest would be the older, but still my favorite, Nikon D70/D70s. It is a solid prosumer camrea with great features and layout; they dont make the cheaper cameras like this anymore.
The D50 would be next, pulling with it’s 6 mega pixel sensor, and 130,000 pixel LCD. It’s a great camera, with just the right size, and solid build. The images are great as well.
Now, you’re probably wondering why I chose the Nikon D40x last, right? Well, personally, I think it is a bad deal. It’s the same exact camera as the cheaper Nikon D40, but with 10 mega pixels and a slightly faster frames per second. They dont tell you that they dramatically lower the flash sync speed. Personally, if you’re going to get this camera, save yourself some money, and get the cheaper D40. Same camera, same build, same everything, except these small differnces. And also, they call the D40x a prosumer camera. Sure…
Anyway, out of the choices you posted, I would suggest a D70, and even better, the D70s. It is a lot newer than the D70, and around the same price. The D50 is good as well, but for more professional build, get the D70s.
Another suggestion would be the D100; older body to the D200, or the newer Nikon D80.
The D40/D40x, I do not really care for, as you already have read, based on one feature: they cannot autofocus with older ***** driven lenses. If you want AF Nikkor lenses, and not wanting to spend an average of $500+, you should look at the D70s, D50, or other Nikons. Otherwise, you’re two basic choices are the kit 18-55mm or 55-200mm, both basic lenses. You wont be able to get AF on the excellent 50mm f1.8 lens, and many other greats; 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm f1.4, 85mm f1.4, and even more yet. These are all relatively cheap lenses, most not going over $300, and will suit your needs for as long as you can opperate a camera. But, if you are not going to get that into photography, get the D40.
With whatever you chose, you cannot go wrong with a Nikon. Great quality, great lens selection, great images, great images.
Hope this helped.
Well, the rebel and the D40x both have 10.1(ish) megapixels for one thing, almost double the other two at 6 and 5(ish). And both are newer models than the D50 and D70. The D70 has a very high flash sync speed, up to 1/1250th of a second. So if you are going to be shooting with an external flash, on or off shoe that would be the better of the 4 for that. The D40x does not have an internal autofocus drive for non AF-S and AI-S lenses, meaning if you buy an older AF or AI lens you will have to focus them manually, all other functions are supported even down to really old AI’ed lenses. And both the rebel and D40x have larger preview LCD screens. I would say those are the major differences.
I own a D80, and that would be my choice again, if I had it to do over.
How about none of the above?
I know that Canon and Nikon are what everyone recommends and they are both excellent cameras. But why limit yourself?
I suggest taking a good look at the Pentax DSLR line - K100D, K100D Super and the K10D. All 3 have Image Stabilization (IS) in the camera body and all 3 can use every Pentax K-mount lens ever made. Yes, the older lenses will be manual focus but they will benefit from the in-body IS. This feature gives you access to a lot of quality glass.
The K100D K100D Super are both 6.1mp. The Super adds dust removal to keep the sensor clean. The K10D is 10mp and has dust removal and is compatible with the Pentax DA lenses.
Both the K100D models should be decreasing in price with the introduction of the K10D.
Just something to think about…
Any of those cameras would be great to start out with.
While not considered to be professional grade DSLRs, I know(and am one myself) professionals that have and do use those cameras.
The D70 is the oldest of the 4 models. It has since been upgraded to the D70s, then the D50 replaced it. The D50 has the same MP sensor (6.1MP) as the D70/D70s but better low light/high ISO performance. The D50 does not have a DOF preview, a front wheel and some of the buttons on the D70/D70s camera body are menu functions now.
The D40/D40x replaced the D50.
The D40 is the same sensor as the D50 wth the same low light/high ISO performance. It does not, however, have a focus motor in the camera body, so only the AF-S Nikkor or HSM Sigma lenses will autofocus. The D40x is exactly the same as the D40, except it has a 10MP sensor. The D40 series is heavily menu driven and ha even less external buttons than the D50.
The Canon Rebel XTi(400D) is the newest of the Digital Rebel line.
As others had suggested, Ebay would be the last place I would look for a camera. You never know what you are going to get.
I’d recommend looking here:
For any other places, look at
Make sure they are listed there and have a rating of 8 or above.