For less than ?00 (AU$1700), first time DSLR buyers can get a package that is better than something that used to cost 3 times more 2 years ago. DSLRs are becoming increasingly affordable and more features for professionals have now been introduced into the entry level models. The recently released Canon 400D and Nikon D80 are popular cameras, but when it comes to buying your first DSLR, the expanding and enticing choice can make it difficult to decide one over another.
Both the Canon 400D and Nikon D80 soar at an impressive resolution of 10 mega pixels. Some may not find this particularly noteworthy as many compact digital cameras are now capable of reaching 8 or even over 10 mega pixels. However the mega pixel count is not the definitive measurement of a camera's overall quality. Just for the sensor alone, you have to look into the size of the pixel and its sensitivity as well as noise levels. Even entry level DSLRs boast immensely better CCDs than those found in the average point and shoots.
So which is the better choice for a first time DSLR buyer? Considering that both cameras achieve similar resolution and both come with a large 2.5?LCD display that is amazingly clear and bright, how does one determine which is more worthy of purchase? There is no straight answer to that question as the decision should be based on your personal preference and requirements. Realising that this can be a tough call, we have provided some highlights on the key differences between the two models to help you better compare them.
| ?lt;/td> | Canon EOS 400D Kit | Nikon D80 Kit |
| Build Quality | Very compact design for a DSLR, the Canon 400D is light and easy to grip. The body is ergonomically designed for maximum comfort. However it feels a bit plastic and hollow. |
The body looks and feels 'Nikon', in a sense that it is rugged and solid. For an entry level DSLR, the D80 definitely has the best body build quality. |
| Memory Cards: | Canon takes the standard CF memory cards, which is a standard for all professional DSLR cameras. CF cards are reliable, fast and have maximum capacity of 8GB. |
D80 only takes SD (secure digital) cards, although it is promised to work with the future SDHC (SD high capacity) cards when they become available. |
| Sensor Cleaning: | Canon wins by miles in this area, as every 400D camera comes with anti-static coating as well as a low pass filter that can vibrate at ultrasonic speed. The camera shakes off dust from the sensor every time it is switched off, and there is also a sticky trap to immobilise the dust shaken off by the filter. |
Nikon's D80 offers only a dust spot reference function, which is also available on the Canon. |
| Metering: | The metering system offered by Canon is the standard 3 (Evaluative, Partial and Centre-weighted average). They have reserved the spot metering (a very useful metering mode for advanced photographers) for its higher end models only. |
Nikon offers spot metering on the D80, which is very useful for taking portraits. The 3D Colour Matrix Metering II developed by Nikon is also a plus for the D80. |
| Status LCD: | Canon has decided to get rid of the Status LCD on the top of the camera, using the main LCD instead to display the basic modes and metering data. However, long-time Canon users may find this change difficult to accept as it can be a habit to glance at the basic settings on the top LCD screen. |
The D80 does come with the status LCD on the top, which is also illuminated with a cool backlight. |
| ISO Noise: | Canon is definitely a winner in this area: the 400D's COMS sensor is so maturely developed that you could virtually see no noise up to very high ISO. |
The D80 does produce arguably more noise than the 400D. However it comes with a noise reduction function to compensate for this. |
| Lens: | The Canon EF-S lens that comes with the package, is a good daily lens with a reasonable focal length range and basic micro photography functions. The build quality however is a lot more inferior compared with other Canon lenses. |
Nikon's 18-135mm lens which comes with the kit, offers excellent focal length range. It also looks and feels more 'expensive'. |
| Cost: | With a lower price of more than ?00, the 400D is definitely the best value for money. |
It is a lot more expensive than the 400D but if you value the build quality that goes into the Nikon than it may be well worth it. |
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