DSLR for my father

[Cabages]

My father wants a DSLR. He specifically mentioned Nikon, though I myself have always preferred Canon for some reason.

What I am looking for is some quick, outright opinions on DSLR's in this price range, mainly between the Nikon D40, and the Canon Rebel XS.

Obviously the XS offers a higher megapixel, but on discussion boards I seem to always see that megapixel's arent everything.

So:

Nikon D40- $410, 6.1 MP

Canon XS- $457, 10.1 MP

Nikon D60- $484, 10.2 MP

He said he wanted something higher megapixel, he has a 4 megapixel one right now. I am leaning toward the Canon XS. Seem like a solid buy?

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

All of 'em are fine, but if he prefers Nikon then get him Nikon. From what I've read, Nikon has a better kit lens than Canon, and also better build quality.

 

[996GT2]

D40 and the 18-55mm non-VR lens are really all he needs, but if you can find a D60 with the 18-55mm VR kit kens for $484, then by all means go for it. The D60 is basically a D40 with the D80's sensor and a better kit lens with VR (image stabilization).

The XS is a solid choice as well, but if he likes Nikon then get him what he wants. Image quality wise, there will be little difference among the 3.

 

[ivan2]

if u going for D60 watch out for dead pixels. We would have to see what SLR/DSLR lens your father has to know if the D40 and D60 can drive them (that's assuming that the 4MP camera is an SLR...)

XS is a crappy buy.

 

[alfa147x]

Canon XS

 

[alfa147x]

and we need a pollllll

 

[Deleted member 4644]

Honestly, looking at the XSi is an option too. Otherwise, D60.

 

[soydios]

D60 would be fine. used D80 would be better.

 

[Deadtrees]

Used D80 or new D40.

 

[Heidfirst]

don't rule out Olympus/Panasonic, Pentax/Samsung or Sony either as there are no bad current production DSLRs.
Ideally he should visit a shop & handle them all to find the 1 that suits him best.

Also, for general consumer use any system has enough lens choice but does he have any very specific & unusual lens requirement that may narrow his choice to fewer systems?

 

[alexruiz]

Pentax K2000 kit, as it even includes an external flash.
Olympus E520
Sony Alpha A300

As Heidifist mentioned, the dSLR market doesn't have bad choices. All are very good or excellent.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Originally posted by: alexruiz
Pentax K2000 kit, as it even includes an external flash.

Not worth the $600. The included external flash is relatively weak and also offers no tilt/swivel. For about $40 less (comparing Amazon prices) you could get the K200D w/better-built kit lens.

 

[kyzen]

There have been some great Canon bundles on Amazon lately, including either the 70-300mm lens with the XS or the 55-250mm IS lens with the XSi. If they are still available, the XS bundle would fall within your price range, and be the best option.

Unless of course your dad has reason behind wanting Nikon (besides just having heard about the brand from a friend), in which case stick to what he wants.

I had a D60 briefly in July, and loved it, till I noticed several dead pixels on the sensor, at which point I returned it. I'm a happy XSi owner now