DSLR: Nikon D50 versus Canon D-Rebel XT

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rchiu

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2002
3,846
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Like the couple of posts above, I too played with D50 and XT and finally decided on D50 because of the feel and ergonomics.

D50 just feels more solid and easier to navigate compred to XT. As far as feature between D50 and XT, there is nothing really push me one way or another, Canon is faster in sequencial shots, and D50 has a much better flash. (XT is probably better at action shots, where D50 maybe a little better at portraits because of the flash) But I do have to admit, I think Canon has more lens choices with better features, like stabalization and ultrasonic motor...etc. But not having that many lens choices maybe a good thing too, at least for my wallet. :)

For a beginner like me who want to learn more about photography, either camera is more than enough for me to build my skills upon. I think it comes down to personal preference on the feel of the camera, since you will be using it day in and day out. Just remember that you are not just buying a camera now, you are buying into a system since once you start buying Nikon/Canon lens and accessory, there is no going back. Those are the big $$ item, not the camera body. Like I said, Canon is probably on top in terms of lens right now, but I feel that Nikon and their third party offers more than enough support that I have no problem buying into Nikon.

My current setup, D50 with Tamron 17-50/f2.8 (the one in the elsa award for consumer lens :) ) , plus Nikkor 50/f2.8. Very happy with it.
 

jpeyton

Moderator in SFF, Notebooks, Pre-Built/Barebones
Moderator
Aug 23, 2003
25,375
142
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Originally posted by: tami
read my blog and make your own decisions based on credible reviews...

www.photocritique.us

That's a great plug for your website, but considering your blog is only 3 months old, the number of reviews listed on the Rebel XT or D50 are nil.
 

kalster

Diamond Member
Jul 23, 2002
7,355
6
81
Originally posted by: randomlinh
I'd be tempted to look at the k100 too if it's viewfinder is even better. I'd just be weary on glass. Nikon and canon are easy to find a good selection of used glass on places like fredmiranda.

With that said, I'd have to lean towards the D50. I have a 300D, and I love canon... but the viewfinder is starting to really irk me. more so than before. A 30D would solve that, but it's well beyond the price range you're looking for :)

the pentax viewfinder is pretty good, i have a *ist DL and replaced the focus screen with a split image focus screen and its amazingly useful with manual focus lens
 

kami333

Diamond Member
Dec 12, 2001
5,110
2
76
Originally posted by: kalster
Originally posted by: randomlinh
I'd be tempted to look at the k100 too if it's viewfinder is even better. I'd just be weary on glass. Nikon and canon are easy to find a good selection of used glass on places like fredmiranda.

With that said, I'd have to lean towards the D50. I have a 300D, and I love canon... but the viewfinder is starting to really irk me. more so than before. A 30D would solve that, but it's well beyond the price range you're looking for :)

the pentax viewfinder is pretty good, i have a *ist DL and replaced the focus screen with a split image focus screen and its amazingly useful with manual focus lens

Is that the Katz Eye one? Have you tried it with autofocus? I heard some people thinking their autofocusing became slower/inaccurate, any issues? I have the LL-60 screen with mine and I like it but am thinking about moving to the split prism, my primary lens these days is a SMC-M 50/2 that I picked up with a ME Super for $15.
 

CptObvious

Platinum Member
Mar 5, 2004
2,501
7
81
I got a D50, mainly for the price. I bought it about 6 months ago for $560 new on eBay, with the 18-55mm kit lens and a Nikon bag. Haven't compared it too much to the XT but I like the D50.
 

kalster

Diamond Member
Jul 23, 2002
7,355
6
81
Originally posted by: kami333
Originally posted by: kalster
Originally posted by: randomlinh
I'd be tempted to look at the k100 too if it's viewfinder is even better. I'd just be weary on glass. Nikon and canon are easy to find a good selection of used glass on places like fredmiranda.

With that said, I'd have to lean towards the D50. I have a 300D, and I love canon... but the viewfinder is starting to really irk me. more so than before. A 30D would solve that, but it's well beyond the price range you're looking for :)

the pentax viewfinder is pretty good, i have a *ist DL and replaced the focus screen with a split image focus screen and its amazingly useful with manual focus lens

Is that the Katz Eye one? Have you tried it with autofocus? I heard some people thinking their autofocusing became slower/inaccurate, any issues? I have the LL-60 screen with mine and I like it but am thinking about moving to the split prism, my primary lens these days is a SMC-M 50/2 that I picked up with a ME Super for $15.

It works fine with autofocus (i have only tried with the 50-200 and 18-55) I have heard that spot metering goes a bit out of funk with it, I havent tried spot metering a whole lot since installing it, with my manual focus lenses (50 1/4, 28/2.8 135/3.5 its really really useful though)