Camera People...

Looking to get back into photography and get me a decent digital slr.

Torn between Nikon D40x and Canon EOS 400D.

Like to take pics of buildings/landscapes.

Is it down to the feel of the actual camera or does one outweigh the other in terms of performance? My collegue has the D40x and rates it highly. Had a hold and it feels ok, if a bit on the small side.

Any help appreciated.

The newer DSLR's are getting smaller, for sure, which I don't think is a good thing. I use Canon equipment, others (like Photoben) use Nikon. It's a bit like the 'Mac vs PC' argument, but for me Canon wins. You won't be disappointed with either

I think the D60 just came out, which might be worth looking at.

If you can stretch to it, a 40d is a much better choice than the 400d...

Good luck and enjoy it!

Nikon!

Reviews of popular SLRs, including your two options.

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/labs/154/digital-cameras-dslrs/products.html

I have the Canon EOS 400D which is awesome, really nice lens.

try both and see which ones you like the look/feel of unless you are selling the images or having them reproduced at a large size any subtle differences in image quality will be mostly irrelevant.
if you are going to shoot buildings/landscapes for money then possibly nikon as the new 24mm tilt shift lens is better than the tse 24 canon.

canon... 400d, or if you can find a one, a 10d (older model, but really great camera, has much better feel in the hand than any of the newer models and is very intuitive to use). i just prefer canon cause the layout of the the buttons in manual mode is much more intuitive (for me) on them than they tend to be on nikons. both are very good though.

The argument is summat like "Nikon has better outsides, Canon has better insides."

i.e Nikon - lenses, build quality and easier to use, cause they've been making cameras forever. Canon - better technology and sensors, cause they've been making digital stuff since you could make digital stuff.

BUT, I'm finding the differences are so little now. Just like Sony Ericsson and Nokia phones, they both ring and text, just in slightly different ways.

Have a play with both, pic whichever one feels best for you. They both good.

*cough*nikoncough

Re' SLR's - Canon for me but Nikon for many others. I always used to use Canon SLR's (BITD) - just preferred the ergonomics, features and glass. Focus speed was superior in those days but I'm way out of touch with digi stuff - have a basic Nikon compact for business but for pleasure/travel heaven is still an old Leica rangefinder, a 35mm Summicron and a pocket of B+W...

:)

You won't go wrong with either but technically they are both far more than adequate - feel is by far the most important thing really.

this is a really good comparison site, very comprehensive:
here

i have this..

But it died.. used to the menu system etc.

I also hear horror storys of canon's aftersales support.

Might stretch to the D60. hmmmmmmm.

"just preferred the ergonomics, features and glass."

why do people call lenses "glass" ?
been in the photography business 15 years and never heard a photographer call lenses "glass". i guess it's a geek forum thing like the word "fixie" which is equally obnoxious :-)

MrSmith "just preferred the ergonomics, features and glass."

why do people call lenses "glass" ?

Maybe it's the material? Just a thought.

Meow!

I hear that the D60 isn't a huge improvement over the D40x, so it's worth taking a good look at it before treating yourself.

MrSmith - are you one of those people who could cause an argument in an empty house?

Think it's more an 'old photographer thing' - long before geeks or forums on the internet...

FFS.

I like 'fixi' - even more annoying...

yeah. doubt id notice it to be honest.

now to read every review i can find on the interwebs.

:D

What about 'fixE' ?

Yep, love it!

Especially sandwiched between the name of a major city and a form of two wheeled transport - and all guaranteed to wind up snappers of plug holes, pencils and cotton reels.

Marvellous!

Max MrSmith - are you one of those people who could cause an argument in an empty house?

Think it's more an 'old photographer thing' - long before geeks or forums on the internet...

FFS.

I like 'fixi' - even more annoying...

if the house has an internet connection then yes.

i know lots of 'old' photographers who definately never used the term.

as for a wind up it's more a curiosity so no guarantee of being thrown into an apoplectic rage .
also you disagreed with my question/statement it seems you are too easy to wind up "FFS"

wYs yeah. doubt id notice it to be honest.

now to read every review i can find on the interwebs.

:D

reviews can't tell you which one you prefer
go to a shop

also just to throw a spanner, 450d coming out soon

you really need to handle the cameras, there may be a button or control that's totally in the wrong place for you or you find really really annoying

Also - look out for second hand DSLRs and lenses. Cheaper. Search the forum, this has come up before. Good luck and happy snapping!

I know a proper professional photographer.

does weddings and EVERYTHING.

I bet you lot don't even have those waistcoats with all the little pockets on..

lights fuse and runs..

Until you prove to me he wears a bow tie I'm not rising to that bait...