Olympus E-410 or Rebel XT

[aaronw1986]

I am in the market for an entry level dSLR. I am currently deciding between the Olympus E-410 and the Rebel XT. The problem I see with the E-410 is that it only has digital image stabilization. The XT is old, but is it still ok? I don't want to spend over $550 for the camera, lens, and bag (both which are doable). What would you recommend? BTW, it's just for a hobby, nothing professional. However, possibly more professional in the future, so I want to learn.

Note: I am leaning towards the E-410 since it comes with an extra lens for the same price, and fits better in my smaller hands.

[Grimace]

Canon has a wide variety of lenses - far more than Olympus. You may also find more friends with Canon/Nikon bodies, just because the marketshare for those two companies is significantly higher than Olympus.

Check out the Canon 50mm f/1.8 - it's $75 and takes amazingly sharp photos. Tremendous depth of field for great portrait and low-light work.

You can score a Rebel XT for $386 (http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?omid=122&ref=pricegrabber&utm_source=PriceGrabber&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=CNDRXTB&sku=CNDRXTB) - add $75 for the lens and up to $89 for the bag (spend less and get some memory cards) and you're in business for $550.

[SLC Flyfishing]

Get which ever one you want! The lens selection for the Olympus has everything that you will realistically need, with more being added all the time. I really don't buy into the "Canon and Nikon have more lens selection" argument since a large portion of those lenses are nothing special, and many are repeats in different quality grades.

The Oly has access to Leica stabilized lenses as well so that's not as big an issue as some would have you believe. Leica makes some IS lenses and they are 4/3rds mount.

If it were me, and I liked the feel of the Oly better, that's the camera I'd go with since that's a huge indicator of how much you will actually use the camera and enjoy it. Oly makes good cameras, I'm impressed with them!

SLC

[aaronw1986]

I'd like to add that this is just a starter camera to test the waters more. If I really get into it, eventually I would probably pay closer to $1000 for a camera, and of course go with Nikon or Canon. I like the Oly since it fits better in my hands, and I think that would make me use it more.

[SLC Flyfishing]

If I really get into it, eventually I would probably pay closer to $1000 for a camera, and of course go with Nikon or Canon. I like the Oly since it fits better in my hands, and I think that would make me use it more.

Why do you feel that you'd "of course go with Nikon or Canon"? If that's really what you think you'll be better off going with the Canon now since then you can start building a lens library that you won't have to sell off when you "get really into it". But you do know that Olympus has some very very nice camera bodies too right? Worth every penny they ask for them too! There are a lot of other camera brands out there and all of them have models well suited to someone who does photography professionally or as a serious hobby. It's only if you have a very specialized need for a super fast frame rate or AF or things like that, when Nikon and Canon have an edge. But even that edge is disappearing. Olympus has some very fast Autofocus cameras as does Sony, and Sony and Olympus both make cameras with respectable frame rates as well. If you shoot sports or wildlife then Nikon and Canon should be at the top of your list at this time, otherwise there's no real reason to discount the other brands since they all have something to bring to the table! And I'm a firm believer that you'd have a very hard time discerning a well exposed photograph made by any of the DSLR models from another one of the same size. You can't tell a Nikon 10 MP image from a Sony or Pentax or Canon one and vice versa.

SLC

[ChrisA]

I'd like to add that this is just a starter camera to test the waters more. If I really get into it, eventually I would probably pay closer to $1000 for a camera, and of course go with Nikon or Canon. I like the Oly since it fits better in my hands, and I think that would make me use it more.

You are not so much buying a camera as the first few bits of an "SLR Sytem". Think about the system yu want to have in 5 years. Five years from now you will have a few more lenses and be thingking about replacing the body. Buy the brand that will put you were you want to be in five years. Will Olimpus have the body you want when it is time to upgrade?

What about moving to Full Frame (26x24mm) do you want to go there eventually whaen it becomes afordable? Canon and Nikon offer a path the FF. I think the others don't. But do you care?

[aaronw1986]

Is the Rebel XT too outdated to buy? I can't afford the XTi. It just seems like very old tech. Would it perform as well as the Oly? Does it have optical image stabilization? Maybe I would stay with Oly though, if they have models which fit my grip better, maybe I shouldn't have stated of course nikin or cannon.

[SLC Flyfishing]

The XT is discontinued, the XTi will take it's slot in the lineup and the XSi takes the XTi's place. If you can find an XT, they're good cameras, as well as the Olympus and Nikon, Sony, and Pentax models.

SLC

[CrackedButter]

Supposedly in tests the kit lens for the Olympus setup is better but I would try to find a E-420 as its a much better camera to hold than the E-410 and with some noticeable improvements. Just trying to appeal to your sense of pleasure of holding the E-410 because I've heard a lot of complaints about it and then how the E-420 is better.

Olympus's philosophy is to create camera kits that are supposed to be physically smaller and lighter than the Canon and Nikon equivalents as well.

The quality of glass is also very good with Olympus if you plan on sticking with that brand 5 years down the line.

[aaronw1986]

Thanks. I just learned about the 420 yesterday. I was very focused on the 410 because costco seems to have a really good deal on it. It includes 2 lenses, the 410, 2GB card, and a bag for $550. That's the best price, but I guess I might have to spend a bit more. Maybe I will wait, or even not get a dslr, I don't know.

[Grimace]

Thanks. I just learned about the 420 yesterday. I was very focused on the 410 because costco seems to have a really good deal on it. It includes 2 lenses, the 410, 2GB card, and a bag for $550. That's the best price, but I guess I might have to spend a bit more. Maybe I will wait, or even not get a dslr, I don't know.

The best advice is to try out every body, then look at the lenses that you might want to buy in the future, then decide.

It's worth saving up for something that you really like. If you need to spend $700 instead of $550 -- it could be worth the wait.

[aaronw1986]

The best advice is to try out every body, then look at the lenses that you might want to buy in the future, then decide.

It's worth saving up for something that you really like. If you need to spend $700 instead of $550 -- it could be worth the wait.

Very true, it was just a little easier in my mind to think of 550 rather than 700 which makes the jump to "almost" 1k.

[tony-in-japan]

I just traded my Canon cameras (a DSLR Rebel XT and a P&S Powershot SD700 IS) to fund for a new system. The DSLR was too heavy to lug around and the quality of the P&S was getting worse, so I just wanted something in-between -- the quality of DSLR but with more portability like the P&S.

Hence, I am switching brands and am very interested in the Olympus E-420 with Pancake lens which has just been released over here in Japan. It seems like the perfect thing for me. Doesn’t seem too expensive as an entry level DSLR but has the benefit of being very light, with some excellent features (that the Rebel XT didn’t have) such as Live View, Dust Reduction system and bigger LCD screen. Also, I have been doing research on Olympus Zuiko Lenses which I have heard nothing but good things about. And I always hear how important quality lenses are for a DSLR and to spend more in this area. In the future, once I have more money, I am thinking of getting a more expensive Zuiko Zoom Lens for my E-420, something like the recently released 12-60mm which I heard is superb.

The other day, I had a play around with the interface of the E-420 and it seemed very intuitive and easy to use (especially in different shooting modes) compared to the Rebel XT. All options are on view and can be selected very quickly.

I think the clearer your priorities are, the better your choice would be. If you wanted the highest image quality, then go for a Canon or Nikon as they are leaders because of this (but you do pay more for it). But if you wanted value and compactness with some great lenses, then I think Olympus is great in this department.

[CrackedButter]

I just traded my Canon cameras (a DSLR Rebel XT and a P&S Powershot SD700 IS) to fund for a new system. The DSLR was too heavy to lug around and the quality of the P&S was getting worse, so I just wanted something in-between -- the quality of DSLR but with more portability like the P&S.

Hence, I am switching brands and am very interested in the Olympus E-420 with Pancake lens which has just been released over here in Japan. It seems like the perfect thing for me. Doesn’t seem too expensive as an entry level DSLR but has the benefit of being very light, with some excellent features (that the Rebel XT didn’t have) such as Live View, Dust Reduction system and bigger LCD screen. Also, I have been doing research on Olympus Zuiko Lenses which I have heard nothing but good things about. And I always hear how important quality lenses are for a DSLR and to spend more in this area. In the future, once I have more money, I am thinking of getting a more expensive Zuiko Zoom Lens for my E-420, something like the recently released 12-60mm which I heard is superb.

The other day, I had a play around with the interface of the E-420 and it seemed very intuitive and easy to use (especially in different shooting modes) compared to the Rebel XT. All options are on view and can be selected very quickly.

I think the clearer your priorities are, the better your choice would be. If you wanted the highest image quality, then go for a Canon or Nikon as they are leaders because of this (but you do pay more for it). But if you wanted value and compactness with some great lenses, then I think Olympus is great in this department.

I had a play with the E-420 and the E3 yesterday, some people on Dpreview were complaining about the view finder on the E-420 so I went to my local camera shop and checked them out. There isn't anything wrong with the e-420 when it comes to using the viewfinder, its just like the G9's. The E3 when its in your hand is a beautiful camera to hold, it has a better feel than even the 5D.

I'm getting one of those cameras very soon. Another bonus is the local camera shop (Olympus franchised) for some reason is selling the E-420 with kit lens for £350. The E3 is also only £899 for the body, these prices are lower than they are online.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

I have the "old" E-400 (http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/index.html#e400) and even with it's shortcomings that was "fixed" with the E-410 (http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/index.html#e410) and E-420 (http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/index.html#e420) (no live-view and somewhat poor focusing in low light), it's a very handy little camera. The over-all performance is very good, and I like the ergonomics of the camera.

Up until recently I've only used the very light but quite capable 14-42mm ƒ3.5-5.6 (http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/standard.html#01) kit lens that came with it, but when I got a job taking some shots inside an old boathouse (or something) converted into a restaurant, I grabbed the "excuse" and got myself a faster "kit" lens. I really, really wanted the new 12-60mm ƒ2.8-4 (http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/standard.html#12-60), I couldn't justify paying more than twice what I could get the good, old 14-54mm ƒ2.8-3.5 (http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/standard.html#03) for. (And I have to say this: I love my new lens.)

I'm currently considering replacing my camera, letting my girlfriend have the E-400 and upgrading to a newer body. At the moment I cannot quite justify it, financially, but when and if the rumoured E-520 comes out to replace the E-510 (http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/index.html#e510), or - if that just is a rumour - a slight price drop on the E-510, it's gonna be hard to resist. That built-in image stabilisation in the E-510 has impressed most people I've talked to. (I guess the E-3 (http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/index.html#e3) will stay out of reach, financially, for quite a while still, and even if a rep from Olympus Norway hinted strongly that a new body, between the E-510 and E-3, was in the works, the E-510/520 seems most likely to be my next camera.)

Don't listen to that "not enough lenses" bull....pooh, that's the same argument as PC users use against Macs (not enough applications). There are plenty of excellent quality glass (http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/lense.html) out there for the four thirds system, and Zuiko/Olympus, Leica/Panasonic and Sigma are adding new ones regularly. The only thing I'm missing at the moment is a fast (ƒ1.4-1.8), normal mid priced 25mm prime from Olympus, right now you "only" have the pricey (but supposedly EXCELLENT) 25 ƒ1.4 Panasonic (http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/single.html#pana25), 24mm ƒ1.8 Sigma (http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/single.html#sigma24), 30mm ƒ1.4 Sigma (http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/single.html#02) or the new cheap, but IMO not fast enough 25mm ƒ2.8 "pancake" from Zuiko (http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/single.html#olympus25) to choose from.

PS! Check out the relatively cheap 50mm ƒ2 macro (http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/macro.html#02), it is generally reviewed (http://www.4-3system.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=116&forum=10) as one of the best lenses, ever (I might be stretching it a bit, but not that much), for macro and portraits and such, and is often mentioned as the favourite lens of those who own it. That, along with the cheap 70-300mm ƒ4-5.6 (http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/telephoto.html#70-300) (I bought the one lens kit), whenever I can actually get my hands on one, they're constantly sold out, is probably my next purchases.

[cube]

From what I read, there is very little difference between the E-410 and the E-420. Your E-410 deal looks great.

Or maybe you can find a similar deal for the E-510, which has IS.

[Abstract]

....but I would try to find a E-420 as its a much better camera to hold than the E-410 and with some noticeable improvements. Just trying to appeal to your sense of pleasure of holding the E-410 because I've heard a lot of complaints about it and then how the E-420 is better.


How is the E-420 better to hold? They're essentially the same size. I know the E-420 is a bit heavier, but only by around 10 or 20 grams (ie: nothing).


Get the E-410.
I just traded my Canon cameras (a DSLR Rebel XT and a P&S Powershot SD700 IS) to fund for a new system. The DSLR was too heavy to lug around and the quality of the P&S was getting worse, so I just wanted something in-between -- the quality of DSLR but with more portability like the P&S.


Excellent choice. Sometimes, it's better to know when to bail, than hold on to a system you don't like using. Maybe you'll shoot more with your new small camera. :)

Ever since using an E-410 myself in December, I've become quite a fan of the E-4XY series from Olympus. I never knew it was so small. On paper, it looks like the D40/D40X is just a bit bigger than the E-420, but in use, the Olympus feels a LOT smaller. They don't compare, really. I think I may even pick up an E-420 after I graduate from uni, but I'll probably have other things to get sorted before buying one. Maybe I'll get an E-430 or E-440. :p It's not to replace my Nikon D300. No way. I'm in love with that camera! It's a supplement. Just because I get an Olympus doesn't mean I'm going to really invest in it. Just the E-420 plus 1 or 2 small lenses, and that's it.


Also, I have been doing research on Olympus Zuiko Lenses which I have heard nothing but good things about. And I always hear how important quality lenses are for a DSLR and to spend more in this area.
The quality of their lenses is likely due to the very recent design of these zooms, as Olympus started using a new mount and had to design all new lenses. Many of the Canikon lenses, while "good", are not all that great, and it's really due to the age of the design rather than any fault of Canon or Nikon. When they update a lens, they tend to have the special lens elements used in modern designs. If you look at the famous 50 mm f1.4 and f/1.8 lenses that everyone gets, their design is ancient! The good thing about them is their price, but probably because they know they're selling you an ancient product.

Olympus lenses seem to test well in every camera test. Sharpness also seems quite consistent at both the centre of the lens, and at the corners.

[CrackedButter]

How is the E-420 better to hold? They're essentially the same size. I know the E-420 is a bit heavier, but only by around 10 or 20 grams (ie: nothing).

Well from all accounts, the E-410 is a little annoying to hold because of the placement of the strap mount, with the E-420 they moved it slightly so that the grip was easier on the fingers and I never had a problem with it when I held it yesterday. The damn thing is so light as well that I doubt weight difference is noticeable either.

[aaronw1986]

I tried out some cameras over the weekend. The Rebel XTi kind of cramped my hand, I think it was a little big. Maybe I would adjust? The Nikon D40 felt better. I am still undecided of what to do. The E-410 is probaly the best feeling. What will I do in the future though? Are the 4/3 system good enough to keep going with? Does Olympus have good enough cameras I could upgrade and be happy in the future?

[SLC Flyfishing]

I tried out some cameras over the weekend. The Rebel XTi kind of cramped my hand, I think it was a little big. Maybe I would adjust? The Nikon D40 felt better. I am still undecided of what to do. The E-410 is probaly the best feeling. What will I do in the future though? Are the 4/3 system good enough to keep going with? Does Olympus have good enough cameras I could upgrade and be happy in the future?

Yes they do have an excellent upgrade path, you can go into the pro-level E3 (or E4 or 5 by then) series of weather resistant cameras. Also, Leica is using 4/3rds so you will have Leica glass available to you as well as Leica bodies that will work with what Olympus lenses you have then should you decide you like the Leica stuff better. I don't think there's anything at all to worry about as far as upgradability is concerned.

SLC

[cube]

Browse the used stuff at places like Keh, Adorama, and B&H for another thing to consider.

[CrackedButter]

I tried out some cameras over the weekend. The Rebel XTi kind of cramped my hand, I think it was a little big. Maybe I would adjust? The Nikon D40 felt better. I am still undecided of what to do. The E-410 is probaly the best feeling. What will I do in the future though? Are the 4/3 system good enough to keep going with? Does Olympus have good enough cameras I could upgrade and be happy in the future?

The 4/3rds system is quite new so I would expect so. But your question is kinda pointless because it's asking a lot. You could direct that question at Canon or Nikon, besides its not the cameras its the glass, you would be keeping them for longer.

[SLC Flyfishing]

Browse the used stuff at places like Keh, Adorama, and B&H for another thing to consider.

Oly digital is quite new, and from what I can see, people are very pleased with it, so if you're trying to imply that there's no used stuff on the market it's probably got a lot to do with people being satisfied with their stuff and not wishing to get rid of it.

SLC

[cube]

Well, the point was not if people are happy but to consider the access to cheap stuff (and where BTW, the D40 does not fare so well).

[tony-in-japan]

Up until recently I've only used the very light but quite capable 14-42mm ƒ3.5-5.6 (http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/standard.html#01) kit lens that came with it, but when I got a job taking some shots inside an old boathouse (or something) converted into a restaurant, I grabbed the "excuse" and got myself a faster "kit" lens. I really, really wanted the new 12-60mm ƒ2.8-4 (http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/standard.html#12-60), I couldn't justify paying more than twice what I could get the good, old 14-54mm ƒ2.8-3.5 (http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/standard.html#03) for. (And I have to say this: I love my new lens.)


Can you tell me the difference in IQ between the Zuiko 14-42mm Kit Lens and the 14-54mm. I know the 14-54mm is higher grade, but I am just wondering how much better it is than the kit lens. I have just ordered the E-420 body kit only with a view to getting a high-quality lens for all-purpose use. Also, what is the IQ comparison between the Zuiko 14-54mm and new 12-60mm (fastest AF lens in the world?)? I heard the 12-60mm is more heavier and bigger, so I am concerned with using that lens with a E-420 which is very light (since the E-420 does not have IS). Any recommendations would be much appreciated. :)

Excellent choice. Sometimes, it's better to know when to bail, than hold on to a system you don't like using. Maybe you'll shoot more with your new small camera. :)


You know, I am least interested in brand-loyalty and more interested in getting a product I am going to use on a frequent basis with the confidence it does its job as intended. My Rebel was collecting dust and my Powershot was used frequently because of its portability but 60-70% of my shots were not up to standard (e.g. blurred or noisy). I definitely know I will be enjoying photography more with the E-420 from the combination of DSLR image quality, compactness and lightness.

The E-410 is probaly the best feeling. What will I do in the future though? Are the 4/3 system good enough to keep going with? Does Olympus have good enough cameras I could upgrade and be happy in the future?
If you already like the feel of the E-410, the future is only going to get better. What I like about Olympus is their philosophy of maintaining good image quality while keeping their products compact and light. They are also good at innovating with being the first to introduce the Live View (on DSLR) and Dust Reduction technologies to name a few. My plan is to get a camera that I can use for the next 4 years (minimum) and I know that any high standard Zuiko Lenses that I buy will maintain their value for years to come, so if I wish to sell then I would most likely get most of my money back (or even make a profit on rarer lenses). I am happy to begin a new venture with Olympus for the next few years. I had an Olympus Mju (film) before the digital age and was very impressed. Since then I have stuck to Canon, but now it is time to explore another brand.

[Abstract]

I tried out some cameras over the weekend. The Rebel XTi kind of cramped my hand, I think it was a little big. Maybe I would adjust? The Nikon D40 felt better. I am still undecided of what to do. The E-410 is probaly the best feeling. What will I do in the future though? Are the 4/3 system good enough to keep going with? Does Olympus have good enough cameras I could upgrade and be happy in the future?

Now I definitely don't get your dilemna.

You said you have small hands, the XTi feels weird in your hands because it was too big, and Nikon's D40 felt right. However, the E-420 felt the best.


Sorry, but even if you got more into photography, and you wanted to buy a better camera later, ALL the camera options become larger in size. You have no choice but to get a larger camera when you upgrade!

The Nikon D80 is slightly bigger than the D40, and the Olympus E-510 is bigger than the E-420.

Personally, if I were you, I'd probably just get the E-420. However, if you still want to pull your hair out by having another choice, then also consider the Nikon D40X.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Can you tell me the difference in IQ between the Zuiko 14-42mm Kit Lens and the 14-54mm. I know the 14-54mm is higher grade, but I am just wondering how much better it is than the kit lens. I have just ordered the E-420 body kit only with a view to getting a high-quality lens for all-purpose use. The 14-54 is better, in most ways. No doubt about it. But, it is quite a bit heavier than the 14-42 (which is "impossibly" small and light), and it is first and foremost in "low-ish" light you will see the biggest difference, when you can use that extra speed (ƒ2.8-3.5 vs 3.5-5.6).

I would (and did) stick to the 14-42 kit lens for a while, get to know the camera, shoot a bit and not upgrade the lens until you feel the limitations of the kit lens., which is a really capable little lens.

Also, what is the IQ comparison between the Zuiko 14-54mm and new 12-60mm (fastest AF lens in the world?)? I heard the 12-60mm is more heavier and bigger, so I am concerned with using that lens with a E-420 which is very light (since the E-420 does not have IS). Any recommendations would be much appreciated. :)The 12-60 is a bit heavier than the 14-54, but not that much (575g vs 435g, vs 190g(!) for the 14-42), and I don't see a problem mounting it on a 400-series.

Now, as I said above I couldn't justify getting the new 12-60 over the 14-54 because of price (the 12-60 was more than twice the price of the 14-54). Part of my reasoning was that although the 12-60 has been touted as the "fastest AF in the world" that is only valid when used with the E-3. You'll see a AF speedup compared to the kit lens, but the full potential of the new pro lenses will only be unleashed with the E-3 (according to the rep from Oly Norway).

If you quite often find yourself in situations where you could need those extra couple of mm with wide angle that the 12-60 offers (which I've yet to experience, but, hey, I've not had the 14-54 that long), you may also consider if you shouldn't go all the way and get the 7-14mm ƒ4 (http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/wide.html#01) (in combo with the 14-54 or even the 14-42). The 7-14, although a bit pricey, is a fantastic lens. I've just tried it in store, but that was amazing. I took a couple of images on 7mm and the floorboards on the pics were still straight(!), I almost didn't believe my own eyes.

My point is, to repeat that, use the kit lens at first, and upgrade it when you feel it's limitations, and at that point you'll probably know if you need the 7-14, 12-60/14-54 and/or maybe even a pro telephoto zoom?

Enjoy the 420, it's supposedly a very handy little camera (and with lots of goodies I miss on my E-400 </bitter>). ;)

[tony-in-japan]

My point is, to repeat that, use the kit lens at first, and upgrade it when you feel it's limitations, and at that point you'll probably know if you need the 7-14, 12-60/14-54 and/or maybe even a pro telephoto zoom?

Enjoy the 420, it's supposedly a very handy little camera (and with lots of goodies I miss on my E-400 </bitter>). ;)

Hey Mitthrawnuruodo,

thanks for taking the time to advise me on Zuiko lenses -- much appreciated!

I’m too late to get the kit lens as I have already ordered the body plus pancake lens. I pretty much know if I got the kit lens I would sell it in the very near future for a higher grade lens (can’t be bothered doing an eBay auction), so I might as well get the lenses which I am going to use for the next few years now.

Another lens which has caught my attention is the Zuiko 50mm F2.0 Macro prime lens. This looks amazing -- initially I ignored it as I thought it was just for macro shooting but I realise it is also good for portrait shots (want to take beautiful shots of my daughter). It is also small and light(ish) which would be ideal with the E-420.

I found this link which shows some amazing shots (check out the bubble shot):
http://www.flickr.com/groups/zuikodigital/discuss/72057594065810835/

The idea to have just a prime lens collection really appeals to me as images seem to be consistently crisp (and I don’t mind using my legs as a zoom!).

Any experience with using this Zuiko 50mm F2.0 Macro lens?

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Any experience with using this Zuiko 50mm F2.0 Macro lens?Sorry, no... I have held it in my hand, though, and it feels light but solid. And the reviews and word of mouth have both been fantastic.

It is high on my wish list...

I really would have needed it today, when the first of the countless Dandelion that will eventually infest our sorry excuse of a garden appeared (;)):

112956 112957

The 14-54 does an OK job at 54mm ƒ8 1/320 and 1/400, but I still think the 50mm macro would be better for these shots...

...oh, and I'd give much for live view on these kinds of shots, when the alternative is more or less getting down on your stomach... :o ;)

[apearlman]

Is the Rebel XT too outdated to buy? I can't afford the XTi. It just seems like very old tech. Would it perform as well as the Oly?

I bought my Rebel XT 2.5 years ago when it was "new tech" and took wonderful photos. Today it takes even BETTER ones, because I'm a much better photographer than I was back then.

Old tech is a problem only if you need/want the new features.

-Andrew

[aaronw1986]

I think I've actually decided on the Nikon D40. It fits the best in my hands, and I eliminated the Olympus.

[Westside guy]

I think I've actually decided on the Nikon D40. It fits the best in my hands, and I eliminated the Olympus.

D40 is another nice camera - I bet you'll have lots of fun with it.

[aaronw1986]

D40 is another nice camera - I bet you'll have lots of fun with it.

Thanks, I sure hope so. I got the amazon deal with the 55-200 VR lens in addition to the standard kit. I'm still slightly concerned with only having 6 megapixels, but this should suffice to see if I really get into it.

[connaught60]

Hi, Aaronw1986. I was considering Nikon D40/x previously, and I actually preferred the 6 megapixel D40 to the D40x. I found the Nikon too big compared to my nice and small old film SLR, so will probably be getting an E-420. The only advantage to the 10 MP is for enlargements. But the 6 MP will have much less noise, and a much greater dynamic range than the 10 MP cameras, because each pixel (actually photosite) is almost twice as large.
So, you will get beautiful, beautiful images from the 6 PM versus the 10 MP. You are buying the artist's camera w/ better colours, tones, dynamic range (eg. when you have both bright sky and dark shadows, the shadows won't be as dark or the sky won't be so over-exposed), and much less noise. That's why the D40 only starts at ISO 200, because the noise is so much less that you don't need ISO 100. I also heard that the dynamic range was the best at ISO 200 for most cameras.
They went with 6 MP for a reason! They only came out with the 10 MP to satisfy all the consumers that buy based on the idea that more MP is better. Notice they still kept the D40 around for sale and didn't discontinue it. Many people must have preferred it, even disregarding the cheaper price.
So, enjoy those 6MP of high quality, extra large photosites!

[Westside guy]

Thanks, I sure hope so. I got the amazon deal with the 55-200 VR lens in addition to the standard kit. I'm still slightly concerned with only having 6 megapixels, but this should suffice to see if I really get into it.

I'm not convinced that most of us - myself included - really understand what 6 megapixels of resolution (or 8, or 10, or ...) actually means. We think in terms of chopping a picture into that many pieces; but really (as I've said before) that's only valid if the sensor's photosite size is the true limiting factor on a given picture's resolution. There are many other factors that affect what the true resolution of an image is - diffraction, camera shake, lens resolution, vibration due to the shutter, etc.

FWIW while I'm no great shakes as a photographer, I am still happily shooting with a 6 megapixel D70. I do plan to upgrade at some point (might even be to the D300), but that decision will be less about sensor resolution and more about other features - getting a better viewfinder, lower noise in high ISO photos, and so on.