in-body stabilization?

[Cashew]

I'm trying to buy my first dslr and could use some help.

I've been looking at the canon models - xt, xti, 30d as well as Nikon d40, d80 - but am confused about the stabilizer. I keep reading that to use auto focus I need to have stabilization, either in-body or in the lens. As far as I understand lenses with stabilization are much more expensive so I would prefer an in-body model.

Being a newbie i'm bogged down in terminology. I can't figure out which of the models have in body stabilization. I'm pretty sure the xt and xti don't, but what about the 30d?

Any help explaining this would be much, much appreciated!

[griptape]

I have no idea where you keep reading that you have to have image stabilization to use auto focus. None of those cameras have in body stabilization, nor do any of them need it to auto focus.

[SpecialK]

Autofocus has nothing to do with stabilization as Griptape mentioned.

If a camera has a feature, you can be sure the manufactiurer will tell you.

Canon puts the IS in the lens, as does Nikon. This tends to make that type of lens more expensive as it has more goodies in it. There are some exceptions such as the Nikkor 55-200 VR for about $250.

Pentax and Sony put the IS in the body by moving the sensor instead of a lens element. So, any lens on the body effectively has IS.

Each method has pros and cons.

[DonSchap]

Only three manufacturers are providing "in-body" stabilization (Pentax, SONY & Olympus)
All modern DSLR camera bodies accommodate lenses with AutoFocus capabilities ... and they will accomodate manual focus lenses, also ... with some serious considerations involved.
The Nikon D40 is the only camera (I am aware of) that requires its lenses have built-in, electronically controlled autofocus motors in them, all other modern DSLR camera bodies have autofocus provisions (direct lens motor drive to the lens and the electronic control connection) to make autofocus-capable lenses work from the body, if necessary.


I hope this information helps a bit.

HINT: Go SONY ... it'll save you money and you get in-body image stabilzation ... which means its on every lens you mount. Also, you can use all Minolta's and third-party (Sigma, TAMRON, Tokina) AF-glass (A-mount) on it.

[Cashew]

I was confusing the two issues. Thank you for the clarification!