Indoor sports xti vs d80

[tmrkterry]

from what I've read sounds like the xti might perform better than d80 at high iso which I assume I would need to shot at with fast lens - also I've read that a 85mm f/1.8(4)? is good for indoor - I'll be courtside.

all opinions welcome!! thanks

[TNB]

from what I've read sounds like the xti might perform better than d80 at high iso which I assume I would need to shot at with fast lens - also I've read that a 85mm f/1.8(4)? is good for indoor - I'll be courtside.

all opinions welcome!! thanks

If you are really somewhat serious about "indoor sports", you may want to wait and check out the Nikon D300. Although the D300 is slightly more expensive than the other two cameras mentioned, you may save some money in the long run.

[FlashX83]

They're both great cameras and will take great pictures. I'm sure the D300 will be great as well, but it will also be considerably more expensive.

The XTi tends to win (slightly) in high ISO. In burst, they both run about 3fps, but the D80 takes more jpegs in a row, the XTi takes more RAW in a row.

For me, burst mode is incredibly important when you're shooting sports. And I don't think that either the XTi or D80 would cut it, personally. Because of that, it might be worth looking at the Canon 30D, which should be just a bit more expensive than the two you're looking at, and getting 5fps. A bit more $$$ and you can get the Canon 40D and 6.5fps. If you're willing to wait for the D300 and spend quite a bit more, you can get 8fps! :eek:

Both Canon and Nikon have an 85mm f1.8 which would work good for courtside and aren't too terribly expensive. I'm not all up on Nikon lenses, but I noticed their 85 wasn't AF-S (Canon USM equivalent) so the Canon might focus faster.

[TheWengler]

from what I've read sounds like the xti might perform better than d80 at high iso which I assume I would need to shot at with fast lens - also I've read that a 85mm f/1.8(4)? is good for indoor - I'll be courtside.

all opinions welcome!! thanks

Either of those will work fine when paired with a fast lens. If you'll be close to the action then 85 f/1.8 would be good. I would rather have the D80 based on it's body design. I don't think you need the D300 or a 40D.

[griptape]

I don't think you need the D300 or a 40D.

The only reason I would consider bumping up to one of these is the ISO 3200, which isn't available in the xti/d80.

[TNB]

The only reason I would consider bumping up to one of these is the ISO 3200, which isn't available in the xti/d80.
Here's a photo I took yesterday at ISO 3200....

http://image2-1.rcuniverse.com/e1/forum/upfiles/70716/Mk27711.jpg

[griptape]

Here's a photo I took yesterday at ISO 3200....

Yeah, it really can be a life saver to have that extended range. If you'll use it, the extra investment might be worth it.