First DSLR: E-420 or the Rebel XS?

[ramizq1]

Hello everyone.

I am thinking about buying my first DSLR, so my simple question is: E-420 (with the "other" kit-lens, not the pancake) or the Rebel XS?

I prefer better high ISO quality, good bracketing mode, easy handling of the camera and fast response time. A powerful (in-camera) flash would be nice too.

Is there any other camera that would fit my needs that is in the entry-level dslrs list? (Perhaps the XSi or the E-520 if you recommend it over the two I mentioned)

Thanks

[raven15]

The XS has the advantage of better ISO 1600, IS in the lens, and better focusing in low light.

Otherwise, I'd say the E-420 is a better camera. Dual card slots (albeit one is xD), lens with no rotating front element (useful with filters), better build quality, wireless flash support, spot metering, mirror lock up, dead pixel removal on camera, etc. etc., a feature set much more similar to the 50D than the XS. Basically, it's main advantages are size and vast array of useful features (and price).

Of course, the E-520 and XSi are better cameras but larger and more expensive. The XSi has the advantage of larger viewfinder, better focusing especially in low light, and having more features than the XS (though not as many as the E-420 or E-520). Plus the other advantages of the XS.

The E-520 has the advantages of the E-420 plus in-body image stabilization and a vast array of features (namely a few more ways to easily change settings and fine tune them, vs. E-420).

My decision would be between the E-420, E-520, and XSi (depending on needs). Try to hold all of them in your hands, it will become clear which is better for you.

Additional lenses are also very important. Olympus lenses tend to be smaller, better, and less expensive than Canon lenses, but depending on what you are shooting a few lens types (namely fast prime lenses) may not be available for Olympus.

What are you taking pictures of?

Similar cameras are Nikon D60 and Pentax K2000. Or Sony A200/300 but they are larger.

[swpars]

Can you stretch your budget up to the E-620? That's a very nice camera and the 4/3rds system is suitable for the needs of most shooters.

The D60 has no bracketing mode so you will have to bracket manually. If you're going Nikon I would try to find a D80, which should be in the low $500s for a new body.

[raven15]

Can you stretch your budget up to the E-620? That's a very nice camera and the 4/3rds system is suitable for the needs of most shooters.

The D60 has no bracketing mode so you will have to bracket manually. If you're going Nikon I would try to find a D80, which should be in the low $500s for a new body.

Very good points, I agree completely.


I had forgotten I passed on the D40 because of no bracketing.

[swpars]

I didn't think bracketing was a big deal until I sold the D40 and bought the D80. It's so easy to just put the BKT button and click off a few exposures (one will inevitably be properly exposed) instead of jacking around with exposure compensation on the D40.

Olympus knows that a few enthusiasts will want to use bracketing even on the entry level cameras and kept it there. Kudos to them.

[ramizq1]

raven15 and others: Thanks a ton for your suggestions and detailed overview. To answer your question (raven15) I'll be shooting pretty much everything: from outdoor shots to indoor shots and long exposure photography.

From the suggestions it sounds like the E-420 and XSi fit my needs perfectly. The E-620 doesn't sound like a bad choice either, though I'd like to see some reviews of it first.

Also, I'd have to kind of stretch to make it to the XSi's (and the E-620's) budget (I am kind of poor right now :)). But I am in no hurry to buy my DSLR so I could probably wait for the prices to drop. Or I could get the E-420 which would also be good.

In any case, thanks a lot for the replies.

[swpars]

If the -620 would be a stretch, check out the -520. $549 new at B&H with 14-42mm lens.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/564508-REG/Olympus_262086_E_520_SLR_Digital_Camera.html

[mattdm]

Olympus knows that a few enthusiasts will want to use bracketing even on the entry level cameras and kept it there. Kudos to them.


Yes, Olympus deserves major points here: they don't cut out features that could be easily included in their low-end cameras at little to no real cost just to push people to more expensive models.