Canon Rebel XT 350D, Nikon D50, Pentax K100

[krzkrzkrz]

Thinking of buying a DSLR,

I was looking at the comparison between the Nikon D50 and the Canon Rebel XT EOS 350D.

So far, most users here have recommended these two cameras. I've also read a review of the two at:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond50/page23.asp

A third and promising option is the Pentax K100, that should ship on July this year, only a few days away. I'm yet eager to read the reviews on this new camera, especially with its anti-shake feature which the XT 350D and D50 do not offer.

Additionally, I've read that the Pentax has a better feel (grip) when held compared to the Canon Rebel XT. Shutter speeds are also faster as well.

Personally, I would rank, out of personal preference, the 3 cameras as:
1) Pentax K100
2) Canon Rebel XT 350D
3) Nikon D50

Then again this is too early to say.

I would like to know your insights on the three cameras. Any feedback will be gladly appreciated.

Kind regards,
Chris

[jeisner]

It is hard to give any real insights into the K100D as yet as very few people have had the chance to use it... The people I have read reviews from so far (who are lucky enough to have one already) say that the SR is better than AS and easily gives 3 full stops. Sounds good...

The viewfinder is not as good as the DS which is a shame but it is still bigger than the other two cameras mentioned. The Jpeg processing has been updated and is licensed from Silkypics, so I would guess that JPEG processing is a lot better than previous Pentax models (though I tend to use RAW anyway, but plenty of others at that price range will use JPEG).

The focus speed is comparable to the higher end D so a nice improvement from the DS/DL focus speed.. Also from all reports has better low light performance...

I agree regarding the grip but that I guess is somewhat personal..

Add to the already small K100D the three pancakes (21/3.2, 40/2.8 and 70/2.5) and if you like primes you have awesome and VERY VERY small prime kit, that no other DSLR comes near in that regard.. Performance of the 40/2.8 and 21/3.2 are very high too, I have seen plenty of very good samples from the 21/3.2 and below is a review of the 40/2.8 which doesn't compromise on quality to achieve its size..

http://www.popphoto.com/cameralenses...imited-af.html

I don't know if I am looking forward to the K100D or the DA 21/3.2 pancake more at this point..

I want both today

[ReF]

with the new stabilized cameras out, the d50 and xt just aren't as appealing IMO, but nikon and canon both offer very large and well supported systems (lenses and accessories, both by the manufacturer and third parties). i think it would really help us to give better suggestions if you could tell us a bit about the subjects and conditions that you shoot in or want to shoot, what your budget is, and what kind of photography you plan on doing in the future.

[Rhys]

I have an XT but I look on in-camera IS and AA power as being wonderful. I wish my XT had those.

[D70FAN]

While it costs a little more, you might also wnat to look at the new Sony (Minolta) 10MP, Anti Shake, Dust Buster, alpha100. First previews look pretty positive, and since it retains the Minolta mount there are plenty of lens options as well. About $200-$300 more than your current choices.

[Rhys]

The only downer with the Pentaxes is that focussing is slower. Pentax opted for a focussing motor built into the body of the camera rather than into the lens. This meant lenses could be made cheaper and lighter. The downside is that focussing is slower. On the other hand, I have a Canon XT and would much prefer to use manual focus as AF doesn't get it right as often as I'd like.

[jeisner]

The only downer with the Pentaxes is that focussing is slower. Pentax opted for a focussing motor built into the body of the camera rather than into the lens. This meant lenses could be made cheaper and lighter. The downside is that focussing is slower.

It also depends on the lens... My smaller prime lenses focus as fast on the D as many of my friends lenses on his 20d as they are very easy I guess for the focus motor in the camera to turn... Also the D has a much faster motor in it than the DL/DS, the K100D is supposed to share this feature from reports I have seen...

Not all Canon lenses are super fast either, that same friend of mine has the Canon L 85 1.2 and focus speed wise it is FAR slower than the Pentax 85/1.4 even on the DS (actually the Canon 85/1.2 is the slowest focusing lens I have ever used on any system)... So it is not always black and white in this regard..

But your right on average in lens motors are faster so that puts Pentax at the back of the pack, but obviously it has the advantages of lower costs and smaller/lighter designs which pentax pretty much leads IME.

[some guy]

If you're considering the Pentax *ist, don't forget the equivalent Samsung dSLRs. They are essentially Pentaxs (Pantii?). Even the Schneider-Kplunkt lenses are rebadged Pentax lenses.

[jeisner]

If you're considering the Pentax *ist, don't forget the equivalent Samsung dSLRs. They are essentially Pentaxs (Pantii?). Even the Schneider-Kplunkt lenses are rebadged Pentax lenses.

Correct!

Though I haven't yet seen an equivelant of the K100D announced yet from Samsung.. Though they did announce an equivelant of the higher end K10D that is coming out towards the end of the year...

[krzkrzkrz]

with the new stabilized cameras out, the d50 and xt just aren't as appealing IMO, but nikon and canon both offer very large and well supported systems (lenses and accessories, both by the manufacturer and third parties). i think it would really help us to give better suggestions if you could tell us a bit about the subjects and conditions that you shoot in or want to shoot, what your budget is, and what kind of photography you plan on doing in the future.

For now it will be used for my travels. Taking pictures of people, places, events etc. Not much for outdoors.

As far as lenses are involved. I dont have the budget to buy bigger/better lenses. Maybe in the next few month when I save up enough.

I am happy with using a basic lense for now. This will give me enough time, hopefully to explore/learn more about the camera and its features.

In future stages (maybe in a year or so), I would like to learn about macro-photography, which may involve getting a specialised lense.

Regards,
Chris