So confused, need asistance (e410 vs xti)

[drunkenmonkeyrage]

Hi, long time reader, first time poster. I am currently in the market for a dslr. I just need something to take shots of my kids who move around frenetically, basically something with a relatively clean image at iso 400 and 800. I've been looking at the e-410 and xti. Now the problem is the e410 is $575 (can) after taxes and the xti is around $775(Can) after taxes. These are the best prices I have found in Canada (I've been looking for a long time).

Anyway my question is are these two compareable and is the xti really worth an extra $200? As i understand it the xti has a slightly better image at higher iso but is it really a $200 difference? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

also I have looked at the e510 but IS is not really something I need and Nikons' seem pretty pricey for what you get. Just my opinion on Nikon please don't take it personally

thanks in advance

[raven15]

Do both of those come with the telephoto kit lens in addition to the regular kit lens? It seems like they should, for those prices. I got my E-410 with both kit lenses for $500, and I think American dollars are close enough to Canadian that you should be able to do the same.

The XT is very good at taking pictures, but in my opinion not $200 better. I believe the only thing I would say is definitely better is the ability to guess what you are taking a picture of and as a result make a better exposure. The biggest downside to the XT is the cheap plastic and poor feel of the camera in the hand (most people dislike the grip, but I also don't like the feel of the lens). You should get your hands on one to see for yourself, the XT should be pretty easy to find in a store. The XT has been around for a while, and is not as competitive as it was a year or two ago.

The E-410 is the smallest and lightest DSLR, and with the kit lenses it is very noticeable. Supposedly the kit lenses are the best of any manufacturer. It allows you more control over your photographs than any other DSLR below $1000, whether that is important to you I don't know. It has the only dust reduction system that is more than a gimmick (that was important to me). Its biggest downside is that part or all of your picture occasionally doesn't come out exposed the way you want. It is generally fixable on a computer, except for blown highlights which are not and will look very weird in any attempted recovery.

My dad has an XT and likes it, I have played around with it a fair amount. Between it and my E-410, I would choose my E-410. (Obviously) On ISO, both are pretty much flawless through 400, I would say both acceptable at 800, though I haven't seen many at 800 by either.

I agree, I was astounded when I started researching DSLR's how little camera you got for your money with a Nikon D40/D40x/D60. I don't know why so few people notice, maybe good marketing on Nikon's part.

[Rhys]

If I were to buy a camera I would give serious thought to the E510 rather than the E410. I think in-body IS is a great advantage. I'm not so convinced by the smaller sensor but I do like the smaller body and smaller lenses.

[griptape]

As i understand it the xti has a slightly better image at higher iso but is it really a $200 difference? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Over the life of the body? Maybe. Depends on how much you'll use it. If you keep the body for 18 months, you're looking at a little less than 3 cents per day of ownership. You might also take resale value into account.

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Being Canadian can't you take advantage of stores like B&H and get US prices?

I agree, check the lenses are comparable. Comparable number of them, comparable distance, comperable build quality and comperable speed.

Re the Nikon I'm sure no-one takes offence it's all a matter of your individual preference. I think they've done so well with the D40/D40X because a lot of people like the way the Nikon processes the image in camera for exposure and sharpening. It's hard to argue with you though, the Xsi does look to give better band for buck than the D60.

[drunkenmonkeyrage]

wow, thanks for the prompt replies. I've checked some americans outlets (b&h, amazon, etc) but the price difference wasn't as much as i thought it would be. Maybe a $30 to $50 dollar difference after shipping costs were factored in (probably less than that after border fees)

I'm keeping an eye out for a good american price on an olympus. Apparently they honour warranties for grey market camera's, not too sure about canon.....

[Rhys]

I would personally go for something with in-body IS. Have you considered the Pentax DSLRs? They have in-body IS.

[drunkenmonkeyrage]

Thanks for the prompt replies again.

What pentax would you recommend? I really haven't looked at any nor persued this before but maybe it's worth a look.

[Rhys]

There's a 6 megapixel K100D that takes AA batteries.

[drunkenmonkeyrage]

hi, thanks everyone. Found and bought a e-410 for $375 canadian (arrives thursday), plus the store was in alberta so no PST taxes (yay). Just couldn't pass it up at that price.

I'll let you know how it goes.....