Nikon D3000 vs. Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS?

[RWil85]

I've read nothing but great reviews on both of these DSLR's..seemingly both are great beginner cameras and are pretty much equally priced when buying them in comparable kits..I can get each of them with 2 lenses, an 18-55mm and a 55-200mm lens, for roughly $750-800.

My question for those who have experience with or knowledge of either or both cameras would be, which should I buy?

Thanks in advance for all the help!

 

[bubulindo]

I think in terms of quality they are very similar, so it really should boil down to how they feel in your hand.

It is one of the most given advices around these forums. Whenever you want to choose a camera, go to the store and try them on your hand. Having a comfortable grip on the camera is priceless.

 

[Doylem]

Yes, you'll probably be happy with either camera. There are Nikon fans and Canon fans, all willing to state their case for their favourite camera... But, in truth, it doesn't matter very much...

 

[telecomm]

You might want to pass over the D3000 to consider the just announced D3100.

 

[El Cabong]

As stated several times on your other thread, the release of the D5000 replacement, the D3100, has lowered the price of the D3000 ($450 and $670 on Amazon for the one and two lens kits, respectively). Expect even lower prices once the D3100 is actually available to ship, and don't forget eBay.

FWIW, Ken Rockwell and Thom Hogan both hated the D3000, and they're both Nikon shooters (even though the former is usually full of crap).

 

[bsamcash]

Ever consider a Pentax K-x kit? I recommend giving it a look.

 

[chadamorrill]

I think in terms of quality they are very similar, so it really should boil down to how they feel in your hand.

It is one of the most given advices around these forums. Whenever you want to choose a camera, go to the store and try them on your hand. Having a comfortable grip on the camera is priceless.

+1, especially if someone other than you will be using it also. I would have jumped on the Nikon D90, but my wife liked the feel of the Canon T1i better, so we went with that. I couldn't be happier now; it's an amazing camera.

EDIT: I just did a compare on dpreview.com, and it looks like the Nikon body is heavier by an ounce or so. Part of that could be part of the extra 1/2 in. of screen on the back. Beware, though, that they both have 230,000 dot screens. The extra 1/2 in. on the Nikon will likely look worse at that resolution than on the Canon, with it's smaller, tighter screen.

 

[pdxflint]

No doubt in my mind I'd skip both and choose the newly announced D3100 with 18-55VR, and maybe add the new 55-300VR lens.

DPReview's hands on preview of the D3100.

 

[compuwar]

I'd wait for some real-world D3100 examples. If the high-ISO performance is nearly as good as anticipated, then it may well be worth waiting for.

Paul

 

[RWil85]

Thanks for all of the great info!

Was really looking to get something for this weekend (I have zero patience!) As I'm going away..

I hate to do this to everyone..but I really like the feel/specs of the Nikon D5000..does that blow the others away and make this a no-brainer?

Was maybe thinking about picking up the D5000 - 2 VR lens kit..

 

[compuwar]

Thanks for all of the great info!

Was really looking to get something for this weekend (I have zero patience!) As I'm going away..

I hate to do this to everyone..but I really like the feel/specs of the Nikon D5000..does that blow the others away and make this a no-brainer?

Was maybe thinking about picking up the D5000 - 2 VR lens kit..

If you are going to shoot things like kids indoors without a flash, the new cameras will probably be a fair bit better. If that's not a big concern, then I'd get what you want, or perhaps consider a D90 with the 18-105m, which will give you better long-term used lens options.

Paul

 

[jackerin]

the release of the D5000 replacement, the D3100

Judging by the numbering I would say the D3100 replaces the D3000...

 

[compuwar]

Judging by the numbering I would say the D3100 replaces the D3000...

It's difficult to say without research though- for instance the D300s replaced both the D2xs and the D200- Nikon is not afraid to obsolete more than one line at a time.

Paul

 

[kristoffer4]

It's difficult to say without research though- for instance the D300s replaced both the D2xs and the D200- Nikon is not afraid to obsolete more than one line at a time.

Paul

Except for the swirl display everything is better on the D3100.

 

[2ms]

Pentax K-X

 

[leighonigar]

Except for the swirl display everything is better on the D3100.

Thought that doesn't mean it's the replacement for the D5000. Though the 5000 was always a bit of a strange model and it may not be needed now that video goes to the bottom of the line. The 5000 had bracketing and a slightly higher continuous shooting speed, iirc.