Canon EOS 1000D or Nikon D60: Entry level DSLR buyers look here:

[silver_falcon_46]

I finally decided to buy myself a D-SLR. From my research and opinions, I have zero'd down to the Nikon D60 VR/Non VR lens and the Canon EOS 1000d IS/Non IS lens. Both the Camera's come in the 34k range with VR/IS and 30k range nonVR/non IS.(18-55mm standard) My Questions:-

1) Are there any other models within this price bracket? My budget is fixed.

2) Is there a huge difference between having IS/VR and not having it on an 18-55mm lens?

3)The Canon apparently does not have spot metering,(Nikon does) is that going to make a big difference?

4) Which one of the two would you choose, a Canon or a Nikon considering the pros and cons? (hope I'm not initiating a brand war)

Help me out!

[Synn]

Query approved.

[silver_falcon_46]

Thanks for the approval Synn, It would be great if you could paste your final post on this thread.

[powerslave]

1. Stick to either of these.

2. Yes. Go for IS/VR.

3. Not much. If you use manual mode, not at all.

4. Canon. It has a better/wider/cheaper selection of lenses than nikon, but that can be fixed with third party lenses. Again, third party vs Brand lenses is arguable. I would stick to Canon. Easier to use, kickass sensor. You should check out some image samples at high iso and other specific situations side by side to know which is better.

The D60 does not have a built in AF motor and thus requires its lenses to have that, increasing the cost of AF lenses. The Canon comes with a built in motor.

I'm not sure, but I don't think the D60 has a live view either. The 1000D does. And btw, you should compare the D60 to the XSi, not the XS.

[Synn]

Thanks for the approval Synn, It would be great if you could paste your final post on this thread.

Done:

Here you go: More spy shots (Nikon D5000) | Nikon Rumors


To be honest, you can't go wrong with either. Both makes will help you take beautiful pictures and have a lens for pretty much everything (And third party support as well). Nikon's main problem is that they shifted to in-lens AF drive only recently and have included backward-compatible in-body AF motors only in models above the D60. If you're a pure manual freak, this wouldn't matter at all. In fact, you can use any F mount Nikon lens ever. As a corollary, look for any clearance sales of the D80 kit. Last I saw it here (which was a onth ago), the kit was around $1288, which is fantastic VFM.

Canon tends to have more affordable glass at the lower end. The F1.8 50mm prime for example is a ridiculously cheap $120 here. But if you're hunting for older lenses, keep in mind you can only use those manufactured post 1987. Shouldn't really be a problem because the 18-55 kit, the 50mm prime and a 75-300 USM will keep you satisfied for a long long time. Canon singapore has an offer where they bundle 1000D with the first and the third lens for around $1100. See if Canon india has a similar promotion.

Personally, I like Nikon's ergonomics better and also that it has slightly better metering, but this is a STRICTLY my own opinion. Go ahead and try them out yourself. See how they feel in your hands, how everything falls into place. Use this for spec comparison: Buying Guide: Side-by-side: Digital Photography Review

I'll guarantee you that you'll make your mind up at the end of it.

3. Not much. If you use manual mode, not at all.

From my limited experience, metering is a great tool to have as a guideline and spot metering helps a lot when you have a frame with widely varied contrast levels.

The D60 does not have a built in AF motor and thus requires its lenses to have that, increasing the cost of AF lenses. The Canon comes with a built in motor.

I'm not sure, but I don't think the D60 has a live view either. The 1000D does. And btw, you should compare the D60 to the XSi, not the XS.

Not entirely true. None of the Canon bodies have an AF motor. Canon shifted entirely to lens based AF drive in 1987. Nikon stuck with body driven AF till very recently and still equip the higher end bodies with AF drives because a lot of professionals still use their 35mm film SLR lenses.

D60 doesn't have live view. It's an older model. The replacement that I have posted a link to (The D5000) is supposed to have live view and a swivel screen like the Sony Alpha A350.

People compare the D60 to the 1000D because they retail at similar price levels. In fact, the D60 is slightly cheaper here. In any case, the 450D is soon to be replaced by the 500D (Which is another excellent choice).

[powerslave]

From my limited experience, metering is a great tool to have as a guideline and spot metering helps a lot when you have a frame with widely varied contrast levels.

Indeed, but it depends on your shooting preferences. I have NEVER, EVER felt the need for spot metering, as I always use Manual mode, which is more like relying on your brain, rather than the camera. Moreover, the partial metering mode is pretty good for most situations.

Not entirely true. None of the Canon bodies have an AF motor. Canon shifted entirely to lens based AF drive in 1987. Nikon stuck with body driven AF till very recently and still equip the higher end bodies with AF drives because a lot of professionals still use their 35mm film SLR lenses.

Indeed, I have my history wrong, but that's still one for Canon as it provides AF on even the cheapest of the lenses as opposed to the Nikon (for the entry level bodies of course.) But who knows, that might change with the new body around the corner.

D60 doesn't have live view. It's an older model. The replacement that I have posted a link to (The D5000) is supposed to have live view and a swivel screen like the Sony Alpha A350.

Yes, but what it costs remains to be seen, whether its cheaper than the 1000D/XS, which I highly doubt considering the D60 itself is 50 odd dollars more as of today's amazon prices.

People compare the D60 to the 1000D because they retail at similar price levels. In fact, the D60 is slightly cheaper here. In any case, the 450D is soon to be replaced by the 500D (Which is another excellent choice).

That's interesting because the XS is pretty cheap compared to the D60, here in the US. Infact the D60 was (IIRC) costlier than the XSi before Canon recently updated their prices due to the economy and what not.

[silver_falcon_46]

Interesting facts there Synn, I don't seem to find any special offers from Canon down here though. Other than the usual free T, Cap bag etc. So, I guess I will hold on for a little while more if I do plan for the D60.

As for spot metering, I haven't really tried that feature on, but I'v generally seen mixed opinions on this feature. Some people swear by it, whereas the other just think its an extra feature. And about the D5000. Will it be costlier than the 450D? In which case it wouldn't make much sense cause I would be overshooting my budget.

[Ananth]

I finally decided to buy myself a D-SLR. From my research and opinions, I have zero'd down to the Nikon D60 VR/Non VR lens and the Canon EOS 1000d IS/Non IS lens. Both the Camera's come in the 34k range with VR/IS and 30k range nonVR/non IS.(18-55mm standard)

Help me out!

The Canon EOS 1000D would cost you 27xxx and The Nikon D60 would cost you 26900. You can call up Farook, Digital Camera Palace (Chennai) @ 0-99411-69398. Refer my name and you could get some discounts

[kriss]

@all: lets have a small comparo ...

If i have to select a 450d and 1000d... Which one should i go for ?

[Synn]

If you can afford the spare change, 450 D. The build quality is significantly better.

[kriss]

If you can afford the spare change, 450 D. The build quality is significantly better.

Synn... I was expecting you to chip in...

I have had both the 1000D and 450D... in hands for few hours. I need not tell u who's slr's are they ?? should i ??

I really didnt find any differences between them. Talk about picture quality here.

Well i feel it all depends on the lens we use too.

[Synn]

Yes, I know whose cameras they were.

ANd no, I wasn't talking about image quality. The 1000D takes amazing pictures. I was talking about the actual build of the two bodies. The 450D is built significantly better.

[kriss]

Yes, I know whose cameras they were.

ANd no, I wasn't talking about image quality. The 1000D takes amazing pictures. I was talking about the actual build of the two bodies. The 450D is built significantly better.

Point taken...

[Rockkyyy]

@all: lets have a small comparo ...

If i have to select a 450d and 1000d... Which one should i go for ?

check this 450 Vs 1000D
Canon EOS 1000D / Rebel XS Review: 2. Comparison: Digital Photography Review

and for

450 vs D60

Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi Review: 23. Compared to: Digital Photography Review

[Race_Developed]

The Canon EOS 1000D would cost you 27xxx and The Nikon D60 would cost you 26900. You can call up Farook, Digital Camera Palace (Chennai) @ 0-99411-69398. Refer my name and you could get some discounts

The MRP on the D60 VR is 39500/- with bill and Date of Manufacture as FEB'09.Had just checked it out in Lajpat Nagar.The dealer offered me 35,000/- as his last best price.
I had checked the same at CHROMA and was quoted 32,000/-, but i don't think it was a VR.

Am too planing on the D60 but am confused as this is a 06 release and with out the AF motor for the lense.
>Also is it okay to buy it from grey market???
>My friend he could get it from UK at a cheaper price, but then am worried about the warrenty part. Kindly advice.....