School me on SLR digital cameras

[stprorolla49]

Hopefully around Christmas time, I'm looking to purchase an SLR digital camera. I have done a bit of research, and I think I have narrowed it down to 2 choices, the Canon Rebel XTi, or the Nikon d40x. I want around 10 MP, and I'm looking to spend around $600-$800.

I took a few years of photography in high school, and I really wanted to minor in photo in college but it was such a different minor than my major (Industrial Design) that none of the classes would match up in the curriculum, and it would take me like 7 years to graduate. Photo is more of a hobby for me, and although I did want to minor in it, it was simply too difficult. That said, I do understand photography, but I don't know a whole lot about the current SLR offerings. I know both Canon and Nikon are excellent brands and i own both a Canon AE1 35mm film camera, and a Nikon Coolpix 5600 5.1 mp point and shoot. As much as I like my Nikon, I feel like similar cameras with equal MP ratings take much better shots. My brother also has the Coolpix that came out after mine rated at 6.1 MP, and I still think it should be taking better pics than it is. This is one thing that is leaning me towards Canon.

If you guys could give me any info on the 2 cameras I have listed above, or any other suggestions, that would be awesome! Thanks

 

[Blackened302]

i have a Rebel xti and even though it's the only SLR camera i've used, i'm definitely sticking with it.

the quality is awesome compared to all my friends' non-SLR cameras, even with the stock lense (the only one i have for now).

i got into it because a friend of mine has one and is a pretty damn good photographer. we both do it as a hobby (and even make a little dough on the side for kicks).

here are some of the shots i've managed (w/ a tad bit of photoshop editing):

View attachment 373973

here are a couple shots w/ my sister's coolpix for comparison (raw, but still not as good as the raw SLR pics):

 

[diablostang]

I've had multiple Canon cameras, and I don't think i'll ever switch brands. I've also used high end Sony's and hated them.

Canon FTW

 

[inphiniti]

im sure this doesnt help, but i got a friend whos selling a Rebel XT... i dont know much about it, but i know hes selling it with about 18gb worth of memory cards...

ive been looking into these myself, and my little ol sony 6.0mp camera is doing fine, but id like a cleaner picture... id really love to have one of these..

Punisher, those pictures are so crisp.. especially the white stang!

 

[Blackened302]

thanks, Jimmy. if you think those are good, you should see my buddy's work:

here's my attempt at emulating that:

all in all, everyone i know w/ a Rebel is extremely happy with it.

 

[inphiniti]

paul thats some crazy pictures, is he using a SLR as well or something different?

ever since i put those 05+ gt emblems on my car, i just dont know if theyre workin for me LOL... but thats a different story... i wish i had the $$$ for my buddies camera, hopefully he wont sell it netime soon...

 

[stprorolla49]

Thanks guys! I borrowed my buddy's dad's Rebel XT the other day to fool with, and I was very pleased! I think I'm going to get an XTi though because if im gonna spend that much on a camera, I'm only gonna do it once hahahaa

 

[Blackened302]

yeah, DO IT! spring for the XTi