Hello everyone. I have just recently been getting into photography though a close friend of mine, but I have always used one of the every day type of cameras. However, an opportunity has presented it self with the conclusion being me getting a better camera. I have been offered two choices, here they are:

1st choice: Nikon D80



The Nikon has no lens, BUT it does have a SB-600 Speed Light:



2nd choice: Canon EOS 40D



This Canon does have lens: Canon EFS 17-85mm



But their is no flash attachment.

What do you guys think? Any opinions? Would it cost me more to get a lens for the Nikon? Should I stick with the Canon?

Your thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated.

most important is how it feels in your hand etc

also depends on what would u like to photograph mostly?
- if its landscapes etc then a flash is pretty useless
- and depends on the lenses you would require
if i was buying now i would just buy a body and a special lens or 2 - you will soon get irritated by kit lenses

read some reviews and get a better idea:
http://www.cameralabs.com/
http://the-digital-picture.com/
http://www.kenrockwell.com/

Canon glass is cheaper to buy and more popular, so you'll find more opportunities to expand your photographic experience with the Canon. The cameras are both very similar. Imo, lens > flash. You don't be doing any serious low-light photography with either camera, so in reality it is not needed. I may be wrong, but don't these two have a pop up flash?

yeah canon lenses are a lot cheaper
100% true lens > flash

Thanks for the links, will certainly check them out.



Both of them have pop up flash and that's exactly what I was thinking regarding the lens > flash. The flash attachment is pretty cheap compared to buying a lens anywhere close to the Canon's lens.

Thanks guys, appreciate it.

I have the 40D, for the price is a very good camera. I suggest it.

That lens is not a bad general purpose lens btw...

This post was edited by bialator on Oct 25 2010 02:50am

Here's another vote for the 40D. I have had this camera for about 2 years now. It is a great camera and can handle anything you throw at it. You can add a flash later. The flash I use is the Speedlite 580 EX.

This post was edited by Tyrinius on Oct 25 2010 08:54am

I´d say take the lens one, because it turns out photography sucks without having a lens !!!! :D:D

Dang that Speedlite is amazing and expensive. I am sure it get's the job done.



Ya, this is what I was thinking as well. Spending the money for a lens for the Nikon is not worth it when I have a very capable lens on the Canon already. The Speedlite is not a must have anyway, maybe later on.. but for just starting out I will stick with the regular flash.

Good point lol