Of these cameras, which?

[The_Other_One]

Cannon Rebel XTi
Sony Alpha DSLR-A100
Cannon EOS 30D
Nikon D40
Samsung GX-1L
Olympus EVOLT E-500

The top two are the ones I'm leaning towards.

Rebel
+ seems to have the best photos all around
+ Low noise in ISO1600
? could I use older Cannon file SLR lenses on this camera? Having to manual focus and all is fine.

A100
+ Color is sometimes better than Rebel
+ 10MP
+ Stabilizer
- Lots of proprietary stuff
- Noisy around ISO800 and ISO1600

Originally I wasn't going to include the Nikon, but people told me I should seriously look into one... I am rather impressed by what I've seen...

Please just stick to this list. Basically the cameras can be acquired from a "points site" so these are all I can choose from.

 

[subtle]

I'm a Canon fan so I'd go for 30D or even wait for 40D.

 

[The_Other_One]

I'm limited to what I can select above... I'm thinking about one of the Cannon's or the Nikon now, but still undecided, or even sure if I could get them...

 

[DCIScouts]

I'd also lean toward the Canon, always been very impressed with their products and this camera looks to have a little better overall features than the Nikon or Sony. Oh, and here's a semi-list of compatible lenses for it...

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=14256

 

[subtle]

? could I use older Cannon file SLR lenses on this camera? Having to manual focus and all is fine.

I'm using lenses on my dslr I used on my eos30 and they do perfect.

I'm limited to what I can select above... I'm thinking about one of the Cannon's or the Nikon now, but still undecided, or even sure if I could get them...

I think that the 30d is more "serious" camera then the rebel.
I wouldn't bother with the Nikon d40 though.

 

[Crypto]

Canon 30D or the Xti! The 30D has much better high ISO performance.

 

[Kornowski]

I've used the Nikon D70 and it's a great camera, very nice, Have you looked at that one?

 

[DCIScouts]

Guys, let's remember that he's getting this through a points reward program and is limited to those choices he listed...

 

[4NGU$]

dont get the sony you are limited to a small amount of lenses
depending on you needs i think you should go for the 30d or the rebel xti

i have the rebel xt and it is very good but the 30 is more professional camera very good for sports and action
both the canon will use any EF fit lenses so that would be fine with ether canon

 

[The_Other_One]

Hmm... Well I'm pretty much down to one of the Cannon's or the Nikon. The Cannon's would be great, but I feel quite sure i could get the Nikon(being half the points of the Cannons ) I'll post later if I manage to get something!

 

[PabloTeK]

We have an Olympus E500 DSLR and it's very impressive indeed, heavy but you cna take some very good shots with it.

 

[bluedishwasher]

id vote for te nikon D40, a good range of lenses and high quality images

 

[4NGU$]

just get a canon you know you want to

 

[subtle]

just get a canon you know you want to

Amen to that!

 

[bldgengineer]

seriously, before you make your decision, go to a store and try them out. The Rebel is much smaller than the 30D, therefore it might not feel well in your hands. The 30D can take pics at 5 fps versus the rebel's 3 fps. Also, the 30D has superior ISO performance to the Rebel. I don't know much about the nikons but I would check those out as well.

Do the cameras that the program is offering come with a lens or are they body only?

 

[WestC07]

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/com...a100,nikon_d40,samsung_gx1l,oly_e500&show=all

That should help you out a bit if you haven't done that before.

I'd go with the 30D if nothing else than because it has spot metering. But if the 30D is overkill, I'd go with the XTi.

 

[Shadowhunter]

Go with the Canon XTi. I had it for a while (returned it back to Costco because it got a scratch in the lens, going to get it again though) and it's amazing. Really high-quality pics even with the lens that comes with the kit. I just posted some pics under the "unedited pics" thread. Keep in mind I just got into photography so I'm sure the camera can do better with a more experienced user, but my pics will give you an idea. Also, the body feels really solid without being heavy. Just get a 2GB SanDisk CF card to go with it and you're set!