Pixels vs. ???

[shellb]

I'm buying a new camera...and I still can't decide which one to go with. I have looked at previous posts about upgrading from a Rebel to a 40D. Most people were happy with the decision to upgrade. What confuses me is that the 40D has fewer megapixels (10.1) than the Rebel XSi (12.2). (Excuse my ignorance), I thought the more megapixels the better the photos? Is that wrong?

Also...I want clarity in my photos. If I go with the Rebel XSi will I get clarity? I'm torn between the Rebel XSi and the new Nikon D60. (and of coarse I'm having an internal struggle over the Canon 40D but I'm trying to ignore it) Any thoughts?

[katrinak]

Megapixels are only one small part to consider. Cameras are marketed to us based on megapixels because of course bigger is always better

This was a quick and simple comparison I found

The Digital Rebel XSi is Canon's latest contestant in the consumer DSLR market. It's aimed at the new DSLR user, or someone upgrading from an earlier Digital Rebel camera. Compared to the Canon EOS 40D, it's smaller, lighter and cheaper, though it lacks a few features of the EOS 40D such as an ISO 3200 setting, a read QCD, a top mounted LCD, as well as having a smaller image buffer and slower maximum frame rate. However it does have more pixels (12MP vs. 10MP) and some LiveView features not present on the EOS 40D.

The difference between Canon and Nikon is a bit of personal preference and ultimately I think it is most important that you buy what feels best in your hands. I grew up on Canon's so couldn't imagine holding anything else.

There are a few other posts that do some comparisons.

[hendon]

Just a small point about the Nikon D60. I have the D40x which I'm only just learning about, but I did discover that although you can use a prime lens on it you can only use MANUAL focus, there is no auto focus because of internal drives ...... or something like that. I believe the D60 is the same. I love my new camera but I think I would have brought the D80 instead just because of this issue ... but then it may not be an issue for you ... sorry for prattling on ... night time here ...

[bluelemur01]

In general, it's true: the more megapixels, the more data the camera records, and that means more detail is saved for each picture. And when you have more data for your pictures, you can blow them up larger and crop them without losing image quality.

However, there are other factors that make a "good" picture: lens quality, the algorithms inside the camera's computer chip that determine color, the way the camera focuses, etc. And most pros believe that a good camera needs ALL of those factors to get a "great" picture.

There are some really cheap cameras with very high megapixel counts that are still not very good cameras. They create fringing on images (where light-colored things look like they have a purple edge), make grainy images at high ISO, don't seem very sharp, even at small apertures, and don't seem to give realistic color. So for those cameras, the very high megapixel counts don't really help the image.

And then there are really GOOD cameras that have slightly lower megapixels, but have all those other things built well, and ifyou know how to use it, you can get a fantastic image.

Anything higher than 10 megapixels is MORE than enough for the average amateur and even many pros! I've taken many pro shots with my old 6 megapixel camera and had very satisfied clients. Now I have the Nikon D200, with a higher mpx count. The camera has other improvements too, though.

The 40D is the better camera (comp. to the Rebel), even though the megapixel count is a bit lower. The difference is negligible unless you are going to blow your pictures up to 12x14 or larger on a regular basis. Even then, you might not notice the difference in megapixels! However, the digital Rebel is a GREAT camera too. If you're on a budget, that one will do quite well for you too!

Here's an article I found with some info: http://blogs.oreilly.com/aperture/20...ys-better.html

good luck!
Jennifer

[Chives]

Shellb,

Three weeks ago, I was going through the same comparison, Canon Rebel XSi vs Nikon D60 (didn't event consider the Canon 40D because the XSi was already breaking my bank). This purchase would be my first digital SLR. I eventually chose the Canon mainly because it felt good in my hands. I wanted something small and light-weight and the Canon fit those criteria. The Live-View feature also played a small part, but I probably would have chosen the Canon anyway.

Just wanting to echo what Katrina said about going with how the camera felt in your hands.

Let us know what you decide.

[shellb]

Cool... thanks guys! It is such a TOUGH deceision! Who knew! I guess I'm going to have to go there and feel them out. I know when I looked at the nikon D80? and it was huge! My friends are not camera friendly and that would scare them. (It kinda scared me)

[katrinak]

LOL! You're camera should definitely not scare you

...well except maybe the pricetag! but it is history you are capturing!

[shellb]

Originally Posted by hendon

Just a small point about the Nikon D60. I have the D40x which I'm only just learning about, but I did discover that although you can use a prime lens on it you can only use MANUAL focus, there is no auto focus because of internal drives ...... or something like that. I believe the D60 is the same. ...

So I pretty much was all set to go with the Nikon D60 untill I remembered this thread. In the specifications it says this...

Includes 18-55mm VR lens: The included lens will give you quick, quiet and precise automatic focusing, which assures sharp pictures for every scene you capture. And with Nikon’s VR (Vibration Reduction) technology located in the lens, you can count on more consistently sharp handheld pictures.

which leads me to believe it does have automatic focusing...or does it? Does auto focus only work with that lens? I use autofocus alot! There is no way I could by a camera without it. Please help. I want to get the new camera as soon as...but I just can't deceide!

[connieg]

I just recently bought the Nikon D60 kit and the 55-200VR lens. Both are automatic focus. Like the others on here, I had narrowed my choices down by reading this board and reviews from other sources. Made a list of the features I wanted, how much I wanted to spend, and then went and tried the different cameras. I went with the Nikon because it fit my hand and had most of the features I wanted in my price range. Needless to I love my camera.

[SAHMom]

I'm assuming the D60 is like the D40 in that it doesn't have the auto focus drive built into the camera.... as long as your lens has the auto focus drive, you can auto focus. Lots of Nikon lenses have auto focus built in, so you are safe there. The one popular lens that does not is the 50mm 1.8... so if you used that lens, you'll have to manually focus. HTH!

[shellb]

Ohhh that was so helpful. I had finally decided that was the one to go with so I was stressed when I read that...but I totally get it. Cameras are so crazy. A lens with and automatic focus? Who knew? Not me.

[hendon]

Hi shellb. Yes to what Kim said. Sorry if I confused you! I also have the kit lens 18-55mm and it does have auto focus (and it's a great camera and lens). I'm pretty sure all the zooms are fine with auto focus, it's just the prime lenses that don't have the auto focus built in. It wasn't initially a problem for me, it's just that after reading so much good stuff about prime lenses I was disappointed to have to use it on manual focus.

[shellb]

What exactly is a prime lens? Is it the 50mm that everyone talks about?

[hendon]

Yes. Nikon has the 50mm 1.8 and 50mm 1.4 (plus some others). I read so much good stuff about it here at DD that I wanted to give it a try. The quality and clarity is so much better than the zooms. I'm just annoyed to have an expensive camera that doesn't auto focus with one of it's lenses! Seems crazy!

[shellb]

Yeah that makes sense. I think I will have to wait before buying one of those lenses; beyond my scope of ability at the moment. I think it's what Katrina uses and her photos are amazing...so the trouble must be worth it. By the looks of your gorgeous photos you have mastered the manual focus!

[hendon]

Thank you! But I have 4 year old twins who don't stop long enough for me to focus on manually or automatically at the moment!
I think you will be pleased with your D60. My D40x is a nice little camera and it 'feels' nice to hold and operate :-)

[LauraBean]

Prime lenses come in lots of focal lengths; prime simply means it's not a zoom lens. The 50mm is one of the most popular, but not the only one by far.