I don't have oneÂyetÂbut I have several friends with Canons or Nikons, and they're both excellent. I have a Nikon SLR, so when the time comes to buy a DSLR I'll choose Nikon so I can use my lenses with it.

The websites DPReview and Steve's Digicams have detailed reviews and comparisons. Also, vendors like B&H Photo list all the features of each camera in a clear format.

Have fun!

Susan

Search in the Photography forum and you'll get plenty of answers. In the mean time, I'll try to give you my 2 cents worth.

Cameras are like cars. There's a maker for each person's individuality.

1st, You'd need to determine what is his level of photography knowledge? In any brand, there's intermediate, medium and professional level cameras.

If he's a pro, you may just want to ask him what he'd like. A pro knows what he wants and mostly will not settle with just anything. If he's not, most intermediate and medium level cameras has both features: auto focus and manual focus. They're made for those that want to grow and learn about photography beyond autofocus features.

2nd, Does he owns any previous 35mm camera lens? Would these lens capable to be mounted on the new DSLR body?

Such brand as Canon has been a favorite for many because of its interchangeable lens. Meaning, we can invest into the more expensive lens knowing that if we ever upgrade the camera, the old lens would still work with the new camera body as well. I have a few that I owned from the mid 80's and still work very well with the new DSLR.

3rd, The camera body and weight must feel comfortable in one's hand. It makes a different with the result of a photo. If all possible, take him to a camera store and let him play around, ask questions and make a choice of the Digital SLR (DSLR). Then, go online and purchase from one of the reputable online store. Normally, their prices are less expensive. Watch out for import (gray market) vs. US warranty cameras (price varies).

Personally, I've always owned Canon. I had several Canon 35mm cameras and had since upgraded to digital: from the Canon Rebel XT to currently the Canon 40D (had it for a little over a month). As mentioned, I have a few lens from the 35mm cameras that works well with both DSLRs.

I've upgraded to the Canon 40D because it has some image stabilizer built into the camera. Although, Canon also makes some lens with Image Stabilizer (IS). The lens kit of the Canon 40D camera comes with a 28-135mm lens that has the IS feature (mainly in the US).

I don't plan to upgrade the camera body for a long while. I'm quite satisfied with the Canon 40D. Instead, I'm investing on better lens. And, that's what I'd recommend for you to do.

If money is not an object, buy a medium price range camera but invest the rest on a good lens with low aperture capability such as f/2.8 or less. Good lens give the flexibility to take crispy clear photos in low light situation.

I strongly recommend to read reviews from the 2 websites that Susan posted above. They also has forums in categories of camera brands. You may find some useful information from the users.

Good Luck!

Natalie

I like Canon and bought a Power shot S2 IS, I really like it, I rarely have a bad picture. There is a setting to change the camera back to factory settings which I love. I like the IS because my hands are not as steady as they used to be. It is a simple camera and suits my needs. I don't like to be changing lens all the time. I usually just put my camera on "auto" and use it that way. The S2 has been replaced with a higher number. I was told most digital cameras are good, you just need to know the kind of photos you want. I was in a van in Aruba, turned the corner and this is what I saw. it wasn't our ship.

Here is a link that might be useful:

The previous posters gave you great advice. I hardly know anything about the topic - but the one feature that was important to me was the view finder. I picked a Canon because it had both an electronic LCD viewing screen and an optical viewfinder.

If it's very sunny outside the LCD screen can fade out making it difficult to see the image. If the camera has both you can always just look through the view finder. Unfortunately many companies only used the LCD screen.

There is alot of info out there! Not sure what your price range is, but my DD just bought the Nikon D300. It is suppose to be the top (non professional) of the line for Nikon...it cost her more than ALL my cameras ever put together! LOL There is more to this camera than I can even comprehend! I just ordered her a DVD that is suppose to tell lots of tips about the camera. I know the book that came with it was huge!! She is planning on getting into portait settings and such as a business in the future.....so hopefully it will pay off for them.

I can't help you myself....I LOVE the point and shoots!! =)

Thanks, folks, for your responses.

Hubs has looked at both the Canon Eos Rebel XTi and the Nikon D-something-or-other and has said that, from what he has seen/felt just from handling them, that he thinks he'd like either one just fine. But I thought that getting first-hand experience/comments from some folks here might help.

I don't have a set price range for this. I just want to get him a good digital SLR that will take great photos. He's not a professional-level photographer, but you could classify him as advanced intermediate (or beginning advanced), I guess. He has no intentions of taking photos for a living; just taking nice photos when we go places, or when we're at baseball games, etc.

I have the sony alpha100.
After much research its the one I picked because I had lots of lenses from an old camera that would be compatible with it.
The two cameras that I was considering the the cannon or the sony.

I really like my camera.

I have the Canon XTi, I really like it. I did a lot of research first. This was an upgrade from the original Digital Rebel for me, so I could use the macro lenses, etc., that I have bought.
I am really considering getting a 40D, though.
My Rebel (XTi) came with the kit lens, I have since purchased the same mm lens with the IS. Great little lens, inexpensive, as lenses go.
Whichever camera you get him, Lindsey, he's going to LOVE it!
Be sure and check out the user forums at dpreview.com, you can see what the actual owners/useers of all these cameras think of them, and see their photos.
In my opinion, you can't go wrong with Canon!
JoanMN/FL

I've been using Nikons for over 10 years. For the non-professional:
http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/SLR1160.htm?bct=t1134
Check out this package. It is a pretty good deal, because the model is not the most current. I often buy last years model - there is usually nothing wrong with them, they haven't been improved THAT much. And you gotta love a sale price.
It is also a nice light camera and pretty fast. We have one here in the office for the novice users.
Currently, I am using the Nikon D200 with an 18-200mm zoom.
http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/SLR1140.htm
It serves my purpose well. I shoot for local college and do over 200 jobs a year.
Always get an extra battery, dedicated flash and an extra memory card, no matter what you go with.
Good luck!

lindsey,
it is really a matter of personal perference and also if you'r husband has a 35mm SLR already. if he does i recomend that you get him the same brand DSLR so that he can interchange the lenses. i had a nikon 35mm and when i went to digital i got a canon rebel. i love my canon and hate my nikon. whenever i shoot with film i use my old Yashika or i borrow my dads. i just wish they still made the yashika. dad has this awesome lense that i can't use with my canon.

pets