Oh well, let’s face it, the differences are becoming smaller and smaller between Nikon and Canon. Not that this will stop any of those stupid flamewars in one of the techno-forums.

It’s true what you said at the end of your post–it’s ultimately up to the user to get a good feel for what will work. That depends on our approach to photography, plus more practical points that you mentioned.

Great post!

Finally, Nikon have knocked Canon on their collective behinds! These boys are for real!

There are some differences in lenses, to be sure, even in the same manufacturers lineup. For example, by far, my Nikon 80-200mm lens is the sharpest, out of the box, that I have; however, it’s also my least used. All of the other lenses, down to the cheap-o 18-70mm kit lens that came with one of my cameras, work excellently. The optics are great. Some of the cheaper lenses have plastic barrels and parts, which is why they are much cheaper, but some use the same grade of glass as the others.

So, it’s up to you. What fits? What feels good? Choose the right camera and you’ll be pretty satisfied.

Also, as you own a Nikon FE, you probably have lenses that fit it. Those lenses will still work on any of the Nikon digital cameras! You’ll have to manually focus it, but it will still work! Nikon hasn’t changed their lens mount since early 1950, I believe. Lastly, you’re used to the feel of Nikon and the location of the controls. All of these things are to your advantage.

Do you have any thoughts about lenses in general and the impact they have on making a DSLR purchase? For example, when one looks to purchase a DSLR there is the camera (body) and the lenses to consider. As you know, I am seriously looking at a Nikon (such as the D80). While doing so, I am finding that the Canon EOS XSi is getting great reviews and I’m getting tempted to consider it instead. What’s holding me back are the lenses. In other words, the Canon may be a better camera or (arguably) have more features, but I don’t want to give up the line of Nikon lenses. Of course if one plans to purchase a quantity of third party lenses, such as Tamron or Sigma, this is less of an issue. And you’re right, I can’t prove that Nikon lenses are better than Canon’s. For me, though, I believe the lens (line of lenses) is going to make the final decision. Right now I’m convinced I want to go with Nikon lenses. I can’t go with BOTH Nikon and Canon lenses. If I buy a Canon EOS, Nikon lenses are out as I can’t really afford two lines of lenses.

So, if I decide I’m going with Nikon lenses, then the decision becomes which Nikon camera body works best for me (right now) and no Canon (or other brand of camera) is really an option, no matter how much “better” it might be. Then, if I decide to go with a newer or more professional (and expensive) Nikon later, it’s OK as my lenses will still work with the new (additional) camera body.

–Rob Terry