I'm trying to choose my DSLR

[Stump1000]

It's gonna be a Rebel XT or a Nikon D50. I've been reading about both of them, and I'm still not 100% on which I want. I like the Rebel XT but Im not sure its worth the extra 300$ to me. Money is an issue here, but I would rather pay more to get something thats better.

Opinions, Suggestions? Thanks.

[jliechty]

I'm partial to the Nikon system because I have Nikon lenses. If you don't have lenses in a system already, then your options are open. Both cameras will produce images of excellent quality, so your choice comes down to how the cameras fit in your hand, and to a lesser degree what kind of exotic lenses you might want in the future. Canon, for example, has tilt/shift lenses and stabilized long telephotos (500 and 600mm), while Nikon has the incredible 200mm f/2 VR and the flexible 200-400 f/4 VR zoom (Vibration Reduction is equivalent to Canon's Image Stabilization). Given that you any such lenses would be far off in the future, if ever, your main consideration should probably be how well the camera feels and how compatible its interface is with your way of thinking (I like Nikon's interface better, while some find Canon's interface more appealing).

[swartzphotography]

well there is another factor the megapixels on the d 50 are just 6 (i say that and im shooting with the canon digital rebel which is also just a 6 megapixel) but the point is the rebel xt is more versatile in that it has the ability to blow up 20x30 where the d 50 will do 20x16. another thing that may factor things differently is that the d50 has a sd card slot for memory which if you compare prices the sd memory cards are cheaper than compact flash. i am also curious where your finding a nikon d50 thats 300 dollars cheaper at last look i thought the d50 was 1000 and the rebel was 900 dollars. am i missing a sale lol?

[Stump1000]

My local Wolf Camera store has a 20x30 printed from the d50 that looks really good. Anyways, the SD memory is another thing. I already have a 1GB SD card and another 256SD. I dont have any Compact Flash. I'm thinking about purchasing from BuyDig.com

[jliechty]

The difference between 6MP and 8MP is actually incredibly small in real world situations. If both are enlarged at the same DPI, the difference is much smaller than the difference between 20x30 and 16x20.

By the way, before you buy, look for the store that you plan to order from on Reseller Ratings (http://www.resellerratings.com/) to see what kind of feedback they get. I think BuyDig is probably ok (unless they've' gone downhill recently), because I ordered a PDA from them last year and didn't have any problems.

[agesilaus]

$300?! what is the D50 going for? NewEgg has the 350D for $769 with the kit lens and $719 for the body; before a $100 rebate.

[Bruce Painter]

If there is a store near you that has both in stock go in and handle both cameras. That is what I did almost two years ago with the D70 the 10D and the digital rebel. I bought the 10D. I used a Nikon FM2 befor going digital so I had no AF lenses to worry about.
Either camera will do a good job for you. I would not worry about the D50 only having 6 MP. I am thinking about an upgrade to the 30D but if I do the extra two MP's will only be a bonus and will have almost nothing to do with the choice.
Pick a reputable dealer and choose quality lenses for either body and you will be happy.
Bruce

[Steve Mitchell]

DSLR image quality has evovled so far in the past several years that the decision really comes down to system and ergonomics. Look hard at the lens line-up and and other accesories that fit your style and genre of shooting.