Nikon D50 or Canon 350 xt ?

This is NOT a "no brainer" decision! These are both excellent cameras in their class. Personally, I'd choose the D50 because it has a spotmeter and the Canon doesn't, but you will have to actually pick up the cameras in a shop and see which one feels right in your hands.

As far as lens chooses, Nikon's "cheaper" lenses seem to be much better than Canon's "cheaper" lenses. Once you get into the high-priced spread, they are both good and - once again - it would be a matter of personal preference.

Go here and read the reviews and owner opinions.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?m...

I am head over heals in love with my Nikon D200 and my wife likes her D50, but if I started out with Canon, I'm sure I'd like them, too. A good walk-around lens for the D50 is Nikkor AF-S 18-70 f/3.5-4.5G ED DX lens for a bit more range and a lot more durability than the kit lens. When you are ready to add lenses, the sky is the limit with Nikon.

Get a 1 GB memory card, such as the Sandisk "Ultra" for decent write speed.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d50.htm

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Nikon/nikon_...

Circuit City has it for $700, with the lens.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Nikon-D50-Digital-C...

Walmart has it for $660.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_...

The memory card will cost $50-60 or so, depending on sales or rebates.

Numbers don't count when it comes to quality. It just means they sell more units. Is a Chevrolet better than a Rolls Royce because thet sell more. NO!

Nikon makes fantastic cameras and lens. You really can't go wrong with either of them. Get the one that fits your needs, your hands, and your wallet best. FYI - the D40 is coming out any day and I think it is replacing the D50. If you can afford it, get the D80. Great camera! I have owned Nikons since 1965 and currently own a D70s, D80, and a D1x.

Norm

between nikon and canon? go for the nikon!! nikon is the best in manufacturing cameras that are durable and outstanding performance whiles still keeping up with competitor's cost. if you can just ad a few hundred i suggest you do go for the D80 because it is really a good bang for the buck. i own a d80 and d200 and the canon rebel xt and nikons are perfect. as for the lens, nikon's lenses are mostly compatible with the new dslr even if they are from the 60's. with canon the sensors are very picky and you end up with a few selection of lenses. the nikon 18-200 f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Nikkor lens is probably one lens that you would be needing for the rest of your shooting days!! go for nikon :)

Nikon versus Canon is a no brainer. Canon wins the day. Canon makes all its own components - processors, sensors, etc. and has more product depth in terms of bodies, lenses and other acessories than Nikon. Canon is also the largest DSLR manufacturer. No other manufacturer comes close on the numbers.

Canon by far.