I am a newbie to this hobby. Wondering which would be the better purchase, an older Canon 10D or the newer Nikon D40? Both are selling for about the same price. Both are used. Now I'm using a Canon S2 and a Samsung L210. Never owned or used a SLR before. Thx

I can't speak about the Nikon, but if you want to go the Canon route, I wouldn't buy a 10D. It is an APS-C camera that pre-dates Canon's dedicated lenses for that format (EFs mount) and can not accept them. The original Digital Rebel (aka 300D) sells for about the same, doesn't have this limitation and is otherwise a very similar camera. I think it would be a much better choice. A great place to shop for second hand DSLRs is KEH (http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/ProductList.aspx?Mode=searchproducts&item=0&ActivateTOC2=false&ID=&Size=&BC=DC&BCC=3&CC=2&CCC=1&BCL=&GBC=&GCC=&KW=). In fact, that's about the only place I'd feel comfortable shopping for a used DSLR, and they are well known to underrate their gear; that is even bargain rated stuff tends to be in excellent shape.

As an aside, another step up from the Digital Rebel (300D) would be the Digital Rebel XT (350D), which IMHO has as main difference that Canon sorted out its TTL flash problems. With a 300D you want to use an autoflash like the ubiquitous Vivitar 383 (about $50). These flashes have their own flash metering system and are dirt cheap these days. They do a great job for all but macro and long tele photography, but they are not quite as convenient to use as TTL flash units, and flash is a great thing for macro/close-up shots. The 350D works perfectly with moderns Speedlites (ex series) like eg the 420ex (about $200). But a 350D costs from $300 upwards, while a 300D can be had for around $200. Everything newer will get A LOT more expensive, but improvements after that have been incremental IMHO - more mega pixels, brighter screens, and so on. I am still shooting a 350D and am perfectly happy with it.

Frank

The Nikon D40 has always done well by many and it would definitely by my choice of the two.

I'd go with the Nikon

I'd go with the Nikon

Why? Just curious. If you have a gazillion lenses already, that's of course plenty good enough a reason for you, but is of no importance to the OP. As for comparing features of the D40 and 10D (or 300D), unfortunately I know nothing about the Nikon, but I'd be curious to read a good comparison myself.

Frank

Just purchased the Nikon D40. Thanks for the help. Have not had a chance to open it to try it. Got it at Walmart with the standard lens.

Just purchased the Nikon D40. Thanks for the help. Have not had a chance to open it to try it. Got it at Walmart with the standard lens......Bravo, Bjcho, Great Purchase!....dive into that instructional manual with a vengance, and don't be reluctant to post questions....others here have D40s.....

Very nice :thmbsp:

You can read all about about your purchase (and a whole lot more) here:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm

fmueller and others,
Sorry for my brief reply without explanation. I've used both Nikon and Canon for many years, switching from one to the other both for personal and work cameras. I have, over time, developed a subtle preference for Nikons primarily because of their metering, and I guess, at this point in my life, they feel more familiar.