On the fence..Nikon D80 vs. Canon XTI

Paul Rubin wrote:
> Stefan Patric <tootek2@yahoo.com> writes:
>> FWIW, I use my 30 year old Nikkor AI lenses on a Nikon D50. No problems.
>> No auto-focus/auto-exposure -- I rarely use either even when I use AF
>> lenses -- but the lenses mount on the body properly, and metering works
>> in manual mode.
>
> Whaaaaat? Are you sure about metering working in manual mode? I
> thought the entire D40-50-70-80 series had no metering at all without
> CPU lenses. And how do you focus accurately?

According to Nikon site, AI lenses can work with D80, but you won't be
able to use the in-camera exposure meter (no Auto-focus available of
course). If D80 can be set to full-manual mode, then you can measure the
exposure using a separate exposure meter, then set the camera exposure
settings accordingly (I do that with Fuji S6000, which could function in
full manual mode including focusing the lens).

I think you have to consider this: can you live without auto-focus and,
perhaps more importantly, the exposure meter of the camera.

According to Nikon, you can fit many old Nikon lenses on their DSLR
bodies, but some bodies work better with the old lenses than other do.
For example, you can use AI lenses on D80, but you have to set focus and
exposure manually. If you can live without Auto-focus but you still want
to use the in-camera exposure meter, then D200 and better is the only
way to go as far as Nikon is concerned. Then of course, those would cost
more than $1000.


stein.jesse@gmail.com wrote:
> I am in the market for a DSLR and was wondering if I could get some
> input. I am interested in buying a new camera and have heard good
> things about both the Canon Digital Rebel XTI 10.1 and Nikon D80. I
> was hoping to stay below the $1000 if I could which makes the XTI more
> favorable however, my dad has roughly 5 Nikon lenses at home and it
> would be nice if I was able to use them. The lenses he has were
> bought for his Nikon (1970's can't recall the model) I am told that
> the picture quality will be reduced if an older lens is used on a
> newer DSLR. I am aware that I can purchase an adapter so I can use my
> Nikon lenses on the Canon but I wasn't sure how the adapter works and
> if there was any loss of quality. I am a 4th year industrial design
> student in Boston and lately I have had a high need for nice high res
> photos esp in the building of my portfolio. I wouldn't consider
> myself an amature but I am far from professional. I have been
> shooting on my Nikon 8008s for years and I love it. Any advice you
> can give would be great. I am not necessarily stuck on these two
> cameras, however they seem to be reasonably priced and powerful enough
> for what I'm looking for. Thanks for your help
>
> - Jesse
>