Dirt Cheap Entry Level DSLR – Canon XSi Or Nikon D3000?

Canon and Nikon have been going head-to-head in competition for the least expensive (OK – cheap) DSLR since the release of the first Canon Digital Rebel 300D and the Nikon D40. Those two 6-megapixel cameras entered the DSLR market at just under $1000.

The trend to release less expensive DSLRs has continued with successive releases from both Canon and Nikon. Now we have two DSLRs with impressive credentials for under $600.

Which one to choose? The Canon Rebel XSi or the Nikon D3000?

I have bad news for you. There is no definitive winner in this comparison. But let’s consider the differences. You will then need to decide which technology feature will tip the scales for you.

• Image Quality – It is a tie. Both cameras produce high quality prints, considered to be the best in the entry level DSLR category.
• Megapixels - Canon is the clear winner here with 12.2 megapixels vs 10.2 megapixels.
• Kit Lens – Identical.
• ISO – Slight edge to Nikon here with ISO 100-3200 vs 100-1600.
• Price – Nikon has shaved their MSRP to $600 with the kit lens. And even though you can get either camera for under $600 actual price, Nikon is consistently available for about $50 less than the Rebel.
• Continuous Shooting – Canon is the clear winner here with 3.5 frames per second (up to 53 continuous shots). Nikon’s speed is 2.99 frames per second (up to 16 shots).
• LCD Monitor - Identical. Both have 3″ view panel with 230,000 dot resolution
• LCD Live View – Clear winner here. Canon Rebel Xsi HAS Live View while Nikon D3000 does not.
• Video – Neither has video capability.
• Age – The Canon Rebel XSi entered the market in April ’08, and Nikon D3000 entered more recently in August ’09.

These are the comparisons that may interest someone moving up to their first DSLR. The most important may be the availability of Live View on the Canon XSi. This feature is becoming available on all new releases. Why did Nikon leave Live View off the D3000?

There is no doubt that the Canon-Nikon competition will continue. You, the DSLR camera buyer can only benefit from the competition for the best cheap DSLR. Find a much more in-depth look at these two fantastic cameras at http://www.digital-photographic-resources.com.

About the Author

I love photography and all things related to it. Cameras, camera gear, and image editing software fascinate me, so I am either buying the newest piece of equipment (or software) or researching my next purchase. Be sure to visit the Cameras-N-Stuff Blog.

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