CNET Smackdown: Nikon D80 vs. Canon EOS Rebel XTi
December 14, 2007: CNET likes to do deathmatches between two similar competing products, and this time they’ve pitted two popular DSLR’s against each other: Nikon’s D80 vs. Canon’s EOS Rebel XTi.
Two judges rated both cameras in five categories. The result: The Nikon trounced the Canon with a score of 45 to 37. Here’s CNET’s conclusion:
What an upset! The Nikon D80 might be a bit more expensive than the XTi, but it’s clearly worth that extra couple of hundred bucks. Though they’re evenly matched for photo quality, the Nikon delivers enough extra oomph across the board to claim victory. But the Rebel ain’t the Rebel for nothing–we’re sure it’ll be back for a rematch next year!
I gotta say, though, with the XTi currently available on Amazon.com for $589 with the kit lens, and the similarly lensed D80 costing $878, it’s a bit of an unfair comparison. The D80 is more than 50% more expensive than the XTi. A fairer fight might have pitted the XTi against Nikon’s D40, which will set you back $449.
Still, its interesting that the two companies never really have two models that are exact competitors at the same price point. That tradition continues with Canon 40D costing (body only) around $1,300 and Nikon’s closest model, the D300, priced at $1,800. Weird. Or smart. Who knows.
Scott
December 18th, 2007 at 4:28 am
I feel that Nikon and Canon no longer have the monopoly in the dSLR market. With companies like Olympus and Sony making great advance in the pro and semi-pro areas with the E-510, E-3 and A700 respectively, magazines and reviewers should stop focusing merely on the Big Two.
December 18th, 2007 at 11:24 am
Scott, you’re letting your Canon Fanboy’ism show :-)
(Would love to have either product!)
December 21st, 2007 at 4:53 am
Absolutely, the xTi is a bargain. I can’t keep track of all the Canon’s with the Rebel name associated with them (at least 2?) I am a Nikon shooter, but the xTi is undoubtedly a steal. I am sure we’re going to see new ones announced from Canon in January.
In general, the Nikon stuff is admittedly overpriced. I do have to say though, that at the low end , D40’s going for $499 just after Thanksgiving, and now, D300’s (if you can find them anywhere) at $1799 are both bargains. They really have the entry level and the high end covered nicely. I do think the D80 is overpriced.
Reviwers focus on the big 2 simply because they dominate the market, by a wide margin. And, they will continue to be recommended to new shooters, as most classes or workshops one attends will have these used or recommended by the instructors.
A
December 22nd, 2007 at 7:43 pm
I don’t think it’s a good thing to recommend a product just because they dominate the market. Of that were the case, everyone would be recommending Windows over Mac. Having owned and tried both Canon and Nikon, my opinion is that they are not that different from their competitors.
December 23rd, 2007 at 5:12 am
I agree not a fair comparison, I’m still hoping the new 5D will come out soon! (Maybe Jan. 25) Ooooo, what will Nikon have to battle that?
January 3rd, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I think it is only fair to point out that this article was published October 20, 2006. I couldn’t tell you what the prices for both cameras were on that day, but it’s possible they were more similar than a 50% difference.
The point was, in the end, both judges thought the Nikon features were worth a couple hundred more dollars… in 2006.
Is there a more recent article from CNET? Somewhere else? I think users at dpreview.com clearly rate the Canon XTi higher than the D80, although the site itself retes the D80 slightly higher.
I think your show is fantastic. I’ve been listening since the 3rd episode. However, is it possible to have Michael and your guests use Skype instead of the phone? The sound quality could be better, and it sounds like you are already using studio equipment. Otherwise, great job!