The decision that was 3 years in the making

I have officially switched from Nikon to Canon.


I bought me a Canon Digital Rebel Xsi.


I love Nikon. I've had a Nikon SLR in one version or another for the last 24 years. I think the optical quality is amazing, and I've made some really nice photographs with Nikon. My only complaint with Nikon had been the cost. Outside of a Hasselblad (which would make a great Christmas or birthday gift, hint, hint) they are the most expensive gear I have envied.

A couple of years back I picked up a digital point and shoot to learn what I could about digital photography. The more I learned about it, the more I liked it, and I started thinking about purchasing a digital SLR. I began researching Nikons and, just for the heck of it, Canons. In the camera wars, it seems that these two are running neck and neck. In all the forums the suggestion is to pick one or the other, you can't go wrong. The only concern would be if you had a bunch of equipment (read lenses) from either system. Then you would want to stick with that one.

Here's where it gets dicey. I've got a couple of lenses that are Nikon mounts. But, they aren't anything special, pretty much just kit lenses. Back in the day, Nikon's autofocus feature was controlled by the camera, so while these lenses do autofocus, they don't have the internal mechanism to do so.

Now Nikon has changed the way their digital cameras do autofocus. It's all in the lenses. (This is the way Canon has been doing it for years.) There are probably advantages to that, but what it means for me is that, while my lenses will work with the new Nikon bodies, they won't autofocus. So, basically, I'm in the position of if I make the jump to digital SLR, I would have to start with a whole new system. This put Nikon and Canon on a level playing field.

Again, back to the internet, and to the reviews for each system. I can't afford (nor do I need) the full-figure (and price) pro level body. But, I also do more than just entry level. So, I'm looking at the Nikon D-60, and the Canon Digital Rebel Xti. I like the features, and the price, of the Xti. I like the features of the D-60. Then Canon comes out with the Xsi. It has the same sensor as it's pro-level body, and the reviews on it are great! So, I bit.

All this took about 3 years, and several camera body releases for each company. I just got stuck on not wanting to make the wrong decision, and "should I settle for non-autofocus on my old Nikon lenses", and "do I want to spend that kind of money".

Lo, and behold, B&H is running a great deal on a body with kit lens, and another longer zoom, and I decide it's time to cash in all those gift certificates!! It arrived yesterday. I'll post some pictures when I get a chance - once I work my way through the instruction book! And, I'll probably have some over on my Flickr photostream, too.

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