Need recommendations for higher-quality plastic body cameras

[cdgephart]

I've been looking at the Canon line - in particular the XSi, T1i, D40 and D50 and I already have another topic posted in that regard, but it was Canon-centric and I feel I should open it up for input on other options so as to not limit myself (I also thought the discussion in regard to my question might be beneficial to others in my position if I approach it from a broader angle).

While I would naturally like to purchase a D40 or D50, I'm just not sure I want to drop that much cash into my first DSLR. My greatest concern are the plastic bodies. Do they hold up reasonably well for outdoor photography and the occasional bumps that may occur? While I used Canon SLR equipment many years ago, I am not opposed to something from Nikon. I also want to have a camera that has good seals to minimize exposure to dust and moisture. I would like to stick with Canon and Nikon simply because of the ready availability of lens options.

So, I guess what I'm really looking for are some objective recommendations on Nikon or Canon plastic bodies that will perform reliably, hold up well, and be capable of producing pro-quality results.

Thanks in Advance!

Craig

[bob_r]

Craig,

The 40D and 50D bodies are made from a magnesium alloy. The Rebel models are plastic bodies with a stainless steel frame.

[cdgephart]

Craig,

The 40D and 50D bodies are made from a magnesium alloy. The Rebel models are plastic bodies with a stainless steel frame.

Thanks Bob. I'm aware of the body material differences. Unfortunately that wasn't what I was asking. My question was do the plastics hold up reasonably well and to those using plastics, which plastic cameras hold up best for outdoor use and are capable of high quality results. What I'm looking for is a decent plastic body DSLR that could last for several years when treated with reasonable care and works well in the outdoors so I can put a little more money into a decent lens at this point. The 40D and 50D aren't totally ruled out yet, but I'm trying to weigh all my options.

BTW, if it would help anyone in giving me some direction, I'd like to keep my budget in the $1000-$1200 range. Again, I'd like to focus on a decent lens for landscape photography (maybe a little macro work if the mood strikes). Action photography and video aren't the highest priorities for me.

Thanks!

Craig

[Bonish Photo]

Craig, I'd not worry in the least when it comes to bodies by manufacturers whether it be Canon or Nikon, Pentax or Sony.

I've shot Canon for going on 18 years now and have yet to crack a body. I used to work in a camera shop and have yet to see a body come in cracked by any manufacturer.

I've dropped my camera from throwing the tripod over my shoulder with the head not clicked in all the way and had the body literally bounce off the ground. The lens broke, but the body was fine and I shot with it for another year before I dumped it in the ocean when tipping over in my kayak in Baja.

My 30D has fallen off the counter not once, but twice, onto a ceramic tiled floor and bounced at least a foot in the air. I picked it up and shot with it the rest of the night. I had to have the shutter release button fixed from one of those falls, but the body itself was fine. My 5D has fallen off my shoulder a few times when the strap slipped off and everything still works just fine. Feel free to check out any of my galleries if you think any of this abuse might affect the way the camera handles or the way the pictures turn out.

I'd check out either POTN or Fred Miranda and look for a used 40D or 50D body which will save you a ton of money over a new model that you can then drop (Pun Intended) into a few high quality 'L' Lenses.

If anyone can abuse their camera bodies the way my wife and I do and still have them work daily, then the part time shooter just looking to fool around should have no worries when it comes to a plastic body.

[cdgephart]

Thanks Pat.

I am presently leaning toward a 40D body and likely second-hand so I have a little more money to invest in a lens (although cameras like the Canon T1i and Nikon D90 are vying for my attention). I have also read decent reviews about the Rebel XSi but, again, was concerned about the plastic (though that would give me even a bit more wiggle room for a better lens).

Craig

[Bonish Photo]

For me, I dislike the Rebel series simple because of the size.

I dont like how small they feel, but that's because I'm so used to a bigger body with either a grip, or the 1 series. I also didnt like the XSi's ability to keep up when shooting as fast as the buffer would allow in Raw+Jpeg.

The 30, 40 or 50D all can keep up much faster and have less of a write time between shooting and writing to the card in my book.

But you can find some very inexpensive Rebel's on either of those forums I mentioned

[cdgephart]

Thanks all. I pulled the trigger and ordered a Nikon D90.