Need help choosing (rebel Xti / nikon D80) / Auto focus

[kapra06]

hello to all..

i am in the midst of trying to buy a dslr. im am pretty much a newbie. you are probably tierd of hearing which one to buy lol.. but i think im going with either the nikon d80 or rebel XTI.. I am leaning more towards the XTI just cuz of price and the fact that im a newbie and wont see much difference..
my main concern in the auto focus. i believe with these two cameras, the AF is in the lens right? do all the lenses come with AF..(or is it a lot more expensive) i am a little shaky and so was wondering if this is a factor.. the D80 feels better in my hand, but thats not a biggie..

any advice

Thanks much!!!!!

[mn shutterbug]

I'm not going to advise you on these 2 cameras, but I will answer a couple of your questions. On both Nikon and Canon, the AF is in the lenses. As far as I know, all modern lenses do come with AF. You may still be able to find some older manual lenses somewhere. Considering you're a newbie, I'd go with the Canon if I were you. They'll both do a superb job, but you'll need to keep back some cash for a good lens.

[kapra06]

yeah, lenses are in my budget. they say canon lenses are more readily available, and probably buying em used on craigslist or somthing will be easier to find.

sounds like your not keen on either model, is there something else you have in mind?

[mn shutterbug]

sounds like your not keen on either model, is there something else you have in mind?

No, I'm not sure where you got that from. I believe they are both excellent cameras and will work well for you. Put a good piece of glass on the end, learn technique, practice a lot and you'll come away with some excellent photos. Just keep in mind, these are not point and shoot cameras. There is a learning curve if you want to get the most out of the equipment.

[kapra06]

thanks much for the reply. i think, based on price, i am going to go for the canon rebel xti.
would you happen to have any advice on wich lenses to buy. there are soooo many, and am a little taken aback by all the different types. i think i have to get the ones for cannon that say EF. for the auto focus or stabalization.
any general tips for lense buying.
fyi i really want a general all purpose lense, as well as one more to shoot close ups like buys and flowere etc..

thanks again for the help...

[mn shutterbug]

If you buy the XTI kit, it comes with a pretty decent lens. It's an 18-55 mm zoom. This will give you a pretty decent wide angle and a moderate telephoto. After you've had this for awhile, you'll probably know more what you are really looking for. As far as a macro for bugs and flowers, hopefully someone else will give you some advice. I don't shoot bugs or flowers. I'm strictly a bird and mammal shooter.