Olympus Evolt or Canon Rebel XT?

[Saralonde]

I am a casual photographer moving up from a point and shoot to a digital SLR and trying to decide between these two cameras. Does anyone have a comparison between the two? I am also interested in expanding my basic skills, esp. in the area of closeup photos of flowers, etc. and realize I will need various extra lenses but my concern is budget. Will the Evolt accept Sigma lenses? I've heard the Sigma 50 mmEX macro lens works well in general photography and it also fits better into my price range, but will it fit an Olympus Evolt? I've been leaning toward the Evolt because I can get one for less than $1000 with both a 40-150 mm and a 14 - 45 lens. Thanks for any help you can give this newbie.

[Michael Fanelli]

I am a casual photographer moving up from a point and shoot to a digital SLR and trying to decide between these two cameras. Does anyone have a comparison between the two? I am also interested in expanding my basic skills, esp. in the area of closeup photos of flowers, etc. and realize I will need various extra lenses but my concern is budget. Will the Evolt accept Sigma lenses? I've heard the Sigma 50 mmEX macro lens works well in general photography and it also fits better into my price range, but will it fit an Olympus Evolt? I've been leaning toward the Evolt because I can get one for less than $1000 with both a 40-150 mm and a 14 - 45 lens. Thanks for any help you can give this newbie.

The Olympus uses the 4/3 system. This is a small sensor and requires a totally new lens mount. It seems to be OK quality up to ISO 400 but falls apart after that. I don't think that Sigma supports this mount yet but you should check the website. The supplied 14-45 lens is mediocre with some vigenetting (see DCRP Review). If you can, skip the kit lens and buy a better one separately.

Canon uses the standard EOS mount which means you can use Canon 35mm lenses as well as the newer digital-only lenses. The Canon has a bigger sensor and much lower noise, especially at higher ISO. The kit lens, although not spectacular, is surprisingly good.

[almo]

The Olympus uses the 4/3 system. This is a small sensor and requires a totally new lens mount. It seems to be OK quality up to ISO 400 but falls apart after that. I don't think that Sigma supports this mount yet but you should check the website. The supplied 14-45 lens is mediocre with some vigenetting (see DCRP Review). If you can, skip the kit lens and buy a better one separately.

Canon uses the standard EOS mount which means you can use Canon 35mm lenses as well as the newer digital-only lenses. The Canon has a bigger sensor and much lower noise, especially at higher ISO. The kit lens, although not spectacular, is surprisingly good.

Michael pretty much laid out the reasons to go with Canon here, but remember this, one day you will want to step up to a better, or newer camera body that will be compatable with your old lenses, flashes...ect. . Canon is always going to be your best bet there.

[Saralonde]

Thanks so much for your responses. Thanks to your feedback, I think the Canon will work better for me. I'm learning so much from this forum and I'm sure I'll be back for more help!