The D80 is probably the better camera as far as features, VF, AF modes etc....

It doesn't make better images though. Just feels a bit nicer and may fit your hand better. The Xti is kind of small..

Both will suit your needs. Get the one that feels the best to you or has the lenses and accessories available that you want or need..

I went with Canon over Nikon for the lenses. Nikon did not have what I wanted..

Gene..

Of the 2 you listed I would go with the Nikon. I think it is a better build and produces better color overall. However if you have not looked at them I would also look at the Pentax 100D and the Olympus 510. For the $$ I believe both are superior to the Canon or Nikon..

Having in camera image stabilization is a truely wonderful thing. Look at the cost of image stabilized lenses. Also the kit lens for the Olympus will be better than any of the others..

MaddogOlympus E-500, Olympus E-510..

It's just a coin flip. Stories about better color with one over the other are just nonsense, by the way..

BAK..

Satisfy your future needs in a system..

Both Canon and Nikon have great glass in the 1st tier line..

If you are looking at the D80, then you should be looking at the Canon 30D as a comparable camera in the line. The 400d is closer to the D40x in camera lines..

Nikon D80, or Canon 30D....would be a fairer comparison in feature set and build quality..

'Well, Good Luck With That' (SpongeBob SquarePants).

Peter .

Image control:Zoom outZoom 100%Zoom inExpand AllOpen in new window.

Enjoy your photography images, even if your wife doesn't ! ;-(http://laurence-photography.com/http://www.pbase.com/peterarbib/Cameras in profile...

...here at dpreview. They are much better than those you have been reading in magazines. You can find direct comparisons of many cameras..

Jerryhttp://jchoate.zenfolio.com/..

You really need to take a look and see which one you think will work best for you. IMO the D80 is a much better and more solid camera than the 400D which just has a cheaper feeling to it. The D80 has a more user friendly menu and controls. Both cameras have plenty of lenses to choose from that will more than satisfy your needs..

Steve.

'If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them something more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it.'..

Olympus 410,510Pentax K100,K10DSony A100Nikon D40,D40X or D80Canon 400D,30D.

Think of what you want to shot, then think of the amount of money you want to spend, then think of the lenses.Then go to a camera shop and get a feel for the camera.Look in the viewfinder,feel the controls :buttons,dials,joysticks.Hold that camera for awhile and walk around with it does it feel to heavy or the built quality feel cheesy.Do you have big hands ? If so maybe a camera with a bigger grip.The more buttons on the camera the less looking in the menue system or maybe you want it simple, I don't now.Maybe you shot your kids or want it for sports then you might think a camera with a faster FPS, or your hands are shakey so you might consider a camera with IS.Then again your a clean freak and don't want to always clean your sensor everytime dust gets on it..

I find it very hard to recommend a camera, what is good for one person might not be right for another...

Both are ok cameras.They are not the top but good to start.They are capable of professional quality shots..

Now do what most amateurs have trouble doing - make a decision..

You have to live with it..

If I tell you what I like how will it help you since we are different people?.

Get one, and start making the best photos..

Set yourself some photo goals, not equipment collecting..

Enjoy.Peter.

Persuasive Marketing Systems -inc Copywriting, Design & Photography..

Both these cameras will take great pictures, and it will take you several years to really understand what is going on..

Nikon and Canon is like Ford or Chevy. Each has a different feel and approach to how they take pictures. I like how Nikon's feel and how the controls are placed. I think Canon has some nice len's. Go and look at both cameras and see how feel in your hand. Also, look at the 30/40D and D200 to see how they feel.

See what you future looks like..

3 Years ago I had the same struggle. Once I picked the two cameras up I went with the D70. Now I using the D200..

It's all good. Once you pick each camera up, you'll know..

Good shooting.Nikon D200 w/18-70Nikon 50mm F/1.8Sigma 30mm F/1.4Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG MacroNikon SB-800 FlashEpson R2400WhiBal grey card - Don't shoot NEF/RAW without one!http://www.briangeller.com..