I'm planning to buy my first DSLR soon and would like some help on the best bottom-mid range camera to buy. I have observed that Canon and Nikon are the most popular here on 365 (or at least on the pages I've looked at :)). Any suggestions would be most welcome together with reasons as to why they are being suggested.
My response to this is two-fold. Go to a camera shop, find the one that best fits your hand, feels good, you like the controls, etc. Then find the best deal you can on it....online or otherwise. Don't forget Olympus or Sony when you are looking around. If you want an upper level model, look for a used one. There is nothing wrong with a 5 year old camera in good condition. You could get something used that you may not otherwise be able to afford new for the same price as a new lower level camera. Keep your eyes open!
I suggest Nikon in the Nikon vs Canon realm for one reason. Other than that, it's what you like and feels right... The one reason is that Canon has changed their lens mounts over the years. The lenses that fit a Canon twenty years ago won't fit your "new" one. However Nikon has not changed the lens mount and older lenses will fit your newer camera. It was pointed out to me that it's not prudent to go much older than the 70's because of various reasons including the lens glass and the AF motors. Now you will have to use Manual Focus on the lens that are in that age range but you can pick up lenses that old for a song. If you are ok with using MF and having a lens with some character I'm sure you could get a handful of great glass for the price of one "new" middle of the line lens. That is my only arguement with Nikon vs Canon and why I chose Nikon. I have a few older lenses that I have no problem using on my new D90 w/o any adaptors. You can also get an adaptor ring on amazon for the older canon FD lenses to fit Nikon DSLR's and vice versa for about $35 USD so that opens up the possibilites too. I haven't got an adaptor ring yet so I can't vouch for the fact that the image is or isn't affected by that space btwn the lens/camera body but I would think it would not affect the overall outcome.
Whichever feels right for you... go into a store, find what feels most natural in your hands, which offers the best grip, which has the buttons in the most convenient places...
Also think about what you're wanting to use the photos for... is it for 365 and digital (web) use only, or do you want to get them printed? If you want the option of printing fairly big (A3 and up), then choose a camera with a higher number of megapixels (at least 12 or 15).
I went Canon because I found that it was more value for money for the model I was after. Depends on how much you're willing to spend :)
@riversdale You are going to find folks really evenly split on the Nikon vs. Canon debate - except for those of us who were smart enough to buy Nikons. ;) I kid, I kid!!! :) The best camera is the one you have with you, and the one that works for you, no matter what the brand is.
I am a Nikon user, but I'll admit that's because my first camera was a Nikon Coolpix and it was really easy to transition over to a DSLR, same types of menus, etc. I've tried Canons and I just don't like the feel of them - I am Team Nikon all the way, and at this point, with the lenses I have, etc., I wouldn't shoot anything else for digital.
However, the best thing you can do is go to a store that sells cameras and try them out. Then go back. Then go back some more. I tried out DSLRs for a year before I bought one. Best of luck!
@shadesofgrey thanks for pointing out that there are other cameras.
My suggestion is to make a list of what YOU want in a camera, what is most important. Also take the time to price out accessories and lenses because you will be spending money on them. Also look at renting the camera first to see how you like it before you spend your budget on a camera you do not love.
I am on my second olympus and am completely satisfied with my choice. I have the E620 and it was a top runner for me because it did not have hd video which was of no interest to me and it was the smallest and lightest which was a huge factor. Also like how it works for my photo needs.
My second choice was actually the Nikon, but I already owned the lenses for an olympus. Check out www.dpreview.com which has great reviews.
Whichever feels best and don't forget to try Sony too. Recently they make great technological advances. For example, even their base model shoot 10 frames per second. To get a similar speed on Canon and Nikon you have to pay 1,000s of $ in the US and have the best video mode if it matters to you. I am a Nikon shooter myself, but I am not a fanboy :)
My film is Nikon. My first digital was a Nikon and I didnt like how the color red was portrayed, so when I eventually upgraded I bought a Canon and have used Canon ever since. I say go to the store as well. Its all about what you like.
Think about what you really want and what is not that important to you. I have the Canon T1i and love it. I know they have a T2i and T3i out there, but I would never consider upgrading to either because the differences seem so slight. So, don't be afraid to check out an iteration or two older than the "new big thing" if you are looking to get more bang for your buck just to get you started.
Also, if you are going to be buying a kit, I'd suggest getting one with two lens rather than one, because you'll want a zoom lens soon enough and it is much cheaper paired up from the beginning.
You might also check out the cameras most used on this website. Go to the menu at the top of the page, click and browse, and select "camera". It ranks the cameras by the number of photos taken by them on this website. It will at least give you a jumping off point.
I stand on top of Mt Olympus and I think they take a good shot. However, I have just taken a photo of my chook Julia with my new Polaroid and it is a shot I would be proud of taken with my E-3.
I'm a nikon user and i love my camera. However, photography is an expensive hobby and if i were to do it all over again, i would start with Canon. the canon equivalent of nikon lenses are generally more affordable.
Echo going to the store to try various models to see which fit you best and which button layout/menu system is most intuitive for you.
I chose Canon When I went digital for two reasons.
One is, overall, superior lenses for action and wildlife. (at least when I purchased.)
Two is more of my friends had Canon and I could share lenses with them.
Another vote for trying out Sony DSLR. The alpha line is very well reviewed and does have some better than average features at equivalent to Nikon and Canon price points. You are already familiar with Sony's terminology with your point and shoot and usually a manufacturer's terminology will remain constant througout their entire camera line. So, little to no learning curve in that regard if you stay with Sony.
But, figure out what you want a DSLR for (how you intend to use it, what you want to shoot) and buy with that in mind. And, I also second the 2 lens kits that come offered with various cameras.
I'm getting my first SLR also. I was originally looking at the Nikon D3100. From what I heard, it's the perfect beginner SLR, and it's pretty cheap. My aunt has a Canon Rebel T2 and I was playing with it and had no problem figureing it out.
Now I'm looking at either the Canon Rebel T3i or the Nikon 5100, mostly for the flip screen and external mic ports. (I make short films and such)
heyy...sorry I have no idea about this! But just peeped in to say Thanks coz this discussion is going to be of real help for me as well..when I plan to switch over to DSLR :)
Asking which DSLR is right is like asking which car is right! it depends on your needs. I decided on the Nikon D3100 because it is small and lighweight and can be operated upside down as a left-handed camera, which I needed it to do. Also, it was within my cash price range. Canon shutter buttons are not flat so you can't use them upside-down.
and yeah, what @bobfoto said! If you have the talent and have developed your skillset, you can take masterpieces on a cheap P&S. It's the photographer, NOT the camera that makes the difference!
I got a Canon because a colleague was selling his old one at a price I could afford. I'm quite happy with it and plan to stick with it. Where compacts are concerned I have usually had a Nikon Coolpix. I find the Coolpix useful for those times when you don't want to lug the DSLR around - it lives in my pocket. So you can have a bit of both if you want it.
Hi All, Thanks to each one of you for your expert advice. Must say the response has been overwhelming and most welcome. Like some of you have suggested, I'll go over to the store and get the feel of some of them and then decide. To buy a second hand one to begin with is also an option. I cannot say as of now what I'll be using it for, but I intend to experiment and get better at it as much as possible. It's true the photographer is more important than the camera, but there are certain things you can't do with a P&S that you can with an SLR and it just increases your options of getting more creative with your shots.
Just make sure you feel a Canon first................ then you will never want to hold anything else. :-)..................... Honestly though you can never go wrong with either Canon or N***n :-)
I decided on a canon when i decided on my first DSLR and at the very last minute spent a few hours looking at reviews on you tube and lots of other sites and did a complete turnaround and went for the Nikon D5100 which I love! The thing is once you have got it you dont try the other one afterwards to compare so are usually quite happy with your choice!
@shadesofgrey interesting point of the lens and something a friend raised a while but she actually raised it as a negative. Supposedly (and i'm kinda paraphrasing here) is that canon changed their mount system so that the body could "talk" more to the lenses and vice versa to make the interaction more intelligent. Theoretically so that the body could control the lens more or vice versa. Since nikon havent changed their system, there's less flexibility between camera and lens
I still dont really know exactly what she was talking about but it sounds good in theory lol. That said with the D800 out now... thats a big incentive to go Nikon - but a bit out of @riversdale s price range
@riversdale Personally, I think stay with the market leaders - canon or nikon. The sony / olympus brands may be ok but you may find yourself limited in aftermarket parts / lack of range of other accessories. I think when someone builds something for DSLRs (software / hardware / whatever) they would target Nikon / Canon first... and then hit the others later. Definately a good idea to go to the store and see which one fits
@toast I read that as "Canon made the camera able to do more stuff so I can just point and shoot with my fancy DSLR, I don't even have to know what I'm doing. P is for Professional................right?)
All kidding aside. it was a positive for me because I already had the glass. I didn't see a reason ( and I couldn't afford) to go out and buy a bunch of new glass to fit a new camera and let that sit there. Yes it's not top of the line but it was/is enough for what I need it for right now. I know I have a backup just in case when I upgrade. I think that the Canon upgraded lens/body argument comes into play for the IS or higher end products but for amateurs and those just starting out, I personally don't think its something to stress over too much. I like the flexibility of being able to find a second hand lens for cheap and knowing it's going to fit my camera body. Yeah I have to go manual but I learned on a Nikon SLR that was all manual anyway so it's actually harder for me to do auto settings!
yeah to be honest, I dont know what it does but assumed it was more for higher end things like micro adjustments :)
Incidentally, I was under the impression that you COULD use old lenses with the newer canon bodies, it just cant autofocus. Which theoretically if you were old school you may be a manual focus fiend anyway
Definately go hold a few. I was amazed how heavy some feel and knew as soon as I picked them up, they weren't for me. I went round camera shops, decided on one I liked then ordered online for a better price. I agree with other comments, think about how you want to use it and what you intend to take. I originally got an Olympus Pen E-PL1 (micro thirds - inbetween a point and shoot and a DSLR) when they first came out a few years ago, liked the weight but wanted a DSLR eventually and ended up with a Pentax K-7. I use both cameras now, but like to take the Olympus out and about more because it's lighter.
It's pretty much open to interpretation. For video I was always a Canon guy. For photography, I switched over to Nikon just because I liked the ergonomics, user interface and lens selection. You'll see great shots coming out of everything, it's mostly up to the user. What feels good in your hands? What user-interface is the easiest for you to deal with? What will allow you to grow without limiting you? What's your price range? Don't get caught up in the megapixel race, either. More megapixels doesn't necessarily mean better image quality. As for brand allegiance, I don't really have any, but the big two are Canon and Nikon.
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Don't listen to all the Canon folk who will try to sway you otherwise :-)
I suggest Nikon in the Nikon vs Canon realm for one reason. Other than that, it's what you like and feels right... The one reason is that Canon has changed their lens mounts over the years. The lenses that fit a Canon twenty years ago won't fit your "new" one. However Nikon has not changed the lens mount and older lenses will fit your newer camera. It was pointed out to me that it's not prudent to go much older than the 70's because of various reasons including the lens glass and the AF motors. Now you will have to use Manual Focus on the lens that are in that age range but you can pick up lenses that old for a song. If you are ok with using MF and having a lens with some character I'm sure you could get a handful of great glass for the price of one "new" middle of the line lens. That is my only arguement with Nikon vs Canon and why I chose Nikon. I have a few older lenses that I have no problem using on my new D90 w/o any adaptors. You can also get an adaptor ring on amazon for the older canon FD lenses to fit Nikon DSLR's and vice versa for about $35 USD so that opens up the possibilites too. I haven't got an adaptor ring yet so I can't vouch for the fact that the image is or isn't affected by that space btwn the lens/camera body but I would think it would not affect the overall outcome.
Also think about what you're wanting to use the photos for... is it for 365 and digital (web) use only, or do you want to get them printed? If you want the option of printing fairly big (A3 and up), then choose a camera with a higher number of megapixels (at least 12 or 15).
I went Canon because I found that it was more value for money for the model I was after. Depends on how much you're willing to spend :)
I am a Nikon user, but I'll admit that's because my first camera was a Nikon Coolpix and it was really easy to transition over to a DSLR, same types of menus, etc. I've tried Canons and I just don't like the feel of them - I am Team Nikon all the way, and at this point, with the lenses I have, etc., I wouldn't shoot anything else for digital.
However, the best thing you can do is go to a store that sells cameras and try them out. Then go back. Then go back some more. I tried out DSLRs for a year before I bought one. Best of luck!
My suggestion is to make a list of what YOU want in a camera, what is most important. Also take the time to price out accessories and lenses because you will be spending money on them. Also look at renting the camera first to see how you like it before you spend your budget on a camera you do not love.
I am on my second olympus and am completely satisfied with my choice. I have the E620 and it was a top runner for me because it did not have hd video which was of no interest to me and it was the smallest and lightest which was a huge factor. Also like how it works for my photo needs.
My second choice was actually the Nikon, but I already owned the lenses for an olympus. Check out www.dpreview.com which has great reviews.
Also, if you are going to be buying a kit, I'd suggest getting one with two lens rather than one, because you'll want a zoom lens soon enough and it is much cheaper paired up from the beginning.
It is not the camera that makes a photographer.
And it's called Canon how awesome is that?
I chose Canon When I went digital for two reasons.
One is, overall, superior lenses for action and wildlife. (at least when I purchased.)
Two is more of my friends had Canon and I could share lenses with them.
But, figure out what you want a DSLR for (how you intend to use it, what you want to shoot) and buy with that in mind. And, I also second the 2 lens kits that come offered with various cameras.
Now I'm looking at either the Canon Rebel T3i or the Nikon 5100, mostly for the flip screen and external mic ports. (I make short films and such)
As for the Canon vs Nikon, Canon has more lenses.
Good luck.
What are your specific needs? and budget?
Once again thanks heaps, everyone :)
I still dont really know exactly what she was talking about but it sounds good in theory lol. That said with the D800 out now... thats a big incentive to go Nikon - but a bit out of @riversdale s price range
@riversdale Personally, I think stay with the market leaders - canon or nikon. The sony / olympus brands may be ok but you may find yourself limited in aftermarket parts / lack of range of other accessories. I think when someone builds something for DSLRs (software / hardware / whatever) they would target Nikon / Canon first... and then hit the others later. Definately a good idea to go to the store and see which one fits
All kidding aside. it was a positive for me because I already had the glass. I didn't see a reason ( and I couldn't afford) to go out and buy a bunch of new glass to fit a new camera and let that sit there. Yes it's not top of the line but it was/is enough for what I need it for right now. I know I have a backup just in case when I upgrade. I think that the Canon upgraded lens/body argument comes into play for the IS or higher end products but for amateurs and those just starting out, I personally don't think its something to stress over too much. I like the flexibility of being able to find a second hand lens for cheap and knowing it's going to fit my camera body. Yeah I have to go manual but I learned on a Nikon SLR that was all manual anyway so it's actually harder for me to do auto settings!
Incidentally, I was under the impression that you COULD use old lenses with the newer canon bodies, it just cant autofocus. Which theoretically if you were old school you may be a manual focus fiend anyway