Heya,
It's my birthday coming up and I'm saving up for a DSLR as I've wanted one for ages, and I'm currently using my CanonIxus900Ti Point and shoot. So I'm asking people to give me money towards one rather then buying a present. :]
The only problem is, I actually don't have a clue about cameras! I'm quite artistic but my family aren't really, and being only 15, I don't really have any friends who're much into photography
I was going to look at Nikon cameras as I've heard that they're really good.
I guess I was basically wondering, about how much do you think I should spend and what cameras would you reccommend!
Thank you :]
When I started asking for recommendations the 1st thing everyone told me is go to an actual store and play with them. Hold a Canon in your hands, Then hold a Nikon, then whatever else the store has. Start by finding out which one seems to fit you best. I was absolutely sure I wanted a Canon until I held it. The Nikon felt better to *me*. It really is the best starting point. : )
I dont use Canon. Nothing against them, I just have an inventory of Nikon lenses. Once you build up a particular brand lens, that's what you tend to stick with. I dont know for sure, but I have heard that Canons camera menu's are more complicated.
To save money, and if you do go with Nikon, look into the possibility of refurbished. I trust Nikons refurbishing, and have stretched my dollar a long way going this route, with nary a complaint.
Best wishes in this endeavor. Be wary of camera salespeople. At times they want to sell you what they need to sell you (Sales Contests, etc) versus what you really need.
I believe you can't go wrong with either brand. Both are outstanding. Valerie gave very good advice - go to the store and handle both of them. That's what I did. I found the Canon easier to use overall at the time, so that's what I bought. My daughter has a Nikon that is pretty amazing too!
It all depends on your needs. when i switched to dslr i had a stock of minolta lenses but i was sure that i didn't want to buy a sony camera. don't really know why just something about them. i went back and forth between canon and nikon. i would say go to a store and play with them both. see which one suits you more. the second i picked up a canon i knew it was for me and now i can't imagine using anything else. the canon menus just made more sense to me but again thats just me and u need to play to see whats right for you. here's a great sight for compairing cameras http://snapsort.com here you can compaire ANY 2 cameras side by side. and i would suggest that once you find a camera you like, shop around. i actually knew the camera i wanted about 2 months before i got it. then one day i was in walmart (not looking for a camera) and there it was my canon rebel on sale for about $100 off the normal price. crazy i didn't even know walmart had dslr's.
Only reiterating what's already been said, but yes, Canon and Nikon are generally seen as the best 'pro-sumer' choice. Check out both and see which one's interface you prefer.
Funny Chris, I heard the exact same thing about Nikon's menus! It's one of the reasons I ended up going with Canon.
I agree with Loni. Both brands are excellent . . . some photographers are Nikon people, and some are Canon people. The best you can do is go play around with both and see which kind of person YOU are.
neither rich. Nikon and Canon price their models relatively competitively. You're not really buying for a name when you chose a camera... you're choosing what features you get out of it.
I chose the rebel series canon because i'm a beginner and the setup on the rebels are fool proof. Nikons all have the same setup as the high end models so if i had started with a Nikon or higher end Canon I would have been lost.
*edit* I shouldnt say all Nikons. the D40, D5000, and D3000 seem to have a more simplistic setup than the higher end models. however i have no experience in them.
also rich... i think any older lens should fit the same companies camera body. the question is whether or not it will auto focus.
I think all canons will autofocus but some lower end nikons may not.
Mark, you are right. the older lenses will fit the new body's, it's just a matter of how many features are available when using a new body with an older lens. the limitations can be anything from Auto focus to metering depending on the type of lens. You can check out Nikon's website for what the limitations are on the different type lenses. I'm pretty sure Canon has that info available too on their site but I haven't looked at it.
Richard, Nikon lenses will fit, Canon lenses will fit. Like Adrian said, you may lose some features. Even current Nikon lenses (G type,D type, DX type) all work differently. A Nikon D40, and D60 need AF-S lenses, as the focus motor is not in the camera, but in the lens. AF lenses work on D1's, 2's, and 3's, etc. etc. etc. It all depends. Some older lenses that are meant for full frame 35mm may need some calibration, as the focal point may be different, or so I am told. I know that my AF-S lenses for the less than full frame DSLR's vignette on my 35mm Film Nikons.
Naomi,
There is a lot of sound advice above, so I won't repeat it! lol
With that knowledge in hand, figure out what your budget is going to be and look at both brands to see what fits within your limits.
You may also want to consider future costs as well (lens price comparison, accessories, and the like), as you will undoubtedly buy more "stuff"
Thanks everyone! That's really helpful :]
I think that I will go into a shop and try some out and speak to people etc, also, I think I'll begin with a slightly lower-end camera so that I have money to buy ''stuff''
Thank you :}
> I think I'll begin with a slightly lower-end camera so that I have money to buy ''stuff''
A final note on this: "stuff" will never end! So don't scrimp too much on the camera with a view to buying more "stuff" now, as you'll be buying more "stuff" for a long time to come so you're probably better off investing in a better base camera to provide more long term "stuff" options
To touch on Steve's comments above...there is some truth to this. Some say that you should get more than what you need, as you'll grow into it.
But, cameras are only as good as the glass or the photog. Besides, the disposable things made nowadays obsolete themselves every year or two, and shutters and sensors do not have an infinite lifespan. Lenses, if you take care of them, can be timeless. Just a thought.
when I began looking at DSLR I always thought I wanted the Nikon D90.
Well as a surprise my husband bought me the Nikon D3000 for Christmas. I must admit there was a second that I was disappointed as it wasn't the camera I would have bought myself but let me tell you that quickly faded. I realized how much I had to learn switching from film to digital and I think I might have been overwhelmed with the D90. My plan is to master this camera and then in 5 years or so upgrade!
i repeat what Andrea said, an entry level DSLR canon or Nikon are amazing and a big jump from point and shoot, i also have the D3000 amazing entry level and also you can look on ebay for good deals
Whatever you buy, make sure you buy it from a reputable dealer, especially if you are buying online. If you see a camera for a price "too good to be true" it probably is. I try to buy local but B&H is a good company if you're buying online. I sure other 365'er can recommend additional online vendors.
I have a Nikon D60. I greatly recommend Nikon! The only thing I dislike is that I can't auto focus old lenses. I have a variety of older lenses because I have an old Nikon SLR.
I was wondering if anyone knew which Nikon's can auto focus the older lenses. I know the D90 can... but it's so expensivee. hmm.
Ally, the D40, D40x, D50, and D60 need AF-S lenses with the Focus motor built into the lens. The new D3000 also. Starting with the new D5000, also D70, D80, D90, D1's, 2's, and 3's, along with D100's, 200's, 300's, 700's...can use G, DX, and AF lenses.
I don't consider myself an authority by any means, but I think this is correct. I only have AF-S and AF lenses.
In other words, a D3000 and below requires the AF-S lenses, which is a deal killer for a lot of people.
I agree with Chris when he said that cameras are only as good as the glass and the photog. The lens makes a big difference when you change to a DSLR, so I think you'll be pleased with either brand you choose. When I decided to make the plunge, I chose Nikon D40 because of it's ease of use AND it was the most inexpensive of the line. I have loved it. Good luck and happy birthday!
I have a Canon Rebel Xsi and Love it. It's my 1st dslr from Kodak easy share. Hold them and test them out if you can. my local photo shop let's me test drive everything before I buy...but I live in a very small town so that might not work for you. Check out YouTube also there are lots of unboxing demos that might broden your outlook for different cameras...what about the new fuijifilm HS 10??? They're about 400 and very awesome.. Might be my 2nd camera choice ;)
Write a Reply
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
To save money, and if you do go with Nikon, look into the possibility of refurbished. I trust Nikons refurbishing, and have stretched my dollar a long way going this route, with nary a complaint.
Best wishes in this endeavor. Be wary of camera salespeople. At times they want to sell you what they need to sell you (Sales Contests, etc) versus what you really need.
Chris' comment on salespeople - so true!
Good luck and let us know what you ended up with!
I agree with Loni. Both brands are excellent . . . some photographers are Nikon people, and some are Canon people. The best you can do is go play around with both and see which kind of person YOU are.
I use a Canon Rebel XSi and I love it.
I chose the rebel series canon because i'm a beginner and the setup on the rebels are fool proof. Nikons all have the same setup as the high end models so if i had started with a Nikon or higher end Canon I would have been lost.
*edit* I shouldnt say all Nikons. the D40, D5000, and D3000 seem to have a more simplistic setup than the higher end models. however i have no experience in them.
also rich... i think any older lens should fit the same companies camera body. the question is whether or not it will auto focus.
I think all canons will autofocus but some lower end nikons may not.
feel free to correct me if i'm wrong.
There is a lot of sound advice above, so I won't repeat it! lol
With that knowledge in hand, figure out what your budget is going to be and look at both brands to see what fits within your limits.
You may also want to consider future costs as well (lens price comparison, accessories, and the like), as you will undoubtedly buy more "stuff"
I think that I will go into a shop and try some out and speak to people etc, also, I think I'll begin with a slightly lower-end camera so that I have money to buy ''stuff''
Thank you :}
A final note on this: "stuff" will never end! So don't scrimp too much on the camera with a view to buying more "stuff" now, as you'll be buying more "stuff" for a long time to come so you're probably better off investing in a better base camera to provide more long term "stuff" options
But, cameras are only as good as the glass or the photog. Besides, the disposable things made nowadays obsolete themselves every year or two, and shutters and sensors do not have an infinite lifespan. Lenses, if you take care of them, can be timeless. Just a thought.
Well as a surprise my husband bought me the Nikon D3000 for Christmas. I must admit there was a second that I was disappointed as it wasn't the camera I would have bought myself but let me tell you that quickly faded. I realized how much I had to learn switching from film to digital and I think I might have been overwhelmed with the D90. My plan is to master this camera and then in 5 years or so upgrade!
Have fun!!
I was wondering if anyone knew which Nikon's can auto focus the older lenses. I know the D90 can... but it's so expensivee. hmm.
I don't consider myself an authority by any means, but I think this is correct. I only have AF-S and AF lenses.
In other words, a D3000 and below requires the AF-S lenses, which is a deal killer for a lot of people.