First Digital SLR, Canon or Nikon?
Discussion
Used to be into photography when I was in my teens and a recent trip to Venice has rekindled my enthusiasm. Used to use film SLRs back in the day but recently been using a Panasonic Lumix which is great at point a shoot but I want to start experimenting and hopefully get better results.
Been looking on Amazon at the Canon 1100D and 600D and the Nikon D3100 and D3200. Bear in mind this will probably be the last camera I ever buy but would like to add a few lenses over the years. I have no brand preference and am never going to progress beyond 'enthusiastic amateur' stage so which would you recommend?
Been looking on Amazon at the Canon 1100D and 600D and the Nikon D3100 and D3200. Bear in mind this will probably be the last camera I ever buy but would like to add a few lenses over the years. I have no brand preference and am never going to progress beyond 'enthusiastic amateur' stage so which would you recommend?
As above, try them out in a store and go for whichever feels best for you.
Also look at the Nikon D5100, as they can be picked up online for less than the D3200 now.
I have a D5100, and I love it. Sensor is from the D7000 and it produces fantastic quality images. You also get some more features that aren't in the D3100/3200, like the flip out screen and auto-bracketing.
Also look at the Nikon D5100, as they can be picked up online for less than the D3200 now.
I have a D5100, and I love it. Sensor is from the D7000 and it produces fantastic quality images. You also get some more features that aren't in the D3100/3200, like the flip out screen and auto-bracketing.
I started with the Nikon D40X which was a cracking starter, nice and easy to use and still command quite a high price, however I would look at either the Nikon D3100 (£299) or as above the D5100 (£405) for a tad more. both come with cashback from Nikon at the moment (£35 and £55) both had HD video recording too. I have just sold my D40X and got the 5100.
As what people have said though, see what feels best to you, if you have friends or family with a specific type aswell that might be able to lend you lenses thats also a bonus as that is where the real cost is really!
As what people have said though, see what feels best to you, if you have friends or family with a specific type aswell that might be able to lend you lenses thats also a bonus as that is where the real cost is really!
Everyone will have their own opinion on which is better and the fan boys will fight to the death to defend their brand.
When it really comes down to it though, they are both as good as each other and neither are neccessarily the best imo.
I currently own a Nikon D5000. Great little (big) camera. I've owned Canon in the past (450d) but there really is nothing in it. They all operate the same way and produce similar results. I have a big liking for Olympus DSLRs though. I love the way they work and their lenses are superb.
Pop into jessops and have a play with menu systems etc. Decide which you think works best for you, then buy based on that, rather than what a bunch of people on the internet thinks.
When it really comes down to it though, they are both as good as each other and neither are neccessarily the best imo.
I currently own a Nikon D5000. Great little (big) camera. I've owned Canon in the past (450d) but there really is nothing in it. They all operate the same way and produce similar results. I have a big liking for Olympus DSLRs though. I love the way they work and their lenses are superb.
Pop into jessops and have a play with menu systems etc. Decide which you think works best for you, then buy based on that, rather than what a bunch of people on the internet thinks.
I like the posts in this thread so far. I agree with everyone else. Go to a shop and if something stands out as being particularly nice to hold, you're already onto a winner. Don't write off the other brands like Sony just yet too. Olympus are very nice but difficult to find in the UK, they haven't made a new dSLR in years as the micro 4/3 cameras sell more for them (also worth a look as they have similar functionality, but are lighter and smaller).
I would look at what lenses you want. I have a D3100 which I bought because at the time it was released it won all the reviews with the comparable Canon (this was mainly because it was new and the Canon models were older).
I would now like a 70-200 f4 lense. Compare these search results:
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=canon+70-200+f4
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=nikon+70-200+f4
I think Canon have a better line up of mid-range lenses.
I would now like a 70-200 f4 lense. Compare these search results:
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=canon+70-200+f4
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=nikon+70-200+f4
I think Canon have a better line up of mid-range lenses.
The D5100 with 18-55 kit lens from somewhere like Amazon plus the current £55 Nikon cashback gives you a brilliant camera for £350, much better than the 1100D Canon and D3100, and IMO also a better camera than the D3200 in everything other than pixel count which is not a good indicator of image quality. Its Canon equivalent is the 600D/650D but they're significantly more expensive.
LocoBlade said:
The D5100 with 18-55 kit lens from somewhere like Amazon plus the current £55 Nikon cashback gives you a brilliant camera for £350, much better than the 1100D Canon and D3100, and IMO also a better camera than the D3200 in everything other than pixel count which is not a good indicator of image quality. Its Canon equivalent is the 600D/650D but they're significantly more expensive.
Its dropped down another 12quid! Just got my order changed!I am currently being tempted by the canon d600, on at currys for 460 after cashback, and comes with an extra battery and remote
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/canon-eos-600d-digita...
What do people think about this deal?
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/canon-eos-600d-digita...
What do people think about this deal?
hardeepg said:
I am currently being tempted by the canon d600, on at currys for 460 after cashback, and comes with an extra battery and remote
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/canon-eos-600d-digita...
What do people think about this deal?
Unless you need the flip out screen then a 550D is vitually the same camera I think, what deal can you get on that?http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/canon-eos-600d-digita...
What do people think about this deal?
GravelBen said:
The one that feels best in your hands and most intuitive for you to use.
Do not underestimate the power of this advice. People have different hands and ways of thinking, so buying a camera because it is the best according to some review, but is uncomfortable for you to hold is just a waste, you won't use it.If you buy one you like holding and like the layout of, you will be more likely to use it.
Not in your league for kit, but when my 2nd Nikon Coolpix failed (the first swapped under warranty by Jessops, the 2nd stopped doing what the buttons told it a month or so out of warranty and switch cleaner didnt help)I got an Ixus, what a difference in quality. So I will stick with Canon in future.
SMGB said:
Not in your league for kit, but when my 2nd Nikon Coolpix failed (the first swapped under warranty by Jessops, the 2nd stopped doing what the buttons told it a month or so out of warranty and switch cleaner didnt help)I got an Ixus, what a difference in quality. So I will stick with Canon in future.
Nikon don't seem to take the compact market that seriously so their kit in that sector generally seems to be mediocre compared to Canon, Panasonic, Sony etc. The same can't be said in the DSLR market where Nikon along with Canon are the two leading brands, so just because you had a poor experience with the compacts, don't discount their DSLRs.Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff