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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> First time camera buyer - which one should I get?
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 10/15/2007 12:56:41 PM · #1
I've been waiting to get in on a DSLR for years, and now that I've graduate from college, I'm ready. I've been researching forever on which camera to get, but I'm so lost from the abundance of information.

I would like to get a near top of the line camera that obviously takes great pictures, and something that's stores images convenient for editing.

I've heard from friends that say Nikon is the way to go because of its versatile lens capability (but I don't really understand what that means...). I've heard tons of great things about Canon, but...supposedly shafts you on lens selection.

What's the truth? What should i go after?
 10/15/2007 01:06:50 PM · #2
I would recommend going to a camera shop that sells each major brand and that lets you hold and use them. Maybe you could even find a shop that rents them for a weekend. If you have the money to spend ('top of the line'), you should take your time, do a little time and money investment, and get the feel of the various DSLRs in your hands and then move to a decision

Nikon and Canon and Pentax all make some great equipment, especially the newer models that both Nikon and Canon have recently released. Personally, I think you will have more options for lenses with Nikon and Canon.

All the newest DSLRS have the major features you are interested in

Originally posted by Hokie678:
I've been waiting to get in on a DSLR for years, and now that I've graduate from college, I'm ready. I've been researching forever on which camera to get, but I'm so lost from the abundance of information.

I would like to get a near top of the line camera that obviously takes great pictures, and something that's stores images convenient for editing.

I've heard from friends that say Nikon is the way to go because of its versatile lens capability (but I don't really understand what that means...). I've heard tons of great things about Canon, but...supposedly shafts you on lens selection.

What's the truth? What should i go after?


Message edited by author 2007-10-15 13:17:32.
 10/15/2007 01:17:32 PM · #3
Nikon vs. Canon is a religious issue - you'll be happy either way. =)

Be careful saying that you want "near top of the line". The sky is literally the limit - you'll be able to spend thousands of dollars on the body alone, and thousands more on a lens, and thousands more on lighting, etc, etc.

I'd suggest that you try an entry level dSLR, get used to the features, and decide from experience where you want to spend your money in the future.

Since I'm familiar with Canon, a good place to start would be the XTi in the consumer range, or if you've got more money to spend, the 40D. To start with, you'll probably want a nice general purpose lens (18-55, 17-85, or if you've got the cash, the 24-105 or 24-70). And everyone will tell you that a cheap 50mm f/1.8 is always worth it. Later you can decide what types of photography interest you - portraiture, landscaoes, macro, etc - and get a lens suited to those needs.

SLR's are fascinating with apertures, shutter speeds, ISO, DOF, focal length, zoom vs prime, etc, etc. All are variables that will affect your images, and it's fun to tweak them and be creative.

BTW, you've found an excellent resource in DPC. Read and learn. =D

Cheers,
-Jeff

Edit: Links

Message edited by author 2007-10-15 13:22:22.
 10/15/2007 01:59:05 PM · #4
I'd pick up a 10D (one of which was offered and sold here for $ 325 yesterday) or a similar Nikon equivalent. It would, IMO, make more than a great starter body and is a steal for what it sells for these days.The same can be said about the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 as a first lens, all for less than $ 500.
 10/16/2007 09:39:22 AM · #5
Originally posted by bassbone:
I would recommend going to a camera shop that sells each major brand and that lets you hold and use them.


Read that bit of advice. Then read it again.

There is no substitute for handling the cameras, and seeing which feels comfortable TO YOU. If a camera has wonderful specifications, but you find it uncomfortable to hold or the controls get in the way of you making a good image, then you've got yourself an expensive doorstop.

I had to go through a similar exercise when my much-loved Minolta gear was stolen. I read spec sheets and reviews (dpreview and elsewhere), but there isn't a spec sheet anywhere that will tell me that Canon cameras don't fit with the way my brain works, or that Pentax is the most comfortable (after the Minoltas that aren't made any more) in my hands, enough to warrant switching brands. However, you have to find the camera that works well for you, not for me. You buying Minolta/Pentax because that's what I like would be as silly as me buying Canon because that's what one of my friends likes.

We might be able to point you to better or worse models within a particular brand/system, but none of us can tell you which brand is going to fit your hands/eye/brain best.

Message edited by author 2007-10-16 09:40:23.
 10/16/2007 11:25:15 AM · #6
Originally posted by paddles:
Originally posted by bassbone:
I would recommend going to a camera shop that sells each major brand and that lets you hold and use them.


Read that bit of advice. Then read it again.

There is no substitute for handling the cameras, and seeing which feels comfortable TO YOU.


Yep. Go that extra step as someone mentioned and rent it. Since you'll be spending a lot of money, spend that extra money rent a few.
 10/16/2007 11:27:03 AM · #7
I ran by the local camera shop today and found a few that I like.

1. Olympus EVOLT E-510 (comes with two lenses)
2. Nikon D80
3. Canon EOS 30D

All of these seem great and the guy at the store couldn't really tell me anything more detailed past spec sheets. So does anyone see pros/cons? I feel like all of these are winners, they are all relatively similar to price, but I'm trying to narrow my vision and having a difficult time doing so.

Here is a side-by-side comparison.

//google-cnet.com.com/4504-6501_7-0.html?id=31755772&id=32010306&id=32332753
 10/16/2007 11:36:32 AM · #8
The Nikon D80 and Canon 30D are both very solid cameras and great choices. I would pick either of these over the Olympus. Beyond the camera body, you also want to consider the lens choices you will have and both Nikon and Canon have abundent choices of manufacturers and quality.

I don't think you can go wrong with either the D80 or the 30D.

Originally posted by Hokie678:
I ran by the local camera shop today and found a few that I like.

1. Olympus EVOLT E-510 (comes with two lenses)
2. Nikon D80
3. Canon EOS 30D

All of these seem great and the guy at the store couldn't really tell me anything more detailed past spec sheets. So does anyone see pros/cons? I feel like all of these are winners, they are all relatively similar to price, but I'm trying to narrow my vision and having a difficult time doing so.

Here is a side-by-side comparison.

//google-cnet.com.com/4504-6501_7-0.html?id=31755772&id=32010306&id=32332753
10/17/2007 06:57:02 AM · #9
I think all three could be good choices.

Canon and Nikon are both solid systems with plenty of lens and accessory availability at both the average-quality and pro-quality levels. You can't go wrong with them. They both tend to be a bit more expensive than the other brands though (slightly less bang-for-buck)

Olympus did a complete redesign of their SLR technology when they went into DSLRs, inventing the "Four Thirds" system. Compared to the other brands, this gives a few benefits/drawbacks:
+ All lenses are designed specifically to cope with digital capture (and the ways digital sensors are different to film).
+ Lenses are lighter and more compact than other brands/systems.
+ Compatibility of lenses from other "Four Thirds" manufacturers.
- Completely incompatible with Olympus film SLRs. If you ever want to shoot film then you won't be able to share equipment. You can't get those wonderful old Zuiko lenses and use them on your DSLR.
- Not as popular as other brands. May affect lens availability or breadth of range.
- Sensor size is fixed as part of the system design. There will never be a full-frame camera in the system.
10/17/2007 07:09:37 AM · #10
I agree with the 'go to the store and hold them' theory - you'll know what you like once you see them.

10/17/2007 07:18:17 AM · #11
Also think about the lenses before you decide on anything. Lense is soul of photography equipment. Brand names does not matter much as Nikon/Canon both makes wondeful cameras. (other brands also do make good cameras).
There is not substitute for good lense.
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