#734565 by Scrooge
17 Jan 2010, 11:46
Do you already own lenses for either brand ?
#734566 by Bill S
17 Jan 2010, 12:11
I'd go for the Nikon.
Had the D90 since it came out and have been extremely impressed, particularly with it's 'point and shoot' results. Canons tend to be more the enthusiasts' choice - I like to spend more time finding and taking the shot rather than setting it up, but need the capability of control hence the D90. I find the AF-S 70-300 lens exceptional!

There are good reviews and comparisons D5000 here and eos500 here. Both end up with almost identical scores.

Everyone will tend to have their own opinion depending upon what they've got - but in reality both cameras are good: I doubt you would regret buying either!
#734574 by preiffer
17 Jan 2010, 13:06
At the consumer end of the market, there's virtually *nothing* between the two brands.

It should simply come down to:

1. Do you have any friends with either? Handy if you might want to borrow lenses/accessories or get help with using your new toy.
2. Go to a shop and see how both FEEL. Seriously - the two bodies feel VERY different and people often prefer one very much over the other.
3. Look for any deals out there - Canon, for instance, often run cash-back promos.



Other than that, until you're in the realm of 2k bodies and up, there's genuinely very little difference. Both VERY good companies, producing good value products.
#734578 by Dreamflight
17 Jan 2010, 13:12
I would say Canon, I always used Nikon before then made the switch. I am much happier with the feel of the camera and how easy it is to use in point and shoot as well as manual mode. I am just upgrading mine now to the 5D MK II.

As already mentioned Canon often have good cash back or othe offers also
#734581 by preiffer
17 Jan 2010, 13:25
Might want to hold off on any mk11/5d upgrades - rumour has it a new one is due shortly.
#734583 by Bill S
17 Jan 2010, 13:44
quote:Originally posted by preiffer
Might want to hold off on any mk11/5d upgrades - rumour has it a new one is due shortly.



February 9th for Canon?
or
'Rumor'ed D7000 ?
Replaces D90/D5000.
Announcement in Jan/Feb 2010.
14MP* CMOS sensor (similar to Sony A550 sensor).
No* AF motor.
New* AF module: CAM2000, 20 area.
5 FPS.
Live View & 1080* video.
Articulated 920K LCD.
OVF same as D90.
Weight and size below D90 'thanks' to the removal of the AF motor.
#734593 by DragonLady
17 Jan 2010, 16:05
Thanks for the replies.
preiffer - I don't have any friends with stuff I could borrow so not really a consideration .I spent all of yesterday visiting umpteen specialist camera shops. I actually prefer the feel of the Canon in my hands (and it's slightly lighter) but prefer the screen on the Nikon (slightly bigger and with twist and tilt). Nikon have just stopped their cashback promotion but the Canon one has just been extended (until 20th Feb I believe).
Maybe I should hold fire for a few weeks?
Thanks
DL
#734594 by Mark216T
17 Jan 2010, 16:26
I am just a hobby photographer and a Canon user so I am biased. I use a Canon 5D and a 30D at the moment but I am also looking with envy at the 5D Mk2 for the HD video capability

I know many more Canon shooters than Nikon, and I am on a couple of car forums and have loaned my glass/accessories to to several friends as well as helping them out with technicalities when I can. What is the ratio of Canon v Nikon on here ?

You are right to ignore the small cost differential. To me it comes down to what you feel is right for you and this tends to point in your particular case towards the Canon.
#734596 by Darren Wheeler
17 Jan 2010, 16:33
Be wary of falling into the 'wait a while' trap otherwise you'll never get one. There is always something new just around the corner.

Shop around as discounting is rife at the moment, but also look for bundles where you can buy the body, lenses and memory cards in one hit and save.

Another Canon-Man here.
#734602 by RichardMannion
17 Jan 2010, 17:28
Darren is right, don't fall into the wait a while trap. I did that from May until October looking at Canon SLR's on the rumour of a new 60D. Preiffer has a lot to answer for as I had originally started to look at the 500D, and ended up with the 50D at twice the price in the end.
#735531 by Scrooge
27 Jan 2010, 01:39
What sort of prices are you seeing on the 5000 ?
#735636 by DragonLady
27 Jan 2010, 23:49
Best price around 530 (standard lens) inc decent carry bag and 8gb card (and I wasn't haggling hard- probably get a bit more off if I really try).
#735643 by Pete
28 Jan 2010, 02:32
I'm also a Canon user, having fallen for the EOS back when film was still a popular medium...

As Reiffer says, there's not much between the two brands, and as the camera body itself is just a light-tight box, your decision is probably better based on the lens you go for initially, so have a look at the prices of the lens before making a decision on the brand. The glass in front of the CCD is the most crucial part of your picture, so *don't* buy the kit bundles of body and starter lens, because you might as well throw the starter lens away. Buy the body-only version, and then the best 'walking around' lens you can afford. I'd actually recommend starting with a good prime focus 50mm lens, as that will give you excellent results without having to do much with all the knobs and dials.

Pete
#736079 by VS075
03 Feb 2010, 11:22
Another Canon user here, so I think it's a bit of a no-brainer what I'd go for!

Nothing much else to add apart from perhaps looking at the costs of lenses. Lenses that fit Canon cameras generally work out cheaper than Nikon, and if you want to build up a collection of lenses over time then look at what lenses are available for both Canon and Nikon. However, speaking to a friend who owns a Nikon D300, he believes that Nikon are ahead of Canon when it comes to the technology used in cameras. That said, it depends how serious you are when it comes to photography.

Pete's advice is very good as you will save a fair bit by going for a body-only option and then using the money saved to put towards a better quality walkabout lens (i.e. one with better range, image stabiliser).
#736117 by Bill S
04 Feb 2010, 00:36
Latest Nikonannounced. Seems a very interesting pocket camera for the semi-pro market and for amateurs that do not wish to mess around with multiple lenses.

More Nikon announcements due I hear.
#736118 by VS075
04 Feb 2010, 00:44
Another piece of advice (and this is speaking from a perspective of being serious about photography) is try to avoid paying silly prices for a higher-end camera which you won't get the full potential out of. A camera is very good, but what's also good is the user. Each go hand in hand, and you'll find that lower-end cameras like the ones the OP listed are packed full of features.

Moral of the story is if it's your first venture down the SLR road, try one of the lower-end cameras first and get acquainted with the features available, before moving on to higher-end cameras. The good thing about the whole hobby is that you never stop learning!
#738726 by rrao56
09 Mar 2010, 07:07
From another Canon user (30D)
Either camera will be fine.
Depending on the extent of time & money you'll devote to a hobby that that can take over all your spare time, the lenses are going to be more important. The standard kit lens will do for starters, but you may soon feel the need for higher quality (read very expensive) upgrades!
Raj
#740264 by VS075
21 Mar 2010, 19:24
It depends how much you're prepared to pay for the lens is the defining point on how expensive buying lenses will be.

For a general 'walkabout' lens, something like an 18-125 would be a suitable kit lens replacement as it is a step up in terms of quality yet offers better zoom. And if your budget is tight there's always the second-hand route.
#740338 by starquake
22 Mar 2010, 14:58
I'm a Nikon man - I have the even older D80 camera - it is amazing with a 18-200mm VR-2 lens (got on a trip to HK a few years back).

Basically no complaints here, though I'm strictly amateur...

Why I didn't go Canon - purely a usability thing - at the time they didn't have an equivalent to the D80 from a pure usability point of view.

For me, speed is of essence, if you can't change ISO, white balance etc quickly and accurately (and ideally without using the LCD and options screen) its a winner for me. Nikon ticked all the boxes.

So basically go and have a proper play with both. Figure out common things like changing ISO/shutter speed etc and the ease of use. Thats what you'll need quickly in challenging environments such as vibrating helicopters at night (ie situations where you need a SLR to even get a photo as a point and shoot can't cope.).
#740340 by Bazz
22 Mar 2010, 15:11
Canon again for me for far too many years now. ;) Currently with the 30D. I just bought the body only as has been recommended above and then the very excellent 24-105mm L USM IS lens. Okay, the lens is a bit pricey but is a useful all-rounder to use as a base lens.
#740342 by ukcobra
22 Mar 2010, 15:25
Also a Canon user, I have a 40D and a 350D, and strangely I appear to have better results with the 350D !
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