DSLR Canon or Nikon or ????

Pthree

Good Morning,

I am in the market for a DSLR camera, I have had a Fuji bridge for the past few years now and while I love it, I am finding more and more limitations and wish I'd just gone straight for a DSLR in the 1st place. Although at the time it was the cheaper option and I wasnt really sure how much I'd use it (Mother in my ear saying it'll be just like the flute, you'll give it up in 3 weeks etc.. haha!) I have proved her wrong and used it a lot!

Anyways birthday is coming up soon and will be asking for contributions towards a new camera and cant decide what to get, the more I read the more confused I get.

I have held various models of both and I have no preference as to which feels better, although I have used a high end Canon at work a few times so I am more familiar with layout.

Any tips to narrow it down?

My budget unless I'm a very lucky girl will be around £450 ish

Thanks
P3

marlot

Either will be fine. If you take up the hobby seriously you'll spend far more on lenses than on the body over time so I agree that Canon or Nikon is best.

Your other alternative is a micro four thirds, such as panasonic. I have a couple of Nikon DSLRs but rarely use them these days as I prefer the panasonic for 95% of my work.

yangptangkipperbang

6 of one.................... Do you prefer yellow letters on the strap or red

Definitely go for one of the "big two". You will find the widest range of non OEM equipment available for these makes.

Funky_Bold_Ribena

Micro 4/3 - best decision I ever made as I can now carry it with me everywhere. It's about 95% of what a DSLR is...and I can't even remember what the missing 5% is now.

xxJudexx

I use a Nikon at work and a Canon at home. I have to say I prefer the Canon. Personally it is more intuitive for me but maybe that is because I started with a Canon so anything else is just strange! Plus I think the bodies on Canons are smaller so easier for small female hands!
I know you said you have held both, I'm guessing in a shop? Why don't you go to a shop and ask for a demonstration on both and see which looks the easiest to use.

sandieb

Not had experience with a Canon, but I love my Nikon DSLR - from what I've heard there is not much to choose between the two. Excellent advice above.

HOWEVER, a DSLR is quite large to carry around and I think one key aspect of photography is 'Always have the camera with you'.

For that reason I also bought an Olympus Pen (a micro 4/3 camera) - ideal for popping in my handbag and having with me at all times. It doesn't come with a flash (available as extra) which doesn't bother me as I prefer to shoot with natural light.

daveyjp

You just need to have a play with both. The most important issue with DSLR is how easy is it to change settings on the fly.

You don't want to be messing with menus. You need as many controls accessible via a single button or thumbwheel.

You will also get more for your money buying second hand.

Dpreview is a great website for reviews of hundreds of digital cameras.

tberry6686

why only restrict yourself to "the big 2". I would suggest having a look at what else is available and the relative strengths/weaknesses of each.

I, personally, use a Sony due to preferring the menu arrangement they have. I found Canons to slightly oversaturate colours and hated the Nikon menu system.

As far as third party additions go, most are now available to fit Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax etc. It's only when you go into the more specialized areas that the choice becomes limited eg tilt shift lenses.

At present canon and nikon seem to be lagging behind the others in inovation, I can't remember the last time either of them came up with something new and judging by the rumour forums they don't have anything much in the pipeline either.

Pinkypants

It's not the camera, it's what you do with it that counts.

Buster_Danog

I agree about being able to hange settings quickly. Some wildlife photographers say Nikon is better for night shots. That is the only real argument I have heard between the two. I looked into other makes, but there was always some disadvantage - whether it was low light performance, or just the HD video extras and flip out screen. If you are hardcore photography none of those extras should matter.

yangptangkipperbang

tberry6686 wrote: »

why only restrict yourself to "the big 2"........................At present canon and nikon seem to be lagging behind the others in inovation, I can't remember the last time either of them came up with something new and judging by the rumour forums they don't have anything much in the pipeline either.

That is why "the big 2" are the best bet. Much of the "innovation" you mention consists of either pointless gimmicks which vanish on the next "new" model or a shuffle of the controls. What really counts is what is what is fitted and has stood the test of time.
The quality of a particular maker's menus is a total red herring. Menus are "set and forget" (apart from formatting the card and checking the battery state), everything of importance is controlled by physical external controls.

If you wish to buy your camera equipment on the basis of "rumour forums" ............please carry on.......