This is a discussion on Which camera for beginner?? within the Cameras forums, part of the Photography/Film & Equipment category; Hey guys,
Help needed!!
Im a wildlife enthusiast and have been thinking about wildlife photography for some time now. Ive ...
Im a wildlife enthusiast and have been thinking about wildlife photography for some time now. Ive had no experience with dslr's till date. Ive decided to get myself a basic kit to get started. So, heres the deal...Ive been researching millions of cameras and everyday I tend to like a new one!
The way I look at it its either one of these two cameras..
1)Nikon D90 (OR)
2)Canon 40D
There are pros and cons for both the cameras but I feel the pros in the Nikon far outweigh those in canon(according to the specs)
Am I right in assuming that the Nikon is better(since its newer) or do I need to spend a few more sleepless nights reasearching?(which I can do..no problem)
Well as canon have just released the 500d today,as well as the 50d,the dilemma just got bigger.Take a look at all of the picture, as a mistake can be costly.You're investing in a system here,so look at thecost of different lenses both origional and 3rd party,the cost of spare batteries,etc.Try a few out,visit a local camera club and see what others are using.Most people will be happy for you to try a few snaps for a comparison.
I just checked out the canon 500d. Looks good but your right I will have to get hands on with them. I am lookin for a shop where they will actually let me operate a camera. Most of the places Ive been to dont allow it.
Sealed packages. Thanks guys. I shall post back on when as soon as I get to compare them(not too soon Im guessin)
Location: Morecambe prom looking straight across the bay to the lakes!!
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The best way to decide on a camera is to go and hold them both, fiddle around with them and see which one you like best. As far as Canon and Nikon go I doubt really that there is very much in it. I am a Canon man but that's just me.
One thing to bear in mind is that when you are buying your first camera, you are also buying into a system which includes lenses, extenders, teleconverters, flashguns etc, and while these again are pretty much matched brand for brand it might be something worth taking into consideration.
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Eagles may soar but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
TBH i never even held my first camera before i purchased it from the US. I read lots of online reviews and thought that it was the best for my budget at the time. I did however make the mistake of buying the camera with the stock 18-55mm lens which i wish i did not do but you learn from your mistakes.
Hi Ramashwin.
Sorry my reply is a little late in the day, only I have only just joined the site.
Like Steve, I too am a Canon user through and through, however nowadays there is very little between Canon or Nikon in either direction.
Here are just a few of my recommendations.
1) Don't rush into the purchase, do your homework.
2) Work out your budget, not only for the body but also for what lens's you want. Do not buy a kit.
3) Work out exactly what you want the camera to do, what facilities you need.
4) What type of nature you want want to become involved in. Macro, Bird Mammals, Flor and Fauna etc or everything.
5) My thoughts are the 450/500 series are excellent to begin with
6) If you can, go and chat your local shop you, explain your dilema and that you would like to play with a couple of different bodies, take a flash/SD card with you and ask can you stand outside the shop and shoot. This should answer a great number of your questions.
7) Do not forget the second hand market, you can sometime achieve some great bargains, however be careful. I would suggest if you consider this direction, and are successful, as the seller to send the gear to the Canon Service Centre (assuming you buy Canon) and also ask for the service history and report.
8) Last but by no mean least, If you can't wait till next February and visit the Focus On Imaging exhibition have a look for any local exhibitions/roadshows.
Keep on clickin
John F
Please don't make the mistake of ignoring other brands. Although Canon and Nikon have the lions share of the market there are others out there
i.e. Pentax,Sony,Olympus.etc. Try them all as it were "in hand".
Just been reading the review on David Clapps site for the Panasonic GF-1 its a compact camera. Panasonic GF-1 Review in the Landscape looks like a good portable lightweight landscape camera.