Camera Help!!!!

Alright so I did a little research on the internet and wanted yalls opinion....

I am looking at buying a new camera and don't know which to get:

Nikon D60

or

Canon

Which do you suggest

 

nikon has a great D series. personally, thats what I prefer

 

IMHO, it's a personal preference, for me it's Canon. Talk to a Nikon user and it will be Nikon. Both make spectacular cameras and lens. Do you want to step to a SLR or a high end point and shoot? What type of photography are you going to shoot, family, kids sports? Go to http://www.pbase.com/cameras, choose Nikon or Canon and look for the camera you are considering. You can go through the photo galleries where these cameras have been used. I found this a great tool shopping for new lens. Than go to http://www.dpreview.com/ and read the reviews on these cameras, DP review is completely unbiased, they give only the facts like consumer reports but for cameras. As far as pricing goes I have found http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ has always given the best deals but shop around. I can tell you that you won't beat BH's customer service. Before you buy anything go into a Best Buy or a camera store and handle both, get a feel for what you want. Another suggestion, before you buy any kit, check out the reviews on the lens that is coming in that kit.

 

We've had a Canon Powershot G2 since they came out. I think they came out in 2001? Haven't had any problems with it. It's been on the trails with us many times, thrown around in glove boxes, packed in suitcases, etc. With the abuse we've given it, I'm amazed it's still working and working as it did when new. We've had to replace a couple batteries, as they lose their effectiveness to hold a charge - but hell, we've had that camera for 8 years. We have a lens extension on it that we never take off. We bought that primarily to protect the lens.
We still have the camera and use it fairly regularly.

Since we started playing airsoft - we needed a smaller camera to carry around with our gear. The G2 is too big to stuff in your pocket. So we bought a $99 Samsung L100. It's been a great camera for what we need it for.

We also like Sony. It all depends on what you're looking for in terms of capabilities, & cost.

 

Iam looking to just take nice pics... SLR is my preference... I am looking at the Nikon D60 friend has one and his dad is a wedding photog and he uses a Nikon something or other.... and he started with Canon 5 years ago when he began but switched over to Nikon about a year later because of the Pixels or something and the lens are easier to find because he said they go back 25 years

 

Canon or Nikon both make good products - either way you'll get a great camera.
It is a matter of personal preference. There are small differences in the way they handle and shoot - photographers develop preferences because they like the control layout better on one, or maybe the menu system works better for them (I like Canons menus better, but some swear by Nikon.)

Go to a good camera shop and talk to the staff, handle the cameras and see what you like. (But if you do that - buy from them even if it's a little cheaper on the net.)

One thing to consider - why is your preference for a DSLR? If you just want a camera to take some nice pics, consider something like one of the Nikon or Canon compact cameras. I own a Canon digital SLR and a Canon G9 Powershot. I use the Powershot FAR MORE than I use the SLR. I have it with me when I go backpacking or biking, and shoot a lot of pics. When I use the SLR, it is more of a production and not nearly as spontaneous. The G9 takes great photos. The only thing the G9 can't do that the DSLR can is clean images in low light conditions.

What is your style of shooting going to be like? Do you want to pull a camera out of your pocket and get a shot, or do you want to carry a bag with lenses and gear so you can set up an wait for the right moment? People tend to think that the big DSLR takes better shots because.... well because it's bigger, but that's not always the case. In fact, in a lot of situations you could use the smaller camera - but the client wants to see the big iron come out. I had to shoot photos in a baseball field facility recently, and I wanted to use the G9, but had to take the DSLR because I knew the client had to see me with a bunch of equipment. Your friend's dad who is a wedding photographer has different needs and shooting style than you do, so you may not need a DSLR. The best camera is the one you actually use!

So ... having said all that, here is my suggestion. Get one of the better compact cameras (I love my Canon G9 - Nikon makes an equivalent), take a bunch of photos with it and get an idea of what your shooting style is going to be like. When you start to feel that the compact is not doing the job, then shop for your DSLR. That way, you'll have the compact as a back-up / pocket camera.

My DSLR sits in a bag in my closet, while the G9 gets used and abused, in fact I would sell it if I didn't need it for an occasional client job.

Hope this helps.... even if kinda long winded.
Oh, and definitely check out www.dpreview.com

 

i have a d60.. its awesome.. get a d90.. more features. ive had cannon before and cannon is good too. but the nikkor lens that come with nikkon are awesome

 

Okay, the time old question for cameras.... heres my take:

My equipment is primarily Nikon... why?

-Ease of use....
All the buttons I need are perfectly within my grasp. I just shot 800 photos at a wedding tonight and never went into a single menu. Quick buttons and function buttons are in the right spots!

-Color
Nikon's tend to bring out bolder colors, especially reds. I'm a color guy, so I like this.

-Compatibility
Most all Nikon SLRs are F mount. Now this doesn't mean EVERY nikon lens will work with your camera perfectly, but most AI lenses made from 70-somethin forward, will work with basic metering. Only exception to this rule is the D40.




At my work, I have access to a Canon 30D, the camera is GREAT, don't get me wrong. It always produces crisp pictures, moreso than the Nikon IMO, however I can't find my way around the damn thing, and I constantly find myself accidentally shifting the EV because of the huge scroll wheel on it. Most of the features I find easy to change on my Nikon, are found in menus on the Canon, which takes up precious time that you may not have if you're shooting sports or weddings. The other thing I find is Canon is alot more expensive for decent lenses. As far as I know though, all mid to upper level Canon bodies are metal, proving more durable. Some Nikon's are an ABS body, which I haven't had an issue yet, but I pray to never find that day when I drop my body and the mount shatters.

Anyways, hope that gives you a little input. You won't go wrong with either, but chances are whichever you choose, you won't find yourself switching to the other brand, simply because of cost.

 

I have a Canon Rebel XSi, and for the price, I think it is the best camera available!!

 

Canon XSI. Versatility is the reason. It is like the Swiss Army knife of digital cameras. My two pence.

 

I remember when I wanted one of those so bad, I'm glad I didn't. I don't have any experience with the Xsi but I'm sure its not much different than the XT. They take great pictures, don't get me wrong, but just not enough speed in them.

 

Yea friend has the New Rebel and I really like it... I am thinking this is going to be the route that I take.

 

I've been a Canon user for 28 years and have never been disapointed.

As stated above, it all comes down to personal preference.

My recomendation is for you to go to a reputable camera shop that has most, if not all, cameras made by both Canon and Nikon, play with them each a little bit and buy what feels best in your hands. They all basically have the same functions and features, but the buttons and menues may be in different places.

It is my opinion that Canon offers a better and larger line of high quality lenses, and the Canon cameras are well known for their ability to shoot at high ISO's with minimal image noise.

 

I vote Nikon, but it depends. For SLR, I prefer Nikon and won't shoot anything else. The images I can capture at ISO 6400 with my D3 can't be achieved with a Canon. For digital point & shoot, Canon rules.

 

I have a canon SD870Is and I cannot get the damn thing to take good pics. I have changed every setting from manual to auto and back and the pics still look fuzzy. The shutter speed is slow no matter what I change it to. Could be just me most likely.

 

Sounds like it needs to be worked on. Send it to Canon.

 

Save some money and buy a D40. It is a much better camera. Read reviews at www.kenrockwell.com or www.bythom.com

 

"I cannot get the damn thing to take good pics."

Did you buy it at a local camera store?
You could take it in there and ask them to assist you with it.

 

I shoot with a D70S and a D200...I love Nikon and I use nothing but Nikon lenses!