DSLR for newb - Nikon vs Canon?

[panda1314]

im looking to purchase a DSLR for both myself and my dad (we'll be sharing it). I'm having trouble deciding which brand to go with and which model to choose. My dad wants me to go all out and get the Nikon D300 and I told him he's out of his mind. What do you photography experts recommend? And for what reasons?

We've both had experience with the old school film SLR. My dad used to do photography for people's weddings and parties and he entered contests and have won before too so he's not a total newb. I've learned the very basics back in highschool thats it but I've always had an interest in photography. This however will be our first DSLR

[KorruptioN]

We have a photo forum: http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=89

Please search! If not, just go through some of the threads on the first few pages and you'll be treated to a wealth of information. As for your specific post, if you think the D300 is too much, check out the D90.

[redflag]

My point of view, it doesn't matter much since

1). if you skills are fairly good(not professional yet), you can shot similarly good quality photos by using either one,

2). if you are newbie, you won't be able to find the difference.

test both and see which one clicks right......

[Blackmajik]

It is like everything else in life. Both brands are very good choices but what boils down to is what you ultimately think. If you do a poll on Nikon vs Canon, people will choose one because they are comfortable with it - not because it is necessarily a better choice for you. Go to Henry's and play with the different bodies from both manufactures and see which one fits ergonomically. Also, you didn't mention what you're ultimately using it for. If it is just for a hobby to shoot pictures on the weekends vs professional application, you could save yourself a few bucks on the body and use it to get more useful accessories/lenses. BTW what did you shoot with when you had a SLR?

[bob0]

you wont go wrong picking either, but i believe canon is the more popular brand. so if you're going to be buying and selling used, it'll probably be easier to find canon stuff.

if you're going to shoot lots of action, i'd recommend canon (the 1d's) it's not a coincidence you see a sea of white lenses at major sporting events.

but if you're going to do strobist stuff, nikon has cheap speedlites and an awesome way of controlling off camera flashes from the body.

another thing to look out for is how it feels in your hand. make sure you like the way it feels and all the controls are easily accessible. but i guess you'll get used to whatever you get so it doesnt matter too too much.

just be sure you're comfortable with the brand before you start upgrading... it'll be a pain to switch once you become too invested in a brand.

personally i'm a canon user, go Canon! =p
i will warn you though, i've heard horror stories about the QA for canon... be sure to test everything you buy if you decide to go canon.

[kiz5]

if you're going to shoot lots of action, i'd recommend canon (the 1d's) it's not a coincidence you see a sea of white lenses at major sporting events.

Just so you know, its no longer like that. Most of us are using D3s. I'd say about 70% is now Nikon, including the NFL -- despite the sponsorship with Canon. I'm not kidding. The D3 has put Canon to shame for sports. Even at the Olympics, it was more D3s. Depending on how the Mark IV goes (if it ever comes out!), we'll see how many decide to make the transition over to the dark side. The Mark III lost a lot of long-time Canon guys, and the D3 gained even more.

[silentio]

Im not sure what the point is of dragging up the professional versions of both canon and nikon then trying to apply the popularity of that to the entry level market.

They both of good gear for entry level.

[geralds34]

I have used Canon since I went digital(G2, S400, A710is, S3-is and 30D)

The cameras are good, and I am limiting factor, but Canon service leaves something to be desired. have only heard good things about Nikon service in Canada.

[KorruptioN]

Im not sure what the point is of dragging up the professional versions of both canon and nikon then trying to apply the popularity of that to the entry level market.

They both of good gear for entry level.

This.

Almost everything that bob0 said is irrelevant to the beginner.

[frogger]

We've both had experience with the old school film SLR. My dad used to do photography for people's weddings and parties and he entered contests and have won before too so he's not a total newb. I've learned the very basics back in highschool thats it but I've always had an interest in photography. This however will be our first DSLR

Do you have any film SLR lenses left over that might still be compatible with a current DSLR?

[bob0]

This.

Almost everything that bob0 said is irrelevant to the beginner.

agreed, i was considering that the OP had past experience with an SLR so he and his father may not want an entry level dslr.

[Sgt_Strider]

Both brands have a good lineup of cameras and lenses. I don't think you can go wrong with either. I've used both Canon and Nikon DSLRs.

[Vascilli]

Just so you know, its no longer like that. Most of us are using D3s. I'd say about 70% is now Nikon, including the NFL -- despite the sponsorship with Canon. I'm not kidding. The D3 has put Canon to shame for sports. Even at the Olympics, it was more D3s. Depending on how the Mark IV goes (if it ever comes out!), we'll see how many decide to make the transition over to the dark side. The Mark III lost a lot of long-time Canon guys, and the D3 gained even more.

This is good, because it should mean a load of used Canon gear at low(ish) prices. Bring it on. :cheesygri