Beginners SLR Camera

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MrJones

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I am looking at getting my first Digital SLR, so far it is between the Canon 1000D and Nikon D3000.

Anyone with some recommendations?

I have always had point and shoots, and want to turn it into a hobby. Also at Nikon Shop, they have some old stock of Nikon D60's and Nikon D40x at reasonable prices. Should I even entertain those models?

Thanks!
 
Personally I'd get an older second-hand body and spend the rest of the money on lenses.

I'd rather have an older body with lenses that are:
faster (have a wider aperture),
and cover more focal range (i.e. having lenses that can go wider, as well as zoom in further than the normal bundled "kit lens")

than the latest body with only the kit lens.

The kit lens aren't bad, and they're great value for money, but you won't be able to zoom in on distant things (unless of course you're getting a 55-200/55-250 or similar bundled lens), and they're not fast, full stop.

A cheap 50 f/1.8 lens (or 35 f/1.8 if you're going Nikon) will let you take photos in lower light, all other settings being equal. So you'll have less blurry shots in low light, and you'll have better "bokeh", or blurred backgrounds, where your subject is sharp and in focus, and the background is not.

Summary:
Personally I'd rather spend as much money as I can on lenses, and rather get an older dSLR (Canon 350D or Nikon D40) than the latest dSLR.

Don't forget to actually go to the store and hold the camera in person, you might decide on a model and then find out that it feels horrible to hold and operate.

Remember, your dSLR body will be obsolete in a years time at best, but you'll still be using your lens for decades to come (hopefully)

Note:
With some of the "lower" end Nikon models, the body doesn't have an auto-focus motor. If you want to be able to auto-focus, you'll be limited to lenses that have an auto-focus motor in the lens itself.
 
While Nikon camera's might be slightly superior on the entry and midrange DSLRs, you can't beat Canon's availability of lenses, flashes and accessories.

O, get a decent flash BTW, they should also last a decade. Makes a huge difference if you are shooting people quite a lot.
 
Sapphiron said:
you can't beat Canon's availability of lenses, flashes and accessories.
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Choice is nice but how many of those items does average joe intend purchasing.
You can get 4 (which is enough for joe) good lenses from any of the major manufacturers. Unless your argument is buying secondhand lenses which I personally would not do.
 
swift412 said:
Personally I'd get an older second-hand body and spend the rest of the money on lenses.
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Problem is that - at least with the Canons - you never know how many actuations the shutter has had and they're only good for so many. I look at my old 400D and while it's in great condition it has done way more than the 50k it's supposed to be good for.

I'd look for a new, last generation model that's still covered by a warranty.
Remember, your dSLR body will be obsolete in a years time at best, but you'll still be using your lens for decades to come (hopefully)
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The camera might become obsolete but it will still be better than the majority of photographers using it for a long time after that happens. :)
ponder said:
Choice is nice but how many of those items does average joe intend purchasing.
You can get 4 (which is enough for joe) good lenses from any of the major manufacturers. Unless your argument is buying secondhand lenses which I personally would not do.
Click to expand...
I'd probably buy a second hand lens soon than a second hand body.
 
Both the Nikon D3000 and Canon 1000D are good entry level cameras. Either of these brands are a top choice. Both with excellent scope for up-scalability if you were to take things more seriously in the future.

Both brands will always have some factors better than each other, so it's not worth getting too fussed. Best to have a play around with them, in store, scroll the menus, take some shots and see which model talks to you.

The biggest differences technically between both is that the Nikon has a finer Auto Focus system and Canon has Live View- which is a fairly recent feature in DSLR's, that allow you to compose your shot through the LCD, much like a compact camera. This is a nice feature for amateurs. although a purist would call it cheating :)

I would also attest that lens quality is something you should be mindful of. The kit lenses being relatively lame quality. I recommend reading up and get informed as much as you can about lenses before purchasing...

Another reason that may sway your choice could be if you have friends or family in the Canon or Nikon camp, sharing knowledge and gear can be pretty handy.
 
Thanks for all the feedback and comments... I suppose the next trip is to a good store that can demo both models to me. I work around the corner from Nikon HQ, so I might swing past there and see if they can brainwash me.
 
MrJones said:
Thanks for all the feedback and comments... I suppose the next trip is to a good store that can demo both models to me. I work around the corner from Nikon HQ, so I might swing past there and see if they can brainwash me.
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What is your budget?
 
Just to add on to what I said earlier (don't mean to drone on but...)

The kit lens will most definitely serve you well in the beginning, but sooner or later you'll probably want to get something that can zoom in a bit further, and maybe go for a 70-200mm lens. Next, you might want to get something really wide, like a 10-22mm. Then maybe you'll find you need something that you can use in low light, a 50mm 1.8 or 1.4. Maybe you'll want to explore macro photography, and get a dedicated macro lens.

All I'm saying is, don't spend too much on the camera body because it (the first dSLR body you purchase) will probably only be the tip of the iceberg as far as your dSLR hobby goes :D
 
Saw a bundle for 10k 18-55 lense + 55-200VR lense and the new Nikon D3000 (the replacement for the D60 iirc :o) Think it was the 55-200VR and not the 70-200 VR at least :p

Also saw the D60 with kit lens going for R5k
 
Pooky said:
I must upload some (and start taking more).

I'm waiting for some close up filters.
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Yea, you should upload some for us to see!
Close up filters? Never heard of close up filters... What are they?...
 
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