I’ve been doing some research lately into DSLR cameras. My husband and I have wanted one for awhile now and are finally considering purchasing one in the near future. We don’t have tons of money so the fancy, expensive ones aren’t even an option for us. I’ve been looking at the mid-range Nikon D5000 and the Canon Rebel T1i (500D). From what I’ve read on all the reviews, these two cameras are pretty much at a tie in terms of which is better. When I began doing research a few months ago, I was leaning more toward the Canon, but looking at everything again, I think I’m now leaning more toward the Nikon. I’ve always had Nikons and I know it’s a good name so I can’t get past those two things. Whichever one we purchase will probably come down to which one we like better once we go to the store and can actually feel them in our hands.
I know some of my readers have DSLR cameras, maybe not necessarily the two I’m considering, but I was wondering how your experience was with your Nikon or Canon? Which do you have? How long have you had it? What made you decide on which DSLR to buy? Is there anything in particular that you love about your camera? Or hate? Do you have any regrets on purchasing the one you have now? Would you purchase the same brand again? Is there anything I’m missing?? Haha.
Just looking for some ideas/opinions/other things to consider before we decide to make a purchase!
I have a Canon Digital Rebel XTi (500D) and I’m very happy with it. It’s definitely a good beginner’s SLR, since it has all the necessary stuff you will ever need and is quite affordable (this counts for the hundred series – 500D, 550D, 600D and so on). If you have the money, you can sure get the 50D, but I’d much rather recommend the “smaller” one and then maybe upgrading in 4-5 years.
I’ve had mine for 4 years now, and as soon as it’s done it’s last deed, I’ll upgrade. However, mine is still working perfectly fine as of now.
The most important thing about SLRs however, are the lenses. Without a good lens you won’t be taking any great pictures. From my experience, Tamron and Sigma lenses are crap. Invest the extra money into Canon (or Nikkor) lenses and you’ll be happier.
The type of lens you get of course depends on the kind of pictures you want to take.
For portraits and low light I use a f1.4 / 50mm which has a stunning depth. But it absolutely doesn’t work for self-portraits and there’s no zoom.
For self-portraits and tourism stuff, I usually use a f2.8 / 17mm – 70mm. Great to take pictures of yourself and your surroundings. However, depending on the zoom and the lighting, some pictures will not look as good if you don’t focus on anything in particular. Technique and light is very important. But you’ll figure that out once you have your own camera ;)
I also have a f3.8 / 28mm – 200mm, but I haven’t used it in ages. It’s no good for darker situations, so the only occasion where you can use it is during daylight.
Nikon all the way, baby! I had a film SLR Nikon N50 for many years and really liked it. I wanted a digital camera but I didn’t want my film camera to go to waste. So I made sure to get a DSLR whose body would fit my N50 lenses. My camera is upstairs so I don’t know its exact model. I bought it in 2007 so its kind of old now. I want to say I spent about $800 on it. I’m sure prices have gone down, though, in 3 years time. Nikon’s DSLR model numbers may have changed now. I want to say its the D50 or D70. I’ll double check later on today and let you know. Looking at the D5000 online it seems like that might be my camera. I think once you go Nikon you can never go back!
Thank you both for the info!
@Adastra: Glad to hear from somebody who actually has one of the cameras I’m looking at. I originally posted 50D when I meant 500D. Thanks for the info on lenses. We’ll just get one when we buy the camera and will pick up others along the way as money permits.
@Shelley: From what I read, the D5000 sits between the D60 and D90, came out in 2009 and costs about $800 with the 18-55mm lens. The “once you go Nikon you can never go back” thing is what I’m stuck with :D
Looks like I have the D40. My how prices have dropped on that over the years. Oh well, that’s how it always goes. Makes sense that I can’t have the D5000 since it didn’t come out until 2009 and I got mine in early 2007.
I have a Nikon D40 too and I love it. I want to get a second one because Andy always loves using it too. Amazing camera.
Also, to answer your earlier question: It’s an Impala ’06. Roomy enough for two carseats to sit right next to each other and NOT a van. Because I never want to drive a van.
Not to go way off topic onto cars or anything, but I’d never drive a van either :D If my husband had his way, he’d have had one a long time ago, but I refuse to drive one! I’d get an SUV, but NO VAN!
I’ll be revisiting this discussion, I’m sure. This is probably our next major purchase, aside from a new bed. I know several people with Nikons, and several people with Canons. Everyone with a Nikon says go with Nikon and everyone with a Canon says go with a Canon.
And for the record, I could not see you driving a van!
Just wanted to let everyone know that we decided on the Nikon D5000. We both liked it better than the Canon once we got to play around with it a bit. Now it’s just a matter of waiting for the right time to make the purchase!
The guy we talked to at the store recommended we check out dpreview.com for detailed reviews of both cameras and I have to say I was impressed with the amount of information on that site (although it is kind of intimidating). Andrea, maybe that site will prove helpful to you whenever you decide to buy a DSLR, too.