DSLR Camera Options

[AFMichael]

I have been looking at getting a quality, entry-level DSLR and I know that many recommend the Nikon D3100 or D5000. What are some other solid DSLRs from Canon as well?

[Blue Bomber]

T2i, T3i, 50D, 60D.

[The0wn4g3]

D40 is an excellent entry level. These were all shot by a buddy of mine on a D40.

flickr.com/photos/kevin4au/

[Bitter]

GF likes her D5100, it takes a noticeably better photo in low light than her D60 did.

[AFMichael]

My price range is $600 and a new D5100 is a little out of that range unless I can find a used on in like-new quality. I've looked around Craigslist, Amazon, and even ebay. I'm a little skeptical about using ebay though and I'm not getting a single response from any emails sent on a couple Craigslist postings.

I could purchase a new D3100 for $600 though but prefer to save a little money, if possible, on a quality used camera.

[mrluilou]

just save up for a better camera

[The0wn4g3]

The difference between a $600 and a $400 camera is not worth the money, in my opinion. I shoot with a D90 at work, yeah it's nice, but I wouldn't pay the extra amount for it unless It was for professional reasons.
You won't be disappointed in putting down only $400 for a DSLR from Canon or Nikon. Guarantee you that.

[mrluilou]

some people prefer the quality and bigger body of a camera :shrugs:

[awlawson]

If you're looking for a cheap DSLR I'd suggest Nikon because their lower end lenses are generally better than Canon's.. a good place to read reviews would be dpreview.com

The difference between the D3100 and the D5000 probably isn't big enough if you're looking to save money

[AFMichael]

I have mixed opinions on that. I want sharp, quality photos with great color contrast. Of course the higher end DSLRs would be great for that but at the same time this would only be for fun/side project. Nothing to get paid to do. It's a reason why I am trying to find a used DSLR in good condition to save some money than buying a new one.

[awlawson]

I have mixed opinions on that. I want sharp, quality photos with great color contrast. Of course the higher end DSLRs would be great for that but at the same time this would only be for fun/side project. Nothing to get paid to do. It's a reason why I am trying to find a used DSLR in good condition to save some money than buying a new one.

For sharpness I'd go Nikon, the kit lens that comes with Canons will give you a lot more chromatic aberration vs. the kit lens that would be included with a Nikon

I have a D70s my dad gave me upon getting his D700 and I am super happy with it. if you compare photos with my girlfriend's d3000 there isn't much difference besides pixel count. they both have the same chip size so unless you are printing humungous photos you won't have a problem with less pixels

[AFMichael]

Yeah, I'm looking at finding a D3100 since it has a newer image sensor than the D3000

[mrluilou]

just get the d3x instead, its a bit older but should work just fine.

[The0wn4g3]

I'm curious, have you ever actually taken a properly shot image with a Canon and received noticeable chromatic aberration?

I would not recommend a D70 for many reasons.

Like I said, if you are not a professional photography or image processor, you aren't going to tell a difference between a Canon and Nikon. Buy the one you can get the best deal on.

[awlawson]

True, with the 3100 you get video as well if thats something you're interested in. dpreview also says the 3100 does better at high iso than the 3000 which is a valuable trait to look for

[AFMichael]

Yeah, I am definitely looking to record video as well.

[awlawson]

I'm curious, have you ever actually taken a properly shot image with a Canon and received noticeable chromatic aberration?

I would not recommend a D70 for many reasons.

Like I said, if you are not a professional photography or image processor, you aren't going to tell a difference between a Canon and Nikon. Buy the one you can get the best deal on.

Yes, I don't want to sound like someone who knows everything but in daylight with a kit lens i have noticed a large amount of chromatic aberration, more so than i have seen on Nikon. Again, that is just the lens though that makes that effect. Cheaper Nikon vs. cheaper Canon- Nikon has been better in my experience

My D70s was free so whether someone recommends it or not I still like it a lot

[awlawson]

just get the d3x instead, its a bit older but should work just fine.

lmao pshh d3x is a little juvenile don't you think :gap:

[JonnyB925]

I have a D70. It meets my each and every need

Droid- Tapatalk

[The0wn4g3]

Odd, what were you shooting exacty? I've never had a problem with the kit 18-55mm lens.

I'm not saying the D70 is a bad camera by any means. I use it to shoot all outdoor functions due its faster sync speed compared to the D90.
But at the same time, if I was buying a general use entry level camera, there are better cameras for the same price. I have bigger issues with the button layout and screen than I do it's image quality.

[mrluilou]

lmao pshh d3x is a little juvenile don't you think :gap:

we were in the d3 series models so might as well and throw it in there :gap:
i heard the iso performance is pretty good too !

[awlawson]

Odd, what were you shooting exacty? I've never had a problem with the kit 18-55mm lens.

I'm not saying the D70 is a bad camera by any means. I use it to shoot all outdoor functions due its faster sync speed compared to the D90.
But at the same time, if I was buying a general use entry level camera, there are better cameras for the same price. I have bigger issues with the button layout and screen than I do it's image quality.

One example I had was outdoors and the leaves of the tree were full of chromatic aberration.
I honestly do like the Canon bodies and looking at base models of Canon vs. Nikon there isn't too much difference but the Nikon lenses are a little better
Lens Review (http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/widget/Fullscreen.ashx?reviews=34&fullscreen=true&av=3.667&fl=18&vis=VisualiserSharpnessMTF&stack=horizontal&lock=&config=/lensreviews/widget/LensReviewConfiguration.xml?3)
That is an interesting tool you can look at to compare lenses, put in an 18-55 canon and compare it to an 18-55 Nikon and you'll see a little more distortion in the Canon.

Probably at the end of the day if you aren't a serious shooter just buy whatever feels better in your hands and you should be happy! I'm just a Nikon person simply because I have one


we were in the d3 series models so might as well and throw it in there
i heard the iso performance is pretty good too !
I bet it is, with iso 800 grain on a d700 basically doesn't exist so I can't even imagine something in the d3 series

[The0wn4g3]

I'll have to keep an eye out for that. I was shooting at the beach just a couple weeks ago and I didn't notice a thing.

I'm more of a Canon person just because that's what I learned on. The Nikon's have both shutter and exposure wheels, which is handy, but at the same time I love how the buttons are laid out on the Canon over the Nikon.
My D400 feels lighter than the D70 or D90, and you can argue lighter is better or you can argue it's less rugged.
The lens on each camera rotate in different directions.
I like the AF/MF switch on the Nikon over the Canon.

I think this reputation for having "cheap" lenses is something that has been stuck on Canon by Nikon fanboys for quite some time. Many people I've talked to have bought into it, when they've never actually shot on a Canon before. If you shoot on correct settings, a hobby-level photographer isn't going to be able to tell the difference.

I've read all the dpreview.com lens reviews, and sometimes I think they just get a little too nit-picky. There's a certain point where the difference in quality doesn't amount to a hill of beans.

If you notice on the lens tool, the Canon actually maintains a smoother level of sharpness as compared to the Nikon, but more chromatic aberration. So saying a Nikon lens is "sharper" is mostly incorrect.

[JonnyB925]

For your enjoyment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1tTBncIsm8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

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[awlawson]

They are very close but that is still a cool tool to look at to compare lenses. I do enjoy my two wheels although the newer d3000 I used recently only had one which messed with me

[Blue Bomber]

I have mixed opinions on that. I want sharp, quality photos with great color contrast. Of course the higher end DSLRs would be great for that but at the same time this would only be for fun/side project. Nothing to get paid to do. It's a reason why I am trying to find a used DSLR in good condition to save some money than buying a new one.In normal conditions, the lens would be the deciding factor with the above. If you go low light, you'll also need something with a decent sensor. D3100, D5000, D5100 all fit the bill for low light. Yeah, I'm looking at finding a D3100 since it has a newer image sensor than the D3000Same sensor as the D7000, which is plain epic. Pair it with a pro lens (rent one and you'll want to buy a full set ;) ), and it will truly shine.
True, with the 3100 you get video as well if thats something you're interested in. dpreview also says the 3100 does better at high iso than the 3000 which is a valuable trait to look forYeah, I am definitely looking to record video as well.Skip the D3100. The D5100 and D7000 are better than the D3100 in video by a large margin. The D3100 has the jello problem of the D90/D5000, which makes it look like iPhone video. The D5100 is still lacking controls on video besides record (D7000 is the only Nikon w/ full manual controls), but there are ways to trick it into getting close to what you want. The quality is super sharp, and you can mess with custom curves to get the exact tone you want.

we were in the d3 series models so might as well and throw it in there :gap:
i heard the iso performance is pretty good too !D3s > D3x :p:

[mrluilou]

i really don't care for video :o:
D4 > D3s :wiggle: :chuckles:

[Blue Bomber]

D5xyz > D4 :fawk:

I love video. About 50% of the reason I upgraded to the D7000 from the D90. The video is just incredibly better, almost broadcast quality. I'm actually helping a friend film a web series this fall with my D7000, a bunch of equipment, and his cinematographer skillz. Can't wait. :)

[mrluilou]

chris you need to get that nikon 24-70mm 2.8 lens! that or you should get the 600mm vr lens it should be handy for those candid film shots

[Blue Bomber]

Definitely on my list, but I wish it'd have VR. I've got a Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 VC that's great for video, and a 70-300mm VC that's good for horizontal/vertical panning (a bit choppy in diagonals). Both are super steady and sharp enough for video (2.8's a bit soft for photos wide open, but correctable in post). The 600mm would be impossible to use for any panning shot, though. Oh yeah, and my budget. ;)

[The0wn4g3]

D5xyz > D4 :fawk:

I love video. About 50% of the reason I upgraded to the D7000 from the D90. The video is just incredibly better, almost broadcast quality. I'm actually helping a friend film a web series this fall with my D7000, a bunch of equipment, and his cinematographer skillz. Can't wait. :)

But can't you get a little flip video style camera for a fraction of the cost, and 1080 quality... ? :confused:

[Blue Bomber]

You can get the resolution (sometimes), but nowhere near the quality or control of a good DSLR. Remember, they've been using DSLRs for TV shows and even a few Hollywood movies for the past few years. Can't do that with a pocket video cam. ;)

[The0wn4g3]

I'm fairly certain you can. Sony has the Bloggie Touch, 1920x1080 mpeg4 for only $200. Even comes with 8gb of built-in flash, and it fits in your pocket.
The Nikon is what, 7 times that price for the body only? No internal memory, and mono sound unless you buy an external mic. :marky:

[Blue Bomber]

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/sony-bloggie-touch-mhs/4852-6500_7-34182263.html?tag=uoBody

Um, yeah... ;)

[The0wn4g3]

Those are reviews for the first gen, not the second. So, yeah... 3.5 stars out of 144 reviews on Amazon. Not spectacular, but it's so cheap it's expected.
And it's just an example, there are other brands which have varying degrees of quality and price. The actual handheld cameras have much better video quality compare to a pocket-sized.

I guess if you're a Nikon fan boy it makes sense to get a Nikon. :)

[Blue Bomber]

Haha. Honestly, if I wasn't shooting pics, just video, I'd easily get a Canon. They have the best support from the film industry because of their hackable firmware. They're like the Apple of the DSLR video industry (but not in a bad way :chuckles: ).

[The0wn4g3]

Haha, I hear you on that.

[RTZCeli]

Are you just looking to do this as a hobby? I'm sure any of the suggested cameras above will suit you. It's better to pick a camera that you like ie, grip, size, features... so go to a camera shop and start picking different bodies up. Snap a few shots and I'm sure you will decide then.

Most of the magic comes from the lens. The camera body... to an extent has its limitations. But it doesn't always limit what ultimately matters the most in photography... Your imagination.

[AFMichael]

Yeah, it will be as a hobby. I plan to upgrade the lens down the road. Heck, the kit lens might even be good enough for me.

[atrac7GTS]

proper composition and a versatile lens will make all the difference


that said, i'd go to a local store and check 'em out. Like RTZ said, the Canon V Nikon wars usually come down to personal preference--button layout and positioning, menu layouts, etc. to this day, there can be no conclusive consensus that says one is better than the other. in the end, it comes to down to preference once more and some slight fan-boyism ;)

i personally strayed away from both, and wanted to try something different. I have a G2 from Panasonic and it's been absolutely FRESH. My total noob friend took this candid shot of me the other day, with manual focus

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6004/6010253650_78bf67476a_z.jpg

[AFMichael]

Just ordered a D3100 for $530. Like new condition with original box and equipment

[The0wn4g3]

This is one of my favorite shots taken on my D40. It was within the first week of owning it, so I used full auto "landscape" mode the whole game :gap:

18mm shot from my seat:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5548447155_83dfbfd859_b.jpg

55mm shot of the winning field goal:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5228/5549025558_d5c2279719_b.jpg

(no post processing)

[atrac7GTS]

great wide angle on the first one^^

[Kangaruu]

I'm glad you didn't get D40. That's the dumbest camera ever. The only way to change basic manual settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO all require you to go deep into the menu. It's like discouraging you from using any manual/semi-manual modes.

[Blue Bomber]

Well, it's an entry level camera. The D3000 replaced it, then the D3100. Both require a lot of menu diving to do things higher end cameras have buttons, dials, and switches for.

[Zero]

I'm glad you didn't get D40. That's the dumbest camera ever. The only way to change basic manual settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO all require you to go deep into the menu.

THIS! My brother and sister have this camera. I was annoyed at how you had to go through the menu to change the damn settings.

[The0wn4g3]

Those weren't shot with a D40, I meant 400D (XTi). I don't know what I was thinking lol...

[atrac7GTS]

Damn. That sounds ridiculous that you have to drill in menus to change that stuff.


It should always be accessible from anywhere, from the live view on the LCD to the viewfinder...on my camera it's just a matter of clicking on a dial and toggling between the key settings and then using the dial again to adjust

[Kangaruu]

When I started using DSLRs I had the entry level Canon XS and it didn't require menu diving to change those settings. It had a top scroll wheel and in manual mode, the wheel is for shutter speed, and if you wanted to change aperture, you hold down a button as you scroll that same wheel. I believe there was a dedicated ISO button as well.

Nikon :thumbdown :chuckles:

[Blue Bomber]

http://www.nikonusa.com/pdf/manuals/noprint/D40_noprint.pdf

Same with Nikon. Press a button and rotate a dial to change aperture. ISO, on the other hand... :marky:

Guess that's why they have 4 levels of consumer DSLRs, 2 of semi pro, and 2 of pro. The more you spend, the more control and features you get.