Need advice with a camera PLEASE HELP!!!!!?

Question

I am finally after years of contemplating, about to do what it is that I love to do, what I have been wanting to do, and that is photography. I am going to focus on portraiture photography. I am going to buy my camera this week, I wanted to know which camera should I buy, the Nikon D50 Digital SLR or the Canon Rebel XT? Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Answer 1

As I've repeatedly said before, when you buy an SLR camera, you're buying into a system of lenses, and you must consider the availability of lenses for the future. A lot of camera brands often change their lens mount and you have to start over again if you switch to a more advanced or newer model within the same camera brand. It is not the case with Nikon; they have not changed their liens mount since 1959. Also, Nikon is known for their ruggedness, not for toy-like features that attract those once-in-a-while photographers who only take photos on holidays or vacations.

Since you're just beginning to learn, and you're looking for a digital SLR, who not consider a used camera? This way, when you're more familiar with photography and you know what you need in a camera for your own personal needs and preferences, you can always advance to another camera, retain a greater resale price on your current Nikon, and still use the lenses on the newer camera. I suggest that you get the Nikon D70 or the newer D70S now that Nikon has introduced the D80 and the D200 and people are selling a nearly new camera to get a shinier toy? Check with www.keh.com and see what you can find. Remember, digital lenses are marked "DX" and many times they do not come with the camera.

Go to a camera shop and ask to see the cameras and the "kit lens" and hold them in your hands, feel how it fits in your hands. Feel the ergonomics and decide. You don't have to buy the camera at that camera shop, just see and handle the camera, then go to www.keh.com and see what they have on stock. They get new camera, lenses, etc., almost every single day. The prices are most competitive and the ratings are very conservative. The personnel are very polite, helpful and they are very knowledgeable, too.

Answer 2

I am a Nikon fan through and through, but the two companies are very similar in many qualities. The major difference between the two is megapixel and price. The Canon is an 8mp and the Nikon is a 6, while the Canon is topping $700 you can probably get the Nikon around $550. Both companies have excellent lenses to upgrade, so I think either way you'll be happy with the outcome. It's a matter of comfort in my opinion - go to your local camera store and play with both of them, take some photos, review your photos and see how each feels. The basic functions are the same but how you get there is different.

One other spec I know is the Canon is a 3 fps and the Nikon a 2.5 fps, but in portraiture this shouldn't be an issue. I've shot a Nikon D70s for the past 10 months for my weddings and portrait shoots and have been very happy.

Answer 3

Before you buy a camera, find a camera shop that will have display models that you can actually hold in your hands. Make sure it fits comfortably in your hands, and that you have easy access to any features you may need to use while you are shooting. I would also look at the specs that are offered with most reviews and look for the camera that will be user friendly as well as cost effiecient. Also, if you're thinking of taking this into a career, look into some of the other cameras that both of these lines offer. I know that the D70 is quite a bit better if you want to step into the professional world, and it usually runs only $200 more.

Answer 4

for film SLR, Nikon is best.
for digital SLR, canon is tops. the models this year have something that shakes the dust from the CCD. Nikon has a tendency to have problems w/ dust. i used to work for the #2 national school photography company; they're highly paid camera guys just bought the canon 30D for school portraits and simultaneous utility link to a laptop.
good luck.
i think more important than nikon v canon is making sure you have proper lighting setup. that will make or break your success

Answer 5

I've heard the Canon Rebel is the superior camera, but I don't have any firsthand experience with the SLRs.

I found a website with great camera reviews - check it out if you want. The review for the Rebel is here: http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/digital_rebel_xt-review/index.shtml

And the review for the Nikon is here: http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/nikon/d50-review/index.shtml

The reviews are awesome - very thorough. Hope it helps you out - good luck!

Answer 6

I am literally in the same position.

I just bought a Canon rebel xt, 8.0 megapixel.

Check out what i think is shopsunshine.com or google shop sunshine, they have AWESOME deals!

I got the camera body, the regular lens, a wide angle lens, 2 gb card, camera case, aluminum camera case, card reader, mini tripod and regular tripod, 3 filters... all for $808. And on orders over $500, they will upgrade free to air shipping.

I HIGHLY recommend it!! Check it out!

And kudos and good luck to your portraiture business!

Answer 7

Just bought the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi for $900 base price (a little more after extras). This camera has been absolutely fantastic to me, I would highly recommend it!!!!

Answer 8

I enjoyed my Canon AE 1 Program.....I have had it 23 yrs. now and it still works great! People have complimented my pictures many times. They even thought my pics were professional at times....can you believe? So I would go with the Canon!!

Answer 9

All those advises are good, but remember is not the camera the one that takes the picture, is the person behind it who does, you have also the way to manage the proper lighting and pose.

Answer 10

NIKON family is the best. I have used their cameras since long.
You will be able to get the service and maintainance easily.