Canon or Nikon?

Question

I'm dabating between these 2 cameras. I'm new to photography, so I'm wondering what you guys think? Or if you have any other camera suggestions for less than $600?



Nikon D50

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=6222&A=details&Q=&sku=407328&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation



Canon Rebel XT/350D

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=6222&A=details&Q=&sku=371191&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Answer 1

I'd at least like to see you compare apples to almost apples and look at the Nikon D50, 6.1 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm DX Zoom Nikkor Lens, which is comparable to the lens on the Canon you have chosen. I see they cost exactly the same if you do this, but then again, I also see the 18-55 kit is out of stock. The 28-80 lens seems okay (not stellar), so what the heck. It's not wide angle at all, but as long as you realize that, it's okay.

I've heard some people here say that the Nikon DSLR's are more suited for people who want to move up in the world of SLR photography and the Canon Rebel DSLR's are for people who do not want to leave the point and shoot world behind, but want access to some nice lenses.

The Nikon is definitely "better made" and seems like it will hold up better than the Canon. I don't like the fact that the Canon lacks a spot meter. They have a "large" central spot that covers 10% of the frame. A real spot meter zeroes in on 2-3% of the frame. This can really make the difference between getting an accurate exposure and getting lucky.

Go to the dpreview page (below) and click on "In-depth review" and "Read owner opinions" for each camera. Go to a camera store (or camera department) and handle each camera to see which one feels better in your hands. (You may have trouble finding a D50 in stock, though, as it seems to be selling out.) I use a D200 and we got my wife a D50 so she could "keep up" with me if we go out shooting. It performs well. All you have to do is put it on "Auto" or use any of the numerous other pre-set modes and you don't need to know too much to get great pictures. If you advance in your curiosity and skills, it will grow right along with you. (So will the Canon, though, except for the lack of a spot meter.)

If you do get the Canon, be sure that it is the Series II (Roman numeral 2) lens, which is what B&H is showing at your link. It is better than the original kit lens.

If your choice is really down to the exact links you sent, I'd say that the Nikon D50 for $100 less than the Canon is about a deal too good to pass up. You can upgrade lenses when you get some more interest and some more money with either camera. You'll need that extra $100 for a decent memory card and maybe a spare battery. My wife has a 1 GB Sandisk "Ultra II" memory card, which gives decent performance. Lexar is another top brand and Kingston seems to be popular here.

Answer 2

You don't say how much you'll be getting in to photography. For MOST people $600/$500 is way too much to spend if you want a very decent quality camera, just to take photos of trips and now and then on week ends. If you go back on this Website for last 2/3 days you'll find at least 20 to 30 very decent cameras of which most fall into the $200 to $380 range.
If you're really going to get seriously involved with photoraphy then spend a BIT more and buy a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera. They are extremely versatile and one can add different lenses.
In the $200/$380 range probably Canon has the most to choose from. Certainly Sony and Fugi have quality cameras in that range also. Sorry I'm a bit confused..you are looking for a DSLR. If it's only between those 2 cameras, I'd buy the Canon.

Answer 3

Honestly and truely, they're both fantastic cameras. What I would advise you to do (seeing the two you have selected and throwing silly megapixels aside) would be not put as much emphasis on browsing bodies as I would lenses. SLRs are fantastic units, but to know your market of lenses available makes things a whole lot easier for the future. If you're more in the consumer market for lenses (ex: 600 dollar lenses and down), you'll notice that canon has a few more options in terms of long range telephoto lenses (300mm) while nikon tends to corner the market on lenses 200mm and down. I personally chose the canon xti (not really too different from the XT) because I do alot of long range nature photography and I have a macro lens for smaller animals.

As for the constant nerdy contraversy over Canon's CMOS processor versus Nikon's traditional 3CCD, it's all pretty much the same.

Answer 4

From the two you have selected the Canon has better features. The Nikon has a more versatile lense, though. If you can get the Cannon with a 28mm to 80mm lense then get that!

PS: 28mm is a wide-angle lense meaning it's GREAT for landscape or architecture shots and the 80mm lense gets you in nice and tight to your subject.

Also note: BOTH cameras are excellent so you won't go wrong whichever you choose.

Answer 5

Buy a Nikon, but don't spend too much money until you know that you want to take photo's rather than snaps. If you find you like photography look around for a better one. Sell the old one on eBay. Go to it. Enjoy it, but remember Nikon has always had the better name.

Answer 6

while the Canon Rebel XT/350D is in many ways a better camera in genial, the Nikon D50 is longer lasting and is not made of cheap plastics.

Answer 7

Both those brands are excellent, each has little things to recommend it. Sony is also excellent. You should look at the features of the models you are interested in and see if any particular feature is a 'must have' for you personally. It's like asking the difference between Ford and GM car brands - each brand has its passionate followers.

Answer 8

"I'm new to photography"

Either is great, they are the two top brands, but if you're really new, consider a more simple camera to start with, just make sure it has a manual focus mode though (Both of the two listed do have manual focus, interchangeable lenses, and more! But it may be good to make sure you're really as interested in photography as you think you are before sinking too much cash into it :)

Answer 9

It depends. People who like Nikon interfaces will like Nikon. Peopel who like Canon interfaces will like Canon. I personally like Canon because I have gotten used to its interfaces and I do plan on either buying the 5D later on or the later versons of the 30D. I love the Rebel XTi. Its excellent pictures and I beat you would love it.

Answer 10

Here's a link on ebay where you can read reviews of them by ebay members