I'm thinking of buying a higher end digital camera..is there any real difference between a Cannon, Nikon, etc?

Question

Cannon EOS vs Rebel??? Nikon? Olympus?? What make one better than the other? Other than the obvious answers like pixels, multiple frames per second....

Answer 1

The Digital Rebel is an EOS.

What makes one better than another... well there are class in DSLR. For example, the Nikon D40 is an entry level DSLR, the D80 is entry level semipro, the D200 is for advanced semipro/professional, and the D3 is for professional. Same goes with Canon although they choose a different approach on their camera.

Since you're asking this question... I'm going to recommend you any entry level DSLR because any of them will be a huge leap over point and shoot camera. I generally will recommend Nikon or Canon because they have the largest selection of lenses and accessories which will make you easier to pick things up in the long run.

Take a look at the Nikon D40 or the Canon EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT. They're both good camera. Try them at a camera shop - feel how it felt in your hand, fiddle around with the menu and perhaps take a shoot or two. Chances are you are going to like one better than the other.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I recommend these 2 web sites for camera reviews:
www.dpreview.com
www. popphoto.com

I bought a Canon EOS 30D for my first DSLR, it is a pretty huge step up from a point and shoot but I wanted something semi-professional as I am interested in becoming a professional photographer. I know a lot of people have the Rebel and really, really like it. It isn't too expensive either. Don't discount though other brands like Pentax, I believe they have a very good entry level DSLR. Go to those 2 web sites and do a product review search. The popphoto site has got a lot of good reviews but they've got 'best of' sort of reviews as well that will give you their top 3 picks in different categories ie beginner, professional etc. Then after you narrow down your choices head to a good camera store so you can get the feel of the camera. The Canon I've got is quite heavy with the lens and battery pack where as my SIL has a Rebel that is much lighter. Also look at the models from 2006, they will be cheaper and frankly probably not much different than the latest and greatest models. Lastly don't be taken in by megapixels. Unless you are planning on printing out a lot of really big pics (poster sized) you don't need tons of mps. There is practically no difference between 8 and 10 mps and not much between 8 and 12 mps.

Answer 3

Take a look at the Pentax DSLR line - K100D, K100D Super and K10D. The K100D is 6.1mp, the Super adds dust removal for the sensor. The K10S is 10mp, has dust removal, is very well-sealed against dust and moisture and supports the new Pentax DA lenses which are digital-only (they can't be used with a full frame or 35mm camera). All three have Image Stabilization (IS) in the camera body. Every K-mount lens made since 1975 will mount on them. Yes, you'll have to use manual focus with the older lenses but at least they'll have the benefit of IS.

You should be able to find bargain prices on the K100D cameras.

Answer 4

Any one of them is a good choice for a compact point &shoot camera. Canon, Sony, Nikon are the best of the best. Some models have more features than others, maybe you don't need all of them, so choose a model you like that fit your budget, and photographic needs. I would go for Canon, and Sony on the first place, and Nikon for last (Nikon is good too but I like more Canon and Sony on the compact camera department). Any one of the three brands will give you years of satisfation in termns of image quality, battery life, an solid contruction. Just don't rush, once you find the models you like the most, check on the review sites what other users say about it and how they rate it.

Answer 5

i would go with the nikon on any item that requires a lens.......i can not say enough about there service.......check the warranty...my high end binoculars came with a life time warranty. great company to do business with. after 18 yrs of hard use the binoculars fell off a cliff. they honer ed the warranty

Answer 6

Hi there,
Ultimately, round and round and round, everything works out to be "similar", with minimal variations, which you have to check up personally, as it depends upon the nature of your use, frequency of usage etc etc.
best wishes !

Answer 7

both are excellent
either one is a good choice
see which one is on sale