Seems I’ve gotten asked that question about 50 times since the season started. People think I know what I’m talking about…so my ruse is working!!!
Whenever asked this, they are usually meaning which DSLR. The market is getting flooded with them these days. It’s just a popular hobby. Always has been. Nikon’s even got the famed MILF HUNTING, awkwardly adolescent looking prankster harping their products. (You know who I’m taking about)
So I’ll start off with Nikon -
Nikon D3000
D3000 $549.95 (w/18-55 vR Lens @bhphotovideo.com)
- 10.2mp
- 3inch lcd
- 11pt auto focus system
- 3fps burst
- yadda yadda…
I’m not 100% up on Nikon, but I believe that is their latest and greatest intro dslr. You can probably find the D60 or D70 used or go up to thepresent D90 ($1k+). All, good camera’s. But the D3000 is the cheapest I’ve found at www.bhphotovideo.com. That is where I do 99% of all my online photo-shopping (get it?! get it?!!)
I wish I could give you a valid review of Nikon products, but I don’t shoot them. What I CAN tell you, (which has no real merit) is 2 out of 3 Nikon shooters I’ve talked to say they wish they had gone Canon. 1 workshop I’ve attended, the Nikon shooting instructor says he loves Canon’s images, but prefers Nikon’s durability. Make your own decisions. It’s a Ford vs Chevy thing. (I drive Chevy and Shoot Canon in case you are wondering)
so moving on to the other corner of the photo ring…
Canon
Canon XSi
Canon has like a few “intro” level dslr’s out. XS, XSi, the new T1i (with video!), or even the 50D which is a little more aimed at the pro-hobbyist or whatever you want to call them.
Basic run down -
- XS $473.95 (with 18-55mm IS lens) 10mp, 2.5lcd, 3fps etc
- XSi $579.95(with 18-55mm IS lens) 12.2mp, 3lcd, 3.5fps, Liveview etc
- T1i $719.95(with 18-55mm IS lens) 15.1mp,3lcd,3.5fps, HD video!
Which one? I wouldn’t get caught up in the MP size. The average person will only print out an 8×10 or so. So unless your are trying to print crazy sized photo’s, the lowest mp dslr on the market will suffice. The MP question is like the “How much can you bench” question of the gym rats. It doesn’t really matter unless you are comparing numbers.
But any camera you get, the first thing you want to do is upgrade the kit lens. Not that it’s all crap, but it’s not all that too. Now the new 18-55IS lens that are going out with the intro kits are a lot better than they used to be. But let’s be real!!! You know you want something else right?! and GLASS is what will improve your image quality more so than a slightly better body. And usually, your glass will follow you from new body to new body.
So which lens to get? I’m only talking about Canon as that’s all I can 100% relate to but Nikkor has equivelant to all of them just about. And usually equal quality…depending on who you ask.
The first lens upgrade by near everyone is the 50mm Nifty-fifty.
Canon $99 bucks and the Nikon equiv. $124.00
at f1.8 this is the fastest lens you can get at the bargain of the prices above. You’d have to be a complete idiot to not at least have this one in your bag. Actually, I’m an idiot then cuz mine broke and have yet to replace with. lol! But I’ve been called far worse.
If you are wanting to shoot portraits, this is the perfect lens. Your lil slobbering baby, single tooth toddler or acne encrusted teenager will look great in this lens.
There is a vast amount of lens options out there. All depends what you want to shoot. Myself, shooting mostly portaits I stick with Primes (fixed focus) lens and just zoom with my feet. If you are into sports and nature stuff, you’ll probably want a zoom so you can stay seated in the bleachers and watch your kid get pummelled up close and personal with a 55-250mmIS during football season. Be sure to catch is pain wrenching face up close.
I know i’ve only mentioned 2 manufacturers, but there are a number of them out there you can choose from. Canon and Nikon just seem to be the ones everyone talks about. Check out http://www.dpreview.com for a complete list and review of everything photography.
Something that was preached to me when I started out in photography was the order of importance to great images – LIGHT, LENS, BODY.
Perfect the lighting of your subject. Whether it be natural light or artificial. Learn exactly how to use your light source to capture your subject.
Lens – will only improve the quality of the image you are trying to capture.
Body – come an go. I still have my Canon 350 XT and use it occasionally.
Hope this helped in the least. If not, remember …If I don’t know the answer, I’m DAMN GOOD at making something up! After all – I’m no professional, but I play one on the internet!
Flip – OUT.
reny@flipstylephotography.com
Amy S. Enyart - No shame with Nikon here! D3000 is good for those who are buying into a system for the first time and are getting all new glass. Older glass might not work as there is not a motor in this body. D90′s can be had for under $900.0, body only, and that opens up many more possibilities as far as getting good quality used lenses. D90 also adds more features and the ability to do movies.
And a +1 on B&H. Don’t forget their “cousin” store (literally as well as figuratively) Adorama.
Dave - Dude, great write up!
admin - Thanks Amy!! If you want to do a Nikon writeup I’ll post it her for you…!
Dave, I like your bunny ears.
Dick - Great write up Flip! A key ingredient for me when helping friends\family decide on an SLR is “who do you know that has one?” It always comes down to Canon vs Nikon of course and both entry models are competitively priced, but I always ask if they know more people with Canon’s or Nikon’s. The reason I ask that is because if I have a couple of friends with Canon’s it will be WAY easier to borrow lenses\flashes\ misc gear if I go that route. Or vice-versa. Lord knows I’ve borrowed enough from Dave!
Or if you’re an artistic\emo\hippie you HAVE to buy Nikon. It’s like a law or something.