Don't want to start a war - but

[Shari]

I have been reading all the threads on SLR cameras lately and I have to admit it does get one excited to want one. My first and only purchase was a Fuji Finepix 700 last March. I wanted something small to carry in my pocket. Now that I have been using this Elements programme and seeing everyone's galleries and what can be done - I too am thinking of using some money I have saved and getting a new camera. NOW I KNOW that everybody loves their Canons - no matter which model. I can read!! So today I was in the store. The Canon Rebel XT was on for $1069. CDN. with a 18-55 lens. I was tellling the salesman that I wanted to shoot flowers and nature and wanted a good zoom. He suggested the Nikon D50 which is $1099. CDN. but comes with an 18-55 and 55-20 mm. I realize that with the other add ons I will have more costs. If I got the Canon with the one lens for now would I be satisfied or would the Nikon with the two lenses be better. I really don't want to go more than about $1500. in all - but then I don't want to be disappointed later either.

I love you all and I love reading these posts - but darn it - this is costing me money. But I am sure learning a lot. Thanks for that.
Shari

[jwhitten]

Shari,

Considering what you are wanting to do, I would suggest that youlook at the Kodak Z-series of cameras before you make a decision. Those cameras have 38-380mm zoom lenses, complete manual settings, great macro capability and Kodak cameras have one of the best sensors available in any digital camera. They cost around $300-$500, depending on the model you choose, and they are gerat cameras.

You can check them out at Kodak's site - http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=19&pq-locale=en_US but you can find better prices at lots of other places.

Joe

[Carbone]

I know nothing about Nikon, so I can't comment on the D50. The camera is not the issue, the lenses could be. Perhaps Grant could come up with a few comments on those lenses.

But, given the fact that the D50 and the Rebel XT are so close in price, and that they both offer a 18-55 mm lens, it makes me wonder about the quality of the 55-200 mm lens (or vice versa).

One thing I won't tell you is "go with the crowd", not because xx out of 10 person bought a Canon that you have to buy one. You also need to consider the camera itself, does it feel good in your hands, is the weight a problem, are you easy with the controls, will you get a choice of flashes, what are the cost of the accessories (say a remote control), etc.

Have a look there for the lenses reviews :
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/index.php?cat=1

Ray

[CarolLHB]

Shari-Ray is absolutely right. Cameras are a personal item and first and foremost it has to feel good to you. I don't know jack about cameras compared to some others here, but I will tell you that I got my Rebel for a wee bit less than that with the 18-55 and a 75-300 as a bundle (USD)-not sure how that converts to CDN...:o

As with most things-Canon folks love their Canons, Nikon folks love their Nikons-Windows and Mac users are typically very dedicated to their toy of choice...the nice thing is that they all hang out here, so you'll get advice from all sides!

The lily in my gallery was shot with the 18-55 by the way, at the flower show in Boston. I have a few other very close shots taken with that lens, feel free to PM me if you'd like to see them.

Hope this helps:)

[Carbone]

I forgot to mention that if you go Nikon, rest assured, we will all help you in the best possible way. Heck, I even read the Fuji manual of a certain camera (and we all know how much I love Fuji stuff... grrr... !!) to help someone here with a flash problem :)

This forum is obviously composed of many many Canon owners but still, the photographic principles are the same (Aperture, Exposure, ISO setting, Flash, etc.) and this is universal :) So help will still be "one message" away !

Ray

[NMarti]

Shari
You probably would not be disappointed with either camera but look at the accessories too. The external flash can be expensive depending on which one you go with. The camera was the cheap part for me - the addons I've bought since are killing me.:rolleyes: The biggest issue - hold the camera and take a few shots to see how you do with it. It has to be comfortable in your hands or you'll never like it.

[GaryK]

Shari

I have to say, I agree with the other posts.
I also have to say that a DSLR may not be the way to go for you.
I will admit they are great and do have some advantages, but the newer smaller cameras (I hate to use the term point and shoot because a lot of them are very flexible and powerful) are very good.

I just can't see you carrying a DSLR to the gym and back (lots more gear, although there are quite a few ways to minimize that).

If you really decide to go the route of the DSLR you may want to look at trying to get a Kit Price but with an upgraded lens. It is also really easy to get caught up in the specs. The truth still is you get what you pay for. While you may get a bargain sometimes, you will usually find a $300 lens is $300 and give or take a bit they will al be similar in quality. This is of course just general. I'm sure there are lenses out there that beat the pants off, or are just as good as, ones costing lots more but you really have to research it and know what you are looking for.

[NMarti]

One other thing Shari - after re-reading your post about the galleries - there are only 5 shots in mine taken with my Canon. The Quilts, the eagle, the grass, the rose and the books with the orb. The rest are all taken with either my sony 717 or my canon s2Is (which I sold to buy the Rebel). :rolleyes:

[Grant]

He suggested the Nikon D50 which is $1099. CDN. but comes with an 18-55 and 55-20 mm. I realize that with the other add ons I will have more costs.

Shari

Well Ray and I seldom agree one cameras but on the issue of Having a camera feel good in our hands is very wise advice.

Both the Nikon 18-55mm and 55-200mm are excellent entry lenses and will certainly not hamper your creative ability. The are designed with price in mind so they will not match the performance of a quality Nikon or Canon lens but the same can be said for the Canon 18-55mm. If the salesman is selling the Nikon with Nikkor lenses then this is a heck of a buy. The only thing to be aware of is that there is a Sigma 18-55mm that is not as good that is often sold to unsuspecting buyers. I do believe that it can be fitted to the Nikon and the Canon.

Now if you elect to buy the Nikon you may want to consider the Nikon 18-70mm DX lens as it is an extremely good lens at a very reasonable cost. And in my opinion much better than the Nikkor 18-55DX. In fact if the 18-70mm put me over budget I would be very tempted to abandon the two lenses the salesman is offering for this lens, as it will cover about 95 % of you shooting and do it in grand style.

Now all that being said I suspect you can't go far wrong with either of the to packages the salesman is selling.

[Punkinsmom]

Shari, it all boils down to whatever you feel comfortable with, then that's the one (camera) for you. Everyone has their favorites. I have used many different cams and still keep coming back to Canon. I found Nikon and Olympus to be a bit more complicated to use, that goes for dslr and slr. Then the Kodak, Fuji and Sony cams didn't have all the features I wanted. don't get me wrong they have their place in the camera world. You can't beat a Fuji or Kodak for a quick point and shoot. Can't wait to see what you end up with, but do try each one out, even camera sales persons have their favorites, so don't let them talk you in to something that they would buy. Pick the camera up, take a few shots with it, does it feel good in your hands, does it have a quick response, can you change the settings, those are just some of the things I look for.

[dohearne]

Shari,

I own a D50 and have been more than pleased with it and the kit Nikon lense that came with it (18-55). However, I did not buy the camera just because it was a Nikon. I had certain criteria such as how quickly the camera was ready to shoot and the ergonomics as perceived by me. I strongly urge you to test both cameras in your hand and shoot a few pictures. I also had an old film Nikon and my 2 lenses could be used on the D50. Several of my family members have the Canon Rebel and are well pleased with it. At least between these 2 cameras, the decision should be determined by what best fits your personal criteria. A website I used and highly recommend is dpreview.com (http://dpreview.com). Just about any camera and many lenses are very well reviewed at this site.

A potential drawback to the D50 is that there is no depth of field preview (I don't know about the Canon). Given your stated shooting interest this may be a deciding point.

Dave

[mom to 4]

Shari:

I agonized over that same decision. Nikon D50 or Canon Rebel. Someone on this forum told me "You may drive a cadillac and I may drive a lincoln, either way we both get there in style" or something like that. I think that is very true. I ended up asking the girl at costco to check the computers and see how each sold. She said during the last few months they had sold some 28 canon rebels to 5 Nikon D50's. The canon cost about $150 more. I have no idea if that means anything or not. I ended up going with the canon. I have been very happy with it.....all the 2 weeks that I have had it. I only got the one lens with it and it cost $799.

Once you make your decision and make your choice you will be happy with whatever you get........Cadillac or Lincoln....

[Carbone]

One of the reason to go with the best selling is if you're willing to buy aftermarket lenses and accessories, for example. Since there are more active users, there could be more used stuff available for sale.

Ray

[mom to 4]

Ray:

Good point.....I knew there was a reason I asked that girl in Customer Service that question!!!!!!

[Carbone]

I got a flash this way, saved 100$ on it (420ex). I got it for to be used as a slave, I didn't really care if it was a brand new or 1 year old.

Ray

[PaulH]

Now if you elect to buy the Nikon you may want to consider the Nikon 18-70mm DX lens as it is an extremely good lens at a very reasonable cost. And in my opinion much better than the Nikkor 18-55DX. In fact if the 18-70mm put me over budget I would be very tempted to abandon the two lenses the salesman is offering for this lens, as it will cover about 95 % of you shooting and do it in grand style.

Now all that being said I suspect you can't go far wrong with either of the to packages the salesman is selling.

Diito what Grant says re: the 18-70 over the 18-55. BTW - this is the standard kit lens on the D70. This may push price to D70 range.

FWIW - I went with the 70 over the 50 because of a few features that I couldn't live without. Since then I think the 50 has gotten even cheaper.


One thing - neither the Cannon or Nikon lens gives you true macro capabilities. I had better macro on my OLY P&S. You can get pretty close - but nothing like a macro. I have a 70-300 Nikon - not the best but capable - IF I was doing it again I'd probably get a similar zoom with Macro.

With either you will quickly became a victum of buy more syndrome :) lenses,flash,etc. etc.

As Grant said - make sure it's Nikon glass they are quoting.

[Pauline]

I went through all this months ago, but due to the cost of the Canon and Nikon, I ended up going with the Kodak Z740. I love it. It has all the features I need and the 10 X zoom is absolutely amazing. I can also buy a couple extra lenses if I wish. For my skill level and the type of pictures I take, I felt that the Canon while lovely was just way to much money for me to spend. (my original digital is a Canon S100 and has served me well & and was a whooping $800 + when I bought it)

While the Kodak I have is not considered an SLR you do have all the manual capabilities (or at least more than I need). It is also extremely user friendly.

I think the advice of holding the camera is perfect advice because there is a big difference in feel.

So just get out there and try some out.

[Grant]

One of the reason to go with the best selling is if you're willing to buy aftermarket lenses and accessories, for example. Since there are more active users, there could be more used stuff available for sale.

Ray

So, let me get this right, are you saying buy the most popular? Does this mean there is a Windows PC in your future? :)

[Pauline]

:eek: Ouch Ray. Are you okay. :D

[Carbone]

LOL !!!

I said "one of the reasons" (because I knew someone would get back at me for that... I'm beginning to know you, Grant... hehe!). But that doesn't mean this was my reason to get a Canon :D

And no, as long as I can afford to, not a single PC will enter my home again. I would, however, get a used G4 cube (they were so cool), just as I got an used iMac (G3 300Mghz) for the kick.

Ray

[GaryK]

Shari

Have a look here, and pay particular attention to the last bit. Not comprehensive, but a very good check list on things to consider.:)

http://www.dcviews.com/press/DCV-reviews.htm

[gez]

Colleen,

Wise choice, a recent "survey said" showed that 4 out of five Canon owners drove Cadillacs. They cost more than a Lincoln. What does this tell us? Who knows. LOL