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6/23/2012 4:40:29 PM EDT
Bear with me, I'm a cop, so obviously I'm not too bright.



I need a new camera, and I'm looking for something other than a point and shoot. I was at Best Buy today just to fingerfuck some models, and I saw some cool dSLRs for less than $500, which is about my limit. I looked at both Canon and Nikon, from 12-16 megapixel. The problem is, I'm not photographer and I don't know enough about cameras to make an informed decision.



Can somebody help me, without scheduling me for a whole photography class (which I intend to do, but can't right now)?
6/23/2012 4:45:36 PM EDT
[#1]
Nikon D3100 at Sam's

If you can come up with a couple hundred more, the D5100 would be very good.
6/23/2012 4:55:37 PM EDT
[#2]
Stick with Nikon or Canon. Both are great.
6/23/2012 4:59:19 PM EDT
[#3]
Can't go wrong with either Nikon or Canon.

I prefer Nikon gear but both brands are very very good.

adorama.com or bhphotovideo.com
6/23/2012 5:15:33 PM EDT
[#4]
I work with the cameras among other things at the best buy here in Albuquerque. you should be able to get a pretty decent camera for 500. You'll either be looking at a high end point and shoot or a basic slr. Things to consider are wether or not you're willing to haul around an slr and 500 dollars is only going to get you the body with an 18-55 kit lens. Those 18-55 lenses don't have much magnification and aren't real good for macro shooting so if you're ever going to end up doing either you'll probably be looking at a minimum of about $300 for another lens. A point and shoot for $500 is probably going to be more compact than an slr and be easier to operate as well as have more zoom and a better macro than a kit lens. The trade off is that the slr will have the ability to shoot higher quality photos and down the road it will be more versatile with different lenses.
6/23/2012 5:16:28 PM EDT
[#5]





Quoted:



Can't go wrong with either Nikon or Canon.





I prefer Nikon gear but both brands are very very good.





adorama.com or bhphotovideo.com



Don't buy any camera gear online/ebay unless through adorama.com or bhphotovideo.com. There are others but there are alot of not so reputable camera shops out there. Best buy is fine too.  





The dslrs are nice you can put them on P basically auto mode and they are a big point and shoot until you learn how to use them better





ETA: don't buy a point and shoot. Get a low end dslr. if nikon the 35mm 1.8 is a nice lens to go with the 18-55. You can add a zoom later the nikon 55-200 is sharp, slow but cheap and could get you started until you start dropping real money on glass.





 
6/23/2012 5:17:28 PM EDT
[#6]
As someone who has been repairing cameras for over 25 years I would strongly recommend a Canon or even a Sony DSLR.
Nikon has taken several steps backwards in customer service and support the last year or so and if you are considering Nikon as a first time purchaser they don't deserve your backing.
6/23/2012 5:19:33 PM EDT
[#7]
no one can answer this without knowing what you will be using your camera for
6/23/2012 5:19:39 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
As someone who has been repairing cameras for over 25 years I would strongly recommend a Canon or even a Sony DSLR.
Nikon has taken several steps backwards in customer service and support the last year or so and if you are considering Nikon as a first time purchaser they don't deserve your backing.


Go to fredmiranda.com and do your own research in the Canon and Nikon sections.  Take what this person says with a huge grain of salt.
6/23/2012 5:19:57 PM EDT
[#9]

Quoted:





As someone who has been repairing cameras for over 25 years I would strongly recommend a Canon or even a Sony DSLR.




Nikon has taken several steps backwards in customer service and support the last year or so and if you are considering Nikon as a first time purchaser they don't deserve your backing.





So Nikon won't sell you parts anymore?  
 
6/23/2012 5:29:38 PM EDT
[#11]








Had no idea there was a Photography forum...



Intended uses will be general stuff. I take lots of photos of guns (I prefer natural light), and I travel by motorcycle a LOT. I take lots of photos when I travel.
6/23/2012 5:30:51 PM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:



Had no idea there was a Photography forum...

Intended uses will be general stuff. I take lots of photos of guns (I prefer natural light), and I travel by motorcycle a LOT. I take lots of photos when I travel.


Also check out fredmiranda.com.  It is to the photo world what ar15.com is to the firearms world.  They have a very good equipment exchange.  You do have to pay to advertise in their EE, but that keeps some of the rifraff out.
6/23/2012 5:31:39 PM EDT
[#13]
Quoted:
Quoted:
As someone who has been repairing cameras for over 25 years I would strongly recommend a Canon or even a Sony DSLR.
Nikon has taken several steps backwards in customer service and support the last year or so and if you are considering Nikon as a first time purchaser they don't deserve your backing.


Go to fredmiranda.com and do your own research in the Canon and Nikon sections.  Take what this person says with a huge grain of salt.


Cameras are what I do for a living and have done for over 2 decades. You do what?
6/23/2012 5:34:13 PM EDT
[#14]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
As someone who has been repairing cameras for over 25 years I would strongly recommend a Canon or even a Sony DSLR.
Nikon has taken several steps backwards in customer service and support the last year or so and if you are considering Nikon as a first time purchaser they don't deserve your backing.


Go to fredmiranda.com and do your own research in the Canon and Nikon sections.  Take what this person says with a huge grain of salt.


Cameras are what I do for a living and have done for over 2 decades. You do what?


So you have more expertise then the posters at fredmiranda.com?  Highly doubtful...

The OP can do his own research.  Anyone can be an "expert" posting on the internet.  I don't claim to be one.  Just someone with more cameras than skill.  But I do know there are many at the web site I directed him to.

You sound like you have an axe to grind.
6/23/2012 5:43:34 PM EDT
[#15]
Quoted:

Quoted:
As someone who has been repairing cameras for over 25 years I would strongly recommend a Canon or even a Sony DSLR.
Nikon has taken several steps backwards in customer service and support the last year or so and if you are considering Nikon as a first time purchaser they don't deserve your backing.

So Nikon won't sell you parts anymore?  
 


Not only me as an Independent service Center but YOU as a customer.
Need a battery door? YOU can't get it. You will have to send it to a nikon service center and pay a  premium to have THEM install it even if you are more than capable of doing it yourself.
Need to call Nikon Factory repair to find out the Status of your camera? You will no longer be able to speak with someone at Nikon but will have to speak with someone in a central American country.
In a hurry to get your Nikon fixed? Nikon repair times have doubled since their new policies went into affect.
Think Nikon is good for America? Several attorney generals (including California and Michigan) are preparing to sue Nikon for violating the Sherman act.
Other lawsuits for unfair trade practices are pending.
Think Nikon dealers are happy? Nikon has been telling them that in order to carry Nikon they will have to carry more inventory and take lesser margins.

There are tons of "Nikonites" who root for Nikon like their favorite football team but what Nikon is doing right now is wrong, just plain wrong, and they deserve serious repercussions from American consumers.


6/23/2012 5:44:43 PM EDT
[#16]



Quoted:



Quoted:


Quoted:


Quoted:

As someone who has been repairing cameras for over 25 years I would strongly recommend a Canon or even a Sony DSLR.

Nikon has taken several steps backwards in customer service and support the last year or so and if you are considering Nikon as a first time purchaser they don't deserve your backing.




Go to fredmiranda.com and do your own research in the Canon and Nikon sections.  Take what this person says with a huge grain of salt.




Cameras are what I do for a living and have done for over 2 decades. You do what?




So you have more expertise then the posters at fredmiranda.com?  Highly doubtful...



The OP can do his own research.  Anyone can be an "expert" posting on the internet.  I don't claim to be one.  Just someone with more cameras than skill.  But I do know there are many at the web site I directed him to.



You sound like you have an axe to grind.






 
6/23/2012 5:55:59 PM EDT
[#17]



Quoted:



Quoted:


Quoted:


Quoted:

As someone who has been repairing cameras for over 25 years I would strongly recommend a Canon or even a Sony DSLR.

Nikon has taken several steps backwards in customer service and support the last year or so and if you are considering Nikon as a first time purchaser they don't deserve your backing.




Go to fredmiranda.com and do your own research in the Canon and Nikon sections.  Take what this person says with a huge grain of salt.




Cameras are what I do for a living and have done for over 2 decades. You do what?




So you have more expertise then the posters at fredmiranda.com?  Highly doubtful...



The OP can do his own research.  Anyone can be an "expert" posting on the internet.  I don't claim to be one.  Just someone with more cameras than skill.  But I do know there are many at the web site I directed him to.



You sound like you have an axe to grind.


I would have an axe to grind too in this situation. I haven't really investigated it too much but knew they were trying to bring all the repairs in house. I didn't really think about the consequences since lately I have been buying D300/D7000 level bodies and just retiring them if they need too much service.  I blew the shutter in my d200 and got quotes $400 or so for the replacement. not really worth it. If it was a film camera sure now that the tech is changing so much it made more sense to just get a d7000. If I was dealing in more expensive bodies than I dunno I guess I would have to give it more thought.



 
6/23/2012 5:56:44 PM EDT
[#18]
Quoted:

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
As someone who has been repairing cameras for over 25 years I would strongly recommend a Canon or even a Sony DSLR.
Nikon has taken several steps backwards in customer service and support the last year or so and if you are considering Nikon as a first time purchaser they don't deserve your backing.


Go to fredmiranda.com and do your own research in the Canon and Nikon sections.  Take what this person says with a huge grain of salt.


Cameras are what I do for a living and have done for over 2 decades. You do what?


So you have more expertise then the posters at fredmiranda.com?  Highly doubtful...

The OP can do his own research.  Anyone can be an "expert" posting on the internet.  I don't claim to be one.  Just someone with more cameras than skill.  But I do know there are many at the web site I directed him to.

You sound like you have an axe to grind.

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/4972/thisisgonnabegood.gif
 


The OP can go to the site I suggested and post and get responses about any issues.  Plenty of people in the know there.  If this is a valid axe to grind, they will know about it.

I shoot both Nikon and Canon gear (Nikon D3 and D700 and Canon EOS-1 DsMark3) FWIW.  I am a camera whore...  
6/23/2012 5:58:49 PM EDT
[#19]
Just buy one nice piece of glass.  You won't regret it.
6/23/2012 6:01:03 PM EDT
[#20]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
As someone who has been repairing cameras for over 25 years I would strongly recommend a Canon or even a Sony DSLR.
Nikon has taken several steps backwards in customer service and support the last year or so and if you are considering Nikon as a first time purchaser they don't deserve your backing.


Go to fredmiranda.com and do your own research in the Canon and Nikon sections.  Take what this person says with a huge grain of salt.


Cameras are what I do for a living and have done for over 2 decades. You do what?


So you have more expertise then the posters at fredmiranda.com?  Highly doubtful...

The OP can do his own research.  Anyone can be an "expert" posting on the internet.  I don't claim to be one.  Just someone with more cameras than skill.  But I do know there are many at the web site I directed him to.

You sound like you have an axe to grind.


Funny thing about the internet. You never know if you are responding to some 16 year old kid with pudding for brains or someone who actaully knows what the heck they are talking about eh? But hey, dont take my word for it.
Do your own research. Here I will help you get started.

See http://nikonrumors.com/
See http://nikonrumors.com/2011/10/07/another-nikon-price-increase-in-the-us.aspx/
http://nikonrumors.com/2011/10/14/the-new-nikon-us-pricing-policy-explained.aspx/comment-page-1/
See http://www.change.org/petitions/nikon-inc-keep-selling-repair-parts-in-the-usa-as-they-have-always-done

6/23/2012 6:01:34 PM EDT
[#21]
I wanted to try photography on as a hobby and didn't want to overspend on something that I may not be any good at or lose interest in.



I did a bit of research and decided just about any >$400.00 camera would be OK fine for me.




After seeing the photos here: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=946289 I bought a Canon G12, and a few books.  One on the specific camera I bought and the others on photography in general.  I really like the handy size of the camera and the image quality.  It did leave me yearning for more zoom so I ended up with a DSLR.  I still often take the G12 out for photos when I don't want to lug my whole kit.  I still bring the G12 out along with the DSLR.  
6/23/2012 6:02:00 PM EDT
[#22]
Nikon or Canon.  They have the widest range of accessories.  

I have a Canon T2i that I picked up earlier this year for $540 with the 18-55mm kit lens.  The lens is fine for hobbyists, but is a little limited.  

Anyway, the T3i has been out for a while, and Canon just announced the T4i... so perhaps the T2i will go down in price.

If you really want to learn at least the raw basics of photography that can be applied to pretty much any camera, get a copy of Understanding Exposure and give it a read.  The author goes over the three major components that contribute to 'correct' exposure, and gives examples of usage of each of them.  It's totally worth the price.
6/23/2012 6:05:59 PM EDT
[#23]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
As someone who has been repairing cameras for over 25 years I would strongly recommend a Canon or even a Sony DSLR.
Nikon has taken several steps backwards in customer service and support the last year or so and if you are considering Nikon as a first time purchaser they don't deserve your backing.


Go to fredmiranda.com and do your own research in the Canon and Nikon sections.  Take what this person says with a huge grain of salt.


Cameras are what I do for a living and have done for over 2 decades. You do what?


So you have more expertise then the posters at fredmiranda.com?  Highly doubtful...

The OP can do his own research.  Anyone can be an "expert" posting on the internet.  I don't claim to be one.  Just someone with more cameras than skill.  But I do know there are many at the web site I directed him to.

You sound like you have an axe to grind.


Funny thing about the internet. You never know if you are responding to some 16 year old kid with pudding for brains or someone who actaully knows what the heck they are talking about eh? But hey, dont take my word for it.
Do your own research. Here I will help you get started.

See http://nikonrumors.com/
See http://nikonrumors.com/2011/10/07/another-nikon-price-increase-in-the-us.aspx/
http://nikonrumors.com/2011/10/14/the-new-nikon-us-pricing-policy-explained.aspx/comment-page-1/
See http://www.change.org/petitions/nikon-inc-keep-selling-repair-parts-in-the-usa-as-they-have-always-done



That is what I said in the first place.  Don't take your word for it.  Again, I would recommend the OP go to fredmiranda.com and other sites on the internet.  BTW fredmiranda.com leans Canon but has a very good nikon section too.

Edit:  If you want to read from fire breathing NikonHeads, go to http://www.nikonians.org/.
6/23/2012 6:06:59 PM EDT
[#24]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
As someone who has been repairing cameras for over 25 years I would strongly recommend a Canon or even a Sony DSLR.
Nikon has taken several steps backwards in customer service and support the last year or so and if you are considering Nikon as a first time purchaser they don't deserve your backing.


Go to fredmiranda.com and do your own research in the Canon and Nikon sections.  Take what this person says with a huge grain of salt.


Cameras are what I do for a living and have done for over 2 decades. You do what?


So you have more expertise then the posters at fredmiranda.com?  Highly doubtful...

The OP can do his own research.  Anyone can be an "expert" posting on the internet.  I don't claim to be one.  Just someone with more cameras than skill.  But I do know there are many at the web site I directed him to.

You sound like you have an axe to grind.



Oh wow... You're saying that RichT, who has stated he has worked in the industry repairing cameras for 25 years couldn't possibly know more about cameras than a random group of people on some internet forum?  Either that, or you're saying RichT is flat out lying.  

WOW.  Just.  WOW.  


RichT, I'm glad to see you chiming in and identifying yourself as being in the industry.  Kinda makes me a little more assured in my choice of Canon equipment.  Have you or do you frequent our photography subforum here?  
6/23/2012 6:09:12 PM EDT
[#25]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
As someone who has been repairing cameras for over 25 years I would strongly recommend a Canon or even a Sony DSLR.
Nikon has taken several steps backwards in customer service and support the last year or so and if you are considering Nikon as a first time purchaser they don't deserve your backing.


Go to fredmiranda.com and do your own research in the Canon and Nikon sections.  Take what this person says with a huge grain of salt.


Cameras are what I do for a living and have done for over 2 decades. You do what?


So you have more expertise then the posters at fredmiranda.com?  Highly doubtful...

The OP can do his own research.  Anyone can be an "expert" posting on the internet.  I don't claim to be one.  Just someone with more cameras than skill.  But I do know there are many at the web site I directed him to.

You sound like you have an axe to grind.


Funny thing about the internet. You never know if you are responding to some 16 year old kid with pudding for brains or someone who actaully knows what the heck they are talking about eh? But hey, dont take my word for it.
Do your own research. Here I will help you get started.

See http://nikonrumors.com/
See http://nikonrumors.com/2011/10/07/another-nikon-price-increase-in-the-us.aspx/
http://nikonrumors.com/2011/10/14/the-new-nikon-us-pricing-policy-explained.aspx/comment-page-1/
See http://www.change.org/petitions/nikon-inc-keep-selling-repair-parts-in-the-usa-as-they-have-always-done



That is what I said in the first place.  Don't take your word for it.  Again, I would recommend the OP go to fredmiranda.com and other sites on the internet.  BTW fredmiranda.com leans Canon but has a very good nikon section too.


No, You said, "Take this guys word with a huge grain of salt" without knowing that I am not the guy posting in this thread who has pudding for brains.
6/23/2012 6:10:40 PM EDT
[#26]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
As someone who has been repairing cameras for over 25 years I would strongly recommend a Canon or even a Sony DSLR.
Nikon has taken several steps backwards in customer service and support the last year or so and if you are considering Nikon as a first time purchaser they don't deserve your backing.


Go to fredmiranda.com and do your own research in the Canon and Nikon sections.  Take what this person says with a huge grain of salt.


Cameras are what I do for a living and have done for over 2 decades. You do what?


So you have more expertise then the posters at fredmiranda.com?  Highly doubtful...

The OP can do his own research.  Anyone can be an "expert" posting on the internet.  I don't claim to be one.  Just someone with more cameras than skill.  But I do know there are many at the web site I directed him to.

You sound like you have an axe to grind.



Oh wow... You're saying that RichT, who has stated he has worked in the industry repairing cameras for 25 years couldn't possibly know more about cameras than a random group of people on some internet forum?  Either that, or you're saying RichT is flat out lying.  

WOW.  Just.  WOW.  


RichT, I'm glad to see you chiming in and identifying yourself as being in the industry.  Kinda makes me a little more assured in my choice of Canon equipment.  Have you or do you frequent our photography subforum here?  


 You aren't that into photography if you haven't heard of fredmiranda.com.  I got to IM with Paul C. Buff on there about some questions I had about studio strobes.  Adorama and B&H also have people assigned to post there.  It's pretty damn cool.
6/23/2012 6:13:30 PM EDT
[#27]

 
6/23/2012 6:16:31 PM EDT
[#28]
Quoted:


No, You said, "Take this guys word with a huge grain of salt" without knowing that I am not the guy posting in this thread who has pudding for brains.


You just agreed with me in a previous post that the OP should do their own research (just as I said in the first place) and now you start in with attacks.

I'm sorry I hurt your feelings.
6/23/2012 6:17:10 PM EDT
[#29]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
As someone who has been repairing cameras for over 25 years I would strongly recommend a Canon or even a Sony DSLR.
Nikon has taken several steps backwards in customer service and support the last year or so and if you are considering Nikon as a first time purchaser they don't deserve your backing.


Go to fredmiranda.com and do your own research in the Canon and Nikon sections.  Take what this person says with a huge grain of salt.


Cameras are what I do for a living and have done for over 2 decades. You do what?


So you have more expertise then the posters at fredmiranda.com?  Highly doubtful...

The OP can do his own research.  Anyone can be an "expert" posting on the internet.  I don't claim to be one.  Just someone with more cameras than skill.  But I do know there are many at the web site I directed him to.

You sound like you have an axe to grind.



Oh wow... You're saying that RichT, who has stated he has worked in the industry repairing cameras for 25 years couldn't possibly know more about cameras than a random group of people on some internet forum?  Either that, or you're saying RichT is flat out lying.  

WOW.  Just.  WOW.  


RichT, I'm glad to see you chiming in and identifying yourself as being in the industry.  Kinda makes me a little more assured in my choice of Canon equipment.  Have you or do you frequent our photography subforum here?  


I occasionally browse the photography forums both here and elsewhere but I have found that many internet camera heads are an arrogant bunch and they can sometimes be a bit hard to stomach.  I generally dont get as involved as i have in this thread but if someone has a specific question I would be happy to answer them in a PM.

6/23/2012 6:17:28 PM EDT
[#30]
Quoted:
I wanted to try photography on as a hobby and didn't want to overspend on something that I may not be any good at or lose interest in.

I did a bit of research and decided just about any >$400.00 camera would be OK fine for me.

After seeing the photos here: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=946289 I bought a Canon G12, and a few books.  One on the specific camera I bought and the others on photography in general.  I really like the handy size of the camera and the image quality.  It did leave me yearning for more zoom so I ended up with a DSLR.  I still often take the G12 out for photos when I don't want to lug my whole kit.  I still bring the G12 out along with the DSLR.  


Excellent choice.

I shoot for a living and the G12 is always with me when I am not swinging the big rig too.

6/23/2012 6:18:12 PM EDT
[#31]
Nikon or Canon.  Try both and see which suits your hand better.  See which menus and interface features work best for you.  I think some of the Nikon cameras have a tutorial mode built in now?
6/23/2012 6:20:26 PM EDT
[#32]




Quoted:

Nikon or Canon. They have the widest range of accessories.



I have a Canon T2i that I picked up earlier this year for $540 with the 18-55mm kit lens. The lens is fine for hobbyists, but is a little limited.



Anyway, the T3i has been out for a while, and Canon just announced the T4i... so perhaps the T2i will go down in price.



If you really want to learn at least the raw basics of photography that can be applied to pretty much any camera, get a copy of Understanding Exposure and give it a read. The author goes over the three major components that contribute to 'correct' exposure, and gives examples of usage of each of them. It's totally worth the price.


I'm looking at the T3 on Best Buy's website now.

6/23/2012 6:20:35 PM EDT
[#33]
Quoted:
Quoted:


No, You said, "Take this guys word with a huge grain of salt" without knowing that I am not the guy posting in this thread who has pudding for brains.




I'm sorry


See, that wasnt so hard. Your forgiven.
6/23/2012 6:22:45 PM EDT
[#34]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:


No, You said, "Take this guys word with a huge grain of salt" without knowing that I am not the guy posting in this thread who has pudding for brains.




I'm sorry


See, that wasnt so hard. Your forgiven.


It's "you're" not "your".  
6/23/2012 6:23:55 PM EDT
[#35]
Quoted:

Quoted:
Nikon or Canon. They have the widest range of accessories.

I have a Canon T2i that I picked up earlier this year for $540 with the 18-55mm kit lens. The lens is fine for hobbyists, but is a little limited.

Anyway, the T3i has been out for a while, and Canon just announced the T4i... so perhaps the T2i will go down in price.

If you really want to learn at least the raw basics of photography that can be applied to pretty much any camera, get a copy of Understanding Exposure and give it a read. The author goes over the three major components that contribute to 'correct' exposure, and gives examples of usage of each of them. It's totally worth the price.

I'm looking at the T3 on Best Buy's website now.


For the love of God don't buy it at Best Buy unless you have a coupon.
6/23/2012 6:27:32 PM EDT
[#36]
D5000 here, no regrets.
6/23/2012 6:32:18 PM EDT
[#37]




Quoted:



Quoted:





Quoted:

Nikon or Canon. They have the widest range of accessories.



I have a Canon T2i that I picked up earlier this year for $540 with the 18-55mm kit lens. The lens is fine for hobbyists, but is a little limited.



Anyway, the T3i has been out for a while, and Canon just announced the T4i... so perhaps the T2i will go down in price.



If you really want to learn at least the raw basics of photography that can be applied to pretty much any camera, get a copy of Understanding Exposure and give it a read. The author goes over the three major components that contribute to 'correct' exposure, and gives examples of usage of each of them. It's totally worth the price.


I'm looking at the T3 on Best Buy's website now.





For the love of God don't buy it at Best Buy unless you have a coupon.




I'm looking at specs on their website. I'll buy wherever I can get the best deal.
6/23/2012 6:53:48 PM EDT
[#38]
once you get past 5 megapixels no one including yourself will be able to tell the difference... unless they are in the biz AND are experienced AND have a good eye. so dont make a high pixel rate a make or break... canon... nikon... both good cameras...

buy from BH FOR SURE... great no questions asked return policy and NO SALES TAX... i buy all my gear from them now.
6/23/2012 7:13:44 PM EDT
[#39]
Nikon or Cannon, either is very good.
I've been using Nikon for the last thirty years and I'm very happy.  Regardless of others opinions....
6/23/2012 9:13:16 PM EDT
[#40]
As most other posters have said...  Either Nikon or Canon will deliver great pics.  Don't sweat the difference between 12/16 megapixels.  All but invisible.  Rich T has some valid points about the repair issues.  Nikons will pretty much have to go to a Nikon service center for even minor repairs.  But that is why pros have multiple bodies, magazines have equipment pools and so on.  All cameras will break with heavy use and accidents will happen no matter how careful you are.  Either way, the camera will have to be serviced if you break it.  If you are really looking to improve your shooting skills I would recommend a low end DSLR over any point and shoot.  Once you work with one you will get it.  The DSLR is a great teacher.

THAT being said.  I'm a Nikon guy.  Both brands make excellent pro builds.  I think that the lower and middle end Nikons are bit better built. If you can I would fiddle with both and see which you prefer.  Many people who are first timers prefer the ergo's of a Canon.  Canon does allow several presets on the dial which Nikon has consigned to menu's which I think is nice but I've learned to deal with it.  Canon premium lenses are somewhat less expensive than Nikons but have more focus issues.  Nikon's current focus engine is somewhat better than Canons.  And so on.
6/24/2012 6:34:44 AM EDT
[#41]
Just to clarify...
The build QUALITY of Nikon DSLR's and lenses rivals that of any other brand of equipment.
And repair records show that Canon repair frequency is equal to Nikon's.
Sony comes in a distant third as far as repair frequency but that is due more to market share by Sony.
We rarely see other brands because their market share is even smaller.

When customers ask about what brand DSLR to buy we currently try to steer them away from Nikon unless they are already familiar with Nikon or already have Nikon lenses/systems.
When we explain the reasons they are always appreciative of the inside information.
I seriously hope they get their act together.


As far as point and shoot cameras? That is a whole different ballgame!
Top brands currently are:
1. Panasonic- They just build really good cameras
2. Sony- great cameras but propietary technology can be aggravating
3. Canon- Most models are excellent quality
4. Olympus- Most models are excellent quality
The above companies not only build pretty good products but they supply parts/accesories (usually at reasonable cost) and (usually) provide excellent customer support after the fact.
And the reason Nikon is not on this list is NOT because of my previous stated reasons but because they are absolute garbage plain and simple.

And please, don't write how your so and so camera takes great pictures and it's lasted so long. Good for you if that's the case. You got lucky. But if you own a Kodak or an HP or whatever it is you own and it's not on the above list it's still a turd.
Of course this list can/has changed over the last few years.

The third choice is what's known as bridge cameras. These bridge cameras "bridge" the gap between point and shoot cameras and DSLR.
The new mirrorless cameras fall into this genre.Some of these cameras are pretty exciting with their small size and features but are still too new to pass judgement on.
6/24/2012 7:17:52 AM EDT
[#42]
Just something to clarify sensor formats from Wikipedia (4/3's):


Larger sensors = larger cameras/lenses and arguably better low light performance. They also give greater control over some aspects of image creation.

Smaller sensors allow smaller camera bodies and more compact lenses but in many cameras there are limitations regarding such things as DOF and bokeh.


6/24/2012 7:32:34 AM EDT
[#43]



Quoted:


The problem is, I'm not photographer and I don't know enough about cameras to make an informed decision.



This is like saying: "The problem is, I'm not a motorcycle driver, and I don't know enough about bikes to make an informed decision, but can somebody recommend a motorcycle for me to buy."



A good photographer can make a $500 camera do amazing things. Or even a point-and shoot with some limited controls for that matter.



As others have said, Canon or Nikon, you can't really go wrong. If you have no lenses, then Canon would get my nod and you'll probably end up with Rebel T3 or T3i at that price with a single lens.



But depending on what you want to do with this camera (as others have asked) it's difficult to be more specific, especially given the price point.





 
6/24/2012 7:44:28 AM EDT
[#44]
If $500 is your total budget, do yourself a favor and get a point-n-shoot like a Canon G12 or some such, plus maybe a shoe-mount flash. If you get a DSLR, there is no way in hell you will keep it at $500.
6/24/2012 8:10:55 AM EDT
[#45]
Nikon D3100 with 18-55 lens

Flickr D3100 album
6/24/2012 9:37:40 AM EDT
[#46]
I think that the "kit lenses" are under rated by a lot of pros.  They look really good as compared to my old Topcon gear.

Faster lenses like f2s cost a lot and you can work around the limits of the kit lenses.

I have Nikon gear but I would look into the Canon T3i  because the T3i will lend itself to very excellent video production and even have an input for a remote mic.  (I am not sure if they have turned off the auto audio level–– but you can work around that pretty easily)
6/24/2012 11:12:03 AM EDT
[#47]








This one and the T3 are pretty much what it's down to.
6/24/2012 11:14:29 AM EDT
[#48]
Quoted:



This one and the T3 are pretty much what it's down to.


T3 is also an excellent choice.
6/24/2012 11:32:59 AM EDT
[#49]
You are saying T3, is that the T3i from Canon?  Canon just came out with the T4i, so the T3i should be dropping in price real soon.  Check with B&H on pricing. BB is usually much higher than mail order.  
As far as the warranty storys, my 5 or 6 year old Canon 5D lost the mirror and was replaced under a recall that was put out 4 or 5 years ago. No questions asked, no proof of purchase.  Repaired and returned in less than 5 working days.
But then again, I do have Canon Professional Services on my side

But the photography department at work is at their wits end trying to deal with Nikon.  If they didn't have half a million in gear, they would switch over to Canon.
6/24/2012 11:44:27 AM EDT
[#50]
Here is a link to a site that sells quality used camera bodies.  I use a d90 (old model)  and if you are like most people the features you will use the most are not pure megapixels.  I use nikon because i own nikon lenses.  Cannon and the rest all make good gear.  Truth be told the same chinamen make everyone's gear.

http://www.adorama.com/INKD90K.html#used  , this is to a D90 but there are lots of used options on bodies and lenses.

This is to Ken Rockwell's site.  Lots of info, with some opinion, however the information is laid out in a easy format.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d5100.htm

My mom uses this body and its a great camera.

Megapixels and ISO ranges have nothing to do with a photograph you are drawn to look at.

http://toliveandletlive.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/sebastiao_salgado.jpg?w=700&h=485

Good luck.

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