Hey! I thought y’all would be great to ask for opinions on camera options. The blog world seems to be divided into 2 categories:
Nikon lovers
and
Canon Rebel lovers
If you have a fancy DSLR camera, what kind do you have?
Tell me what you love about yours. I’m in the market to upgrade to an entry level DSLR (not a high-end one!) and would love to hear what you have, why you like it or just some suggestions on what to look for.
I’m a complete novice when it comes to DSLR, but I think it might be time to upgrade from my Canon Powershot, which has served me well for 2 years. I know enough to know that photography can be an expensive hobby and I don’t want to go Pro, just want to improve my photos and have fun with it, since blogging is SO much about good pics.
Lens upgrade: I also know that investing in a good lens upgrade is crucial too (and hear that the lens is MORE important than the camera), so I’d love to hear all about lens options and why you like them. If I do only get one lens upgrade, which one should it be? I’m saving my pennies for this!
I’m leaning towards a Canon Rebel entry level (simply because a lot of my friends have them), but am not sure what the different variations mean on the end of the Rebel, like xsi or xst, so if you have any insight on that, I’d love to hear it.
I can read all sorts of reviews online, but I figure that YOU are the ones to ask. Those of you who love photography and have been using a DSLR are the best ones to share your knowledge. I will read every comment and try to digest it all. I want to be sure I’m making the BEST choice for me.
Let’s hear it, please!
*********************************************
The giveaway winner for the Scotch-Brite cleaning products is lucky #10, Kelsey. Please send me your mailing address and I’ll get them out to you, hope you enjoy!
Kelsey April 18, 2010 at 7:15 pm
I could always use some new cleaning tools to get me cleaning!
Rhoda I wish you well in choosing your new camera and feel excited for you already.
When I shot film I used both Nikon and Canon. I decided early on that when I changed over to digital it would be Canon all the way. You can get a good camera from either company but I find Canon more affordable and easier to work with when it comes to customer service.
If you go Canon I would highly recommend The Canon Digital Photography Forums http://photography-on-the.net/forum/
You will find all manner of tips and help plus comparisons of cameras, lens, etc. People there are generally eager to help answer questions too. I’m self-taught in photog, learning from online and books. I highly recommend joining Flickr groups especially Canon or Nikon groups, according to what camera you get. I’ve learned more since being on Flickr than anything thus far. Most of my friends there are always eager to answer with my “help” questions.
I have a very good, although older now, Canon EOS 20D. Last year I bought a cheaper Rebel T1i. I use the Rebel much more than the 20D. It’s much lighter, easy to use, and I get awesome photos. I highly recommend that you go to a store and “practice” holding cameras in order to find the one that “feels” best to you. It’s something you will be using a lot, and above all, you want it to feel comfortable and reach the various controls easily.
When I buy a camera I buy the body only because I already own compatible lens. The kit lens nowadays are much better than they used to be so don’t be afraid if that’s what you choose to do in the beginning.
I own four lens that suit all my photo needs. My macro is my fave and it is a Sigma 150mm, Sigma is compatible with Canon and much cheaper. I use my macro a lot because I’m into more photo art than landscape. You can see what I mean in my Flickr stream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/14089830@N00/?deleted=4250720373
I also have a Canon 70-300 IS, a Canon EFS 17-85 IS, and my newest lens is a tiny Canon EF 50 mm 1.4.
As someone said above, Pat I think, a good tripod is a must. I have a very good one and I also use a remote switch as well, which together takes care of most camera shake.
For processing I use both Photoshop and Lightroom, as I also use my photos in my design work.
This sounds like I’m just talking about myself, but really all we can give you is our own experience. Looking forward to hearing about your new camera in the days ahead. ♥
Betty Jo
Hi Rhoda! I have a Nikon D60 (the new version is the D5000 – which sounds so much cooler!). When jumping in, I don’t think you can make a right or wrong choice between the Canon and Nikon – they really are comparable. If I were you, I would definitely go hang out in a camera store play with both for a bit, see which one you think is a better fit for you, then shop online for a deal – there are plenty to be had!
Also – and I only heard this after we bought mine – but the best way to go is to buy only the body, and go ahead and get a better lens right off the bat. You’ll get more control and better pics for just a bit more money immediately. Marla Carter, a fantastic photog offered a few tips not long ago on a fav blog – I’ve referred back several times. She has a few things to say about purchasing a DSLR, too: http://www.flythroughourwindow.com/2009/09/heres-marla/
E-mail me if you have any other questions! I’ll be happy to share the e-bay seller who sold mine, too. Good luck with your search!
Forgot to say. I buy most all my camera equipment from B&H Photo, New York http://www.bhphotovideo.com/. They have incredible customer service. They were recommended to me personally by John Shaw who is a professional nature and landscape photographer: http://www.johnshawphoto.com/
Betty Jo
Oh Rhoda! This question couldn’t have come at a better time! I just purchased a new Canon Rebel T1i, and it’s specTACular! Believe me when I tell you that I researched this and other cameras for months. I, too, wanted an entry level DSLR. I wanted something that could push me into some better photography skills but not overwhelm me. The one piece of advice I’ve gathered from a LOT of people is to get the 50mm lens. It’s so univeral, spectacular, and cheap! I’ll Twitter you the link! Good luck with everything!
Hey Miss Rhoda!
I think you can’t go wrong with any of the entry level Canons. The Rebel series is GREAT!!
I actually *just* did a photography post the other day – http://pamperingbeki.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-take-pretty-pictures.html
Unless you’re a very seasoned professional, the difference between Canon and Nikon isn’t really going to be noticed. Canon will generally provide more clarity, more of a tack sharp image. Nikon will generally produce a better and more saturated color.
I’m a Canon girl. 😉
I have a Canon Rebel T1i. The only difference between it and the XSi is that mine has an HD video recorder built in. Very handy when I have a 2 year old to document! 🙂
I LOVE my camera. It has been a learning process, for sure, but Pioneer Woman has some great easy to read tutorials. And if you’re going to invest in the camera you might as well invest in Photoshop (or PS Elements) as well. Even pics made with DSLR cameras need a boost. 🙂
For what it is worth, my first digital camera was the first digital model of the Rebel it was my only digital camera for almost seven years.
Now that I’ve turned professional, I have a professional level Canon.
I have no experience with Nikons.
With my Rebel, I always shot with a Sigma Macro lens – even landscapes – because it was the only decent lens I had. I still love that lens. You can see my Rebel’s work and Macro’s work on the top post at my blog – because I still use them.
My new camera came with a off-brand lens that I love because it allows a bit of distortion at the edges which I like as it makes the images feel realler and more old-fashioned but that is definitely a preference call!!
BTW second hand Canons can be a good deal – send them in to Canon for updates, cleaning, and necessary refurbishing and you will have a fabulous camera for less.
Dear Rhoda,
How is it that I’ve never run across your blog until today??? I’ve been in the blogging world on and off for probably 5-ish years and have never encountered Southern Hospitality. But I’m bookmarking you AND putting you on my Links List right now, because OH MY STARS (I live in the South, too), just the few posts I’ve read and pictures I’ve seen tell me we are girls cut from the same cloth. I can’t WAIT to read all your archived posts and keep up with your decorating yumminess. I’m such a decorator at heart, yet often have no funds or energy to do what I want (I have a 9-month-old son and a baby girl due in August!). Anyway, thanks for your blog, I’m excited to read it!
Oh, and we are HUGE Canon Rebel fans. We made this investment because of the aforementioned children and have enjoyed every picture it gives us.
Becky
I have a Canon Rebel, and love it. I really need to learn more about it. I am also curious as to what type of camera bag people have. I want something that looks like a purse. Any ideas?
Pioneer Woman has some great postings to consider:
http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/2008/07/nikon-or-canon-or-nikon-or-canon/
http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/2010/01/my-current-favorite-lens/
I’d trust her opinion. Her photography is continuously amazing!
Here’s another link to PW that I missed earlier:
http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/2007/03/pioneer-womans-equipment/
(In full disclosure, I’m a professional photographer and shoot exclusively with Nikon bodies and Nikkor glass so I am clearly in Camp Nikon.)
I jumped in above but came to weigh in down here. To me it sounds like you’ve already made up your mind. You listed a specific model from the Canon family… but listed the Nikon family as a whole.
Other brand lenses will also fit Nikon. Tamron and Sigma make Nikon-compatible lenses. In my opinion, the lens matters just as much, if not more, than the body so I rather have a great lens on a decent body than a crappy lens on a great body.
Nikon makes the best glass. Canon does have lower entry price points. But if you really compare apples to apples – not just what’s cheapest – you’ll find the prices are comparable.
If you simply chose by who has the cheapest entry point, you’re comparing two different specs on cameras. And you’re buying a Canon.
Either way…
both make excellent products. If you realistically never plan to take the camera out of auto, it probably doesn’t matter what you buy. But if you plan to learn the camera to the most of its ability…
get the Nikon d90 and a 50mm f/1.8.
I’m lol’ing as a type this…
but congrats on your Rebel purchase! 😉 lol!
<3
Darcy
I love my Canon Rebel!
I have a canon rebel xs and I love it. The reason I bought it was because it was on sale on amazon for $410 (usually retails for over $600!!). I honestly didn’t check out any other cameras, but I read tons of reviews on this one. People say it’s great for beginners, but not advanced enough for pros. One bad thing is it doesn’t have video recording capabilities. Most people said it was great though.
We researched and researched and ended up purchasing a great pack from Costco for Nikkon. Used it for abt a month and it was just too complicated form e to figure out. I did however like the view finder and the fact that if I wanted to I could take video. Needless to say it went back because I had been reading soo many blogs with great pics and they had Canons. So we purchased a Canon Rebel XSI from Best Buy because of the ease of use. No view finder and no video but that was okay with me. I have had many Canons in the past and they had never let me down until I dropped them!:( I still have no idea how to use all the features on it but it is such a wonderful camera that even if it takes me years the camera will still be around. Seems like I upgrade abt every two years.
I have a Nikon and love it.
That being said if your friends all have Canons I would recommend that. Since you aren’t looking to sweep the photography industry and be the new star (or maybe you are – I didn’t mean to spill your secret!!) I would suggest going with the one your friends are buying lenses for. Lenses are EXPENSIVE and it’s hard knowing which ones to buy. If you buy a Canon you can try out their lenses on your camera before you invest in a second or third lens.
I would also suggest skipping the kit lens and buying a nicer lens. I adore my 50mm f.1.8 lens – but that being said, I adored the kit lens until I got the 50mm. I have three lenses and the 50mm is my favorite 🙂
Hi Rhoda,
I haven’t read through all the comments yet, but I will tell you that I am a pretty recent owner of a Nikon D90 and I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!
I hemmed and hawwed for MONTHS (actually more like years) posted on facebook about it to all my photojunkie friends. And your right, it really boils down to two groups, Canon and Nikon. I ALMOST bought the Canon and then decided on the Nikon and have absolutely NO regrets!
After buying my D90 for my birthday (happy birthday to me, lol) I bought my little sister the Nikon D3000 for Christmas and have played around with it and I think it’s a GREAT entry level DSLR!
The good news is, even if your a novice you can shoot in “auto” which is basically “point and shoot” until you become familiar with your camera. I have had it since December and I never shoot in auto anymore. I go to bed with my manual at night (how romantic, LOL) and I have loved learning about it! I never shoot with flash anymore and LOVE that as well! I bought a “fixed” lense to go with mine (the 35mm 1.8) and I use it almost exclusively when inside.
Obviously I could talk your ear off about this, lol. Not sure if you visit Darby’s blog Fly through our window, but she has a great Q&A with a pro on her site.
And if you want to ask any questions, ask away, I’d be happy to help 🙂
Kristi
ps- I agree with Darcy, get the D90!!! you will NOT be disappointed
ALSO, the d90 has video mode if you ever want to do “vlogs” on your blog! 🙂
I too am thinking about a new camera – i also have the small canon powershot which is nice because it comes with me always in my purse but my best friend has the Canon Rebel and she loves it and i have used it and loved it so i’m really interested in people’s opinions so im going to do that now – thanks for asking the question.
-Linda
I am not a professional photographer at all but I love my Nikon DSLR! I tried the Canon and wasn’t in love. I thought the Nikon took better pictures. Now I love my Canon Powershot for a point and shoot, Nikon’s point and shoots leave a lot to desire! Good luck!