Canon 450D or Nikon D3100? - Help my newbie self please.

[Shocker_33]

Hi,


I'm interested in getting in to photogrpahy. The only camera's i have at the moment are either in my mobile phone or a small out of date compact. Not only do i want to get in to photography but i'd like some good quality photos regardless of the lighting situation and what i have just doesn't cut it.


So i've been looking at the budget dslr's and set my budget to around £300. Looking at what is available at this price range i've spotted the Nikon D3100 at £330. I don't really know why it's caught my eye but it has. Whilst talking to a couple of friends about this, i found that a friend wants to sell his dslr camera at £400; this is what he's offering:


Canon EOS 450D body
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (with internal stabilizer) + HOYA 58mm protective filter
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.5-5.6 IS (with internal stabilizer) + HOYA 58mm protective filter + hood
4 batteries + charger
8 or 16Gb high speed memory card.
Wired shutter remote control.
Shoulder bag.


Now i know such things like lenses cost a lot of money, so i can see that this isn't a bad price at all; which is why i'm willing to extend my budget for this.


Doing a little googling i've found that the Nikon is about 2.5 years younger than the Canon. How much would technology have progressed between when these two were designed? I don't think the mega pixel difference would make much of a difference, if any at all.


My concern is what is the product support like for dslr's? Would i find my self in a situation sometime in the near future, that the camera (thinking of the Canon specifically) would break and i would struggle to get it repaired/find replacement parts? Same with lenses, would lenses continue to be around for a good while?


Another concern is what are the reliability like on budget dslr's? Are they prone to breaking/dying? I'm thinking that if i go for the Canon, i obviously wouldn't have any warranty and to me it's a lot of money.




What do you think about these two cameras? And if you were given the choice between these two purchases which would you go for?

 

[raaskohx10]

Go for Canon. You might find a used 550D in the same range. 550D has 1080p video recording and 18 MP and also supports magic lantern software.

 

[goodguy]

Both the Nikon 3100 and Canon T2i are good basic cameras, you cant go wrong with either in this price range.

I personaly would probably go with the Nikon.

 

[bschmidt25]

Both the Nikon 3100 and Canon T2i are good basic cameras, you cant go wrong with either in this price range.

I personaly would probably go with the Nikon.

+1. I would get my hands on both and try them out. Don't worry about not being able to find lenses for either one. The only thing to consider is that you're somewhat limited on Nikon lenses if you don't want to manually focus because the D3100 lacks an auto focus motor. You'll need to stick to the more expensive G lenses if you want auto focus. Lenses are going to be cheaper for the Canon and you won't have to worry about functionality - anything recent is fully compatible. For me it came down to ergonomics and controls. The Canons just didn't feel right in my hand and I had a much easier time using and working with the Nikons (I went with a D5100). You can't go wrong with either though.

 

[Shocker_33]

Thanks for the replies.

rasskohx10 and goodguy, why do you recommend the brands that you have?

Even with the telephoto lens (£200 new), would any of you not consider the 450d?

The auto focus thing is one thing i would have never realised bschmidt25, cheers for that.

I personally don't like buying electronics second hand. I'm only considering doing it with my friend because i know how he treats his stuff.

 

[Designer]

Have you asked your friend why he is selling his kit?

Have you done independent shopping for used cameras? You should be able to find plenty of examples for sale which will give you an idea of what the going price is.

What lens is packaged with the Nikon? Typically it will be a 18-55mm zoom with VR. If no lens at all, then perhaps you should continue looking.

When I purchased my kit, it was a D5000 with two zoom lenses (very much like the Canon lenses that you listed), a cheap tripod and a tiny kit bag all for a very good price. Are you shopping at a local merchant for the Nikon? See if you can get the second zoom for some additional money, or whatever may be offered.

 

[goodguy]

Thanks for the replies.

rasskohx10 and goodguy, why do you recommend the brands that you have?

Even with the telephoto lens (£200 new), would any of you not consider the 450d?

The auto focus thing is one thing i would have never realised bschmidt25, cheers for that.

I personally don't like buying electronics second hand. I'm only considering doing it with my friend because i know how he treats his stuff.

I recommend Nikon because Nikon is known for its low light capabilities and for me thats the most important aspect for camera.
Canon no doubt are also good and are known for their wonderful video capabilities.

As for the 450D or as we call it here in North AmericaRebel XSi, I guess its a good camera but already really old model.
Always try to get the newest model possible for your money.