DSLR for a confused beginner: NikonD3100, CanonRebelXS, or?

karatava · Jan 1, 2011

I am a quite beginner for photography and also DSLR cameras.

I searched a bit and found these two NikonD3100, CanonRebelXS.

D3100 is a new one, RebelXS is old but proved.

Which one do you recommend or anything else?

DVC Mike · Jan 2, 2011

I'd go with the Nikon D3100 over the older and less capable Canon Rebel XS.

Vinny · Jan 2, 2011

Basically all cameras do the same thing. Set a budget and go to a store and see what is available and how you like the various cameras in that budget. Canon, Nikon, Pentax or Sony all have cameras in different budget areas. How does it fit into your hand? Is it too small or too heavy? If you decide photography is for you - What type of lenses are available? What happens if you decide to upgrade the camera body - Can you use the lenses that you have bought already on a new body? Some of the answers to these questions are obviously "yes" but you don't want to get locked into anything that can't be upgraded later.

As a FYI - most people start with kit lenses and may graduate from there.

One thing to think about though is that newer cameras probably have better sensors or features and that can make a difference in low light or what the camera can do.

A used higher end camera may be the way to go but I would caution a newbie who doesn't know what to look for about blindly buying one. If the store offered 1 100% return policy then it may be worth it.

Phil Holland · Jan 2, 2011

D3100

Light Artisan · Jan 2, 2011

I don't know much about Canon DSLR's, I prefer Nikon's ergonomics. But I've owned the D3100 and it's a very nice, capable camera.

Mecal · Jan 2, 2011

You may also want to consider the Canon XSi - it's a bit more expensive but has more features than the XS.

However, both those are 2 years old. The Nikon is very new, and has many more features. One thing in particular I noticed about these is that the D3100 can go up to ISO 3200 without problems, where as the Canon's can only go up to 1600.

Also, if video is important, the XS and XSi do not have video. The D3100 does.

edit: you may want to check out the entry level Pentax - although I do not know much about them.

table1349 · Jan 2, 2011

karatava said:
I am a quite beginner for photography and also DSLR cameras.

I searched a bit and found these two NikonD3100, CanonRebelXS.

D3100 is a new one, RebelXS is old but proved.

Which one do you recommend or anything else?

I would recommend that you look at systems and what you want to do photographically. You are not buying a camera here, you are choosing a body that is part of a system. This is not the point and shoot world where once you have made your choice all there is left is a pouch to put it in.

Camera bodies come and go but glass and systems are around for a long time. All this fluff about one body having better this or that at the extremes is for the most part a bunch of fluff, especially for a beginner.

Figure out where your photographic interests lie first. Family, sports, birds, landscapes etc. Second figure out what gear you think you might want to accomplish your goals to start and in the future. Third, look at the various systems out there and find the ones that meet your needs. Finally, go look at the bodies you are interested in and find the one that is the best match for you in terms of ergonomics, ease of use etc.

I have seen newbies buy Nikon D3x's and quite photography a month later because they just didn't like what they got when a Canon rebel would have been perfect. It is the same with all systems be it Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Olympus, Sony or who ever. If you don't like and are not comfortable with what you buy you will not use it or want to use it. Good luck.

Joem · Jan 2, 2011

I've been a Nikon user for over 30 years. I just bought my adult daughter her first DSLR and it was a D3100 with two lens system - 18-55, 55-200mm.

She only has used P&S Canons.

As i tell others who ask me which camera to buy - i say choose carefully. As you marry into that system. I've acquired too many Nikon things [stuff] to change now.

joe