First post, first question

christin · Dec 8, 2010

Hey everyone! Just wanted to say hi, been shooting photos for fun lately and stumbled onto this site thought I'd join up.

Thinking about getting a dslr camera, anyone have any suggestions? Whats the major difference between Nikon and Canon?

Also I've heard that when buying used gear it best to get the lens new but the body is not as important, is true?

Thanks for the help

MissCream · Dec 8, 2010

Has no one heard of PENTAX! Geeze, I'm a minority here!

Look at the Pentax K-x or K20d(which you can get for cheap now) I learned on a k-m

The k-x would probably be easier to learn on though as the K20 is a semi-pro.

Look outside the box!!

reznap · Dec 8, 2010

What do you have now and what about it is failing to meet your needs?

EDIT:
This is a common question here, I did a forum search for "Nikon Canon" and this is what came up:
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/search.php?searchid=3385431

Derrel · Dec 8, 2010

Q: "Whats the major difference between Nikon and Canon?"

Geeeze newbie.... one starts with Nik and the other begins with Can... BOTH end with "on". I mean the difference between Nikon and Canon is three simple letters! :lol

MissCream · Dec 8, 2010

Derrel said:
Q: "Whats the major difference between Nikon and Canon?"

Geeeze newbie.... one starts with Nik and the other begins with Can... BOTH end with "on". I mean the difference between Nikon and Canon is three simple letters! :lol

If there were a like button, I would like this.

Derrel · Dec 8, 2010

Here are three blog articles I wrote that help to explain some of the differences between Canon and Nikon.

Derrel's Photography Blog: Don't Believe The Slanderous Claptrap

Derrel's Photography Blog: Looking for my next camera body-back to Nikon

Derrel's Photography Blog: D-SLR Weaknesses By Brand

enzodm · Dec 8, 2010

Derrel said:
Here are three blog articles I wrote that help to explain some of the differences between Canon and Nikon.

Derrel's Photography Blog: Don't Believe The Slanderous Claptrap

Derrel's Photography Blog: Looking for my next camera body-back to Nikon

Derrel's Photography Blog: D-SLR Weaknesses By Brand

nice posts, thanks. However, I think when those arguments are reported to the entry-level dSLR, real difference is minimal and , if any, not perceivable by a beginner.
OP: just try some camera and choose the best fitting in your own hands.

Chamelion 6 · Dec 8, 2010

Derrel said:
Q: "Whats the major difference between Nikon and Canon?"

Geeeze newbie.... one starts with Nik and the other begins with Can... BOTH end with "on". I mean the difference between Nikon and Canon is three simple letters! :lol

There is more truth in this than most of us want to admit.

Except that it's easier to impress the folks that know nothing about photography with your gear if you get a Canon, if you're into that kind of thing. Those big white lenses get a lot of attention.

A lot of it, honestly, is just how it feels and how well you get along with the menus. You don't need to spend a bunch of money getting started either... There's nothing wrong with the entry level DSLR's from either company. Can't speak for Pentax, I've only ever used their film cameras...

cyngus · Dec 8, 2010

theres a couple diffs but one that i know is more for high end professionals.. if your commissioned for a shoot generally big corporations digital specs require u use the best of the best..
more rental houses carry a wider array of canon products and compatible products.. so if we need to rent a new or 2nd body / lens for the shoot there is more chances we'll be able to rent canon over nikon.. which is a big selling point

my personal opinion.. i like the stock colors off a canon camera more so than a nikon.. however i know more people shot with nikons who are action photographers.. the shutter speeds are generally faster across most of the nikon line as compared to similar canon models for the price

flatflip · Dec 8, 2010

Hello, I got my 1st dslr a few months ago. I went to dealnews.com every day for a while. Scroll down to cameras. The best deals will be about a month after you buy one. I love my Nikon but I found out that 2 of my good friends have Canons. It would have been nice to speak their language.

chito beach · Dec 8, 2010

What is your price range? That is a more important question

LightSpeed · Dec 8, 2010

MissCream said:
Has no one heard of PENTAX! !

I drool every time I look at the new K5. After replacing 3 keyboards, I have stopped looking at it or even reading about it.

chito beach · Dec 8, 2010

LightSpeed said:
MissCream said:

Has no one heard of PENTAX! !

Click to expand...

I drool every time I look at the new K5. After replacing 3 keyboards, I have stopped looking at it or even reading about it.

I have a K5 body sitting here for my sisters Christmas present.........it is SEXY!

christin · Dec 9, 2010

Thanks for the replies everyone!

The camera I have been using is a friends when they are not using it. Its a canon 7d, very nice camera I think, It's not entirely out of my price range for its capabilities but Im not sure if I'll be using it enough to get my money worth.

So I'm just trying to get an idea of some of my options and see what other people are using.

I entered a local photo contest and came in 2nd place and thought it was a sign I should pursue photography more.

There's so many choices out there it can really make your head spin