HELP ME!!! :)

[jlhoutz]

Okay, Soooo I'm sure that this particular dilemma is posted on here alllll the time, however I'm looking to invest in a new dslr and could really use some advice on which camera I would benefit from most...

I do a lot of senior pictures, weddings, engagement, family, fashion photography etc...

Thus far I've been using a Fuji (in between a dslr and point and shoot) and a 35mm Canon EOS Elan 7 to take all of my photos.

I'm looking to spend about 750.00 or less, and any advice I could get would be great!

I've been looking at so many dslr's that I can't even keep them organized in my brain...

 

[jlhoutz]

FYI - some of the cameras I've been looking at thus far are the Canon t1i (?) - Nikon D3100 - and the Nikon D5000....

 

[xjoewhitex]

With a low budget, it really doesn't matter what type of photos you will be taking they all do the samething. The key is learning the camera you choose and buying lens for the job needed. Both the 3100/5000 seem to be good cameras, ive never heard anything bad about them. And I am pretty sure the 3100 has a guide mode which helps new users to SLR's to understand how they work.

 

[jlhoutz]

So if I keep my budget where it is will my photos be "mediocre"? I'm really wanting to get something that is going to last a long time. I'm not concerned about learning to use the camera necessarily I just want to make sure that I make a wise investment.

Would you recommend Nikon over Canon?

 

[xjoewhitex]

So if I keep my budget where it is will my photos be "mediocre"? I'm really wanting to get something that is going to last a long time. I'm not concerned about learning to use the camera necessarily I just want to make sure that I make a wise investment.

Would you recommend Nikon over Canon?

No not at all, your photos will all depend on your skill level not on the camera for the most part. Later on you can spend some money on different lens which will improve your photos even more. Ive seen horrible photos created with very expensive cameras. And incredible photos with entry levels. I would recommend Nikon but I believe my opinion is biased, both Nikon and Canon know exactly what they are doing its all up to you. I understand Nikon controls, you may feel Canon fits you better.

 

[vtf]

Since this thread is already going downhill.
Canon is better.:thumbup:

 

[jlhoutz]

Going downhill? Why do you recommend Canon, if I can ask. I have a canon now, but have heard that Nikon has better lenses.

Thanks for all your help guys!

 

[xjoewhitex]

Since this thread is already going downhill.
Canon is better.:thumbup:

lol.. now its hit rock bottom.

 

[vtf]

I am biased, I would go with the t1i as its in that price range. You can get Rebels xt/xs in the $300 to $600 price range.
Asking which brand is better is like asking which religion, which political party, is better. Everyone will have their own opinion that has nothing to do with what you need or can use. I am sure with some research you will find the one that works. With only $750 to work with presents you with limited dslr options. As far a Nikon is concerned I can't help you there. Sorry.

 

[bobbyknight]

Between the models you've given, assuming thus are your prospects, I'd choose T1i and between D3100 and D5000, I'd choose D3100.

 

[dryseals]

Let's see if I can help. I have a ton of cameras dating back to the 50's, many different brands. Technology has come so far, that brand wars are really a thing of the past. The lense wars are also not worth the fight, back when lense grinding was old tech, it might have made a difference, today, it all CNC machines, robotics and such. It's not going to be that different.

Best advice, go to a store and hold each one your thinking about. Play with the controls and see which one fits you the best. And then just buy it. If you ever learn all the functions of the camera, all the different setting and what they can do, only then will you be able to make an informed choice and that too will be from holding it and changing settings where it's comfortable.

Toss the brand wars aside, it's a thing of the past........

 

[D-B-J]

Go to a big camera store and try the ones you are thinking of. Thats the only way to know which kind you like. Ergonomics are a huge aspect of photography, as having a camera that feels "Right" in your hands is important. And yes, forget the brand war.

Regards,
Jake

 

[enzodm]

Going downhill? Why do you recommend Canon, if I can ask. I have a canon now, but have heard that Nikon has better lenses.

Thanks for all your help guys!

One reason is that if you have a film Canon EOS, you may just reuse your current lenses (what do you have?). This gives you some extra room in budget.
As a second reason, with that budget it does not matter whether is Nikon or Canon doing the best lenses: you will buy the entry level ones, which are decent and nothing more regardless the brand.

 

[jlhoutz]

One reason is that if you have a film Canon EOS, you may just reuse your current lenses (what do you have?). This gives you some extra room in budget.
As a second reason, with that budget it does not matter whether is Nikon or Canon doing the best lenses: you will buy the entry level ones, which are decent and nothing more regardless the brand.[/QUOTE]



I have 2 lenses for my current canon, a Tamron Af Tele-macro 100-300 and a Tamron Af 28-105....

I had considered seeing if these would fit onto a new canon dslr body but was also considering selling the camera to put towards the new... however I'm not sure how much it will be able to sell for... another idea I have been "toying" with..

 

[Gaerek]

Those lenses will still work with the T1i. If you went with the canon, you'll have a few lenses to work with already and be ahead of the game. Since you're on a budget, I would say that's going to be your best bet, value wise.

With a larger budget I might have a different suggestion, depending, but given what you've told us, I think you'll get the most bang for your buck from the Canon.