Help with choosing my first DSLR!

[alannahp]

I'm almost in the position to be buying my first DSLR, and as pretty much everyone else is, I'm stuck between the Canon/Nikon debate. I'm freaking out, because this is a lot of cash to be spilling out, and I don't want to be stuck with something that I'm going to regret buying, and on top of that, I'm a student, so I'm pretty tight on money.

I'm stuck between the Nikon D3000 and the Canon T1i. I've heard mixed reviews on both, and I just can't decide. They're both in the same price range. I don't want to start a Nikon vs. Canon dispute, but if you could give me some advice, that'd be appreciated!

I actually did my first photoshoot this year with my Fujifilm S8000fd, and got great results. The couple loved them, and many people have since told me that I have an eye for photography. With my DSLR purchase, I plan on getting a lens that would be suitable for portraits and everyday life. I was thinking of the 35mm 1.8 or the 50mm 1.8 through Nikon, or the 50mm 1.8 through Canon. Is one better than the other?

Thanks so much in advance for your help!

 

[NikonME]

I posted a link, then realized it was an old link and not much useful knowledge in it.

This may help a bit, spec wise anyways..

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS_Rebel_T1i-vs-Nikon_D3000

 

[EPPhoto]

I don't want to be stuck with something that I'm going to regret buying.
!

You will not regret getting a Nikon or Canon D-SLR, trust me!

The only thing you may regret in short time, is that you didnt get a better model lol. But there's always something bigger and better so TRY not to get caught up in that mindset and just go out and shoot!

 

[Liamsford]

You probably won't regret either, but may wish you had the other one in the future... if possible, you should go to a camera shop and try both out, just get a feeling of them in your hand and working with the camera.

 

[Tigertail]

The first DSLR I got was a T1I and I really loved it a lot even with its lousy kit lens! My basic thoughts are that the Canon menus are a bit more intuitive and the photos produced seem to be just a little bit nicer color wise. However, Nikons are better at low light performance and may feel better to hold according to some.

The best thing would be to try them both out at a camera shop... and take your time! You may want to consider getting a T2I just because of its significantly improved video functions.

 

[chaosrealm93]

close your eyes and draw one out of a hat

 

[arturroz]

I'd consider the Nikon D7000 or the Canon T2i. You may find yourself out growing your current choices fairly quickly. I'm a Nikon shooter so I'd suggest you go Nikon, but I think you'll be happy with either one. However, if I'm not mistaking, the T2i does not have a commander mode for off camera flash trigger and you'll have to buy triggers. But I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[NikonME]

This person was asking for help choosing between the Nikon D3000 and the Canon T1i. Not the T2i or the D7000. This person is a student and probably has a budget of $300 to $500.

Alan, what do you plan on doing with the camera? Photos? Videos? Inside? Outside? What kinds of subjects do you intend to shoot?

 

[alannahp]

This person was asking for help choosing between the Nikon D3000 and the Canon T1i. Not the T2i or the D7000. This person is a student and probably has a budget of $300 to $500.

Alan, what do you plan on doing with the camera? Photos? Videos? Inside? Outside? What kinds of subjects do you intend to shoot?

I'm Alannah Thanks everyone for the comments. I plan on taking everyday shots. I love taking photos of people, pets, sometimes outside shots, but something that would be ideal for low-light photography. And I don't need video..

Would the 35mm 1.8 be good for everyday shots? Or would the 50mm 1.8 lens be good? Canon doesn't have a 35mm 1.8, but Nikon does. But if I go with a Canon, would the 50mm 1.8 be alright? I hope I'm not blabbering

 

[NikonME]

Alannah,

Either camera would be fine for everyday use. Either camera should do what you want to do.

Depending on your budget, the D3100 would be a little better than the D3000. The D3100 is still less than the T1i.

As far as the lens, I would suggest the basic kit lens to start.. The D3000 or D3100 kit lens will give you 18-55. That gives you more flexibility. You can always add a 35mm or 50mm prime once you figure out which you prefer.

It should be obvious by my nickname that I like Nikon, but I am not a fanboy. Some will tell you Nikon is better, some will tell you Canon is better... or Pentex, or this or that.. In the end, I'd say go to Best Buy, you can hold a T1i and D3100 and see which one feels better in your hand. Play with the menus and see which one makes more sense to you. Either would make a great camera.