Nikon ? or Canon? no clue...

photonewbie23 · Sep 22, 2012

Ill start by introducing myself since im new here. My name is jessie and i've always been into photography but ive been using a pretty decent digital camera but its just not cutting it... So my question is what camera to get and what are your preferences... I was looking into getting the nikon d3200 or d5100 or maybe canon t3i ? what are the pros and cons and any personal experience input would be greatly appreciated. FYI i will be using this camera for a very long time and for school since ill be taking a photography class in the near future. Thank you for all your input and help

jhodges10 · Sep 22, 2012

Based on the Nikons you're looking at I guess your budget is about $700? I'm a Nikon guy but as you'll hear from a number of people make sure you do your homework before you buy because switching between the two will cost you a pretty penny. If you can push your budget a bit you should look at a D7000. That's if you're buying new. I'll let some other more experienced members recommend used items but you should definitely let us know what your budget is exactly. Oh and welcome to the forum.

Derrel · Sep 22, 2012

No clue? Canon would love to have you as a customer. T3i. 18-55 kit zoom. 8-gig SanDIsk memory card. 55-200 zoom. BUT SPEND MORE ON THE FLASH, and buy the 580 EX-II flash unit--a 20-year investment.

photonewbie23 · Sep 22, 2012

well i was also looking at the d90 they have been produced for quite a while and i could probably find a used one for around my price range which is sub 700 on just the body.

photonewbie23 · Sep 22, 2012

oh and yes ive been doing tons and tons of research its driving me crazy... i figured personal experience and knowledge from other users would be the best way to go about this situation... and yes i want to keep the same camera for a very LONG time so i dont mind having to go over my budget IF i have to . Thanks

The_Traveler · Sep 22, 2012

no one here knows how the camera fits you.

Find equivalent models in your budget range and see how they feel in your hand.

photonewbie23 · Sep 22, 2012

while that may be true, im more concerned with the performance and quality and room to grow as a photographer like I said I will be keeping this camera for a very long time and plan on becoming an experienced and serious photographer.

ronlane · Sep 22, 2012

I am new to DSLR's and I bought a T3i in April. It is a really good camera and I am happy that I got it. After this time, I do wish that I would have waited and gotten the 60D or the 7D. I'm ready to upgrade but can't for now.

MLeeK · Sep 22, 2012

The first question is WHY isn't your current camera cutting it? What is it and what can't it do?
As to which is better-Eh. Neither.
Go to a store where you can play with them and see how each feels in your hands. Change settings on them, click the shutter... One should feel better to you than the other. That's the one you pick.

photonewbie23 · Sep 22, 2012

thanks and yeah I played around with the 3200 quite a bit and really liked it , Im extremely picky with what i spend money on so i want to make sure i make the best and well informed decision possible. seeing how im just now getting into this i dont have much experience to make a knowledgeable decision on the matter so thats why im here lol hoping you guys can help lead me the right way and then ill make the final decision . thanks guys oh and capturing light in dark situations is very important to me. ill be doing a lot of scenic shooting

MLeeK · Sep 22, 2012

If you are in a lot of dark situations I'd go to the D7000, but I have a feeling that is out of your budget, so I'd then choose the D5100 if you are leaning Nikon.
However, you never answered my question as to what your current camera isn't capable of. There could be a much better camera for you-or not depending on what you need.

photonewbie23 · Sep 22, 2012

oh sorry and yeah i have lumix digital camera, it shoots pictures great, up close that is , and sucks at capturing photos in dark situations. yeah d7000 is awesome but i would have to get a used one and I'd much rather get a new one

jhodges10 · Sep 22, 2012

photonewbie23 said:
thanks and yeah I played around with the 3200 quite a bit and really liked it , Im extremely picky with what i spend money on so i want to make sure i make the best and well informed decision possible. seeing how im just now getting into this i dont have much experience to make a knowledgeable decision on the matter so thats why im here lol hoping you guys can help lead me the right way and then ill make the final decision . thanks guys oh and capturing light in dark situations is very important to me. ill be doing a lot of scenic shooting

The lenses you choose will have a lot more to do with capturing light than the body you choose and that's a whole different discussion and a lot more money. Did you pick up a Canon as well or just the 3200? If you're looking for an informed decision you should definitely tinker with both. Either way you go you'll be happy with your first DSLR until you start to learn what you're doing.

I used a Nikon D60 for nearly 5 years before I ever upgraded and after I upgraded I felt like I probably could have still learned more using the D60. All this being said, taking your budget into consideration I'd go with the 3200 assuming you don't pick up a Canon and fall in love with it. If that happens you'll be dead to me and all the other Nikon users on the forum.

photonewbie23 · Sep 22, 2012

jhodges10 said:
photonewbie23 said:

thanks and yeah I played around with the 3200 quite a bit and really liked it , Im extremely picky with what i spend money on so i want to make sure i make the best and well informed decision possible. seeing how im just now getting into this i dont have much experience to make a knowledgeable decision on the matter so thats why im here lol hoping you guys can help lead me the right way and then ill make the final decision . thanks guys oh and capturing light in dark situations is very important to me. ill be doing a lot of scenic shooting

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The lenses you choose will have a lot more to do with capturing light than the body you choose and that's a whole different discussion and a lot more money. Did you pick up a Canon as well or just the 3200? If you're looking for an informed decision you should definitely tinker with both. Either way you go you'll be happy with your first DSLR until you start to learn what you're doing.

I used a Nikon D60 for nearly 5 years before I ever upgraded and after I upgraded I felt like I probably could have still learned more using the D60. All this being said, taking your budget into consideration I'd go with the 3200 assuming you don't pick up a Canon and fall in love with it. If that happens you'll be dead to me and all the other Nikon users on the forum.

haha naaaah i think im gonna stick with a nikon lol the cannon was just another option. I was actually about to buy the 3200 but im torn between that or the 5100 the only upside i see in the 3200 is the pixel count but im not gonna get to crazy with big printouts. and i like that the 5100 has a screen that moves.... so i guess thats my question... 5100 or 3200 ? or maybe a used d90

jamesbjenkins · Sep 22, 2012

OP, the only way for you to make an informed decision is to go to a camera store if at all possible (the big box store employees are worthless when it comes to DSLRs) and play with the models you're considering.

The internet and the opinions stated aren't going to help you if you don't have personal experience with the bodies to draw from.