(no subject)

[cherry]

This might be a long shot, but you never know:

Does anyone have any experience with digital SLR cameras? I took a photography class this past year that I quite enjoyed, but I've lost access to the dark room for obvious, term-end - shaped reasons. I have a point-and-shoot, but I just can't get the control or quality of image from it that I desire.

I'm looking at either the Nikon D60 or Canon Rebel XTi/EOS 400D, which I've found for within $20 of each other. Both are entry level DSLRs, 10.1 MP, which is more than enough for 8x10 prints, and right now I don't foresee wanting to print larger. The Nikon has a better lens (vibration-reduction), but the Canon has a few more features. At the moment, I'm leaning towards the Nikon, as the idea of getting a camera like either of these and then using the preset seems rather bizarre. On the other hand, the Nikon doesn't have a drive pin, so it can only auto-focus with lenses with their own motors. Fortunately, the kit lens does have a motor, but it limits my future options.

Does anyone have any experience with either brand, camera, or DSLRs in general? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

[groovekittie.livejournal.com]

I'm actually going to buy the Canon next week! Well, sort of buy it. I'm putting on layaway at a friend's camera store. :P

But she recommended the Canon Rebel XTi for me since I'm an advanced hobbyist. I've never taken a course, though, so maybe it won't be enough for you. I dunno.

I, too, got sick of the point and shoot (Canon PowerShot A460) which is why I'm upgrading.

[cherryice.livejournal.com]

I think I'll be happy with either the D60 or the Canon. They're both pretty solid cameras, and 10.2 MP is more than enough to print an 8x10. I think if I'm getting antsy, a lens upgrade could go a long way. Right now, I have a Canon Powershot SD1000, but I don't have the control or quality I need.

Cammmmmera. *covets*

[d-benway.livejournal.com]

Both Nikon and Canon are very good at designing and making great cameras. The Nikons tend to be a bit more professionally oriented, and you can use all of the older Nikon lenses on the more advanced models. This is really only useful if you are (a) wanting to make use of very good older prime lenses or (b) exotic lenses like perspective shift lenses which aren't available for the Canon digital models (I think). If you get an SLR, you may find yourself rarely using the autofocus when you can focus by eye through the lens, so the lack of autofocus on some lenses may not be a big deal. Also, you may want to check out both models in a store, to see which one has the nicest viewfinder. Some dSLRs have rather dim and tunnel-like finders compared with SLRs, on account of the use of pentamirrors and perhaps the smaller screen size.

Note: I myself am being tempted by the D300, but am determined to resist.

[cherryice.livejournal.com]

From what I see/hear, it's pretty much down to personal preference at this point. They're both solid cameras. At the moment, I'm leaning towards the D60, if only because it has a better kit lens. One of my friends says he's seen a lot of Nikons die, however. I think I'm going to ask a fellow at the store to let me see them, and see how they fit in my greedy hands.

Note: I myself am being tempted by the D300, but am determined to resist.

If it was anywhere within my price range? I'd be resisting too.

[d-benway.livejournal.com]

The D300 may be within your price range if you decide to omit the lens.

[cherryice.livejournal.com]

I'm afraid I'm a little to impatient for the build-a-camera approach -- without a lens, the amount of usage I could get out of it would be severely curtailed.

[(Anonymous)]

I'd say go with the Canon. I always trust them when it comes to photos/videos. The Rebel will let you switch lenses and I personally thing Canon's have better image quality. My step-dad has a Canon S3 and I think it does well (no lens switching though). Any time I've been around Nikon's, they tend to die (never owned one myself, just seen a few die).

-Wayne

[cherryice.livejournal.com]

Both the D60 and XTi will let me switch lenses, as they're single lens reflex cameras. *G* The S3 is a prosumer model.

Hrm. The SLR I was using for my class was was a Canon, and the light metre was off. Of course, the camera is older than I am, so. You're the first person I've heard say something like that about Nikons, but the fact you've seen it multiple times is somewhat worrying.

The Nikon has the VR lens, which would make it a bit more adaptable, and the D60 has switched to EXCEED for processing, but I think I'm at the point where I just need to get the cameras in my hands.

Thanks, Wayne!