Far East Cynic

Recommendations

 

Anybody- got any for a good Digital SLR camera? I’ve got the bug to get one.

 

Nikon or Canon? What say you?

  1. If you’re starting fresh and don’t have any collection of lenses or accessories, actually either Nikon or Canon will suit you fine. Nikon addicts and Canon addicts will foam at the mouth at this suggestion, but the fact of the matter is that they each make great cameras and in terms of individual features tend to leapfrog each other every six months or so.

    For those who would argue the point, I urge you to read this post on my blog

    http://laowai.blogspot.com/2009/05/sick-of-being-sick.html

    and then the David duChemin piece that I link to in that post, or just skip right to his article here:

    http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2009/archives/4647#more-4647

    My suggestion is that you go to the store, get the Canon and Nikon models that are in your price range, and then spend 10 minutes playing with each of them. Which feels better in your hand? Which has a button layout and menu system that you feel more comfortable with? Things like that. At the end of the day, you won’t go wrong with either.

    But be sure to invest your money in good glass. The kit lenses with the starter DSLRs are often not as good as the better lenses available separately, and many (but not all) of the third party lenses aren’t as good either. There really is a difference.

  2. I am an avid amateur and have Canon SLR (EOS A1) and a DSLR Rebel XT.
    Canon T1i is a new mid range Canon DSLR at about 700-800.
    It also has HD video (make sure you get the right SD card)
    Spike is right. Right lens is important BUT you can use Tamron or Sigma as long as you get the Canon mount and they tend to be cheaper (though sometimes the lens itself is heavier) I have a monster of a 100-400 Sigma and it is one heavy SOB!!!!
    BUT if you go down the DSLR road prepare to spend a lot of money on lenses, filters, bags, dodads etc etc.

  3. Thanks Spike and Richard.

    I’ve got a Minolta zoom lens for my Minolta 35mm camera-will they work with the new digitals or will I be forced to buy a new one of those too?

  4. A regular SLR lens will work on a DSLR BUT there are newer lenses out that are specifically made for digital.
    A suggestion. There used to be places that you could actually rent a camera..perhaps it might be a good idea to do some online research first and IF you decide you want a DSLR, then rent a model or two and see if you like it.
    http://www.endgadget.com
    http://www.cnet.com
    http://www.gizmodo.com

  6. See comments at http://porters.com/LENS%20COMPATIBILE.pdf about your lens compatibility.
    Note that Sony DSLRs (and various others) have stabilisation in the camera body, while Canon and Nikon do this in the lens (they use the terms IS and VR respectively, check the full name of the lens for those letters).

    It is very hard to find a bad camera now-days, but it is important to find one that works for you. Buy the best lenses (for the type of photos that you want to take) that you can afford.

    A useful site for comparing technical specs is http://www.dpreview.com

    Personally I have a Nikon D80, but mainly because it was the cheapest available that was comfortable in my hand.

  7. I have a Canon, and the others are right, if you have a lens collection on an SLR stick with that brand…if you are going from scratch, get yourself a decent walk-about lens, and good tele, and the body does not really matter, they are all much the same. I would recommend renting one of each for alternate weekends, or borrowing from friends, and see how they both “feel” in your hands, and then go for the one that you like, and fits your price range.