What camera should I buy?
May 13th, 2008 by learningumbrella
I’d really appreciate advice from any of you lovely ladies with digital cameras. I am planning on using my lovely tax check to buy myself a new digital camera, but I just can’t decide.
There is the Canon EOS Rebel, which I lean toward because I have the film version of the camera and I like it. However, I only have one lens, so there isn’t really a big investment I’ve made, and the film camera is starting to “act up” after only 5 years. My brother has the digital version, and he likes his camera a lot.
I am interested in the Nikon digital SLR cameras, but I don’t know anyone who has one. Am I just being swayed by the heavy advertising campaign they are doing right now?
What camera do you use? Do you like it?
I know some people who have the Rebel and love it, but DUDE… if your other pick is a Nikon, I’d totally get that,it’s a *NIKON*.
My brother just got and loves the Nikon D40; he hasn’t written a review yet or I’d link you to his blog…
I read and researched my camera too, and in the end I wound up with the slightly less expensive Olympus E 510. I’m quite pleased with it! The menus are not as intuitive as on the Canon or Nikon - because the Olympus is a newer entry into the dslr category, and they haven’t worked with that facet as much - but all the same functions are there, it’s just not quite as intuitive to navigate. Because they are newer, they have more recently engineered the processor and other components and are able to make the camera less expensively, from what I read. It felt better in my hands than the Canon - and that’s just a personal decision. I liked the fact that it has an option to turn on the “live view” - something I was used to with my point and shoot digital, and that sometimes comes in handy when taking pictures of the kids so you don’t have to have your face pressed up to the viewfinder. Just my two cents!
Mike and I both have Nikons, and both came by random providence. I had a Nikon point-n-shoot for years that I loved because it was sturdy, took excellent photos and charged rapidly. Then Mike found a D70 on Craiglist for pretty cheap, being sold by a college kid who got a huge kit from his rich parents and wanted to sell it for petty cash. Such is life. Then, when I had the money to buy a new camera, it seemed natural to get another Nikon - we can use the same lenses.
That all being said: I love my Nikon D80. Love it. If something happened to it today, I’d run out and buy another one. After I cried and fretted at the expense of it, that is.
And then that all being said: I know people who love their Rebels just as much. In all honesty, I truly believe that it comes down to aesthetic comfort. Both pro-sumer DSLRs take excellent photos, both have a wide range of affordable lenses and secondary market gear, both are reliable but also can go to plenty of repair shops in any given town. What is left? Mostly: how it feels in the hand, and how navigable the menu is. I think you can do no better than to go to a camera shop of your choice (I actually like the Westside Ritz/Kitz, believe it or not, but I understand if you’d rather shop local) and have both cameras side by side. Attempt to navigate the menu and take a few photos on Auto. One will clearly appeal to you above the other. Ta-da! You’ve made your choice.
I just got a hold of my dh’s Nikon D40X and it is fabulous! I am just playing around with it right now and trying to get a feel for it, but so far, it kicks butt!!!
The rebel is a great armature camera. In doing my research most professionals told me that if you’re not looking for a professional camera go for the Canon. The Nikon’s equivalent for armatures doesn’t measure up. Can’t remember the details of why, but definitely ask around. And yes, the advertising is being shoved down your throat!
Good luck and happy shooting!
My camera is a Canon 20d. I love it so much I might marry it. Since I carry my camera around with me all the time, it takes a beating, so I upgraded to the metal body. The camera is heavier, but more rugged (besides, I need the exercise
). I’ve been carrying it around and generally abusing it for two years now and it is still in great condition.