Comparing Canon and Nikon DSLR's Considering new DSLR. Trying to decide between Canon 30D and new Nikon D80?Both approx. same street price. Any opinions?
506468
In same boat, Bob. I'm buying the D80. Cheaper, and less weight/bulk. I test drove a 30D and did not like the ergonomics. Have been waiting for a D70s replacement, and it's here!
506469
Totally love the Nikon D80. Bought in early Sept and haven't stopped shooting since delivery. Have used a plethora of digitals and decided on this one as my first DSLR. History with film SLRs is extensive. I am happy I made the switch.Details and specs are accurate, no need to post them here.
506470
I have a 30D & love it. Never had a Nikon. I would be hard pressed to give it up.
456321
The D300 was my first SLR Camera. Before that I was using point and shoots. I would say it is appropriate for a beginner who is learning actively. When I bought this cam I had started taking courses and I evolved rapidly to a serious hobbyist. I would say you shouldn't buy it if you're not planning to learn how to be a better photographer, otherwise, the Canon 40D which is also a medium sized SLR would be much more suited. It has many kinds of automatic modes that you would select. The D300 has only four modes: Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Program mode. Personally I'm glad I ended up choosing the Nikon D300, it's such an amazing camera... I hope this was helpful
231727
I agree with the Nikon choice - feels natural in my hand too. From what I've read, you really can't go wrong with a Canon or Nikon - it depends on which feels best. If you do go Nikon, however, I would suggest you also consider the D40 (which I bought as a first time DSLR). I doubt that you'll miss the extra mega pixels, and the $100 you save over D40x could be used toward better lenses, which you will definitely notice. Once you go with an SLR, you may quickly realize that the quality of photos you create depends on 1) your ability, 2) the lens quality, and 3) the camera body.
1026443
I too have wanted to buy a T2i for a while, ever since I noticed the announcement in February. Then, it was seemingly always out of stock at Amazon. Perhaps I haven't waited long enough, or maybe it just wasn't meant to be. Although I have bought 5 Canon cameras over the years, and I considered myself a Canon loyalist, I am beginning to wonder if maybe I should buy a Nikon as my first digital SLR.
347546
I bought the Xsi and then took it back and got the D90. All I can say is that, although I liked the Xsi, i am super happy with my decision to get the D90. I can't think of a better balance of quality and price. I shot my first wedding this weekend and the pictures were phenomenal. Good luck.
1044998
I just went through the same decision process, in fact I literally bought the D60+ lens kit and returned it (package unopened) for the D80 (body only) + the fabulous 18-200 VR lens. Why? 1) I wanted the additional metering controls vs. the D60 and in fact used all of them on my recent trip to the Hoh rain forest. 2) Keeping to my budget, I opted to spend the money on the 18-200mm VR, and yes, I used its FULL RANGE without having to change lenses. A great way to go when outdoors and taking advantage of opportunities as they present themselves (e.g. deer twins walking right towards us while on the trail!). 3) Quickly realizing the super-zoom wasn't going to get me a FAST lens, I was able to pick up the 50mm f/1.4 right before my travels (which would NOT have AF working with the D40 or D60). If I had the $$$ I might have opted for a D300 and picked up the D40/60 for a lightweight second body, but as the only Digital SLR that I'll be using for the next couple of years, and the small price difference, I am extremely happy with my purchase.
940340
I cannot offer a nikon/canon comparison however I upgraded from a S90 to the S120 and am VERY VERY impressed. Amazingly fast user interface, bright rear screen and long battery life are some of the high points. Low light performance is AMAZING compared to my S90. The difference is almost like the change from T2I to 6D full frame in my canon SLR! The bad? Still no RAW converters out there, not even DXO though they report one coming later this month.
792518
I have been wondering the same thing & still can't decide. I was wondering if you have decided yet & if so which way you went? I have a Pentax Optio A10 right now & I love everything about it except the shutter speed so I have been looking for a new one & can't decide between the Sony DSCW80 & the Canon SD1000.
1672482
Hi Eric,Thanks for your reply. I've already went ahead and bought the D3100 (got advice from some other people somewhere else on the internets ;)I received it yesterday and it does seem to be a very solid camera with lots of features that have me overwhelmed to say the least since I am a beginner in the world of photography.I do have one question: why is it that everyone recommends those lenses? How vastly different are they from the lens the comes with the camera? For example, what would a 35mm 1.8g do differently or better than the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens?~ Dan Hi Eric,Thanks for your reply. I've already went ahead and bought the D3100 (got advice from some other people somewhere else on the internets ;)I received it yesterday and it does seem to be a very solid camera with lots of features that have me overwhelmed to say the least since I am a beginner in the world of photography.I do have one question: why is it that everyone recommends those lenses? How vastly different are they from the lens the comes with the camera? For example, what would a 35mm 1.8g do differently or better than the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6... » Read More Hi Eric,Thanks for your reply. I've already went ahead and bought the D3100 (got advice from some other people somewhere else on the internets ;)I received it yesterday and it does seem to be a very solid camera with lots of features that have me overwhelmed to say the least since I am a beginner in the world of photography.I do have one question: why is it that everyone recommends those lenses? How vastly different are they from the lens the comes with the camera? For example, what would a 35mm 1.8g do differently or better than the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens?~ Dan « Show Less
2128958
I too looked at both of these cameras before purchasing the D5000. this is my first dSLR and don't have much to compare it to but I have been very happy with the quality of the images it takes and it is very easy to use. I thought the canon and nikon specs and reviews looked extremely comparable and that you would be getting a similar quality camera from both companies. I decided to go with the Nikon basically because it was $50 cheaper and used the savings to buy a memory card. whichever way you go you will be getting a big step up from a standard point and shoot camera (I had previously been using a Canon SD750) I too looked at both of these cameras before purchasing the D5000. this is my first dSLR and don't have much to compare it to but I have been very happy with the quality of the images it takes and it is very easy to use. I thought the canon and nikon specs and reviews looked extremely comparable and that you would be getting a similar quality camera from both companies. I decided to go with the Nikon basically because it was $50 cheaper and used the savings to buy a memory card. whichever way you go you will be getting a big step up from a standard point and shoot camera (I had previously... » Read More I too looked at both of these cameras before purchasing the D5000. this is my first dSLR and don't have much to compare it to but I have been very happy with the quality of the images it takes and it is very easy to use. I thought the canon and nikon specs and reviews looked extremely comparable and that you would be getting a similar quality camera from both companies. I decided to go with the Nikon basically because it was $50 cheaper and used the savings to buy a memory card. whichever way you go you will be getting a big step up from a standard point and shoot camera (I had previously been using a Canon SD750) « Show Less
348784
I too am torn between the Canon SX10 and this Nikon. I was 90% sure I was going to go with the Canon as it gets nothing but stellar reviews, but I tried them out side by side today and I have to say - the Nikon seemed more intuitive to use! My kids started going off the deep end before I could make a final decision, but I'll be watching this post to see how others chime in :)
1645973
Thanks Conway, I was so happy to see your post it gave me the push to order the Nikon D700 today from B&H.; This is my first full frame camera and I just wanted to make sure that I was making the right decision. I was mostly leaning toward the Nikon but had to consider the Mark 2. Thanks again for your help.
1017811
thanks Emily,Your reply made it clear to me. I had this problem where I was a total newbie to DSLR photography and finaly deciding to buy the D40 as everyone said it is easy to use for a starter.however, I later found my self so in love with photography and I wanted to go further... I started to take photography classes and when I reached to level 2 I found my self lacking the regular features a normal DSLR usually have such as the inquires I mentioned in my previous question.Now I need to upgrade, and I thought to what this new D60 might have!a D80 is a better solution indeed. thanks Emily,Your reply made it clear to me. I had this problem where I was a total newbie to DSLR photography and finaly deciding to buy the D40 as everyone said it is easy to use for a starter.however, I later found my self so in love with photography and I wanted to go further... I started to take photography classes and when I reached to level 2 I found my self lacking the regular features a normal DSLR usually have such as the inquires I mentioned in my previous question.Now I need to upgrade, and I thought to what this new D60 might... » Read More thanks Emily,Your reply made it clear to me. I had this problem where I was a total newbie to DSLR photography and finaly deciding to buy the D40 as everyone said it is easy to use for a starter.however, I later found my self so in love with photography and I wanted to go further... I started to take photography classes and when I reached to level 2 I found my self lacking the regular features a normal DSLR usually have such as the inquires I mentioned in my previous question.Now I need to upgrade, and I thought to what this new D60 might have!a D80 is a better solution indeed. « Show Less
1946228
Check out the D300s - if it's beyond your budget, get the D90, not the D300- It's outdated. The D90 is an awesome camera. I have it.With the extra cash left, you can buy a lens ;)
1008023
In my humble opinion, I think Canon is still the Queen of point and shoot while Nikon is the King of SLR. There are some cheapish Nikons good for entry level, but the D90 is worth the extra money and is cutting edge for what it offers (HD video, etc.) but you may want to look at spending even a little more for a better lens instead of the one that comes with the kit. Yes, indeed, if you are a beginner it can be intimidating, but they all have full auto functions. And just a bit of reading and experimenting can teach you the basics of f-stop (aperture), ASA, shutter speed, and you can go on from there. In my humble opinion, I think Canon is still the Queen of point and shoot while Nikon is the King of SLR. There are some cheapish Nikons good for entry level, but the D90 is worth the extra money and is cutting edge for what it offers (HD video, etc.) but you may want to look at spending even a little more for a better lens instead of the one that comes with the kit. Yes, indeed, if you are a beginner it can be intimidating, but they all have full auto functions. And just a bit of reading and experimenting can teach you the basics of f-stop (aperture), ASA, shutter speed, and you can go on... » Read More In my humble opinion, I think Canon is still the Queen of point and shoot while Nikon is the King of SLR. There are some cheapish Nikons good for entry level, but the D90 is worth the extra money and is cutting edge for what it offers (HD video, etc.) but you may want to look at spending even a little more for a better lens instead of the one that comes with the kit. Yes, indeed, if you are a beginner it can be intimidating, but they all have full auto functions. And just a bit of reading and experimenting can teach you the basics of f-stop (aperture), ASA, shutter speed, and you can go on from there. « Show Less
2254947
Thanks for the good info. I had a Canon Rebel that I returned because of picture quality with the standard kit lens. I have been trying to decide between the Nikon D90 & the Pentax K20D. I am going to go with the K20D and start with the 18-250 and see how far I go. So I am off to shop now. Again... Thanks a lot.
940337
S120 ;) (sorry don't know anything about the Nikons so I really have nothing objective here, but, I love this camera, love it). This camera is worth it's weight in my pocket for what it does when I need it to. Unreal quality and speed, and the video is on par with my 6D if not better in the same conditions.