DSLR's
- Thread starter heloderm
- Start date
DGray
Avid Member
my $0.02
First I confess bias: I only know the Canon line well. Nikon makes some of the finest cameras and lenses, but I only know them from my reading. Can't really help with the D90 details, but I know many users love it.
I CAN talk about the line of entry DSLRs from Canon; I've had an XTi, and an XSi (loved them, but now I moved on to bigger camera bodies). The current model is the T1i, and it has superior performance to the above and shoots video to boot. I think the most important difference between the Canon and Nikon offerings for your uses, is that the low light performance of the T1i is better (this is very useful for shooting in dim cages without using a flash that might disturb the animals, and for a bunch of other reasons).
I think you can pick up a lightly used T1i for around $700 without a lens. An XSi is less.
Canon cameras seem to have more menu-driven controls; Nikon seems to use more button-driven controls. That's neither here, nor there.
I can also tell you the lens line from Canon is more extensive and less costly than Nikon's. The lenses you choose will have a big bearing on the look and quality of you pictures. This is the real strength of the Canon system, if you ask me: better lenses.
I really like a macro lens for animal shots; you may want something different for family settings.
Whatever you choose, have a great time learning your DSLR.
You may find these helpful: http://www.fredmiranda.com/
http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/overview
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/digital_camera_and_lens_reviews.shtml
First I confess bias: I only know the Canon line well. Nikon makes some of the finest cameras and lenses, but I only know them from my reading. Can't really help with the D90 details, but I know many users love it.
I CAN talk about the line of entry DSLRs from Canon; I've had an XTi, and an XSi (loved them, but now I moved on to bigger camera bodies). The current model is the T1i, and it has superior performance to the above and shoots video to boot. I think the most important difference between the Canon and Nikon offerings for your uses, is that the low light performance of the T1i is better (this is very useful for shooting in dim cages without using a flash that might disturb the animals, and for a bunch of other reasons).
I think you can pick up a lightly used T1i for around $700 without a lens. An XSi is less.
Canon cameras seem to have more menu-driven controls; Nikon seems to use more button-driven controls. That's neither here, nor there.
I can also tell you the lens line from Canon is more extensive and less costly than Nikon's. The lenses you choose will have a big bearing on the look and quality of you pictures. This is the real strength of the Canon system, if you ask me: better lenses.
I really like a macro lens for animal shots; you may want something different for family settings.
Whatever you choose, have a great time learning your DSLR.
You may find these helpful: http://www.fredmiranda.com/
http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/overview
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/digital_camera_and_lens_reviews.shtml
I am a Nikon user and at the moment I have the D70. My sister upgraded from the D70 to the D90 and loves it but is having an issue where the D90 locks up on her when she switches from live mode to camera mode. There has been no firmware updates yet to fix the problem. Apparently it is random. I really like the way the d90 takes better, brighter pictures inside than the D70 does so when they get the firmware updates, I will probably be getting the d90 unless they come out with something along those lines before then. The D5000 is a good entry level camera and Costco (if you have one) has them for $859 which is their kit price that includes 2 lens, carry bag and a few other small accessories. It will take videos like the D90.
I have also seen pictures taken with Canons that have been just as good. The only difference I know of with Canon is the price. They seem to be a bit lower in cost. If my Nikon lens would fit a canon (which they won't) I would have already given canon a try.
Invest in a good camera but if you really start getting into photography, where you will really want to spend your money on good lens.
I have also seen pictures taken with Canons that have been just as good. The only difference I know of with Canon is the price. They seem to be a bit lower in cost. If my Nikon lens would fit a canon (which they won't) I would have already given canon a try.
Invest in a good camera but if you really start getting into photography, where you will really want to spend your money on good lens.
I think for around that price range I would go with the Canon T1i, I love mine. As mentioned before the Nikon does have some Firmware problems, but nothing big. You will also save some money by going with the Canon.
Unless you want to spend a little bit more Money then I would REALLY Consider Canons 7D. Just tell the Wife it also comes with an HD Video. It is supposed to be as good as the Canons Full Frame Cameras, like the Mark II 5d
A Macro lens would be Really nice, but comes with a nice price range.
Here is my Flickr, Most pics are with my T1i.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35259444@N05/
Lenses used in my Flickr
Kit lens 18-55mm IS
50mm 1.8
55-250mm EF-S IS
10-22mm Wide Angle
Unless you want to spend a little bit more Money then I would REALLY Consider Canons 7D. Just tell the Wife it also comes with an HD Video. It is supposed to be as good as the Canons Full Frame Cameras, like the Mark II 5d
A Macro lens would be Really nice, but comes with a nice price range.
Here is my Flickr, Most pics are with my T1i.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35259444@N05/
Lenses used in my Flickr
Kit lens 18-55mm IS
50mm 1.8
55-250mm EF-S IS
10-22mm Wide Angle
