New DSLR - need help fast

[prochlea]

here's the situation... I'm on vacation in Northern Ireland and my wife broke her DSLR - it was a pentax K110D. It was an alright camera, but she's been starting to want something new/better. We don't have a big investment in Pentax glass, and she's interested in starting a side photography business - so we've been leaning towards the Nikon/Canon lines. After a little looking around I think we're in the Canon D40 or D50 arena, or maybe Nikon D90 or D300.

Since this is a purchase that we've been thinking about anyway, and we have another week still here, we may just bite the bullet and get a new one now. I haven't had time to do as much research as I'd like for this purchase, so I'm here for some advice. Thoughts? Also - throw in any recommendations for a starter lens...

[jphelzer]

Hello,

New here, but have some camera experience so I thought I'd chime in....

The Nikon D90 and the Canon 40D/50D are excellent "prosumer" cameras and I believe you'd be pleased with either choice. The D90 offers video, which some love and others don't. The 40D is a great choice for the budget-conscious, and Canon lenses are generally less expensive than their Nikon equivalents.

Both companies have released new consumer models, the Nikon D5000 and the Canon Rebel Ti1. These are also excellent models, but personally I prefer the feel/ergonomics of the larger D90/40D/50Ds.

For starter lenses, the "kit" lenses (18-55mm or 28-135 for the Canons, about the same for the Nikons) that come with the cameras are generally good as a walk-around, and then better lenses can be acquired as interest/funds allow.

Best of luck with the purchase!



John

[bpalermini]

I have a Nikon D80. It works well but if I were starting from scratch I would move to Canon with a 40D as my starter camera. I would also only buy lenses that can work with a full frame sensor.

I chose Nikon because I had been a Nikon film shooter for a long time and a couple of years ago I think they were pretty equal but now I think Canon is ahead. Their L series fast lenses are great and cheaper than similar Nikon lenses. The 5D Mark II is a outstanding full frame camera and beats the Nikon D700 competition.

I kind of hate to say it but I think Nikon has fallen behind. A lot of pro photographers decided that a number of years ago, that's why you see so many big white lenses at sports events. Even if Nikon catches up Canon will likely still be a bit cheaper.

[greg4god]

Our designers (who also do photos/videos) at work use Canon's. One has the 5D Mark II, amazing what that camera can do!!! HD video and all! (thees guys have some big bucks invested in it though)

Me personally, I have the 8mp Canon Rebel XT, and love it. (I bought it when the 10mp version was just coming out at the end of 2006, and opted for the 8mp for lower cost (clearing them out), and the fact that it has a separate LCD panel to display many features so you don't need the main LCD panel on.

-Greg

[DaveRowell]

Whilst Canon high end glass is less costly than Nikon, both are heavy to carry. At the consumer level I feel that Nikon offers better quality and choice of glass, plus excellent bodies. Having spent some time researching options I have just purchased a D90 with 18-200 which is a fine walkaround lens which produces excellent results for me.

[[Director] Joseph B]

At the level you're buying equipment it comes down more to personal preference then anything else. Go to a store, pick up and handlel each camera and get the one that feels best!
I use Canon, I've also used Nikon, I just like the feel of the Canon better. If I were buying today I'd go with the Canon 50D.

[prochlea]

We ended up getting the 50D. It's pretty awesome, and seems pretty easy to pick up. My wife is still getting used to the the different controls, but it has alot of nice features and takes great pictures. We got the 18-200mm kit lens, and it's got to be the best kit lens I've ever used. Perfect for vacation where you don't really want to be changing lenses every twenty minutes.

[bpalermini]

Sounds good. Have fun.