DSLR help
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- shinpo
I am wanting to get my wife a DSLR for Christmas, but not being real familiar with photography and cameras in general I figured I would ask some help.
I am torn between the Nikon D5000 and the Canon T1i. Both are great starter cameras, but I don't know which one will be easier for her as she dabbles in photography (mostly scenic and family pictures).
If I had the money I would get something better, but those are around our budget. I also thought about getting the older model Canon XSi saving a little and maybe putting it towards a better lens. I have no clue. I mean the video capabilities are a plus b/c who carries and extra video camera to events now-a-days.
Any help would be appreciated. Also if there are other brands you suggest I am open. Thanks.
- ok_not_ok0
Merry Christmas to the Wife!
- bigtrick0
they are both excellent cameras.
this might help though:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/…
- shinpo0
^ thanks, but all those specs are foreign to me. I don't know if the low numbers are good or if it's better to have high numbers in those categories like pixel density, iso rating, exposure compensation, etc
I guess if anyone could explain which is better in their opinion that would help
I really am a total newb in the realm of photography - so go easy on me
- ok_not_ok0
Go with the Canon. The lens are nice and more affordable than the Nikons. It also shoots 1080p HD video for those memorable moments with the kids or while making one.
- ItTango0
They're both fine and more a matter of taste than anything. Differences in cameras at that level are truly negligible. She'll enjoy either one.
- MHDC0
There are also really nice options to good cameras, not point and shoots, not slr either. Kinda middle of the road, will let her be artistic and control the shot, but smaller and much easier to carry around... in turn, use more often... such as the Lumix lx3 or Canon G10
People get all too hung up on "I wanna get a "good" camera, so that means SLR. Just throwing options out there mate.
- vaxorcist0
Ignore the numbers and go to a store and try them... the Nikon has a flip-out viewfinder, some people love this feature. The canon has slightly higher res video. Make sure you can exchange it without a restocking fee if she likes the other one better...
- utopian0
Canon EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR Camera, buying one right after Christmas.
- spookykat0
I had exactly the same dilemma two weeks ago. I chose the Nikon D5000 due to its price ($568) versus $700 for the T1i. My girlfriend bought the T1i and I would say it takes better pictures. The D5000 however has the flippable viewfinder thats great to have.
If i were you, I'd base my decision on having more or less of a budget. Both are very good starter cameras. You also might want to try it out before you buy one (it helps you get a feel of which style you like).
- sherman0
I just bought the D5000 on Sunday as it was $100 less then the Canon and it takes richer nature photos which is what I want to shoot.
- shinpo0
What about getting the older model XSi and getting some better lenses?
- dropdown0
I think it should be up to her. It's a very nice gift to be getting her, but it's the kind of thing she should be a part of. The grips feel different depending on her hand size. the menus are different and one may be less confusing to her. It's not the kind of thing you can just guess or assume you know what she'll like.
I say make her a camera out of cardboard wrap it up with a gift card and go shopping on boxing day together and get a great deal on the camera she is happy with.
- ItTango0
Just buy the camera, already!
Don't get any extra shit. Use the lens that comes with it and let her get to know her new toy. Once she gets a handle on what and how she likes to shoot, take the camera and go play with lenses and other stuff.
This is called "getting so caught up in your underwear that you can't get dressed".
- shinpo0
Sorry dropdown, I don't think I said it, but she is aware and likes either of those cameras. In fact, it was actually her that asked me if she should get the older one (XSi) either new or used and put the money we saved towards better lenses. But you are right it really should be the one she is most comfortable with b/c I am thinking the pictures will look mostly the same with either camera.
So go with the new or go with the old and better lenses?
- vaxorcist0
If she's camera-aware and wants XSI + better lenses, consider the standard lens + a 50 and/or switch the standard canon lens with a 28-135 IS... the wide lens options are limited without $$$.... Lenses are such a matter of individual taste, I love plain old prime F1.8 or f2.8 non-zoom lenses for the optical qualities and fast F-stops, but most newbies want as much zoom as possible, ignoring the hassles of F4-F5.6 and the optical tendency towards a certain flat lack of contrast unless you spend $$$. Many people equate "better lens" iwth "farther zoom" and get a 75-300, but find it hard to actually get good photos from, so they buy a flash and find flat flash zoom pictures and get on the gear treadmill rather than just shoot good images with simple stuff like a 50mm 1.8 and a few more footsteps........ sorry for the rant, but I've seen too many photographers too much stuff....
- EOS 85mm F1.8 is a total gem, even on a 1.6 canon bodyvaxorcist
- AngryMob0
Canon
- Gucci0
I can't say as I've seen many user-generated videos shot with DSLRs, but I myself would be inclined to buy one just for that feature alone. You know both the Nikon and the Canon are going to take high quality pictures, so I think it comes down to video vs. no video.
On the other hand, if you're cool buying a flip mini HD or something along those lines for video (down the road even) then I'd go with an older model and invest in some glass. Assuming you really want to shoot video, that is.
Glass is always a good investment. You know you'll use it down the road if you get another body anyway.
Start small, grow big.
- Laurent0
I might repeat myself....but all depends on the type of photos you will take.
You can get the most expensive camera in the world and take crap shots as you still need to have the knowledge of composition...etc You got it or you don't!A DSLR is great and better than a compact, of course.
Photography can be expensive - buy what you need - dont go overboard just because it is bigger.
Pixels and ISO are essential to get a good result...but the size of the sensor (full frame or not), is also to consider.
I would go for Canon rather than Nikon...but hey....buy what your Wife needs rather than what you want.
Hope that helps.
Merry Christmas!
- shinpo0
Thanks guys for all the input. We decided to go with Canon T1i and I put in my order just a few minutes ago.
I wanted you to know that with a discount from circuit city ($20), a cash back offer from bing(dot)com (13% or $91.70), and a $50 mail in rebate from canon ($50) the total out of picket money spent to buy this camera was $558.29. So we got the one that does video, has more megapixels and saved enough to still get a lens.
I found the deal on slickdeals(dot)net incase any of you frequent that site.
Again thanks for all the advice she is very excited and I think she will be very pleased.
- erikjonsson0
love my t1i