Camera Buff's.. Dig SLR help...

[CaliHwyPatrol]

I have the T1i, awesome camera!

 

[Sheep]

Well just looking over the basics of what was posted, I'm thinkin it'll likely come down to the Canon T1i and the Nikon D90 - more then enough camera for his needs and keep it at a decent price... with an decent extra zoom lens....

I guess we'll see what we can find when were shopping around...

The T1i is in line with the D5000 (my camera) the D90 is a step above.

The 7D is a waste of time, it's more camera then you're friend needs. That goes for the D300 as well.

To be perfectly honest, a D3000/D40X would be perfect for a starter. You can still take great photo's with them. If he wants more base features and room to grow, a 50D or D90 would be a good place to look.

And, if he's worried about lens prices, he really should think again about buying a DSLR. You pay for glass. Nikon has Cheap AF-S lenses (the so called, expensive ones) that will cover all the ranges he could want (BTW, the D90 will autofocus AF lenses, for the expensive lens argument is now moot). So does Canon. If he's really worried, Used glass is an option, and Nikon is more compatible with older lenses then Canon. This was a big buying feature for me.

SheepStar

 

[Warpdrv]

I would imagine that a little nicer camera would be the way to go, and have something to grow into... As far as glass goes, that is another gift giving opportunity.

Its not like she's hurtin for the money, and the years and years of support her family gave to her while she was over doing her duty for our country is something one can't put a price on - and thats how she feels...

 

[STRONGBADF1]

I would imagine that a little nicer camera would be the way to go, and have something to grow into... As far as glass goes, that is another gift giving opportunity.

Its not like she's hurtin for the money, and the years and years of support her family gave to her while she was over doing her duty for our country is something one can't put a price on - and thats how she feels...

I love her more and more every day!


I like Nikons myself. I'm not even an amateur but they seem to fit my hands better...

 

[GirgleMirt]

Uh, hello? D300S! I would go for the D90. Performs better then the competing brands cameras in the same price range, with lots of features. Not to mention Nikon's superior High ISO performance, which is extremely important for low light shooting. Not all of Nikon's lenses are expensive, the AF-S ones are, but you get better, fast, quieter focusing with them, money well spent.

SheepStar

You know what sucks? I was about to post a counter post a couple days ago, stating that the high ISO of Nikon isn't any better than Canon, but after doing some research, it turns out you're right. Which is really a shame, Canon wore that crown for very long time, then they went high MP to please the uninformed masses instead of focusing on what really makes better photographs. IMHO, 3 MP is a lot less important than ISO performance, and even at ISO 800 performance, which isn't ultra high, it's not that quite up to par. And that's what I find lacking with my XT and would like to improve (That and a better viewfinder), but no, more MP is more important for Canon...

I have all Canon gear, but I have to say I somewhat despise Canon. Even today, I'd have trouble upgrading my ancient XT for a Canon DSLR, seems like every model is lackluster or too expensive. Seems to me like they're really about squeezing the most out of the lemon as they say; giving as little as they can for as much as they can. Nikon in contrast seems to try to release great cameras. And that's somewhat sad, that in 5 years Canon hasn't released a body which made me go: "Wow, I'd really like to get that!". Well ok, there was the 5D, but again, even today it's 2700$ and would require me to get full frame glass... Something I'd gladly do if the body was 1/2 the price, but no way I'd spend 4000$ for a camera and a zoom... Even lenses, price/performance it seems like Sigma/Tamron very often has Canon beaten, once again, Canon doesn't seem too interested in releasing good bang for the buck products. Just riding its customers base and releasing expensive lenses, very often really not too impressive imho...

For example, which f2.8 standard zoom does Canon have? One, and it's 1000$... And image quality wise, it doesn't even leave Sigma's or Tamron's <500$ alternatives in the dust...

 

[serenity737]

I have been using Nikon's well before the dawn of the digital age. Their reputation for being rugged, having reliable exposure meters, and quality lenses is well-deserved.

Do be aware, more than ever these days, the technology of features of DSLRs is a marketing gimmick. Always, always the quality of the picture depends most on the creativity and artistic eye of the person behind the lens. So if you really want to give your girlfriend an excellent gift consider a DSLR - perhaps not the most expensive (the Nikon D40 is outstanding and light weight) - with a workshop or course in photography (especially focused on composition - the zone exposure method, etc).

Best,

Mike

 

[Ito]

Really I would say pick a brand and go from there.
I am a canon person and I love my canon, but the rest of my family shoots nikon (which sucks cause I can't get any hand-me-down lenses lol). Really, just pick the company you feel better with, I can't really say that I would have cared any one way or another if I had a nikon instead. Also, once you start buying lenses and accessories, you are pretty much stuck with that brand XD

 

[Sheep]

Really I would say pick a brand and go from there.
I am a canon person and I love my canon, but the rest of my family shoots nikon (which sucks cause I can't get any hand-me-down lenses lol). Really, just pick the company you feel better with, I can't really say that I would have cared any one way or another if I had a nikon instead. Also, once you start buying lenses and accessories, you are pretty much stuck with that brand XD

I'm sorry, but this is not a good way to go about this. You need to pick based on what you want to do. Nikon was the best choice for what I wanted.

Girgle,

You don't need to worry about whether or not my posts contain the truth. It's guaranteed, or your insults back!

SheepStar