Help Me!!!

[gabew]

Help me!!! My head is about to explode from all the different cameras out there. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Ok let me back up a sec, I am currently trying to chose which camera to buy for my first DSLR and there are SO many choices with SO many different features for SO many different prices out there. To keep things a little bit simpler I am focusing only on Nikon and Canon cameras. I think I have narrowed it down to four models, two for each brand, two higher end models, and two lower end models. My budget here is $1000 so by "higher end" I the best you can get for under $1000. So first for the two higher end models I was either thinking the Nikon D90 or the Canon T3i. They are both $900 so at the very top of my price range. For the lower models I was either thinking the Nikon D3100 or the Canon T1i. They are both $700-$750 so they are easier on the wallet.

So my question is which would you go with? Are the higher end models really worth the extra money? Is Nikon or Canon better? What features are really useful and what ones don't help to much? And if these aren't the cameras you would chose what are?

Thank you so much for all your help. Just upgrading from a P&S here so any advice at all would be awesome.

 

[Misled]

I'll chip in from the Nikon side. IMO the higher end is worth the extra, but you need to go hold the cameras first. The D90 is larger and heavier. It will also auto focus on older AF lenses, the 3100 won't.

 

[jbird69]

The other downside to the d3100 is it does not have HDR mode. With that said, its a fantastic camera, probably the best bang for your buck dslr on the market. You can do manual HDR easily and theres tons of modern lenses with AF motors built in.

 

[Brett9917]

I just upgraded from a D40 to a D90 and I love it! I will agree with Misled, it is bulkier than the D3100, but now having had it since the new year, I hardly notice the difference. In fact, I was just messing around with my D40 and I thought how small it was...

The auto focus on the body was a big reason why I made the step up actually.

 

[Misled]

My old D40 on the right, and My D200 on the left. The D200 has the battery pack on it also, but you can see the difference.

 

[jimmy_beaner]

Thus far, you've gotten only Nikon suggestions. I will suggest one that isn't on your list... the Canon T2i. Now that the T3i is out, it should be a bit cheaper than it was originally. The T3i isn't really much of an improvement over the T2i.

First thing you must realize... Nikon fanboys and Canon fanboys will adamantly stick to their products. Some people that realize there are good merits to both will approach it a bit more objectively. I had the Nikon D3000, and upgraded to the Canon T2i (made the switch last summer). It was night and day difference. I will admit I've never shot with the D3100. The T2i absolutely obliterates the D3000 (and I realize they're very likely not considered in the same "class" as the T2i is a lot more expensive).

With that said, both cameras will be a significant upgrade from a point and shoot. One thing you'll want to consider are lens offerings. The lens frequently makes as much (if not more) difference than the camera you choose. Things like minimum focus distance, aperture, clarity (sharpness) are all things you'll want to consider.

This was taken handheld with the Canon T2i, 100mm f/2.8 L Macro, 580EXII flash. The lens is a silly nice lens (due to large aperture and VERY good clarity), the flash also helps a ton.

Macro lenses are terrific for tank shots as you can get nice and close to the subject.

And extra light always helps as well. BTW, there is no extra sharpening to this picture.

 

[Misled]

So I must comment on what Jimmy said. First, I commented on cameras I personally have owned and not on a camera I haven't. I didn't comment on Canon products because I've never owned one. The comment on one camera obliterating another, really isn't true. Any DSLR with a good lens and a knowledgeable person behind it can take a good picture. The extre features are what you pay for.

 

[jimmy_beaner]

So I must comment on what Jimmy said. First, I commented on cameras I personally have owned and not on a camera I haven't. I didn't comment on Canon products because I've never owned one. The comment on one camera obliterating another, really isn't true. Any DSLR with a good lens and a knowledgeable person behind it can take a good picture. The extre features are what you pay for.

Shoots movies 1080p @ 30fps vs None
Shoots Full HD (1080p) video as well as still pictures

Screen resolution Much higher resolution screen 1,040k dots vs 230k dots
More than 4.5x higher resolution screen

Low light performance Lower noise at high ISO 784 ISO vs 563 ISO
The T2i has a slight edge (0.5 f-stops) in low noise, high ISO performance

Lens focus motor Has a built-in focus motor Yes vs No
Autofocuses with all autofocus lenses

Live view Has live view Yes vs No
Preview your photos on the camera's screen before taking them

Overall image quality Better image quality 66.0 vs 62.0
Around 10% better image quality

True resolution Much higher true resolution 17.9 MP vs 10 MP
Capture around 80% more detail in your photos

Dynamic range More dynamic range 11.5 EV vs 11.1 EV
0.5 f-stops more dynamic range

Light sensitivity Better maximum light sensitivity 6,400 ISO vs 1,600 ISO
The T2i's maximum light sensitivity is 2 f-stops better

Sensor type Has a CMOS-family sensor CMOS vs CCD
CMOS-family sensors often produce better quality images

Continuous shooting Shoots faster 3.7 fps vs 3 fps
More than 20% faster continuous shooting

Viewfinder size Slightly larger viewfinder 0.54x vs 0.52x
Around 10% larger viewfinder

Light sensitivity (boost) Better boost ISO 12,800 ISO vs 3,200 ISO
The T2i's boost ISO is 2 f-stops better

Thickness Slightly thinner 2.4" vs 2.5"
Almost the same

I hope that copied in well...
Otherwise: http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS_Rebel_T2i-vs-Nikon_D3000

That's just the first google result for "Nikon D3000 vs. Canon T2i". The T2i "obliterates" it in camera terms. For someone that is brand new to photography, perhaps not. Also, I did make mention of the lens being critical. If we're talking about "good" pictures, a point and shoot can provide "good" pictures. I commented on the D3000 vs. the T2i (both cameras I've owned and used fairly extensively). In fact, I have a full size print from the D3000 on the wall behind me. However, I know if that same shot were done with the T2i, it would've come out better. Again, I didn't comment on the D3100, but making the argument that the D3000 is "equivalent" to the T2i isn't an argument that has much merit.

 

[IPT]

Canon all the way!! Kidding, sort of . I am a Canon user and see no reason to go Nikon. The truth is I went with Canon because back in the day and my price range of the time they had mirror lockup and Nikon didn't. Once you invest in lenses it makes it hard to make the change. Canon from what I know has a slightly better and less costly lens line up. Nikon may have the edge on low noise at high ISO.

You really do need to hold a camera in your hand. They feel very different. I shoot a pro body most of the time and at first I thought "what did I do!". It is HUGE. Like has been said though I got used to it quiickly and now anything else seems tiny and hard to handle.

This is like the Ford Chevy thing. Both will get you where you want to go. It's really more about the driver. Not to up to speed about the latest Canon offerings but really you can't go wrong. Realize you are better budgeting money toward lenses from the get go than a high end body. Glass will stay with you from body to body over the years. The lens is the most important part (besides technique) when it comes to sharp images with good coloration and contrast.

Enough said - good luck!

 

[Misled]

So I looked at the link. For 150 more, the canon "does" have better features. What it says about image quality isn't going to come into effect until you begin blowing up images to a fairly large size, and it still won't make that much difference. Even my D200 doesn't have alot of those features, but to say it obliterates the other camera is wrong. Besides that, the 3100 is different than the 3000. I can't say for sure how good or bad the 3100 is. I've never used one. The thing is, it doesn't matter. Any competent person can take good pics with "ANY" DSLR.

 

[Misled]

So I went and got some specs from The B&H website for the 3100.

14.2MP DX Sensor
3" LCD
Live View
HD 1080p Video w/ Sound & Autofocus
11-point Autofocus
3 Frames per Second Shooting
ISO 100 to 3200 (Expand to 12800-Hi2)
Self Cleaning Sensor
EXPEED 2, Image Processing Engine
Scene Recognition System

That's just the quick product info, but kinda makes the bit above a wash except for the MP's.

To the OP, that being said, you need to go put the cameras in your hands. You will be the one using it, and if it isn't comfortable, you won't use it. I personally don't care which brand or camera you buy. Also as I've said, it isn't the camera, it's the good lenses and the person behind the camera.

And Louis, personally I think noise on high ISO on my D200 really sucks, but that's just me.

Also if you look in the Birds thread, towards the end you'll see pics with a P&S that are amazing. I have one, (well really it's the wife's), that I take when I don't want to carry the big pro body. The G series Canon's are super sweet!!!!

 

[IPT]

To the OP, that being said, you need to go put the cameras in your hands. You will be the one using it, and if it isn't comfortable, you won't use it. I personally don't care which brand or camera you buy. Also as I've said, it isn't the camera, it's the good lenses and the person behind the camera.

I agree with Jesse 100%.

Really, on the noise? It's been a while since I've looked at a (camera) body )) so I might be out of the loop.

 

[Misled]

I had always hears the same thing, but don't seem to get it. I've seen some of the high ISO on Pentax and was really blown away. Nikon may be better with the newer bodies, (the D200 is quite out of the loop now also).

All that being said, Ive been looking for another body to keep from changing lenses while out in the field. I'll most likely end up with the 3100 to keep the excess weight down. Still not sure though. If I can get the Mrs. to carry a D90, I'll be happy!!!!! :lol:

 

[gabew]

Thanks a ton guys.

I am hoping I will be able to get to a camera store this weekend to try out some of these for myself as you suggested. Otherwise looks like I got more of an argument ten an answer. I was kind of expecting that with the whole Canon vs. Nikon thing it is impossible to get a straight answer anyways.

 

[IPT]

Thanks a ton guys.

I am hoping I will be able to get to a camera store this weekend to try out some of these for myself as you suggested. Otherwise looks like I got more of an argument ten an answer. I was kind of expecting that with the whole Canon vs. Nikon thing it is impossible to get a straight answer anyways.

Ah, there is no "straight answers" about this topic. Very subjective my friend.

 

[Misled]

What Louis said. Like I said in my earlier posts. The body really doesn't matter. Some bodies have more bells and whistles and that's what adds to the cost. Also if you buy used, you can normally get the next better body, because most want the new next best thing. I don't shoot video with mine and don't think I ever will, so that doesn't matter to me. I don't shoot my tank because I have a curved glass and it distorts images. I do shoot bugs. Here's one to give you some perspective.

Looking at both images, you can't tell which "brand" of camera took which. That's the point. It's what "feels" better in your hands, and which controls feel more comfortable for you to operate. You'll only get straight answers on Nikon or Canon forums. Both answers will most likely be wrong.

 

[jbird69]

If you really want the cutting edge of low noise/high ISO with all the bells and whistles, This is the one you want.....Start saving

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond3s/

I know a guy whos got this body and it performs as advertised...unreal!

 

[jimmy_beaner]

Again, if you're going to spend the money, you may as well get the "bells and whistles". Also, look at the lens offerings and the cost of lenses (as well as other possible accessories). The best things to help my aquarium shooting (in order): 1) very nice flash unit, 2) 100mm f/2.8L Macro lens, 3) T2i.
Also, some of us have been into photography for a little while (longer than fish for me). I'm relatively new to taking fish pictures, but take shots like:

handheld all the time. Feel free to shoot over to a photography forum (probably shouldn't link another forum in this forum... but I have a good one that I learned a ton on) to ask the question about models of cameras as they are likely to be more knowledgeable about cameras. Some of the "bells and whistles" make the difference between getting shots you keep and shots you throw away. I came back from a 3 week course in Yellowstone and got rid of the D3000 because of its performance. I took tons of pictures and ended up keeping a handful. While it's a capable camera most of the time, I don't want to worry about the situations where it falls short... such as when the sun is preparing to go down in a forest while trying to sneak up on a great gray owl. The T2i has good enough high ISO performance to get that shot, whereas the D3000 didn't. As a result, I have a picture with a bit of camera shake. I'm making the assumption that you don't wish to buy a camera just for fish pictures, nor wish to use it on a tripod all the time.

 

[gabew]

If you really want the cutting edge of low noise/high ISO with all the bells and whistles, This is the one you want.....Start saving

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond3s/

I know a guy whos got this body and it performs as advertised...unreal!

Ummmmmm... In my dreams!

Thanks again everyone. So it looks like the higher end models are worth the money then. So it is either the D90 the T3i or I am also hearing the T2i is good as well. Like I said i will try t get to a camera store soon, maybe check out a photography forum as well.

 

[jimmy_beaner]

Ummmmmm... In my dreams!

Thanks again everyone. So it looks like the higher end models are worth the money then. So it is either the D90 the T3i or I am also hearing the T2i is good as well. Like I said i will try t get to a camera store soon, maybe check out a photography forum as well.

I'm not saying you *should* go Canon over Nikon... but those "goodies" will make photography a lot more fun. Whatever you decide to do, you should compare your camera to something "similar" to see if the extra money is worth it. The T3i doesn't carry hardly any upgrades over the T2i, and the fact that the T3i is out now should mean the T2i has a price drop.