Help Me!!!

[kilroy217]

I think what you should take away from Jimmy's comments is that the "higher end" camera is worth the added expense, not necessarily that canon is better than nikon. As people have said above, you'll never get a straight answer when it comes to that arguement.

Now, that being said, I personally would spend a little more on good glass (lenses), and get the cheaper body. You can always upgrade later if you get really into it, and want the added bells and whistles. FWIW, I started with a Nikon D40, got really into photography and later upgraded to a Nikon D90. I love the D90, and don't plan on getting a new body until that thing breaks. For now, I'm spending my photography money on better lenses.

 

[stevie-o]

the t2i also takes amazing video which i consider a +1

 

[Recty]

If you dont mind buying used, you've got a way there to get a good camera for less than it would cost you new. Check your local craigslist or ebay.

I used to use a Canon 50D before I upgraded to my 5D mkII, it was a great camera and did very well for reef/fish shots plus everything else. I believe I sold mine for about $700, it was in excellent condition and had about 30,000 shutter actuations, so it still have 70% of it's life left AT LEAST, if not more.

Anyway, buying used might be the thing for you to do right now, save some money, be able to spend that on a better lens and then sell the camera again in a couple years when you really know about photography and can buy the camera that you think best suits your needs and the type of photography you like to do.

 

[returnofsid]

I shoot Canon and shoot with a Canon 7D, along with various lenses.

However, I won't sit here and tell you that Canon is better than Nikon, because it's simply not true, or has too many variables to consider, before you can make such a statement.

I do think you're on the right track, limiting your search to EITHER Canon OR Nikon.

Go to a shop, hold both of them in your hands. Which feels the best? Which has the buttons that are easiest for YOUR fingers to access?

In your budget, both Cannon and Nikon make great consumer DSLRs. However, the camera BODY is the least of your concerns...lol. The Lens is what makes the difference! IMO, Canon lenses have a slight advantage, over Nikon lenses. Canon offers more options, I think. However, Nikon will be able to offer most anything you're ever interested in.

Keep in mind that a GOOD lens is going to cost MORE than the camera body. If you're specifically wanting your camera, for shots of your tank, you'll need a good Macro lens. In Macro lenses, Canon beats Nikon, hands down, IMO, with Canon's 100mm Macro.

Another thing to consider, in reef photography, is how "smart" the camera is. This becomes important, when the camera is trying to figure out our "blue" lights. I used to shoot with a Canon RebelXt. I had to custom white balance, for each of my 3 tanks, and tanks of friends, that I'd shoot.

Now, with the Canon 7D, I've not had to custom white balance yet, and have shot dozens of tanks. The 7D is several generations ahead of the Xt, and MUCH SMARTER, when it comes to figuring out our complicated lighting. Auto White Balance has been able to duplicate the accurate color, in many different tanks, with many different lighting configurations.

Both Nikon and Canon will offer similar bodies, with similar features, in your price range. The most important factor will be, Which feels best, in your hands.

 

[xtm]

Gabe,

What is your photography like? (ie what will you take pictures of?) When you invest on a DSLR, you have to look at the whole system and not just the body itself. For landscapes, most favor the Canon bodies for their high MP (more details for larger prints, ability to crop, etc). Sports and PJ shooters tend to gravitate towards the Nikon bodies due to their better AF system, and in some bodies, even high ISO capability. This is not to say that Canon or Nikon have exclusive uses - you can definitely shoot anything with them. This is just the general consensus among most pros in the field. You need to realize that there is no perfect system. You have to ask yourself what you will be shooting and what your budget is like. As already been said above, it's a great idea to borrow both bodies (from Canon and Nikon) and see which ergonomics you like better.

If you were to decide between a D3100/3000 vs a D90, I would take the D90 easily. It has TTL off camera flash commander, in-body, AF motor, bracketing, and front/rear dials are MAJOR features over the D3100/D3000 series. In fact if you can swing it, I would even say for a couple hundred bucks more you can get the new D7000 which has mindblowing high ISO, it's ridiculous, especially for a crop body.

If you want the absolute best bang for your buck, Adorama has the D3000 + 18-55 kit on sale for $374.
http://www.adorama.com/INKD3000KR.html then use the leftover money to get a Nikon 105VR lens and you're set. You get a nice entry level body, a nice all around kit lens, and a fast 2.8 PRO Macro LENS that is the 105VR. (that, or you can get the 55-200VR and a tripod)

 

[xtm]

IMO, Canon lenses have a slight advantage, over Nikon lenses. Canon offers more options, I think.

Like what? Both systems have their pros and cons. Canon has no answer for the Nikon 14-24 just like Nikon has no answer for the Canon 135L. Nikon is more expensive but have 5 yrs warranty vs. Canon's 1-year. CPS is easier to get to, NPS.. well, suck. lol.

Another thing to consider, in reef photography, is how "smart" the camera is. This becomes important, when the camera is trying to figure out our "blue" lights. I used to shoot with a Canon RebelXt. I had to custom white balance, for each of my 3 tanks, and tanks of friends, that I'd shoot.

Or simply shoot RAW and fix it in post

 

[jimmy_beaner]

I have Canon's 100mm f/2.8L macro. It's fabulous

 

[gabew]

Gabe,

What is your photography like? (ie what will you take pictures of?)

I'm thinking it will be a lot of tank photos. I think I will use it a lot for nature. Maybe some sports stuff. Really very general picture trackig. There is really no specific area I am big in right now simply because I have never had the camera to let me explore.

If you dont mind buying used, you've got a way there to get a good camera for less than it would cost you new. Check your local craigslist or ebay.

I will almost certainly but used to let me save some money. I found this great seller on ebay selling all sorts or refurbished stuff for great prices.

Again looks like the top comment here is to actually hold the cameras to see what they feel like before I chose one or the other. Also lots of you are saying lenses are the biggest part of the system. I will start looking into lenses once I chose body.

 

[Brett9917]

I will almost certainly but used to let me save some money. I found this great seller on ebay selling all sorts or refurbished stuff for great prices.

I actually bought my D90 refurbished from a seller on ebay. I haven't had any problems with it.

 

[jimmy_beaner]

For tank pictures, a Macro lens will probably be your best bet. With that said, a 100mm Macro lens (for instance) wouldn't be as great of a lens for sports. (At least the Canon version focuses too slowly, though changing the setting to > 0.5 meters helps a lot). Different lenses serve different purposes better than others. I would hate having to stand 3 feet away from my tank to attempt to get shots due to minimum focusing distance. Plus, the shots I get with the macro simply aren't possible with traditional lenses I own.

 

[aquadventure]

XTM thanks for the information. I am looking to get started with some photography but not ready to shell out $1000. Going to check out website