Camera opinions sought on low end digital SLR
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Good morning CPiains. My wife and I recently borrowed a 450D, and rather liked the results. The images were a LOT nicer that my pocket snapper. I wasn't surprised they were better, but it wasn;t a tiddly bit. Now we're persuaded to go up a stage, and I'm looking at the Nikon D3100[^], and the Canon EOS 550D[^] We have no lenses, and no brand loyalty. Some video ability would be great (hence these two), but it's not the raison d'etre. I'm also not about to start my own photographic studio, hence looking at the ~£500 mark, not the ~£1000. I am interested in good photos in bad lighting - my little snapper is rubbish at evening photos... Do you have any alternates I should be looking at? Is the Canon worth the 50% higher price? Are you a happy owner? Iain.
I am one of "those foreigners coming over here and stealing our jobs". Yay me!
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Good morning CPiains. My wife and I recently borrowed a 450D, and rather liked the results. The images were a LOT nicer that my pocket snapper. I wasn't surprised they were better, but it wasn;t a tiddly bit. Now we're persuaded to go up a stage, and I'm looking at the Nikon D3100[^], and the Canon EOS 550D[^] We have no lenses, and no brand loyalty. Some video ability would be great (hence these two), but it's not the raison d'etre. I'm also not about to start my own photographic studio, hence looking at the ~£500 mark, not the ~£1000. I am interested in good photos in bad lighting - my little snapper is rubbish at evening photos... Do you have any alternates I should be looking at? Is the Canon worth the 50% higher price? Are you a happy owner? Iain.
I am one of "those foreigners coming over here and stealing our jobs". Yay me!
Iain, I've been using Canons for more than 20 years and I am on my third EOS (it's a 450D). I have to say I am more than happy with all their kit and do believe it is worth the premium. I know Nikon fans who will say the same. I think it comes down to which of the two you find most usable.
Panic, Chaos, Destruction. My work here is done. Drink. Get drunk. Fall over - P O'H OK, I will win to day or my name isn't Ethel Crudacre! - DD Ethel Crudacre I cannot live by bread alone. Bacon and ketchup are needed as well. - Trollslayer Have a bit more patience with newbies. Of course some of them act dumb - they're often *students*, for heaven's sake - Terry Pratchett
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Good morning CPiains. My wife and I recently borrowed a 450D, and rather liked the results. The images were a LOT nicer that my pocket snapper. I wasn't surprised they were better, but it wasn;t a tiddly bit. Now we're persuaded to go up a stage, and I'm looking at the Nikon D3100[^], and the Canon EOS 550D[^] We have no lenses, and no brand loyalty. Some video ability would be great (hence these two), but it's not the raison d'etre. I'm also not about to start my own photographic studio, hence looking at the ~£500 mark, not the ~£1000. I am interested in good photos in bad lighting - my little snapper is rubbish at evening photos... Do you have any alternates I should be looking at? Is the Canon worth the 50% higher price? Are you a happy owner? Iain.
I am one of "those foreigners coming over here and stealing our jobs". Yay me!
I'm more then content with my EOS 7D, but that is out of your price range, however I did take pictures with a Nikon (don't know the number), but had the impression it wasn't good with white balancing, however this is like comparing apples with oranges. A good site for comparing cameras you can find here[^] Hope this helps.
V.
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Iain, I've been using Canons for more than 20 years and I am on my third EOS (it's a 450D). I have to say I am more than happy with all their kit and do believe it is worth the premium. I know Nikon fans who will say the same. I think it comes down to which of the two you find most usable.
Panic, Chaos, Destruction. My work here is done. Drink. Get drunk. Fall over - P O'H OK, I will win to day or my name isn't Ethel Crudacre! - DD Ethel Crudacre I cannot live by bread alone. Bacon and ketchup are needed as well. - Trollslayer Have a bit more patience with newbies. Of course some of them act dumb - they're often *students*, for heaven's sake - Terry Pratchett
Me too, I also have a 450D and I am really happy with it. I prefer Canon, don't like the touch'n'feel of Nikon, but some friends of mine prefer Niko, so it's really a personal thing.
"I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by." (DNA)
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Good morning CPiains. My wife and I recently borrowed a 450D, and rather liked the results. The images were a LOT nicer that my pocket snapper. I wasn't surprised they were better, but it wasn;t a tiddly bit. Now we're persuaded to go up a stage, and I'm looking at the Nikon D3100[^], and the Canon EOS 550D[^] We have no lenses, and no brand loyalty. Some video ability would be great (hence these two), but it's not the raison d'etre. I'm also not about to start my own photographic studio, hence looking at the ~£500 mark, not the ~£1000. I am interested in good photos in bad lighting - my little snapper is rubbish at evening photos... Do you have any alternates I should be looking at? Is the Canon worth the 50% higher price? Are you a happy owner? Iain.
I am one of "those foreigners coming over here and stealing our jobs". Yay me!
Been very happy with Canon (450D) as my father-in-law is with his Nikons. Having tried both I prefer the feel of the Canon but that is purely subjective: both take excellent pictures.
"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." Red Adair. nils illegitimus carborundum me, me, me
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Good morning CPiains. My wife and I recently borrowed a 450D, and rather liked the results. The images were a LOT nicer that my pocket snapper. I wasn't surprised they were better, but it wasn;t a tiddly bit. Now we're persuaded to go up a stage, and I'm looking at the Nikon D3100[^], and the Canon EOS 550D[^] We have no lenses, and no brand loyalty. Some video ability would be great (hence these two), but it's not the raison d'etre. I'm also not about to start my own photographic studio, hence looking at the ~£500 mark, not the ~£1000. I am interested in good photos in bad lighting - my little snapper is rubbish at evening photos... Do you have any alternates I should be looking at? Is the Canon worth the 50% higher price? Are you a happy owner? Iain.
I am one of "those foreigners coming over here and stealing our jobs". Yay me!
Iain, I've had a few EOS D-SLR, currently got a 400D and 500D. I use the 400 D mostly for sub-aqua work as I don't want to stump up the vast readies it would take to get a new husing... In my opinion both are excellent and work really well. One thing I would say is that its worth spending good money on a suitable lens....
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Iain, I've had a few EOS D-SLR, currently got a 400D and 500D. I use the 400 D mostly for sub-aqua work as I don't want to stump up the vast readies it would take to get a new husing... In my opinion both are excellent and work really well. One thing I would say is that its worth spending good money on a suitable lens....
Rhuros wrote:
its worth spending good money on a suitable lens
Excellent point.
"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." Red Adair. nils illegitimus carborundum me, me, me
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Good morning CPiains. My wife and I recently borrowed a 450D, and rather liked the results. The images were a LOT nicer that my pocket snapper. I wasn't surprised they were better, but it wasn;t a tiddly bit. Now we're persuaded to go up a stage, and I'm looking at the Nikon D3100[^], and the Canon EOS 550D[^] We have no lenses, and no brand loyalty. Some video ability would be great (hence these two), but it's not the raison d'etre. I'm also not about to start my own photographic studio, hence looking at the ~£500 mark, not the ~£1000. I am interested in good photos in bad lighting - my little snapper is rubbish at evening photos... Do you have any alternates I should be looking at? Is the Canon worth the 50% higher price? Are you a happy owner? Iain.
I am one of "those foreigners coming over here and stealing our jobs". Yay me!
I have been thinking of choosing one between the SAME EXACT models Nikon D5100 and Canon EOS 550D for the past few weeks. Finally, I decided to go with the Canon EOS 550D. My decision is purely based on what I felt was better. To decide, I went to a nearby store and got a "feel" of both cameras, and I somehow liked the ergonomics of the canon because it felt nicer in my hands. I took some photos with both cameras, and to my eyes they looked nearly the same, although I liked the images produced by canon by a tiny bit better (don't know why - I'm not a photography expert). Here's a dpreview sideby side comparison (another user already pointed out the site to you): http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=nikon_d3100&products=canon_eos550d&sortDir=ascending[^] You mentioned about video - they both are capable of recording video in full HD format, in stereo. The canon has more megapixels (although the sensor size is a tiny bit smaller than that of the nikon). I was told by the experts that I cannot possibly go wrong with either cameras, and that they're both offering excellent bang for the buck. I'll be buying mine in a couple of weeks.
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
modified on Monday, June 20, 2011 6:42 AM
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I have been thinking of choosing one between the SAME EXACT models Nikon D5100 and Canon EOS 550D for the past few weeks. Finally, I decided to go with the Canon EOS 550D. My decision is purely based on what I felt was better. To decide, I went to a nearby store and got a "feel" of both cameras, and I somehow liked the ergonomics of the canon because it felt nicer in my hands. I took some photos with both cameras, and to my eyes they looked nearly the same, although I liked the images produced by canon by a tiny bit better (don't know why - I'm not a photography expert). Here's a dpreview sideby side comparison (another user already pointed out the site to you): http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=nikon_d3100&products=canon_eos550d&sortDir=ascending[^] You mentioned about video - they both are capable of recording video in full HD format, in stereo. The canon has more megapixels (although the sensor size is a tiny bit smaller than that of the nikon). I was told by the experts that I cannot possibly go wrong with either cameras, and that they're both offering excellent bang for the buck. I'll be buying mine in a couple of weeks.
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
modified on Monday, June 20, 2011 6:42 AM
Rajesh R Subramanian wrote:
I liked the images produced by canon by a tiny bit better (don't know why - I'm not a photography expert).
Comparison of image quality is very subjective, so you should go with what you like better.
Software Zen:
delete this; -
Good morning CPiains. My wife and I recently borrowed a 450D, and rather liked the results. The images were a LOT nicer that my pocket snapper. I wasn't surprised they were better, but it wasn;t a tiddly bit. Now we're persuaded to go up a stage, and I'm looking at the Nikon D3100[^], and the Canon EOS 550D[^] We have no lenses, and no brand loyalty. Some video ability would be great (hence these two), but it's not the raison d'etre. I'm also not about to start my own photographic studio, hence looking at the ~£500 mark, not the ~£1000. I am interested in good photos in bad lighting - my little snapper is rubbish at evening photos... Do you have any alternates I should be looking at? Is the Canon worth the 50% higher price? Are you a happy owner? Iain.
I am one of "those foreigners coming over here and stealing our jobs". Yay me!
Iain Clarke, Warrior Programmer wrote:
Is the Canon worth the 50% higher price?
Yes, if it's going to double as a video camera. If it's stills only and you are never going to use it for taking videos then the answer is no. BTW, I went through a similar Nikon D3100 vs Canon EOS 550D comparison last month and finally settled on the EOS 550D.
Und wenn du lange in einen abgrund blickst, blickt der Abgrund auch in dich hinein.
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Rajesh R Subramanian wrote:
I liked the images produced by canon by a tiny bit better (don't know why - I'm not a photography expert).
Comparison of image quality is very subjective, so you should go with what you like better.
Software Zen:
delete this; -
Good morning CPiains. My wife and I recently borrowed a 450D, and rather liked the results. The images were a LOT nicer that my pocket snapper. I wasn't surprised they were better, but it wasn;t a tiddly bit. Now we're persuaded to go up a stage, and I'm looking at the Nikon D3100[^], and the Canon EOS 550D[^] We have no lenses, and no brand loyalty. Some video ability would be great (hence these two), but it's not the raison d'etre. I'm also not about to start my own photographic studio, hence looking at the ~£500 mark, not the ~£1000. I am interested in good photos in bad lighting - my little snapper is rubbish at evening photos... Do you have any alternates I should be looking at? Is the Canon worth the 50% higher price? Are you a happy owner? Iain.
I am one of "those foreigners coming over here and stealing our jobs". Yay me!
If you can afford just a bit more I'd recommend the EOS 600D with the articulating LCD screen - very useful.
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If you can afford just a bit more I'd recommend the EOS 600D with the articulating LCD screen - very useful.
Just like computers, and cars... there's always a great reason to spend "just a little bit more", until you've doubled the price! And I am very weak against it... Iain ps, Mind you, it really is only a little bit more... (but it's extra weight)
I am one of "those foreigners coming over here and stealing our jobs". Yay me!
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If you can afford just a bit more I'd recommend the EOS 600D with the articulating LCD screen - very useful.
viaducting wrote:
articulating LCD screen - very useful
Only useful if you are a narcissist who's going to be taking an insane amount of self portraits. I had a look at the EOS 600D as well. Frankly, not worth the extra expense.
Und wenn du lange in einen abgrund blickst, blickt der Abgrund auch in dich hinein.
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Just like computers, and cars... there's always a great reason to spend "just a little bit more", until you've doubled the price! And I am very weak against it... Iain ps, Mind you, it really is only a little bit more... (but it's extra weight)
I am one of "those foreigners coming over here and stealing our jobs". Yay me!
I ruled out the 600d off the reckoning, because it's not worth the extra money just to get that flashy articulated screen. Opinions differ though.
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
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Good morning CPiains. My wife and I recently borrowed a 450D, and rather liked the results. The images were a LOT nicer that my pocket snapper. I wasn't surprised they were better, but it wasn;t a tiddly bit. Now we're persuaded to go up a stage, and I'm looking at the Nikon D3100[^], and the Canon EOS 550D[^] We have no lenses, and no brand loyalty. Some video ability would be great (hence these two), but it's not the raison d'etre. I'm also not about to start my own photographic studio, hence looking at the ~£500 mark, not the ~£1000. I am interested in good photos in bad lighting - my little snapper is rubbish at evening photos... Do you have any alternates I should be looking at? Is the Canon worth the 50% higher price? Are you a happy owner? Iain.
I am one of "those foreigners coming over here and stealing our jobs". Yay me!
Iain, I recently purchased the Nikon D5000, similar features and am still discovering it but absolutely love it. When I researched before buying mine they both had the features I wanted but like the look and feel of the Nikon better. Another selling feature was that I had a film Nikon before this one and took a lot of photos with it and really liked it.
"Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forward." Kierkegaard, Søren
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viaducting wrote:
articulating LCD screen - very useful
Only useful if you are a narcissist who's going to be taking an insane amount of self portraits. I had a look at the EOS 600D as well. Frankly, not worth the extra expense.
Und wenn du lange in einen abgrund blickst, blickt der Abgrund auch in dich hinein.
Or if you want to take images low down without lying in wet grass, or take pictures holding the camera above your head, or (in my case) with the camera attached to a movable piece of equipment the articulated screen lets you frame the shot and focus without having to stand on a step-ladder or kneel down for long periods. Et cetera et cetera. There are many uses for the articulated screen which don't involve self-portraits.
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I ruled out the 600d off the reckoning, because it's not worth the extra money just to get that flashy articulated screen. Opinions differ though.
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
It is absolutely worth it if you want to take pictures in situations where holding the camera to your eye is very inconvenient (see my reply below).
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It is absolutely worth it if you want to take pictures in situations where holding the camera to your eye is very inconvenient (see my reply below).
The articulated screen would be of good use in situations that you describe. However, my opinion is that the premium I pay for that little screen is not worth it. If it were a reasonable amount of money, I'd opt for it. But like I said, opinions differ.
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
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I ruled out the 600d off the reckoning, because it's not worth the extra money just to get that flashy articulated screen. Opinions differ though.
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
I have not used the articulating screen on the DSLR bodies (I shoot currently with the 40D, and it wasn't available on these), but when I had my little G2, I LOVED it! Overhead shots, low angle shots, and the occasional family/self-portrait made it very much worth the little bit extra.
Matt Newby President, Matt Newby Enterprises, Inc. matt@mattnewby.com
