1100D vs 500D vs D3100. Sorry!

[ScottBass86]

Good evening,

I apologize for this, but I couldn't find a search bar! Please feel free to direct me to it. I do however have a question regarding my step up to DSLR's so if you'd indulge me that would be great.

Ideally I'm looking for something that will work well in Low Light, and good for Macro photographs. I'm not too fussed about video recording.

I've narrowed it down to three.

The first two links are the Canon 1100D with two different lens options.

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/83410/show.html
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/83412/show.html


Next is the Canon 500D with additional lens.

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/80640/show.html

and finally the Nikon D3100
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/78032/show.html

Hopefully, some of you will be familiar with the lenses specified and help me make an informed judgement. I have been in and held the three and I'm quite happy with them all - I'm just looking for some informed opinions.


Again,
Sorry if you get this all too often.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Nawty]

Hiya

Macro photography is all about the lens and to get one that will do proper macro you'll need to spend a bit more cash. Despite what the Tamron lens may say it is NOT in any way a macro lens, in fact it's pretty crap so I would steer free of it.

I don't know much about the 500D but it should be pretty capable but I wouldn't get it with the 75-300 lens, there are better options for cheaper (the Canon 55-250 for example).

The Nikon is a great camera, I'm really impressed by the one I've got at work and the kit lens is pretty damn good too.

The best advice really is to go to a shop and try them in your hands, how it feels is the most important thing as all modern cameras are more than good enough. Then, I would buy the camera and the kit lens and get used to using a DSLR, then you can decide on what you want next from a more informed opinion. Despite what tempting offers of other lenses you may be given I've yet to see one that is actually worth taking up and whatever you do, don't be conned into buying a UV or 'protection' filter.

edit: BTW, the search function is in the blue horizontal bar near the top of the forum.

 

[ScottBass86]

Thanks for that; I'm going to go in again Friday and have a chat with them.

Does anyone know how the 500D stacks up against the 1100D at all?

 

[andyred]

Hi Scott & welcome.

From the 2 canon bodies you've listed, i'd choose the 500D over the 1100D.

Can't help with the Nikon body as I'm very much Canon. What I would say is have a try with them in your hand and see which you like. You aren't just buying a camera, you are buying into a system, most people generally don't swap once they've bought a body - stick with Canon or Nikon etc.

I would not buy the 500D kit you shown here, the 75-300 is an old lens and in my view not a good one. I'd buy the 500D and 18-55 kit lens and then buy the 55-250IS lens. It's an absolute cracker and can be got new for around £140/150

Good luck