1st DSLR two options

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Hey guys,

Looking for some advice here.

I am hoping to step up from my Fuji S8000 to a DSLR.

First thing is, the options I have are limited as I am getting substantial discount on the camera which I choose through a mobile phone site. Whilst I can appreciate there may be other alternatives, I would be grateful for advice relating to just these two models.

The choice is either a Nikon D3000 or the Sony Alpha A380.

The cost difference is negligible and from a personal point of view I will at first use just the basic lens and will likely buy an additional zoom lens in the future.

Whilst I want to improve my photography skills, I probably won't be splashing out on any other equipment so cost differences between model upgrades and equipment is largely irrelevant.

I know I will have to test out the comfort of handling both models but I don't envisage this being an issue.

What I'd like to know is what the cameras are like to use, which produces higher quality shots?

Is 14.2mp vs 10.2mp really going to be noticeable? I won't be printing very large photos.

Are there any 'essential' features which one has that the other doesn't?

Anything else you can help on will be appreciated.

Thanks very much, JJ.
 
MP's are important, but they aren't the be all and end all!!

Important things the Sony has is the tilt screen for Liveview (can be handy for some, although I've never needed it), and the in body Image Stabilisation which means you can use ANY AF lens and you'll have IS. If you want IS with the Nikon you'll have to buy often expensive "VR" lenses.

With the sony you'll have a huge catalouge of older Minolta AF lenses which can be great value sometimes.

I think overall, Sony cameras are better value. You get more features for your money. Sony's are sometimes seen as a Jack of all trades DSLR brand but I think they are very underated. Some would argue that with the Nikon you are buying better quality but I given both my Sony's hell sometimes, and I've never had a problem (touch wood!) with either. I've even had one fall off a tripod (over 1.5 metres high!) and it carried on like nothing had happened, not a single mark on it!!

I think the most important thing you can do is handle the cameras and see which feels better in your hands. I doubt you'd be disapointed with either tbh!
 
Well I would consider where you think your photography will go..... If just an occasional hobby then maybe go with Sony. However if like me you get the bug big time I would go with Nikon (preferably Canon ;) ) as the available Glass and accessories far out strip that available from Sony.. Plus if you really get into it the bodies are superior to those from Sony IMO....

Just my opinion and that is from a Canon user (not in your choices)


SORRY TO ALL SONY USERS... It is just my opinion
 
as above - nikon, as future glass/bodies choice is better
 
You say your get a big discount BUT is it?
What price are they discounting if the MRRP then you not kow how good it is. Might be a marketing thing to look like it
What prices have you been given you can get lots of good prices what is your budget?
 
The Nikon's probably the better option over the long term if you're likely to take your photography on for years to come.
 
Wow thanks for all the responses.

Slimbert - that is certainly worth noting regarding the IS, I hadn't really thought about that, though I don't think it'll be a massive issue as I don't anticipate have more than a few lenses.

I must admit I am/was biased to Nikon as a brand compared to Sony and if the option was there, probably Canon as you mentioned Pete W.
Pete, I must say I don't know that I will be going 'that' far with photography, I have proved that I am an occasional user, for the moment at least. In the event I become a fanatic I'd probably sell it (and few accessories) to change to Canon or stay with Nikon - though this would be some way off I think.

StrumStrum I think the Nikon has a live view... it doesn't say explicitly on the list I looked at but I would have thought it would.... I will check it out before I make my decision.

Seems there is a fairly balanced response between cameras at the moment so hopefully I can't make too big a mistake!


Chaz Photos it is a big discount and I can only get these fortunately / unfortunately however you look at it - being indecisive, it has helped narrow my options!

With a new phone contract the Nikon will cost me £70 and the Sony £90. Yes I know I pay for it in the contract price but I would be paying it regardless... so it is practically free really :)

Thanks for all your input so far, it has got me thinking...
 
I agree that the Sony range of lenses is a bit behind Canon and Nikon, but give them chance. Don't forget the Sony DSLR brand hasn't been about that long (even though it used to be Minolta) and so obviously they will have some catching up to do!

Sony own a decent chunk of Tamron shares which goes some way to prove how serious they are. Also over the last couple of years Sony have gained a lot of market share especially with entry level DSLRs (A200 sold loads!) so if you want to look ahead, I think Sony will be much better for the Pros in say 5 years time, than they are at the moment.

In short, if you are going Pro now, Nikon/Canon would be the ones to go for, otherwise I'd go for the Sony as it's a more well rounded entry level DSLR, asuming it fits well in your hand.

PS: the D3000 doesn't have liveview or the tilt screen
 
I agree that the Sony range of lenses is a bit behind Canon and Nikon, but give them chance. Don't forget the Sony DSLR brand hasn't been about that long (even though it used to be Minolta) and so obviously they will have some catching up to do!

Sony own a decent chunk of Tamron shares which goes some way to prove how serious they are. Also over the last couple of years Sony have gained a lot of market share especially with entry level DSLRs (A200 sold loads!) so if you want to look ahead, I think Sony will be much better for the Pros in say 5 years time, than they are at the moment.

In short, if you are going Pro now, Nikon/Canon would be the ones to go for, otherwise I'd go for the Sony as it's a more well rounded entry level DSLR, asuming it fits well in your hand.

PS: the D3000 doesn't have liveview or the tilt screen
Thanks again for your input Slimbert, I'm certainly not going pro just yet so the Sony may well be sufficient for my needs.

Liveview is a feature I use regularly on the S8000 so maybe it is worth holding onto that.... I will give it further thought before taking the plunge.

Much appreciated guys, thanks :D
 
Sony is really big in dSLR market now. It is just as valid choice as N/C. My view is Sony is a midrange model with image stabilisation and better sensor. Nikon is only an entry level, so I'd go for Sony and shop around for good lens afterwards.
 
My only advice i can give being very new to photogeaphy that a few people gave me when looking for a camera was
"canon or nickon and forget the rest"

now after many weeks looking through magazines and this forum it seems to be the case, seems to me most if not nearly everyone on here uses either canon or nickon for what ever reason
 
With a new phone contract the Nikon will cost me £70 and the Sony £90. Yes I know I pay for it in the contract price but I would be paying it regardless... so it is practically free really :)

There's your answer! Buy the nikon and put the £20 towards some accessories, like a memory card or something. You're really not going to notice a difference between the 2, both excellent quality cameras. I have a Nikon D60 which is also entry level DSLR and it really is awesome.

The only thing that will make the Sony worth that extra £20 is if you pick up the Nikon and Sony and prefer the feel of the Sony.
 
Thanks again for the other responses.

Zetec, you say you have a D3000, did you consider the Sony? If so, what was the overriding element which made you choose the Nikon?

Karmagarda, thanks, the £20 difference is really negligible and not something which will sway my decision. There've been some very good arguments for the Sony over the Nikon, including the live view, which although not essential, can be handy.

The Sony seems to have an advantage on the availability of cheaper lenses which might be useful at some point.

I think it is just getting over the fact it won't be Nikon or Canon which I need to come to terms with.... that said i did it when I got my Fuji S8000 and have been pleased with the results.

I don'tneed to make a decision right away so I will keep an eye on the forum and this thread for any other factors which may help to make the decision.

Thanks for all of your time in responding to my query,

JJ.
 
If you're not looking to get many lens', or are on a budget I'd go with Nikon simply because you'll have much more choice of second hand/ cheap lens' etc.
 
I was looking at the Nikon D3000 or Canon EOS 1000 and as Camera world do not stock the Canon due to Amazon being able to get it cheaper than they can I went for the Nikon and they told me it was the better out of the pair of them. I have only been doing photography since the last half of September.
 
I have a slight update to my position. It looks like, due to the offer made my my mobile provider, that I won't be taking out a new contract and therefore won't be getting one of the above cameras for (almost) free.

With that in mind I am able to open up to any camera in the market not just the two above mentioned. The only issue right now is I don't have the money to spend circa £400. If I saw a good second hand bargain, I'd stretch to £200 - £250 and put it on the plastic but I am happy enough to wait for a while.

Anyway, on with the dilemma, I want to make sure I am heading for the right camera, with the input of you guys, I am hoping to make a well informed decision.

I can save for a bit and get the Nikon D3000, or the Sony A380 brand new.... or do I look at other models in the range (including second hand) or again... widen the search to Canon (which I have always had 'a soft spot' for).

I realise this is a fairly vague request so to try and clarify, do I:

A) buy the Nikon D3000 new
B) buy the Sony A380 new
C) buy either of the above second hand
D) other - as you guys suggest.

The 'other' would have to be available under £250 second hand, or I might save to an absolute maximum of £500 (though this would mean waiting a while longer :( ) suggestions welcomed.

Thanks very much for reading and for your opinions :)

JJ.
 
Quick questions:

1) - does your £250-500 include lenses, memory cards etc or is it for the camera body only?

2) what type of photography are you most interested in (may help with lens selection)

3) is there a specific reason you want a DSLR over a compact \ bridge camera?

Al
 
I'm brand new to DSLR and have just bought the d3000. Considered a Canon, Pentax, and the Sony. Pentax was very heavy, Canon screen didn't seem as user friendly as the others. Nikon and Sony both seemed good until I picked them both up. The Sony felt like it would slip out of my hand if I wasn't careful. That pretty much swayed it for me, although I must admit the Guide mode on the d3000 seems pretty useful for someone like me who doesn't know much.

I would definately say you should go into a shop and have a good play around with everything you consider.
 
Quick questions:

1) - does your £250-500 include lenses, memory cards etc or is it for the camera body only?

2) what type of photography are you most interested in (may help with lens selection)

3) is there a specific reason you want a DSLR over a compact \ bridge camera?

Al

Hi AKR

1) £250 - £500 I envisage including the body and one lens.

2) I don't really have a specific type of photography, but at some point I will probably want a decent zoom lens for wildlife, other than that I like landscapes and just general usage.

3) I already have a bridge camera and it is fine for the most part, I am just one of those people that always wants something better. :lol: The quality of pictures on DSLR vs the bridge camera are clearly better, I have used a family member's D70 several times, so I am comparing pictures from a similarly (un)skilled photographer.

Thanks,

JJ.
 
I'm brand new to DSLR and have just bought the d3000. Considered a Canon, Pentax, and the Sony. Pentax was very heavy, Canon screen didn't seem as user friendly as the others. Nikon and Sony both seemed good until I picked them both up. The Sony felt like it would slip out of my hand if I wasn't careful. That pretty much swayed it for me, although I must admit the Guide mode on the d3000 seems pretty useful for someone like me who doesn't know much.

I would definately say you should go into a shop and have a good play around with everything you consider.

Hi Mossycave,

Thanks for your response. I have yet to properly examine the Sony so I will ensure I do that before making any decisions. May I ask whether you purchased the D3000 brand new, and if so, did you consider purchasing a second hand camera at all - if so, what?

Thanks,

JJ.
 
Hi AKR

1) £250 - £500 I envisage including the body and one lens.

2) I don't really have a specific type of photography, but at some point I will probably want a decent zoom lens for wildlife, other than that I like landscapes and just general usage.

3) I already have a bridge camera and it is fine for the most part, I am just one of those people that always wants something better. :lol: The quality of pictures on DSLR vs the bridge camera are clearly better, I have used a family member's D70 several times, so I am comparing pictures from a similarly (un)skilled photographer.

Thanks,

JJ.

Hi JJ

I only know Canon though you should of course consider the others Nikon, Sony etc.

If a canon with your budget I would go for:

Camera: 20D around £200 (second hand)
Lenses: If budget if £50 either the kit lens or 50mm f1.8 (you might need a tiny bit more ££).
Lenses: If budget is £300. Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 (non VC). This would be good for lowlight, image quality, people and landscapes to start with, play with depth of field.
or...a 70-200f4L or 70-300IS - first one has fixed f4 through the range, second one slightly longer folcal lengh - for people you'll need a bit of distance but both clearly have longer focal lenghs.

You could get a 40d second hand but it would not leave you much for lenses...

Good luck

Al
 
Hi JJ

I only know Canon though you should of course consider the others Nikon, Sony etc.

If a canon with your budget I would go for:

Camera: 20D around £200 (second hand)
Lenses: If budget if £50 either the kit lens or 50mm f1.8 (you might need a tiny bit more ££).
Lenses: If budget is £300. Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 (non VC). This would be good for lowlight, image quality, people and landscapes to start with, play with depth of field.
or...a 70-200f4L or 70-300IS - first one has fixed f4 through the range, second one slightly longer folcal lengh - for people you'll need a bit of distance but both clearly have longer focal lenghs.

You could get a 40d second hand but it would not leave you much for lenses...

Good luck

Al
Thanks akr, very helpful.

If I were able to get a Canon, it would be my preference, through no reason other than my parents have always used them and swear by them.

Would you suggest something like the 20d second hand rather than a new 1000d then?

I have had a look on ebay and can see a few 20d cameras. I have also had a look at some of the lenses and can see some good deals to be had on a 75-300mm lens which I would guess covers most of what I would need. Are ALL Canon lenses fully interchangeable?

Reason I ask, is that I have an old Canon SLR which has a 35-70mm lens, would this likely fit the 20d?

I think the 40d would be a bit out of my price range, and the fact that I could have a 20d much sooner, is appealing.

Would I be looking at any other accessories at this point? I presume just a memory card, case and possibly battery would suffice for now?

Thanks again,

JJ.
 
Hi JJ

EF and EFs lenses should fit the 20d \ 1000D -if it's the older FD mounts then they won't fit (I think you can get adaptors though not sure what that does to image quality)

Not owned a 1000D, and TBH most DSLRS nowdays are pretty good. I think the 20d is a different size though - I started with a 400D and went to a 40d partly for the feel of them in my hand so I'd try and get a hold of both (or similar sized Canon DSLRs) and see what fits best.

If you can you can buy off here there are often 20ds in the sale forum (you can start posts there but can buy).

Other accessories yep memory card (getting a lot cheaper than they were - shop around and look at sites like 7dayshop), battery (they are pretty good but always useful to have a spare).

After that depends what you want really, you might want to go for a tripod \ beanbag, a different lens that is faster (low f number=allows more light\play with Depth of field\faster shutter speeds), a lens with longer focal lengh, a macro lens, extension tubes, filters (polarising is always good - but wait til you have a lens you plan on keeping), flash, the list goes on and the bank balance goes down....

But yes to get going, a camera, a lens, a bettery, a memory card and most importantly someone behing that who gets out to take some photos!

Enjoy whatever you choose.

Al
 
Hi JJ

EF and EFs lenses should fit the 20d \ 1000D -if it's the older FD mounts then they won't fit (I think you can get adaptors though not sure what that does to image quality)

Not owned a 1000D, and TBH most DSLRS nowdays are pretty good. I think the 20d is a different size though - I started with a 400D and went to a 40d partly for the feel of them in my hand so I'd try and get a hold of both (or similar sized Canon DSLRs) and see what fits best.

If you can you can buy off here there are often 20ds in the sale forum (you can start posts there but can buy).

Other accessories yep memory card (getting a lot cheaper than they were - shop around and look at sites like 7dayshop), battery (they are pretty good but always useful to have a spare).

After that depends what you want really, you might want to go for a tripod \ beanbag, a different lens that is faster (low f number=allows more light\play with Depth of field\faster shutter speeds), a lens with longer focal lengh, a macro lens, extension tubes, filters (polarising is always good - but wait til you have a lens you plan on keeping), flash, the list goes on and the bank balance goes down....

But yes to get going, a camera, a lens, a bettery, a memory card and most importantly someone behing that who gets out to take some photos!

Enjoy whatever you choose.

Al
Hi Al (not sure why I missed your name on the other posts :bonk: )


As it happens it is an EF lens I have, so I guess that would be fine.

I will keep an eye out for a 20d and also on any other comments others may add here. I am encouraged by your comments though and I will certainly do some more reading around the subject. Thanks for taking time to help, much appreciated :)

JJ.
 
"canon or nickon and forget the rest"

...we're not all sheep, following the herd!

There ARE choices outside of the Canon/Nikon brands!

I had a reasonable amount to spend, following a recent small windfall. I was pointed in the direction of the usual Canon/Nikon, but kept my options open.

I spent several hours (and respect is due to the staff of my local Wilkinson's for being so patient!) trying them all out...the Canons felt flimsy...the Nikons just didn't do it...not comfortable....in the end I went for an Olympus e520! Not the latest model, not the latest specs, but I think I've chosen well for my needs.

Apart from having read all the reviews for all of the cameras I was considering, the main selling point for me was the way the camera felt....

You can have all the specs you like, but in the end, if you don't feel comfortable with it, you won't get the best out of it.

Janet
 
Apart from having read all the reviews for all of the cameras I was considering, the main selling point for me was the way the camera felt....

You can have all the specs you like, but in the end, if you don't feel comfortable with it, you won't get the best out of it.

Janet

Very very true :agree:
 
Hi Mossycave,

Thanks for your response. I have yet to properly examine the Sony so I will ensure I do that before making any decisions. May I ask whether you purchased the D3000 brand new, and if so, did you consider purchasing a second hand camera at all - if so, what?

Thanks,

JJ.

I didn't look at second hand. Not really sure why, but I didn't really consider that option.

Maybe I should have..........
 
Apart from having read all the reviews for all of the cameras I was considering, the main selling point for me was the way the camera felt....

You can have all the specs you like, but in the end, if you don't feel comfortable with it, you won't get the best out of it.

Janet

:agree: Thirded.

Get it in your paws before you decide. I've just switched from my Sony A200 to a Canon 50D and I love it. In the run up to making my decision I looked at and got my mits on other Sonys, Pentax, Olympus, Nikon and Canon. Decision made when the 50D was in my hands, it was the most comfy for me. I would have stuck with Sony if the A550 fit my mits, but it didn't.

Same decision process for the Sony A200, it felt more comfortable in my hand than the Nikon, Canon etal I was looking at at the time.
My brother has and loves his Nikon, I wouldn't dream of knocking his decision because it was what was best for him.

Best advice I could offer is look at the system as a whole, what you're wanting to get out of it, take peoples opinions onboard by all means but remember - it's you that's going to be using it, so far better its the right one for you, rather than the right one for Joe Bloggs living at No. 23 down the road.

Go into a shop, try as my out as you can, take your time and don't be bullied towards a particular brand - then leave and buy one elsewhere for cheaper!
 
Try it out for yourself though as Dan suggests
 
I saw a Sony A350 double lenses kit (18-55 + 55-200) in LCE Manchester.
400 pounds, does that meet the requirement you looking at?
A350 has tilt screen and liveview which is very good to use for some difficult shots.
It is second hand by the way.

Have a think of this as well ;)

Kevin
 
Well I have to say that I'm a Canon man.

I used a 350D for over 4 years then upgraded to a 450D - wanted a 50D but lack of funds at that time etc...

I'm not sure what your budget is but I'd certainly recommend either the 350D or 450D - you can get them second hand very reasonable on here often with the kit lens fitted.

I'd recommend the "nifty fifty" (50mm f1.8) lens an excellent prime lens which often goes on here for around £50-£60 and allows you to take pics in reasonably low light conditions.

Then I'd recommend the 28-135mm IS USM lens, and finally if funds allow the 70-300mm IS USM lens.

If you look on here you can usually get them second hand at excellent prices.

You can also get third party batteries for the cameras on Ebay for about £10-£15 for 2.

You can also get memory cards quite cheaply (I'd recommend Memorybits) - a 4gig CF card for the 350D will take over 400 shots and an 8gig SDHC card will also take over 400 shots on the 450D.

The only other thing you will need is a bag.
 
If I was just about to buy my first DSLR I think I'd have half an eye on the possible future body upgrade path and compatible lenses.

I think I'd therefore give the cameras towards the lower end of the Nikon range a miss as they use lenses that won't auto focus on the higher end bodies. I think that I'd probably also avoid small sensor only lenses to avoid full frame compatibility issues.

I don't know which I'd choose between Nikon and Sony as both ranges contain cameras I'd like to own but what I can tell you is that as a Canon owner I wouldn't choose Canon again, I'd go for Nikon or Sony and I wouldn't let ownership of a rather unremarkable (sorry....) 35-70mm lens sway me too much. I'd leave it on the film body and start again.
 
Thanks Janet, you are of course right, I am indecisive at best though and to prevent myself from going mad, I am pleased to have narrowed the choices to just three brands - rightly or wrongly!

Mossycave, I hadn't really considered second hand either, but everywhere I read, the lens is what makes the big difference, so I am now open to second hand equipment. Don't feel bad though, I am sure your kit is very good and the main thing is you enjoy it :)
 
Ozanan, I can't hear that enough. I will need to drag myself to a decent camera shop soon to try out what I can. That will be the downside to purchasing a second hand camera such as the 20d, I won't have held one....

Thanks for your input Rudy, I'm being strongly advised not to just go with the main stream for the sake of it ;) It will however take a convincing show from the other competitors to sway me :D

Kevin, I had only considered the A380, due to the circumstances above. At £400 for that kit it sounds reasonable, though I really need to read up a bit more on the lens choices as the costs seem to vary wildly!

Peter, I must admit, now that I have the market wide choice (within a tight budget), I really do hope the Canon makes it for me. I am still keeping an open mind, as pointed out so many, I will have to go and handle a few of these cameras and check it is the right one for me. From what I have read, the critics tend to point more towards the 40d than the 450d (IIRC!) and I am still unsure whether I should be getting an older camera like the 20d or a newer one such as the 1000d. I am trying not to be swayed by mega pixels, but it is difficult to think of spending in the region of £400 - 500 and having 'just' 8mp from the 20d - still pondering so much....

Woofwoof thanks for your input. I will bear this in mind; it is interesting you wouldn't go for Canon again - could you elaborate on the overriding reasons for this? I promise my 35-70mm lens will not be having any weighting in my final decision, I was conscious though that if I bought a body only, I could buy a zoom lens and save for a decent lens for close ups, utilising my (actually superb ;) ) 35-70 in the interim :)


Is that everyone I have addressed? I hope so!

Thanks ever so much for all your help so far. It is daunting to spend so much money, I just want to know I am making the right decision. There have been many valid comments, some of which I hadn't fully considered prior to posting up, therefore I am very pleased I posted up for your feedback - I am sure it must get wearing with one Noob after another asking the same questions, you've all been very patient :D

Thank you, JJ.
 
Hello again.

The reason I'd discount Canon and look at either Nikon or Sony is that I personally feel that they offer more attractive camera bodies these days.

Nikon have the D300 and D700 which have been pretty much universally praised and give APS-C or full frame options depending on which way you want to go. Both offer excellent features, build and image quality. The D700 in particular appeals to me as it has a built in flash which can be very useful and overall I think that it is the first and only full frame DSLR so far which can fully replace the sort of 35mm SLR body many of us owned years ago, or maybe still own.

Canon's answers, the 7D and 5DII, both seem to have little issues, the 7D in particular seems to be attracting comments regarding focus system and image processing issues.

The Sony A900 looks wonderful to me and is reported by some to be better than the 5DII at lower ISO and the new slightly lower specification and lower price A850 looks like a very attractive product. Both have in body image stabilisation and the advantage of this is that any and all legacy lenses you mount on the body instantly benefit from the IS. Fancy an image stabilised 50mm f1.4 for low available light shooting?

I have a Canon 20D and I find that it's responsive and fast enough for me and that it's 8mp are enough for me to print to A3, but I do little cropping. If my camera ever fails I don't know what new camera I'd replace it with as I have 9 lenses for it so changing systems will be a pain.

Good luck choosing.
 
Woofwoof, thanks again for your response.

I can understand (just) why you would make such a decision. I'm unlikely to get to the point where I have 9 lenses if I am honest with myself and I don't think (hope not anyway) that I will come across the same problems. I am aware now that I have to be careful with non-Sony cameras to ensure that the lens itself has IS, and I the lenses I have seen do have this feature.
It is good to hear the 20d is responsive and fast, it is still on my maybe list :)


As suggested by many of you, I actually went into town today to visit Jessops and a helpful sales assistant helped to explain some of the differences between the models in each range, and I spent a bit of time looking at each of the cameras and holding them. I actually found each to be equally comfortable to hold - the Sony A380, Nikon D5000 and the Canon 450D. I also had a feel of the 50d and 5d for comparison - monstrous in comparison! I tried the 70-300mm lens on the 450d and it had a good feel to it, also the kit lens 18-55mm was nice enough.

I asked the sales assistant (...naively...??) - out of management earshot - if it was his £500, would he buy that camera new (the 450d) or say a 20d or 40d and a decent lens. he did seem to ponder the question, but concluded that it could be risky buying a second hand one, for example, he said the shutter has a finite life and repairs can be costly... not sure how much of this is because it's in his interest to sell me a new one....

Any comments on this?
 
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