Buying first DSLR...

[ShoeQueen]

Yeah - another one of those threads... I guess many beginners go through this - the problem being that all the cameras to consider are good and adequate, its a case of finding which one best suits your needs...

I think I have my shortlist down to -
Canon 550D
Nikon D90
Nikon D5000

What I like about the D90 is the easy access to all the different controls. What I like about the D5000 is the lighter weight. I haven't handled Canon enough to know about different models.

Main aim - aside from the obvious one of wanting to get nice shots (!), is to learn about photography.

Any advice, comments or suggestions welcome!

 

[BarryG]

What are you going to be taking pictures of mainly?

 

[TinaC]

Yeah - another one of those threads... I guess many beginners go through this - the problem being that all the cameras to consider are good and adequate, its a case of finding which one best suits your needs...

I think I have my shortlist down to -
Canon 550D
Nikon D90
Nikon D5000

What I like about the D90 is the easy access to all the different controls. What I like about the D5000 is the lighter weight. I haven't handled Canon enough to know about different models.

Main aim - aside from the obvious one of wanting to get nice shots (!), is to learn about photography.

Any advice, comments or suggestions welcome!

I don't know Nikon but aren't the controls on the two models similar? In which case, assuming you have the budget (I don't know prices) the D5000 is the one for you :shrug:

As to the pictures...it ain't the camera that takes the nice pictures, it's the person holding the camera :bonk: One day I hope to be that person :bang:

 

[ShoeQueen]

What are you going to be taking pictures of mainly?

Barry I realised I hadn't included that and was just coming back to edit my post but you beat me to it!

As I'm starting out I'll probably be taking a wide range of subjects and styles... so far I seem to like landscapes and I enjoy portraits. I'm not going to be taking a lot of sports or wildlife pictures but I'd like to take shots of my other hobby, which is dancing (almost always in low light).

 

[squishy]

What is your budget?

What you're taking pictures of makes a big difference to what lens you are going to need.

Out of those three, I'd probably say the D90, UNLESS you're on a tight budget, in which case have a look at a D5000 or 500D canon, and spend more of your money on lenses.



The big thing is:
Go try them out. The D90 is an excellent camera, but if it doesn't feel right in your hands, it's not the camera for you. Personally, I prefer canon's body style in my hands, but it's different for everybody.

Don't get too hung up on megapixels and ISO performance. All the cameras you can buy at the moment will produce excellent pictures. Just find a camera that feels right in your hands and leaves enough money for a suitable lens.



EDIT:

Seeing what you've just posted, a few lens recomendations:

For landscapes, the kitlens 18-55mm will do, unless you want to spend more.

For dancing, get a fast prime.
If you're on a tight budget, a 50mm f/1.8 should do (from both canon and nikon)

If you have a bit more to spend, look into a 50mm f/1.4.

Image stabilisation will be irrelevant if you're photographing dancers. You need a reasonable shutter speed to stop movement, and IS does nothing to help that, even if it does reduce the effect of camera shake.

A 50mm lens will also be great for portraits on a crop body.

 

[BarryG]

Comes down to budget then. Don't forget your lens(es). They are as important as the body (maybe a bit more).

I've got a D90 with the 18-105mm kit lens. The D90 is good place to start and the kit lens is very versatile with a good range on the zoom.

There is a very good 2nd lens here if you are going down the Nikon route

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=260510

 

[ShoeQueen]

I don't know Nikon but aren't the controls on the two models similar? In which case, assuming you have the budget (I don't know prices) the D5000 is the one for you :shrug:

The D90 has a top LCD screen, an extra dial and more buttons. But its heavier and more expensive.

But I think if I wanted a 50mm lens I could get a cheaper one for D90 than D5000 because I have to buy an AF-S one for D5000 because of lack of internal motor? (Any Nikon people please correct me if I'm wrong).

As to the pictures...it ain't the camera that takes the nice pictures, it's the person holding the camera :bonk: One day I hope to be that person :bang:

Absolutely, I just added in the bit about wanting to take good pictures cos it seemed like an obvious 'aim'. But yes, I don't think I'd take any different pictures with a Canon or Nikon or any DSLR.

 

[BarryG]

You've clearly done your homework, so go with your gut.

 

[ShoeQueen]

EDIT:

Seeing what you've just posted, a few lens recomendations:

For landscapes, the kitlens 18-55mm will do, unless you want to spend more.

For dancing, get a fast prime.
If you're on a tight budget, a 50mm f/1.8 should do (from both canon and nikon)

If you have a bit more to spend, look into a 50mm f/1.4.

Image stabilisation will be irrelevant if you're photographing dancers. You need a reasonable shutter speed to stop movement, and IS does nothing to help that, even if it does reduce the effect of camera shake.

A 50mm lens will also be great for portraits on a crop body.

Thanks, the D90 I'm currently borrowing has the 18-105 kit lens which seems a good lens to start with. A 50mm prime would probably be my second lens.

 

[Canonite]

Go with what feels best in your hands and how well you get to grips with operating it. Do not be fooled by marketing and pushy sales staff shouting specs at you. The amount of times ive heard "its more megapixels so it takes better pictures" is laughable.

 

[ShoeQueen]

You've clearly done your homework, so go with your gut.

I've read reviews, but only actually handled a DSLR for less than two weeks. I don't want the fact that it happens to be a D90 sway me into buying one just because I've got used to it - though I have to admit I've found it very intuitive to use, (especially after having to dive into menus to change any M settings on my compact).

I'm not a big rush, its going to be a gift (early Christmas present from my family).

 

[PsiFox]

I've read reviews, but only actually handled a DSLR for less than two weeks. I don't want the fact that it happens to be a D90 sway me into buying one just because I've got used to it - though I have to admit I've found it very intuitive to use, (especially after having to dive into menus to change any M settings on my compact).

Never buy on the basis of reviews. They are after all only the opinion of the reviewer.

As has been said get what feels best to you. If you don't find the others as intuitive to use as the D90, well, then you have already made a decision

 

[ShoeQueen]

Never buy on the basis of reviews. They are after all only the opinion of the reviewer.

As has been said get what feels best to you. If you don't find the others as intuitive to use as the D90, well, then you have already made a decision

I know, I've been using reviews mostly to look at features. Its all about how I use the camera and having the lend of a DSLR for two weeks has been really helpful in giving me more idea of how I might use one.

I'm sure so many beginners come into the forum with the same sort questions, thanks to all for taking the time to reply. I'm just trying to think it all through carefully.

I'm off out now to a camera shop to see if I can have a look at some.

 

[squishy]

If no other bodies feel better than the D90, I think that's probably your decision right there.
You've got an excellent attitude towards choosing your camera, I'm sure you'll end up with what's right for you.

 

[KC Leblanc]

I'm not a big rush, its going to be a gift (early Christmas present from my family).

In that case keep your eyes peeled because there's quite a few new developments in the Nikon camp.

The D3000 is being replaced with D3100, however the new model stacks up quite well against the D5000.

There's also a new D7000 replacing with D90, although it's expected the D90 will hang around for a while. The D7000 is quite a bit more expensive. With a bit of luck there should be some good deals on D5000s and D90s.

 

[ShoeQueen]

If no other bodies feel better than the D90, I think that's probably your decision right there.
You've got an excellent attitude towards choosing your camera, I'm sure you'll end up with what's right for you.

I feel I've not given the Canon enough of a trial though.

I popped into the local Camulet this morning, and while they didn't have a 550D with lens I could look at there happened to be someone from my camera club there buying a lens (I just started going last week) who has a 550D and will bring it along next week for me to try.

I could get the 550D with 18-135mm IS lens for about the same price as Nikon D90 with 18-105mm VR lens (I'd prefer those lenses to the 18-55 kit lens options.)

In that case keep your eyes peeled because there's quite a few new developments in the Nikon camp.

The D3000 is being replaced with D3100, however the new model stacks up quite well against the D5000.

There's also a new D7000 replacing with D90, although it's expected the D90 will hang around for a while. The D7000 is quite a bit more expensive. With a bit of luck there should be some good deals on D5000s and D90s.

I've been watching the new Nikon developments, not sure it will bring the D90 prices down much though, but if I came across someone who wanted to upgrade to D7000 and sell a good condition D90, that might be an option.

Thanks for all the comments, it helps in thinking it through. I'm not going to be disappointed with whatever camera I choose, just need to work out which feels 'right' for me.

 

[Superape]

Get the one you like.

When I bought mine it was a toss up between the Canon 450D and the equivalent Nikon. I went to the shop and had a good old play around. The specifications were broadly similar (although the Canon had better MP), but in terms of bang per buck, the Nikon was clearly better value as it was considerably cheaper.

When it came down it it, I just liked the look and feel of the Canon - I preferred what it looked like externally, and what I could see through the viewfinder and on the LCD screen.

 

[tintin]

Same here, although I went for a D90 for pretty much exactly the same reasons lol! That's the great thing these days, with your kind of budget you know that the camera you buy will be capable to doing want to want (and so much more) so it's pretty much down to the handling of the camera and seeing which you like better. Although IIWY, and you choose a Nikon, I'd seriously consider waiting for the D7000 just incase they launch with some kind of deal. Otherwsie a D90 is an excellent choice (as is the Canon 550D+)

 

[bindi]

I feel I've not given the Canon enough of a trial though.

I popped into the local Camulet this morning, and while they didn't have a 550D with lens I could look at there happened to be someone from my camera club there buying a lens (I just started going last week) who has a 550D and will bring it along next week for me to try.

I could get the 550D with 18-135mm IS lens for about the same price as Nikon D90 with 18-105mm VR lens (I'd prefer those lenses to the 18-55 kit lens options.)

I've been watching the new Nikon developments, not sure it will bring the D90 prices down much though, but if I came across someone who wanted to upgrade to D7000 and sell a good condition D90, that might be an option.

Thanks for all the comments, it helps in thinking it through. I'm not going to be disappointed with whatever camera I choose, just need to work out which feels 'right' for me.

Not sure if If this is comparing apple v/s oranges but Canon 50D is in similar situation which already has its successor 60D announced and pre-orders available but prices of canon 50D didn't come down. Infact it became harder to buy now as major sites pulled it off from their lists.

 

[squishy]

I feel I've not given the Canon enough of a trial though.

I popped into the local Camulet this morning, and while they didn't have a 550D with lens I could look at there happened to be someone from my camera club there buying a lens (I just started going last week) who has a 550D and will bring it along next week for me to try.

I could get the 550D with 18-135mm IS lens for about the same price as Nikon D90 with 18-105mm VR lens (I'd prefer those lenses to the 18-55 kit lens options.)

Don't know if it's of any relevance to you at all, but the 550D does do better video than the D90 (glorious 1080p).

That might not mean anything to you though. I personally don't care about video at all.

 

[bindi]

Don't know if it's of any relevance to you at all, but the 550D does do better video than the D90 (glorious 1080p).

That might not mean anything to you though. I personally don't care about video at all.

Not trying to take it off-topic but is image wise (portraits/landscape/low-light) performance of 550D any better than D90?

 

[squishy]

Not trying to take it off-topic but is image wise (portraits/landscape/low-light) performance of 550D any better than D90?

No.

It's got more megapixels, so you can print larger, but that's irrelevant to 99% of people.

 

[GIZTO29]

Being new to DSLR i recently embarked on the very same journey and for me the choice was down to the Nikon D5000 or Canon 500D. I had my heart set on the D5000 due to seeing the D5000 ad in my Stuff mag when it first came out. The swivel screen was the main point that stood out for me and at the time the 500D was about £100 more with kit lens. Ive had my D5000 for 2 months approx now and love it. It is aimed at the beginner and as youre using it it has inbuilt live tutorials. For example if you pick the wrong shutter speed for the conditions a ? will flash on the screen. You press the ? button and it will give you advice ie 'there isnt enough light for this shutter speed, use a flash'. I can see peoples concerns with the lack of inbody Auto Focus but so far i have the 18-55mm and 55-200 VR lenses so its not an issue. Tamron and Sigma amongst others also offer lenses with AF so im not worried but i suppose i'm limited in the second hand market. I didnt get to try the 500D but my friend has one that i will have a look at soon to compare.
Phil

 

[starletman]

 

[ShoeQueen]

Being new to DSLR i recently embarked on the very same journey and for me the choice was down to the Nikon D5000 or Canon 500D. I had my heart set on the D5000 due to seeing the D5000 ad in my Stuff mag when it first came out. The swivel screen was the main point that stood out for me and at the time the 500D was about £100 more with kit lens. Ive had my D5000 for 2 months approx now and love it. It is aimed at the beginner and as youre using it it has inbuilt live tutorials. For example if you pick the wrong shutter speed for the conditions a ? will flash on the screen. You press the ? button and it will give you advice ie 'there isnt enough light for this shutter speed, use a flash'. I can see peoples concerns with the lack of inbody Auto Focus but so far i have the 18-55mm and 55-200 VR lenses so its not an issue. Tamron and Sigma amongst others also offer lenses with AF so im not worried but i suppose i'm limited in the second hand market. I didnt get to try the 500D but my friend has one that i will have a look at soon to compare.
Phil

D5000 looks a great camera and the swivel screen is a useful feature, especially for getting shots at an awkward angle. Sometime there is one thing about a camera that just gives it the edge for someone.

The tutorials sound handy -what I've been doing as a learning tool is setting the camera to Auto or P, taking a shot, and seeing what settings the camera chooses - then going to M and seeing how changing those settings changes the shot.

The lack of inbody focus motor also makes the D5000 lighter.

I want to look at a 550D before I make my choice. I seem to be leaning towards Nikon though, but I can't identify exactly why.

 

[pooley]

All the cameras you mention will provide a superb quality of picture providing its used correctly, and whichever one you end up buying will soon feel 'right' the more you handle it (as seems to have happened with the D90 you tried)
With this is mind, I can't advise you strongly enough to go for the slighty cheaper model - i.e. D5000 instead of D90 or eos 500d instead of 550d and spend the change on your lens or lenses. Doing this will be the quickest way to improve your image quality. Being able to get a 50mm f1.8 or similar in addition to your kit lens will reap big rewards.

 

[STOWITBELOW]

I bought my first DSLR & have sacked by bridge camera. It's a huge improvement for me (A pleasure to use). I never got to grips with the bridge, the DSLR was like coming home. I previously had SLRs so it was just a lot more comfortable. It's a pain to carry around compared to a compact, but I just find it easier to use. I'd have a good play with them all & pick the one that feels comfortable.

 

[minimoog]

Being new to DSLR i recently embarked on the very same journey and for me the choice was down to the Nikon D5000 or Canon 500D. I had my heart set on the D5000

I had my heart set on the D5000 too but after trying it against the Canon in numerous shops I realised the 500D was nicer in the hand for me, so I went with that.

 

[Hooblue]

Easy(ish) choice for me really. I already had a Nikon DSLR and had a couple of extra lenses, so when I came to replace it I either had to stick to Nikon or sell up and switch to Canon. My old Nikon (a D40) was a great camera so I was more than happy to stay with Nikon (plus the Canon's just didn't 'feel' right in my hand). The natural replacement was a D5000, so I went with that (budget couldn't quite stretch to a D90). So far I've been more than pleased with it!

 

[ShoeQueen]

With this is mind, I can't advise you strongly enough to go for the slighty cheaper model - i.e. D5000 instead of D90 or eos 500d instead of 550d and spend the change on your lens or lenses. Doing this will be the quickest way to improve your image quality. Being able to get a 50mm f1.8 or similar in addition to your kit lens will reap big rewards.

If I go with Nikon, I think I prefer the D90 to D5000 - eg I like the top LCD screen on the D90. Plus I think (someone can correct me if wrong please?) the AF-S 50mm 1.8 that I need to get for the D5000 is going to cost more than one I can get for the D90, so the overall price difference isn't as much?

And the camera will be a gift - so I probably can't say 'get me the cheaper one and buy me an extra lens too instead'...

I agree that having something like a 50mm prime is a good idea, I'm borrowing one of those at the moment and its a nice lens.

I had my heart set on the D5000 too but after trying it against the Canon in numerous shops I realised the 500D was nicer in the hand for me, so I went with that.

How it feels in the hand is very important. Someone in camera club said he'd bring his 550D along tonight for me to try and I'm bringing the D90 I'm currently borrowing, so I'll get to compare them.

 

[squishy]

Well, if you wanted auto focus on a 50mm prime for a D5000, it would have to be a 50mm f/1.4 isntead, because nikon don't make an AF-S 50mm f/1.8

So the price would go up quite a bit.

Unless video is important to you, also have a look at a canon 50D if you're looking at the D90.

 

[madmardle]

Sorry to have hijacked your thread, but having asked more or less the same question,( although I have been considering changing from a D50 rather than as a first DSLR like you,) and not getting a single reply, I have probably learned what I wanted to know by reading yours. But replying to your thread directly, you won't regret buying a DSLR, I had been using SLRs since they were first available I think ( over 40 years anyway) and when I went digital I bought a bridge camera and soon realised my expensive mistake and changed to a DSLR. I am fairly sure that if you can afford it and get the D90 you won't regret it for a minute. Although I have used Canons in earlier times I cannot comment on their modern cameras, but I'm sure they are fine and that the good natured rivalry between Canon & Nikon user is just that, good natured, with neither side really thinking one is far superior to the other.

 

[ShoeQueen]

Well, if you wanted auto focus on a 50mm prime for a D5000, it would have to be a 50mm f/1.4 isntead, because nikon don't make an AF-S 50mm f/1.8

That's what I thought. Thanks.

Sorry to have hijacked your thread, but having asked more or less the same question,( although I have been considering changing from a D50 rather than as a first DSLR like you,) and not getting a single reply, I have probably learned what I wanted to know by reading yours.

No problem at all with hijacking.

So what did you decide?

But replying to your thread directly, you won't regret buying a DSLR, I had been using SLRs since they were first available I think ( over 40 years anyway) and when I went digital I bought a bridge camera and soon realised my expensive mistake and changed to a DSLR. I am fairly sure that if you can afford it and get the D90 you won't regret it for a minute.

I had my compact P&S with me today and I wanted to do things that I just couldn't... and wished I'd had a DSLR. I love the D90 - the only thing is the weight (I know its not that heavy but I'm petite and light!). The D5000 and a Canon 550D are lighter cameras and I don't want to be in the situation where I leave my camera behind because its heavy.

Although I have used Canons in earlier times I cannot comment on their modern cameras, but I'm sure they are fine and that the good natured rivalry between Canon & Nikon user is just that, good natured, with neither side really thinking one is far superior to the other.

Its good natured on here and in my local camera club. (Seen it less good natured elsewhere!) I prefer the Nikon to hold, but I think I'd get used to a Canon fairly quickly if I opted for that. I know I'll be getting a good camera whichever I go for.

 

[madmardle]

I haven't decided yet, I'm still leaning towards the D90 if I can ever afford it or can find someone who has one and would part exchange with a spotting scope. I have left my details with a local dealer to be informed when the D3100 is in stock, but as whatever I buy will have to be second hand I know there won't be any of those available for a while.
I know what you mean about the weight, I always have to decide whether to take one of my lenses and binoculars, or just two lenses, and I invariably find I have made the wrong decision, so I wouldn't let the weight of the D90 put you off.

 

[AdamPearcey]

D90 was my first ever DSLR
Compared to any other P&S camera it blows you away. However I am really picky on image quality. Which is why I chose the D90 but when I got it and bumped it to say... 1600 ISO I was dissapointed. Especially after all the hype.

I now have a D700 which kills the D90 hands down.
I got it for around £1500 so probably not what your looking for but if you fancy saving for it I promice you, you will be impressed.

 

[BazEP]

It's also worth looking at the 35mm af-s if you are after a fast prime to go with your camera - much cheaper than the 50mm 1.4 and will still give you the narrow depth of field that most buy the 50mm for. Also there are some bargains to be had on some of the older similar nikon bodies second hand

 

[ShoeQueen]

I now have a D700 which kills the D90 hands down.
I got it for around £1500 so probably not what your looking for but if you fancy saving for it I promice you, you will be impressed.

Adam - D700 would be too expensive and too heavy... D90 is about my limit in terms of cost and weight. And I'm just a beginner so don't want to overstretch myself.

It's also worth looking at the 35mm af-s if you are after a fast prime to go with your camera - much cheaper than the 50mm 1.4 and will still give you the narrow depth of field that most buy the 50mm for. Also there are some bargains to be had on some of the older similar nikon bodies second hand

Yes I'd like to try a 35mm fast prime as that might turn out to be better... will look into that whatever camera I end up getting.

Thanks all for the advice - its helpful talking it through.

 

[angstmann]

I had exactly the same dilemma last year when I was buying my first dSLR. I decided on the D5000 as it had newer tech inside it than the D90 due to it being a newer model. D5000 is supposed to cope with higher ISO a lot better than the D90, and I can vouch for it. I've shot as high as 3200 ISO, and yes, there is definitely noise there, but I've seen worse noise on other cameras at 800 ISO and unless you were printing at large sizes, I doubt you'd notice too much.

I do sometimes wish that I had the D90 due to the fact that it has a built in autofocus motor that the D5000 doesn't have which would mean you could use older, cheaper lenses. But there are plenty of AF-S lenses coming to market now, and I imagine, like me, you won't be buying tons of lenses anyway, and will stick to just a few quality ones.

I can also vouch for the quality of the 35mm/f1.8 prime lens that BazEP mentioned above. It was the first lens I purchased!

 

[Deleted member 29733]

....I do sometimes wish that I had the D90 due to the fact that it has a built in autofocus motor that the D5000 doesn't have which would mean you could use older, cheaper lenses.

Thats Ok but if the AF motor goes wrong in the camera then your stumped. If the motor goes in your lens then at least you can still use your camera with another lens.

 

[ShoeQueen]

I had exactly the same dilemma last year when I was buying my first dSLR. I decided on the D5000 as it had newer tech inside it than the D90 due to it being a newer model. D5000 is supposed to cope with higher ISO a lot better than the D90, and I can vouch for it. I've shot as high as 3200 ISO, and yes, there is definitely noise there, but I've seen worse noise on other cameras at 800 ISO and unless you were printing at large sizes, I doubt you'd notice too much.

Is the D5000 better than D90 at higher ISO, or are they about the same?