D3000 or e-450

[swsmale]

Hello to anyone who can help. I'm new to this forum and photography in general. I'm movin up to 1st dSLR camera and have narrowed choice down to 2 options - can anyone help my decision.
They are 1. Nikon D3000. As far as I can see the advantages of this are 'guide mode' (can this be done with a decent photography book?), image stabilisation and a decent base camera with good reviews. Cons are no live view and only one kit lens (18-55VR).
For around the same price there is the olympus e-450 which has 2 kit lenses for the same price (14-42 and 40-150). It has no image stabilisation in lens or body but does have live view.

How important is the stabilsation / live view and will the twin lens allow for more versatility as (hopefully) skills develop? Or should I go with the Nikon which is aimed at beginners?

Third choice is the olympus E-520 - but this is more expensive with single kit lens only (only want to go this route if others are deemed to be no good)

Or is there a fourth choice (body only plus separate lens for instance)

All help very gratefully recieved
Thanks in advance, Shaun

 

[philRS]

bare in mind the nikon also needs motorised lenses for autofocus to work, live view is not a main reason to buy imo, its still a newish function of DSLRs anyway and tbh i usually use the viewfinder. I.S is a better function than Live View especially as a beginner because you may not think about Shuuter speeds so if the speed does drops you know you have the back up of I.S to help aid better image sharpness.

 

[PsiFox]

Hi and welcome to TP.

Have you actually gone and played with the cameras in a shop?

The decision on what to buy must be yours as you have to use it.

Consider how the camera fells in your hands.

Does the control layout seem intuitive

RE the Nikon yes it only comes with one kit lens but you can buy more.

As said only lenses with the AF-S will AF on this body but its not insurmountable.

Live view useful for macro but that's all I ever use it for.

Yes the Olympus has more lenses but if you get the bug you will be buying them anyway.

just remember all the cameras are good you make the shots great.

Have a read of " Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson as well.