No arguments please! Simple question inside…

B

Betty

BrideZilla!!!
Suspended / Banned
Messages
5,933
Edit My Images
No
I have decided to sell my Fuji FinePix S6500 as its just not strong enough for my needs, I've had it about 6 months and have learned the basics with it, but I feel I am ready for a DSLR. This really is something I want to pursue as a career now, so its important I get this right.

Now I have heard people say different cameras suit different people and needs, and my needs are mostly, if not entirely, based around people and portrait shots.

So without causing a riot people… Canon 300D/400D or Nikon D40x?

Bear in mind, I will probably be purchasing the winning camera :D
 
400d over the 300d anyday, As everyone will say go to a shop and handle both which every one feels best buy that one. remembering that the d40x doesn't ave a focus motor inside so you won't be able to use many sigma lenses only those with HSM and they are more expensive.

there you go

hth

Mark
 
I would recommend the 400D over a 300D anyday... but you might also want to consider the 350D compared to the 400D.

I haven't had much use with a Nikon, but its really down to how YOU feel with the camera. When i first made my DSLR purchase, i tried both the Nikon and Canon and went for the Canon. They are priced very similar, but I just preferred the Canon. Your best bet is to try them both out in Jessops and make your mind up, then search around for the best deal.

Good luck!
 
Unless one of those cameras feels much better than the others, or one has a feature important to you that the others don't, I'd start by looking at the lens range and see if something sets the the makes apart there.

The camera body you choose is mostly irrelevant, it's you that makes all the difference. :D
 
I can't compare the two... and I won't as I know b****r all about the canon :p

All I will do is offer my opinion on the D40x:

It's a good first camera, fairly simple to use. The only 2 downsides to it are the fact that you can only use AF-S lenses, and you have to top LCD on the body, which, on cameras like the D80 contains things like shutter speed, aperture etc. You also only have 3 AF points, which won't really be a limit to you if you're shooting people & portraits, but could hold you back if you wanted to shoot animals etc.

:)

Just another point, the D80 is rapidly coming down in price... Whilst it is still more expensive than the D40x, it might be worth saving for another couple of months, as you will get a larger choice of lenses with the D80
 
The Canon 350D is a very good first SLR camera. I got one myself recently and it's brilliant. My girlfriend has the 400D, and both are very similar. I'd definately go for either the 350D or 400D, very good to start out with I'd say.
 
Thanks so far people, reading up on reviews and what not, it would seem I am leaning more towards the Canon at the moment, but I am yet to get out there and try them myself.

Ive had a very quick play with a 400D and I liked the feel of that, but some of the studio shots Ive taken have been with the Nikon.

Decisions decisions :D
 
How much money do you have, always vital in deciding what to get!

I'm in exactly the same position as you I've had my fuji 6500 for about 8 months and got some lovely picks with it but it's definately time to go for a DSLR even if just for the DOF effects that just are not possible on the bridge camera.

If you don't mind second hand you might want to look at a 30D they are surprisingly cheap and closer in size to the Fuji having held a 400D I found it a bit small.
 
Simple Question Yes
Simple Answer No!

All modern digital SLR's are capable of stunning pictures and really its the photographer that makes the image, not the camera.

Nikon and Canon have the bulk of the market and the widest selection of accessories, both official and third party.

Olympus, Pentax/Samsung, Sony/Minolta have good offerings as well, less accessories but may compete on initial purchase price well

Which you choose is really down to how you like the feel of them.

You're buying into a system, so if family have Nikon, consider Nikon as you can borrow equipment and knowledge.
 
a1ex2001 said:
...but it's definately time to go for a DSLR even if just for the DOF effects that just are not possible on the bridge camera.
Click to expand...

Ah, I thought it was just me :D Thanks very much for that, put my mind at rest somewhat :)
 
Actually, Ive just thought of something else... which has the better battery life?

As my Fuji just eats up Duracells, a rechargable battery that comes with the camera, or an exceptional battery life would be brilliant :)
 
Hi Betty,

I went to Currys in July 2006 and stood there holding a Nikon (No idea which one it was - might have been a d50?) and a Canon 350d.

The canon felt right, they were both a same of a muchness to me as far as I was concerned. After having a good look around (after the event) I'm glad I chose canon because of the lens options I had available.

As far as battery life goes in Summer (the temperature makes a big difference) I could go all week on a single battery. They last ages.

If you get a battery grip which holds two batteries, the life is even longer.

Hope that helps :)
 
If you can hang on a month or so the 400D's should be dropping in price with the introduction of the 450D - I bought a 30D just before christmas, and am wondering what the differences will be between the £500 450D and that.

Can't comment on the Nikon as I've never actually used one to take any "real" photo's but they are nice to hold. As the others have mentioned, it's a personal preference thing, although I wouldn't really consider the 300D as a viable alternative unless you're on a strictly limited budget......
 
Matt Charlton said:
As far as battery life goes in Summer (the temperature makes a big difference) I could go all week on a single battery. They last ages.
Click to expand...

Oh, is that what those big things are that attach under the camera? :bang::lol:

Thanks for the advice :thumbs:
 
As part of your decision making process, I would certainly recommend finding out what cameras close friends and family use. This should then give you greater access to lenses and equipment to borrow/test before future purchases.

Note I didn't do the above and everyone I know seem to have Cannons :bang:
 
dslr's are more power efficient because the sensor is only triggered when the shutter is taken, rather than being on all the time to power the live view on the rear lcd. A battery lasts around 600 shots, less if you review the pictures a lot, and its useful to carry a spare.
 
mattyh said:
All I will do is offer my opinion on the D40x:

It's a good first camera, fairly simple to use. The only 2 downsides to it are the fact that you can only use AF-S lenses
Click to expand...

sorry matty....that bit is slightly misleading. If you want autofocus with NIKON lenses you have to get the AF-S variatons, although if you only want to use manual focus you can use ANY nikon lens. For Sigmas you need the HSM lenses for AF, Tamron and Tokina don't produce any lenses that will AF on the D40/X (although I think some Tamron lenses are pending).

As has also been mentioned, there is no top mounted LCD (i've never had a camera with one so never missed it). The 3 point AF can be a bit restricting, as is the lack of auto-bracketing. BUT....it is extremely easy to use, and colour reproduction is excellent (uses the sony sensor thats in the d80 (i think)).

just my 2p's worth....i've never used the canon but i'm sure it's every bit as good. You will know which to buy when you get them in your hand! :)
 
This really is something I want to pursue as a career now, so its important I get this right.
Click to expand...

For me, this is your most important comment that leads to what you might want. I know it only widens the choice, but the second hand market is pretty big out there, especially with Nikon having brought out newer versions to their ranges.

Depending on your budget for both a half decent camera and more important for portraits, a very decent lens and possibly a flash gun/lighting. I can't really comment on the Canon range, but having had a Nikon D70s, D200 and a D300, they are all fab cameras. You can pick up a D200 for under £550 on ebay that is likely to be less than one year old.

Comments already made about handling a camera first is also very important.
Good luck
 
Just to echo the advice about saving up and going for a D80 instead of a D40.

I've got Nikon 50mm and 35mm prime lenses, both of which are fairly cheap and excellent for portrait shots. They do work okay on the Nikon D40/D40x, but you have to manually focus them.

Also, if you are going to be doing potrait work, you are probably going to need to consider lighting. I'm told the Nikon lighting system is better than the canon one. This was the opinion of the staff in Calumet Manchester. My only experience of this is an SB-800 flash gun I just bought. First impression is good, but I've only taken a few shots using TTL Auto.

I too started with a Fuji bridge camera, albeit the S5600. The step up to a dSLR was well worth it.

Good luck.
 
Thanks for that andrewc :) So what batteries do they take? I assume they are actual batteries designed for cameras and not double A's? :)

And thanks for all the other replies when I was posting this :D
 
The canon battery grips give you a tray which allows you to use AA batteries in an emergency but they all use Lithium Ion Batteries which are custom built.

Think the 350d uses the same batteries as the 400d but the 30d actually uses the same as the 300d.

7dayshop do compatible batteries at about two for £10 which I use and they're great.
 
I know someone who has a 30D, and he takes exceptional photos ;) Thanks Gord :)
 
antihero said:
sorry matty....that bit is slightly misleading. If you want autofocus with NIKON lenses you have to get the AF-S variatons, although if you only want to use manual focus you can use ANY nikon lens. For Sigmas you need the HSM lenses for AF, Tamron and Tokina don't produce any lenses that will AF on the D40/X (although I think some Tamron lenses are pending).

As has also been mentioned, there is no top mounted LCD (i've never had a camera with one so never missed it). The 3 point AF can be a bit restricting, as is the lack of auto-bracketing. BUT....it is extremely easy to use, and colour reproduction is excellent (uses the sony sensor thats in the d80 (i think)).
Click to expand...

You're dead right... my head's a shed at the moment, damn manflu :lol:
 
Yeah 400d over the 300d any day but if you can afford it a 30d would last you longer - because you can grow into it. Might save a little money in the long run by buying that now and not wishing you'd saved a little longer. I started with the 350d and saw the 30d on offer at Focus last year and I couldn't resist.

400d may drop in price when the 450d is announced but it depends if you're happy to wait that long.
 
I do need to save up first, so waiting isnt an issue :)

Need to get a list of kit together as well that I might need, I wont be making this decision lightly, so I do have some time to research :)
 
Well if you get the camera and it comes with the kit lens that's all you need to start off with.

If you know what you want to take photos of - close up you'll need a macro lens, nature etc - a telephoto lens you can then start to branch out with buying your kit a bit at a time.

A lot of the third party lens manufacturers - Sigma, Tamron etc do lenses for both brands (Nikon/Canon) so thats something else to ease your mind a little.

If I sort out another photography meet anytime soon I can bring along the spare 350d and let you have a play around with that for the day if that helps - someone closer to you might be able to offer something similar.
 
Matt Charlton said:
Yeah 400d over the 300d any day but if you can afford it a 30d would last you longer - because you can grow into it. Might save a little money in the long run by buying that now and not wishing you'd saved a little longer. I started with the 350d and saw the 30d on offer at Focus last year and I couldn't resist.

400d may drop in price when the 450d is announced but it depends if you're happy to wait that long.
Click to expand...

:agree: with that ^^

Look how quickly you've outgrown your Fuji S6500 :eek: If you can possibly afford the 30D or even a 40D it would be very worthwhile and would almost certainly save you money in the long run by not double upgrading. I started with a 400D in the belief it was all the camera I would ever need. It took about 6 months to wish I'd bought the 30D ;)
 
Grendel said:
Look how quickly you've outgrown your Fuji S6500 :eek:
Click to expand...

Haha, its like saying to a child how quickly they outgrow clothes :D

What can I say? I need to go bigger and better ;)
 
From those choices I'd suggest either the 350D or the 400D, depending on how you like the feel of either one.

However, if you want to buy into a system I personally would (and have) go for the Nikon and get the D80 for a few more ££.
 
Betty said:
Haha, its like saying to a child how quickly they outgrow clothes :D

What can I say? I need to go bigger and better ;)
Click to expand...

Just wait 'till you start buying lenses :naughty: :lol: :nuts:
 
Betty said:
I know someone who has a 30D, and he takes exceptional photos ;) Thanks Gord :)
Click to expand...

as you said HE takes exceptional pictures, its important to get to know any camera you are using dont just think that getting a dslr will automaitally give u good or better pictures,
please dont take this the wrong way, but i feel you have a lot to learn before making a decision to make photography your career.
It is not the equipment that makes good photographs, so you should be able to produce exceptional photographs with your Fuji.

Fi
 
Hi Betty id go for the d80 if it was me iwould have a look in the For Sale section theres a couple of d80,s on there worth looking at :)
 
I found the 350d to small in handling where as the 400d felt a lot better, although a friend was selling his 30d so i purchased that. As far as lenses i wouldnt buy the camera with the kit lens, i'd look at the Canon 18-55 IS or what would suit you more for portraits would be the Canon 55-250 IS lens. Both have image stabilizing and are light weight, cheap but with sharp optics .
 
OK, No arguments, get a Nikon :D


TBH Betty, bodies wil be rough equivalent across Nikon/Canon ranges, ditto lenses AND Prices. The main choice has to come down to what you are comfortable with. What feels right in your hand, which controls and layout you prefer, and all that information can only be gained by playing with the cameras. IF neceassary in shops, but if you have any friends or people that own them, and can beg a slightly longer use, do so! AS has already been said, try and save up a bit longer and go for a model or so up from the basic entry level DSLR, so for instance, with Nikon, a D80.

The other alternative, once you have made your decision, is to look at s/h equipment - you will get more for your pound, and if you buy wisely, you should still manage to get a camera that will last a long time and serve you well. Try browsing the for sale section here to compare s/h with current new prices.

Some advice if Nikon is your choice, the best of the kit lenses by a long way is the 18-70.
50mm F1.8 lenses from both canon and Nikon are excellent portrait lenses and so cheap compared to anything else [approx £70 new]

HTH

LLxx
 
Thanks for all your advice everyone, Ill be popping into Jessops soon to have a play :)
 
Dont rule out the other makes.

The Pentax range are well respected and you can use the older K mount glass on them and still utilise the in-body IS. The are supposed to be very well weather sealed as well.

The Olympus range offers tremendous value for money in the E-510 twin lens kit. The kit lenses are some of the best out there for sharpness. Some say they range of lenses is not as good as Canon & Nikon, but does it matter when they are all good performers (Which cannot be said for Canon). The dust reduction system is still the only one that really works properly, and if you look at the E-3 it is very rugged and weather sealed (See this link for weatherproof-ness http://www.e-fotografija.si/templates/?a=1248&z=1 )


e3water.jpg
 
A career camera with a heavy slant on portraits....it's got to be a 5D if it's coming from Canon's lineup. Of course, it comes at a price but you stated that you can't afford to get it wrong.

There are some good secondhand deals around at the moment with the impending launch of the updated version.

I wouldn't recommend it as a starter camera but don't see any reason why it can't be a first DSLR for someone experienced in the basics of aprture, shutter and ISO.

Bob
 
Is the range of lenses as good as Canon or Nikor though? There must be a reason why Canon and Nikon are dominating the market. I'm sure the Pentax is a solid camera, but personally I'd say stick with Nikon or Canon. You can't go wrong with either and they have a solid range of lenses for your needs.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top