to canon or not to canon

mateo

mateo

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Matthew
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hello folks
not wishing to start a war between canon people and nikon people I thougth I'd chance yet another question on entry level dslr's.
I have read the work in progress thread on choosing dslr's. and searched the archives.

So I am looking to get something like the canon 450d or nikon d80.
I like to take pictures of landscapes, faces, and possibly some macro work.
I like bush walking in the dusty Australian outback.
I thought I'd blow my limited budget on a decent body and save up for better lenses down the track.

I have yet to hold any of these cameras and that will be the real test, as I live in a remote location away from shops.
Apologies for the long message.
Regards Matthew http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/images/icons/icon6.gif
 
Hi

Either of those will do you well.

It really is down to what fits your hand best.

RE the lenses I assume you intend to get the camera with a kit lens and then go from there when budget allows?

However from what you want to photograph the kit lens is not ideal.

Have you considered used equipment?.

I'm sure you will have some stunning locations to show us.
 
Thanks for this. Yes I have considered second hand equipment and just looked at graysofwestminster site and that is fine. Not sure of how to interpret the number of shots taken by a camera. I guess I'm more comfortable with a new body and second hand glass.
regards Matthew
 
the 450 is not the entry level Canon any more everyone seems to forget about 1000D now :p
 
Hello Deadly
Yes I had overlooked the 1000D, guess I assumed that more expensive model is better. Will look at this model also. thanks.
 
If you've got big fingers you may find the 450d uncomfortable to use - I tried it and kept cracking my fingers into the lens rather than finding the natural grip position. The Nikon was much better in that respect fro me. (Still bought a Canon though - 40D).

HOWEVER, considering the environment you want to use tha camera in, have you looked at the Pentax K200D - weatherproofed body, runs on AA batteries, reasonably priced.
 
Hi and thanks for your thoughts. I did consider a samsung which I believe has the same mount for the lenses. I realize that I am at the cross roads here with regard to lenses. I shall look at the Pentax k200d. Power requirements are important as I have had a Fuji s7000 which seems power hungry.
regards Matthew
 
The dust is what concerns me. From what I understand this is a very fine dust that gets in everywhere. You may be better off with a weather sealed camera to prevent that nasty dust ingress. The AA battery option on the Pentax is a definite plus point
 
i am in agreement! weatherproofing is a must if you ar mostly gonig to be in the outback.
you may also need to look into sealed lenses as well in the future.

the Pentex looks like a decent bit of kit!
 
Both range of cameras are capable of exactly the same....performance issues should not worry you when getting your initial dSLR, it's merely a case of which feels best in your hands and more natural to use, so it is advisable to try them out first :)
 
hmm. I had Nikon when I had a film SLR and now have Canon for a DSLR. I went with Canon for a DSLR because I already had a Canon G9 and was pleased with it and could easily work my way through all the controls and menus. I did not seem to do so well with the Nikon but that we definitely just me. As everyone says, I think that you should try out Nikon and Canon and also take a look at the various controls and menu structures to see which one seems more natural to you.
 
The bodies you mention will do the tasks you want but if you have a problem with dust then this is the real issue.

Dust will always find a way in, the job is to minimise it. Some of the more expensive lenses are dust sealed and the more expensive bodies are weathersealed as well - mostly against water but will help against dust.

Choosing your lenses will be key and getting into the habit of observing good dust prevention techniques will help - powering down camera whilst changing lenses, shielding body against dust and so on.

How much can you spend?
 
mateo said:
I have yet to hold any of these cameras and that will be the real test, as I live in a remote location away from shops.
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A lot of the talk of advantages of canon or Nikon is flannel, the reality is that both the d80 or 450d are fantastic cameras. The real test is which you prefer in your hand, so if you can try each - if you can not because you live in the middle of nowhere, then flip a coin or whatever you use for money in nowhere.

I shoot canon which of course is the best.
 
Looks like he may soon be coming to the Dark side then:)
 
Just logged in again so thanks for the comments.
I have become interested in purchasing a second hand Nikon d200. I can spend around 480 pounds. The d200 would be weather proof and durable I think over the d80.
I may have given the impression that I live in the middle of nowhere surrounded by dust.
Not quite true. 2 hours from Brisbane south west. Still some beautiful countryside here. will post with new camera soon.
regards Matthew
 
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