Which camera?

[sophief25]

Hello,

I've been interested in photography for a while and I'm planning on getting a camera but can't decide which is the best way to go. I'm taking photography at college, but it is also a hobby I'm only looking for something quite basic to start off with, and don't want to spend too much either!

I liked the sound of the Canon EOS 1000D, which is £329. But then in the shop, I started looking at the Nikon D3100, which is £399, but is 4 megapixels better, and has vibration reduction as well.

So I'm not sure if the Nikon is worth the extra money! What do you think? Any advice or opinions about either of these cameras or with choosing a camera in general, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

 

[arad85]

So I'm not sure if the Nikon is worth the extra money!

The biggest determinant in quality of photos is generally lens quality (assuming the same photographer as that's the real biggest determinant!). Play with the cameras in the shop and then buy whichever body feels best/most intuitive in your hands....

The entry level Canon/Nikon packages are pretty much of a muchness image quality wise.

 

[sophief25]

Thanks, I've felt both cameras in a shop and the Nikon was heavier but felt better overall!
I'm quite tempted to get it, do you think that having vibration reduction makes a big difference?

 

[arad85]

do you think that having vibration reduction makes a big difference?

VR (or IS - Image Stabilisation - as Canon call it) is in the lens for both of those makes. At 18-55 focal lengths, it's a nice to have but wouldn't be an overriding factor - especially as the kit lenses are bettered once you start buying other lenses (there's a reason people pay lost of money for replacement lenses!!). At that price, you have compromises... The non-IS Canon lens isn't the best, but then you're paying £329 for a camera and a lens... Not sure of the Nikon compromises (not a Nikon user) but some of the cheaper Nikons don't have inbuilt focus motors which leads to ruling out some lenses in the future.

I'd go with whichever feels better/more intuitive to use in your hands.

 

[sophief25]

Ah okay, I didn't know that VR was in the Canon lens as well, a sales person I was talking to told me it didn't have it, but he might have just been persuading me to buy the more expensive Nikon!
I did prefer the Nikon body wise, it was easier to hold and felt better. I think I'm going to go with the Nikon. Thank you!

 

[arad85]

Ah okay, I didn't know that VR was in the Canon lens as well, a sales person I was talking to told me it didn't have it, but he might have just been persuading me to buy the more expensive Nikon!

The Canon lens comes in two varieties - one without IS, the other with. The 1000D kit lens is without the IS, but Canon do make kit lenses with the IS (such as comes with the 500/550/600D).