Author Topic: Nikon vs Canon  (Read 23686 times)

  • Offline Adrock

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Re: Nikon vs Canon
Reply #15 on: August 19, 2013, 22:44:04 PM
Just had a look at those NEX cameras, look very nice. As does the Canon one. The lack of a viewfinder might be an issue though, which would then point me either at the high end mirrorless ones, which are too rich for me.

So DSLR it is, second hand is not a problem. Where should I start looking? As I said before, entry level is where I'm pitching. I have no preference on brands either.

  • Offline zpyder

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Re: Nikon vs Canon
Reply #16 on: August 20, 2013, 00:38:20 AM
Is a viewfinder really that important?

I bought the GF a second hand Canon 40D for xmas. I looked at the photos on it the other day, and she literally hasn't used it since February. Is the missus definitely going to "get into this photography lark" or is this something where being a bit more user friendly, nice big lcd (possibly touchscreen) and plenty of auto modes, could be preferred?

If it's second hand cameras, My first stop would be your nearest brick and mortar camera shop. They should have a selection of used cameras. From there you can get a feel for what tends to be available, and either buy from them, or take that info and take a gamble and buy for a bit cheaper, either on ebay or an internet camera shop with a used section.

I tend to buy from my local camera shop if the prices are reasonable. They tend to be a little more expensive than the internet, but once you add on postage costs, and consider the ability to test products in a shop etc, I think it makes sense. The local shop would probably be happy for me to take a lens away for a day to test before I buy etc.

I'd also check what her mum has, both body and lens wise. If it is a Canon DSLR, I'd maybe consider Canon. The lens borrowing works both ways. If the missus and the mother are ever at a party or event etc with their cameras, they'll easily be able to swap lenses, if they want.

Canon wise, for reference, their order of "professionalism" (and thus cost) goes (from most expensive):

(these 3 are full frame, mega bucks)
1D
5D
6D

7D (top line cropped sensor) ~£750-850 second hand

Mid range bodies, in order of newness
70D - £1000
60D - £500
50D - £300
40D - £200

Low end (Order of newness) (There's also x50ds inbetween)
700D -£400-£500
600D - £300-400
500D - £250
400D - £150-200

And then there's the 1000, 1100D etc, which are Canons cheapest, smallest, lightest etc. Pretty plasticy. Retail around £250-350 NEW.

(Prices are just pulled quickly from the web and what I've seen around lately. Could be out by a little bit!)

If the camera is going to get a bit of use, and the missus is serious about it, I'd consider getting a second hand 60D, or 600D if the 60 is too much. If it's just going to be an occasional use thing, I'd probably otherwise consider the 1000/1100D new. Though they're very plasticy, this does equate to being lighter weight, and a bit smaller than the other offerings. You'd also likely get as much use out of it new, as you would a second hand, but more expensive model.
Last Edit: August 20, 2013, 00:41:23 AM by zpyder #187;

Re: Nikon vs Canon
Reply #17 on: August 20, 2013, 07:49:03 AM
I have a 400d it's great but does not do videos or have live view. Think 650d is first one that has that.

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  • Offline zpyder

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Re: Nikon vs Canon
Reply #18 on: August 20, 2013, 10:08:13 AM
As far as I know, Canon cameras since the 500D have live view + video. As they've progressed the technology has advanced (I think the 500D for example can only record at most 15 mins video at a time). Things like liveview autofocus are improved in the more recent versions.

  • Offline Adrock

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Re: Nikon vs Canon
Reply #19 on: August 20, 2013, 12:40:52 PM
In laws have a 550d, with a few lenses. According to a bit I've read would the tiltable screen of the 600d be worth considering? The camera is gonna very much be used exclusively for family outings which is why I'm still leaning towards a compact system, I'm just concerned the lack of viewfinder will get on her nerves.

The main problem with our old Panasonic compact thing is its slow. Hmm, I think going off your suggestions zpyder the 1100d could be most suitable.

Re: Nikon vs Canon
Reply #20 on: August 20, 2013, 12:52:06 PM
if your in-laws are likely to be happy to lend lenses and/or photography will take place with them on outings etc so that their kit will be available, then going Canon EOS makes sense. I originally went Pentax for exactly this reason, having the same system as a more established friend or family member makes for a low cost introduction to photography.

I know you probably want this to be a surprise, but speaking for myself I'd say that picking a camera, especially a first system camera, is a very personal decision. If I were you I'd surprise her with "we're going to a camera shop" and have her involved in chosing which one you buy. You might find that things you think are vital don't matter to her at all, and things you don't even notice will matter to her a great deal. For example, she may hate the plasticy feel of the 1100D, or she may think the 60D is too big and heavy.

This is one field where "better" is not necessarily better for everyone.

Re: Nikon vs Canon
Reply #21 on: August 20, 2013, 12:56:33 PM
btw I deffinitely second the earlier comment about a bricks and mortar shop. Make it a proper independant camera shop if you can, and the bigger the better. I don't know where you are, but if you're anywhere near Watford then SRS Microsystems is a very good call, the staff are friendly and knowledgeable and will spend hours with you trying different things. I've never  compared their prices on Canon but on Pentax they are usually within a few pounds of the cheapest internet prices. Basically if I'm buying camera kit I don't go anywhere else.

  • Offline zpyder

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Re: Nikon vs Canon
Reply #22 on: August 20, 2013, 13:06:06 PM
The tilt screen might be worth it for "family" stuff. I can see it's use for:

Group photos (You can compose the group without having to be behind the camera (use it with a remote shutter release (peanuts on ebay))
Family outings/events. You can hold the camera above everyones heads and still compose the shot
Messing around. Similarly you can have the camera down low, without having to be a contortionist or break your back etc.

  • Offline Adrock

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Re: Nikon vs Canon
Reply #23 on: August 20, 2013, 13:31:15 PM
Mongoose, I live in Watford. I've been looking at that shop's website for a few days.

  • Offline Adrock

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Re: Nikon vs Canon
Reply #24 on: August 20, 2013, 17:01:00 PM
Is it worth spending extra money on the IS lens? Its £20 extra on the 1100D packages I've seen.

Which brings me to memory cards, where do you guys buy your memory cards?

And finally, local shops sound good in principle but if they close at bloody 5:30pm and I get home from work at 5pm then there is little to no chance of me getting there to actually peruse their service. And then weekends are always super busy for me so I never get the chance to go then either. Nightmare.

Think I'm gonna have to go to John Lewis tonight to have a look, see what the missus thinks. At least they're open late.

  • Offline zpyder

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Re: Nikon vs Canon
Reply #25 on: August 20, 2013, 18:27:59 PM
So you're looking at the 1100D?

Assuming that the IS version has the same maximum aperture, I'd spend the extra £20 for the IS lens. If the DC version has a better max aperture, it's more tricky as you'll have to decide between a faster lens, and IS. I'm actually finding it hard to find info on the DC version. I can only assume it's the old style lens.

Image stabilisation is very handy, and you can always turn it off if you don't need it.

Re: Nikon vs Canon
Reply #26 on: August 20, 2013, 19:15:33 PM
http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/

Might be an option once you decide what you want. Always been very impressed by their second hand stuff.
Formerly sexytw

  • Offline Adrock

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Re: Nikon vs Canon
Reply #27 on: August 20, 2013, 21:48:45 PM
Thank you all very much for your help. Took her to John Lewis, told her what her options were and she tried a few cameras. Decided in the end that she wanted the Canon 600D. Over budget, but she wanted it.

I really liked the look of the tiny Sony, alas, she likes big ones.

So, SD cards. Gimme some recommendations and where to buy them please. Am I looking for super high speed ones or will any crap do? Also, what size am I gonna be looking towards to get a decent amount of shots out of it?

  • Offline zpyder

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Re: Nikon vs Canon
Reply #28 on: August 20, 2013, 21:55:49 PM
32gb Class 10 SD Card would do you right.

I get over 1000 (I think it's about 1400) full resolution RAW 18mp pictures on a 32gb compact flash card.

I don't bother with the expensive brands. I just get the cheapest I can find that doesn't have a load of bad reviews. If it fails, I'd be able to afford 2-3 more for the price of one of the branded proper cards.

Re: Nikon vs Canon
Reply #29 on: August 20, 2013, 22:12:11 PM
32gb Class 10 SD Card would do you right.

I get over 1000 (I think it's about 1400) full resolution RAW 18mp pictures on a 32gb compact flash card.

I don't bother with the expensive brands. I just get the cheapest I can find that doesn't have a load of bad reviews. If it fails, I'd be able to afford 2-3 more for the price of one of the branded proper cards.

This might be overkill (more than you need) but at these kind of prices there's no point in going smaller / slower:

http://www.mymemory.co.uk/SDHC/Transcend/Transcend-32GB-Premium-SDHC-Card-Class-10-_-UHS-1-45-MB_s
Last Edit: August 20, 2013, 22:13:57 PM by addictweb #187;
Formerly sexytw

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