Help Me Pick A Camera

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As some of you may know I work at Walmart and our Black Friday ad released. I was looking at the cameras that were in there because I was interested in getting a DSLR to use for my detailing pictures to get some better shots then my point and shot digital camera. These are the 2 cameras that are in the ad so if one is left after I get off work I'll probably get it so which one would you choose? Like I said I'll be using it for my detailing pictures and I will also be using it for my sons baseball and basketball games so there will be some action shots as well in different kinds of lighting.

For the ad the Nikon comes with a carrying bag and extra lens. Ad has it for $449.
Amazon.com: Nikon D3000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens: Electronics

The Canon comes with a carrying bag only. Ad has this one for $449
Amazon.com: Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm IS II Lens and EOS HD Movie Mode (Black): Camera & Photo
 
My wife & I recently purchased our first DSLR. We looked at Nikon d3100, d3200, & d5100 along with the cannon rebel t3i. Ultimately we picked the Nikon d5100. We've had it a month now & we are both very happy with the ease of use & picture quality
 
I don't want to disparage either Nikon or Canon as both are truly excellent makes. Having said that, I have a Canon 60D and a Panasonic Lumix pocket camera. I actually have used the Lumix more often out of sheer convenience and it does take great pics, but the Canon is far more versatile, though at a cost of size and weight.

Both Canon and Nikon have many similar features...but whatever camera you choose, the secret is the glass...lenses make the difference. Again...both Canon and Nikon lenses are excellent.

What it comes down to is you need to decide what features are most important and then decide which camera best fits that.

I would suggest you look at a Canon T3i...the swing out adjustable LCD view screen is a very nice feature. My 60D has that and it's great for otherwise difficult shots to make.
 
My wife has the D3000, and I bought my assistant the Canon. Both are great cameras for shooting pictures. I personally prefer the Nikon system overall for pictures. Between the two you mentioned, I would get the Canon just because it shoots video as well. You may not think you want it now, but you will later.

The most important thing in any dSLR setup is the lens. Even a cheap dSLR body will take amazing pictures with a great lens. We have a 35mm f/1.8 lens attached to the D3000 and the pictures are amazing, with really pleasing background blur (bokeh). The kit lens that comes with both setups are fine, but not amazing.

My wife is moving up to a Sony RX1 this year, which I'm really excited about. A full-frame sensor in a really compact camera is an engineering masterpiece. To put it in detailer's terms, it's basically the equivalent of Souveran looks with Opti-Coat durability :)
 
Any of the D5000 or D3000 series are excellent cameras. Find your price point and then pick the one you want. The D5200 and D3200 are going to have the most features and refinements since they were just released.

The kit lens (18-55mm) will probably last you a long time before you exceed its capabilities. I'd buy the package with that and then take photos until you truly learn that it's not giving you what you need in terms of light sensitivity and focal distance range.
 
I highly recommend the Sony NEX-5N. Sony has the only mirrorless systems that utilize the APS-C sensor and even larger with the RX1. The lack of optical viewfinder actually makes taking pictures in take spaces much easier, and the LCD screen allows for instant preview of photos as you play with your settings.

If that's not available, either of the Canon or Nikon lines will suit you just fine, as a variety of lenses are available for both, with perhaps a slight edge to the Canon. I had a 50D, and I found it quite easy to acquire new lenses relatively inexpensively.
 
I would suggest you look at a Canon T3i...the swing out adjustable LCD view screen is a very nice feature. My 60D has that and it's great for otherwise difficult shots to make.
Click to expand...

^^^^THIS^^^^ You simply cannot believe the difference it makes. A feature I will not do without.
 
I know that people wont agree and I am not here to flame or cause arguements but in my opinion CANON is an absolute must. I have used a few nikons and they just dont stand up to anything in the Canon line. Nikons are great in idea conditions, but when you need to be abe to trust that what your using will get the shot that you need say a wedding photo? you only get one chance. The canon 5D, 50D, and 60D are superb! and tamaron makes great lens for them that are priced well. I am 100% a Canon die hard. Not saying Nikon is terrible just saying I would not trust a Nikon in the photo business I run on the side.

For the money the Canon Rebel line is a great value! if your not looking to spend a ton but want something worth while to own and take the time to learn how to use. the Rebel is a great choice!

From the two you linked us to, I would go with the Rebel all the way! Yes the Nikon will be easier for anyone to pick up and use, but when you decide you want a different lens youll have to buy one that has the focus motor in it because the camera body does not.

These are just opinions from a guy that owns a 50D, and 1D Mark X. ultimitaly the choice is yours, go into a camera store and feel them both out!
 
For what it's worth, the nikon D5000, D5100, and D5200 all have the swing out, flip-out whatever LCD screen.
 
Skip the T3, it's not the same as the T3i. A T1i is waaaay better than a T3. I would suggest a T1i for your price range. If you need a flip out screen I would choose the T2i over the T3i for the price, and because there really isn't much a difference in image quality of the 3. I never shoot using the LCD since it makes focusing slower, and your images won't be as sharp as being able to focus through the eyepiece. I have a 60D and T1i, they both take beautiful pictures, but the T1i is a couple hundred less. You can pick up an extra lens with that cash.

Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera, Black - Walmart.com
 
You will get great photos out of either camera. I personally shoot with Nikon. The key for you will be learning to get the most out of the camera. I've been shooting for about 5 years now. Last month I showed up to a photography class with an old Nikon D40 and had better photos than most $3000 cameras in class. Know why? They didn't know how to maximize their equipment.

For beginners, I always recommend the following books: Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Boxed Set, Volumes 1, 2, and 3: Scott Kelby: 9780321678737: Amazon.com: Books


Good luck. You think you're buying a camera to take detailing photos, but we all know you'll be addicted to another hobby soon enough.
 
I've been a working photographer since 1974 and can tell you from experience (as was said above), the glass is the most important thing to look for. All of the main brands have good glass. In some cases, like Fuji, their lenses are from Nikon.

Also, the sensor size is important... bigger is better!

Then, learn the camera and some of the basics of photography. Learn to use light effectively (Photography is "painting with light"). Learn the rule of thirds... Once you learn them and they become second nature, then you can think about breaking the rules.

For me, I have been using Nikon's forever but Canon is a little more advanced when it comes to digital. The second lens in the deals you mentioned would move me to selecting the Nikon.

There ya go... my two cents worth.
 
keep this your rule

non expensive body
expensive lens

unless u have money buy both of them expensive

cheap body like canon d1100 i own one
then u can invest in (L series lens) which stands for luxurious
and wide angles lens are the best for standing car shots
 
The bottom line: what are you doing with the camera? If it is for your business and the family outings, you don't need an SLR! They look good but get heavy and awkword as you stroll around the sites. A good smaller camera will serve you well. If you are wanting fine art prints for the wall, a good SLR is great.

If you want to use a larger flash than what is on the camera, you will need a hot shoe on the camera or an x-sync plug in. If you are using a manual flash that is not synced to the camera, it will get a little more involved.

Adorama is a camera store out of New York and while it is a strange name, it is one of the biggest and most reasonable stores around. I've bought lots of equipment from them and they are always reliable. They also have some good learning pages for you to enjoy.

I have been shooting a long time and can tell you that some of those smaller cameras can shoot magazine quality images and are a lot easier to carry around.

One last thing... thieves are far less likely to steal your pocket sized camera than they are one in a larger camera bag with multiple lenses.
 
If would like some good camera info go to this website and study up, lots of good no-nonsense info on cameras, with recommendation's.

Ken Rockwell's Photography Updates

I have used his info to inform myself on camera decisions and buys and never been disappointed.
 
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