Camera Junkies Help!

[teacher_jessica]

I would like to buy a new camera, a digital SLR, before baby arrives so both DH and I can get used to using it (Brad will really need to get used to it because he doesn't have much experience with SLR's and I used to do a lot with my old SLR so I'm not too worried).  We aren't sure which direction to go in.  I like the Cannon and I like the Nikon

Comments

[emilyryan]

I'm no camera expert, but we recently purchased a Canon Powershot SD600 and really love it. It has more than enough features for our needs. It it a mid-range Canon Powershot. We bought it from amazon.com - I found their reviews very helpful when I was researching. Good luck!

[emilyryan]

Ok - I don't even think the camera I described is an SLR?? See, just goes to show what I (don't) know about cameras, lol. ;-)

[bsbabe04]

Both cameras are comparable. I would suggest something Mimi suggested to me - go hold the in your hands. That made the choice for me. The controls are on different sides on the two models. It's weird, but it's totally a comfort thing.

I have the Nikon D50. I love it. The newer version of that is the D40 or the D40X. I was literally just at Best Buy looking at both. They are great starter cameras and you can get the lenses, etc. I have both the 18 to 55 and the 55 to 200 lenses. I love having the zoom lens, especially for our trips, etc.

[pyjammy]

I have the Canon Digital Rebel (the first one - I bought it used) and love it. I am no expert on digital SLRs, but I wanted a Canon over a Nikon because that's the camera I'm used to - our point and shoot is a Canon, so I already knew how most of the buttons worked. But really, Canons and Nikons are both excellent, you can't go wrong with either. I love my 50mm/1.8 lens, but use the kit lens too, because it's got zoom.

[lakewoodbride]

Ask Elissa because she is buying the Nikon D40 - after holding the Canon in her hand. She just asked me this very same question a couple weeks ago!

You really can't go wrong with either camera. It's really a matter of personal taste and how you prefer the controls and how it feels in your hands. The lenses that Tara mentioned are just fine for what you'll be using them for. Zooms are more useful, but if you're looking to get super sharp results shooting your child, the 50mm/1.8 lens that pyjammy mentioned is your best bet. The results are better, but it might be hard and sometimes frustrating to use because you can't zoom.

If I were you, I'd probably get the lens that comes with the camera (usually the 18-55) and when you get a hang of the SLR a little more and you feel like buying another lens, get the 50mm/1.8.

You can always email me if you have any more questions! ;)

[elissab]

Jess, Mimi is right, we ended up with teh D40 and got it last week! Chris did a ton of research and with input from Mimi, Tara and my SIL who does a lot of photography, it seemed like the best bet. For the price if you are liking the D40x better, every review pretty much just said to get the D80 instead. For now we just got the lense that came with the camera which is the 18-55 and will likely get another zoom like Tara mentioned or a sharper lens that pyjammy mentioned. We ended up ordering from Amazon of all places. Good luck, and so far it has been really easy!

[rjmrox]

I've been hanging out a lot recently on The Nest Photo Board - http://z6.invisionfree.com/The_Nest_Photo_Board/index.php. It's board that some nesties put together just for photography. Lots of very photography smart women! I've been borrowing my dad's (buying my own is a long ways out), which is a Canon 20D. I'm in love with it! The one drawback is that the only working lens he has is a 75-300mm. I wish he had a shorter lens, but I'm not complaining. Jake's cousin has a Canon Digital Rebel (XT or XTi, not sure which) that she LOVES. HTH!