Dslr...

[LoveMe_HateMe]

I'm saving up for a really good digital camera and I'm thinking either Nikon or Canon but I'm used to using film camera's rather than digital ones. So last time I looked at the specs of the cameras all I saw was numbers and letters (although it was about 2 in the morning, but still lol).

Anyone have any recommendations?

Nikon or Canon?

:)

[unknownuser]

What film cameras and lens have you been using?
What do you plan on taking photos of?
What are features that you NEED on the camera?

Also, you're going to want to consider what lenses you're going to want to buy because if you buy cheap crappy lenses that's usually what you'll get out of them; crap. If you start off with a cheaper body and invest in a better lens, you'll be happier.

So my advice, go with a cheaper basic DSLR and learn how to use it. When you outgrow it, you can always upgrade to the next model up. As a beginner, I'd say it is kinda pointless to go out and buy the best, most expensive, and most feature-packed camera out there, because you won't be able to use it to its full potential and any basic DSLR should already come equipped with the basic settings and functions that you'll need to get yourself started. As for lenses, you need to know what you plan on shooting. The standard 18-55mm kit lenses that come with most DSLR bundles really are not that great, same goes for those 50-200 or 70-300 lenses that are usually sold in bundles with the camera body. I would look at something like the Sigma 18-50 2.8-4 or quick prime lenses in the 28-50mm range 1.8-2.8 apertures.

[Cognizant]

Basing of what Julie said, go for the cheapest and build your skill off that. In my experience, I've found that Canon runs a bit lighter on the price tag.

However, I disagree with Julie at the same time. The kit lens (the lenses that come either with or in addition to your camera) make for great practice. Now I digress, I've been wanting to move past the kit lens for quite some time now, but that's because I've been using my camera for a while and I'm starting to get the "feel" for it. Sure, it's nice to have a lens with a smaller aperture or a wider angle, but don't kill yourself over it. You can still take some great shots with the standards. Invest into them when you feel you're ready to move on to them instead of spending $300 on a lens that you end up never using again because you either:
1) Feel that it doesn't suit your needs for your shot ideas
2) Are not used to the camera
3) Loose interest in photography or rarely use that lens (not saying you will, but it could happen)

If you do choose to go in the Canon direction, the "EOS Digital Rebel t2i" is a phenomenal DSLR that's great for people who want to start exploring the true DSLR world.

Just to prove my point further, you don't need fancy lenses or lighting equipment do do awesome shots. I did all of these with only 3 things- my t2i, the 75mm kit lens, and some Lightroom editing:

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/62221_499257906762526_337125619_n.jpg
(in fact, I didn't even need a tripod for this picture. I just took it when we were being held at a station.)
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/644641_481164608571856_2061177981_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/252712_445283362159981_605613181_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/550249_493456867342630_263010826_n.jpg

[sparkles]

I have an older Nikon D40. I feel like the Nikon lenses are a little cheaper. I would say to get something similar to learn and then upgrade once you've gotten into it. You really don't need all of those megapixels. In fact during the megapixel race companies crammed more pixels onto the same CMOS chips increasing signal noise and creating more blurriness.

[Danny Phantom]

I'm a Canon guy. I find them way easier to use than Nikons.
Sony ain't too bad either IMO.
I'm ordering a T3i or T4i before summer starts

[jack787]

I use a Canon PowerShot SX230, and the image quality is great. I highly recommend the camera.

[Steve Jobs]

I'm a Canon guy. I find them way easier to use than Nikons.
Sony ain't too bad either IMO.
I'm ordering a T3i or T4i before summer starts

Sony ain't bad because they manufacture the sensor chips used in the good chunk of consumer Nikon bodies, and utilize Zeiss optics.

That being said, you could look used (D70/D90, or a Rebel XSi/T2i/T3i) that are more than capable. I agree with most of the postings above.

In fact, any DSLR made within the last 5-7 years is more than capable for a beginner to start out. Glass wise, I'd highly recommend veering away from the 18-55mm only if you can really afford it. It does add to your creative potential, but truly isn't necessary. I've produced pretty excellent results and a newspaper feature out of a broken 18-55 kit lens.

Nifty Fifty and sexy 85 are great for photojournalistic bokehful portraits and artsy shots, and if you do go the Nikon route - the cheapest 50mm f/1.8 is by far the sharpest glass you'll ever mount on a Nikon.

[rocketsheep]

ffff