Nikon or Canon?

[Darryl]

I'm looking to buy a DSLR in a couple of months and being a complete novice I'm already confused which one to go for.

I've got 3 in mind Nikon D3000, Nikon D3100 and Canon EOS 1100D

I was leaning towards the D3000 as the money I'd save against the D3100 will almost buy a 55-300mm VR lens, then I read about the Canon and now I'm unsure again. HELP!!!

Thanks in advance
Darryl

[MIKE THROWER]

3100 is an update of the 3000 so your down to a choice of 2

[PeterB]

Spend as much as you can on the lenses. They will stay with you longer than the body and do you more good.

[Stargazer]

They are both pefectly good entry-level cameras. Personally I'd go for the Nikon but then I'm biased having used Nikons all my adult life.

A friend has the EOS 1100D, and my abiding impression is that it's very 'plastic'. I know both of these cameras are made mostly of plastic but the Nikon feels a bit less like a Fisher-Price product to me. I do prefer cameras that have a bit of weight to them; perhaps paradoxically, it makes them easier to hold steady especially with a long lens.

Ultimately, the best camera is the one that feels right. Handle them both in the shop and don't let the sales staff rush you. Take time to see how they feel in the hand, and how easily the controls lie under your fingers. You won't capture that fleeting moment if you have to grope for the shutter release; if you have large hands you might find the Nikon a bit more accommodating in this respect, but really it's a matter of personal preference.

[kennethw]

agree with above two posts. Is there a local camera club where you could see the various cameras in the field? Canon and Nikon bodies/lenses are not compatible - well there do seem to be adapters between virtually any camera system, but they are all manual, which means if you did subsequently decide to change, there is the issue that you would have to sell the lenses as well

[Darryl]

Thankyou for your replies. The only way I could afford a DSLR was by stopping smoking. By putting the money I spent on cigarettes (£30p/w) aside and adding a bit more by not going to the pub I ended up getting a Nikon D3100 but now I've got to save up for a decent lens.

Mike, the choice wasn't that simple as the D3000 with 18-55 VR lens was at a silly price of £299 at the time of the post, the D3100 was £439.

Peter, if I do outgrow the D3100 the Nikkor DX lenses (I haven't yet purchased) will be for sale with the camera, I don't think I'll get very far past the auto settings on this camera though so don't expect to see any great pictures from me as I can only give 100%

Stargazer, thankyou for telling me to try them out in the shop because when I got hold of the EOS 1100 it was like a kids toy at the side of the Nikon.

My old Fuji 2800z is free to a good home or should I just donate it to a museum

[munchycarrot]

Hi Darryl, did you go for this? Just wondered how you're getting on. My son has the D3100 & it seems a little belter. He's looking into a zoom but one of the cheaper end Nikon, he's not into bird shots...yet