Help Me Pick A Camera

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DP 08 GXP

New member
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.
[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D3000-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6G/dp/B002JCSV5I/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1352516130&sr=1-1&keywords=nikon+d3000]Amazon.com:]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[/ame] 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
[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Rebel-T3-Digital-18-55mm/dp/B004J3Y9U6]Amazon.com:[/ame] Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm IS II Lens and EOS HD Movie Mode (Black): Camera & Photo
 
I've used both Nikon and Canon DSLRs and can tell you from my experience to go with the Canon. They are both great cameras and both have their pros and cons. Canon cameras are more user friendly when it comes to lenses. I have some old Canon lenses from an SLR Canon camera that work perfectly with new DSLR bodies. I cannot say the same about Nikon camera bodies, however.

My recommendation is to go to Best Buy or any other BM store that display their cameras so you can play with each camera and see which one fits you best. You will need a good zoom lens as well if you're planning on shooting sports. You will soon find out, if you haven't already noticed, that camera bodies are the least expensive when it comes to gear. A good quality lens will cost you well over $1,000.

It's a great hobby to get into but can get very expensive. I have no regrets however. :)
 
I figured just like detailing products there will be those that favor one over another depending on their personal preferences. The one thing that makes me lean towards the Nikon is the extra lens that comes with it but with the Canon being more user friendly makes me want to go that route since I am a novice when it comes to anything outside pushing one button
 
Which lenses does the Nikon come with? I've found that the "extra lens" in a camera kit are not all that good.
 
The days of the SLR cameras I had Pentax and loved it. Now with the digital age I bought a Kodak Z710 a so called point and shoot camera and I really like it. If I ever upgrade to a DSLR I would go for a Cannon myself. You basically need to pick the one for yourself that suits your needs and has the functions you want and need. It is kind of like asking everyone which one do I buy, Chevy or Ford? Of course I would tell you Chevy! :lol2:
 
Both camera are equally capable.
It is just like Camry vs Accord, E-class vs 5 series, etc. Each stream will have their own supporters.

For the same price, get the Nikon because it has a telephoto lens.
I bet you might have heard people saying: "If you cant get good photos, you aint close enough."

when the difference between camera body is negligible, having a longer lens make you take a lot more photos that you cant before.
 
I would go to Best Buy and take a look at them if they have the same models. If they do Best Buy will price match and if you decide you don't like it after playing with it at home you can always return it. Best Buy has a no questions asked return policy.
 
I have a Nikon (although owned Canons for many many years) but there are a lot of good cameras available and most any camera in the hands of someone knowing what they are doing can take nice images.

You state your use in baseball and basketball games. This means telephoto lens, shooting faster shutters speeds to stop action, likely higher ISO (to get a fast shutter speed and not shooting wide open to get some depth of field. You may want to invest in a monopod to help hold the camera steady.

I would suggest getting the kit lens and a 200 or 300mm max range zoom but unless you pay a lot of money for it will likely be a f5.6 at full extension. This is why you need a body that has better higher ISO (800 to 1600) performance. I would take images with both cameras at 400/800/1600 to see which camera gives you the results you like. You can do some of this in the store using store lighting.

From looking at the specs, the Nikon D3100 is a better equal to the Canon T3.
 
Quality wise both Canon and Nikon are about the same. Nikon as an edge on optic quality. For ease of use and learning ability Canon beats Nikon hands down.
 
You can't go wrong with either Nikon or Canon. I prefer the Nikon myself.
IMHO the Nikon body is more rugged and it performs better at high ISO.

For only a little more money you can get a D3100 or D3200 which are even better. If you decide on Canon, go with the T3i instead of theT3.
The D3200 and the T3i are both outstanding cameras.

GTO_04
 
I've had my Canon 30D for well over 6 years now and still use it on a daily basis. This camera has been to the hot desert, freezing trips to the mountains in the winter and everything in between. It is a little outdated for today's standards but the image quality it produces is still great. As long as you take care of your equipment, it will return the favor and take care of your picture needs whenever you need it.

I also agree with what GTO said in upgrading to the next model in whichever brand you go with. It will be well worth it.
 
i personally am a canon user but if you're just starting, for the same price the nikon is a better deal. nevertheless you will find out that the camera body isn't what makes the picture, its the glass you put on it. the faster the glass meaning the lower the aperture number the deeper you dig into your pocket. like it was suggested previously, go handle each one and see which feels better to you. that will be the one you wanna learn how to use.
 
One other important point to keep in mind: once you pick a system (Canon EOS or Nikon) and start buying additional accessories, more glass, etc., you'll pretty much be married to it. The initial purchase of a body and kit lens is the cheap part -- once you get into shooting you will find yourself throwing a lot of money at things which are specific to the camera system you're shooting, and switching over to the other system isn't going to be cheap or easy. For example -- Canon EF/EF-S lenses don't fit on Nikon AF/AF-S cameras, and vice-versa.
 
Very good point Charles. When I switched from Nikon to Canon it came at a great cost. I was lucky enough to find a buyer that didn't haggle with me on the price. I am very much married to Canon now and don't plan on switching. :)
 
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