Which dSLR???

[thewal]

Hi,

I am upgrading from a Panasonic FZ50. I have am kind of narrowed down to the following;

Canon 500D, 550D
Nikon 5000D

I have read that the Canon's are better than the Nikon. I am looking at the 500D, as the price here would be the factor. Is it a big no no to go for the 500 over the 550?

I am looking to shoot, wildlife, landscape, action.

[ianpinion]

Well to start with, the Canon's aren't really that much better than the Nikon at all and I suspect the article you may have read had been written by a died in the wool Canon user, so could have been biased. In actual fact, there is very little to choose between any of the leading manufacturers entry level DSLRs in terms of the picture quality, as each of them can produce fabulous images. To be brutally honest, it's the skill of the person using the camera and performing the post shot editing that will have the biggest influence on the quality of the final images.

There's no need to worry about potentially choosing the Canon 500D over the 550D on price, as ok this model may have been superceded by the 550D, but the 500D is still a fine camera in it's own right. Just because there's a newer version doesn't mean it's changes from being a great camera to a crap one overnight.

The most important consideration should be given to what you want to photograph and what additional equipment you will need to do this. To take landscapes you will need a wide angle lens, but the kit lens each of these cameras is provided with should be good enough for starters, though in time you will probably need an ultra wide angle lens to help you capture a wider sweep of a scene. However, for both sports and wildlife shots you will need a telephoto lens, preferably with what is termed as faster glass (a wider aperture), plus possibly a decent prime macro lens for close ups of flowers and insects etc. So it might be worth looking out for a twin lens bundle that's being offered with the camera to help start you off, which may include say an 18-55mm f/3.5-f/5.6 kit lens and a 50-255mm f/4-f/6.3 telephoto lens. You will probably also need a tripod, a spare battery or two and a kit bag to carry everything around in.

When you come to decide which model to go for do pay attention to what additional equipment you will be looking to add in the future as it may help you determine which is the best system to go for. Another thing, before you make your purchase it probably good practice to have a go with each of the cameras you're considering. You see you can read all the reviews you like, but they won't be able to tell you how you will feel about that model. They can't possibly say whether you will like the way the menu is laid out, or whether the controls are placed in positions that are comfortable for you to use with your particular hand size. Remember, this is going to be the camera that you will be using, so it only makes sense that you buy the one that suits you best. This is very much a personal decision that nobody else can make for you.

Finally, take a look at the review of entry level DSLRs on this site before you go any further. It may help to cast aside those prejudices you may have.

[matt wilson]

I would say Ian is spot on with his advice .Particularly when it comes to how a camera feels .

I chose Canon because I liked the feel and menu system .To me it was intuitive and actually not hugely different from their bridge camera.

Wildlife and action will benefit from a fast burst rate so it may influence your decision .

Unless you need all the bells and whistles of a 550 d then buy the cheaper body and save for lenses that's what will make the real difference.

[chris-p]

Originally Posted by matt wilson

I would say Ian is spot on with his advice .Particularly when it comes to how a camera feels .

I chose Canon because I liked the feel and menu system .To me it was intuitive and actually not hugely different from their bridge camera

Absolutely. Every reason Matt chose a Canon is exactly why I chose Nikon!

Just demonstrates that the main differences aren't in spec, but in what each person prefers....

[thewal]

Thanks guys. I will go and have a good feel of them.
I have a mate in Dell that I think can get me a good price on a 500D.

[CplBadboyUK]

Its all about the feel wal.

As soon as you pick the two bodies up you will know which is for you! Good luck and enjoy!

Regards
Stu

[wavemachine]

As soon as you pick the two bodies up you will know which is for you! Good luck and enjoy!

He is right, I remember going to buy a Nikon D40 and thought I may as well have a look at the Canon 350D, the Nikon was very nice but the Canon just felt so much better for me, the complete revese happened for a friend of mine. It is nice to have a bit of choice.

Good luck and enjoy

[xavier]

Frankly " thewal" both Cannon & Nikon are good photographic companies anyway, so your spoilt for choice. I use a Nikon D40 myself and I find it great.