Entering the world of DSLR - Invest in Canon or Nikon?

[DaveStorym]

Hi all,

I'm finally financially ready to buy my first DSLR, and I want to enter the DSLR world with a mid-range camera.

I "think" I've narrowed it down to either the Canon EOS 60D or the Nikon D7000.

One thing I want to consider is that if I start to invest in multiple lenses, and I want to upgrade the body in a couple of years...I will obviously want to stick with whatever brand I buy now.

I focus primarily on landscape photography, if it makes any difference.

Do any of you have a feeling about which of these two cameras to purchase, OR which of these two brands I should invest in? (Or am I missing a camera/brand that belongs in this discussion?)

Thanks so much for your expertise and insights,

Dave

[andyz]

This is not a discussion over which is best. There is no answer for that. I'd ask a few questions initially: have you gone to a camera store and held each to see which you prefer, and do you have friends from whom you will share lenses? Answering those questions can help get you on your way.

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by andyz

This is not a discussion over which is best. There is no answer for that. I'd ask a few questions initially: have you gone to a camera store and held each to see which you prefer, and do you have friends from whom you will share lenses? Answering those questions can help get you on your way.

Like Andy said. Those are two huge questions.

I wouldn't rule out the other manufacturers right away either. Best advice is to try as many as you can in person and see if one just fits you better. The more comfortable with the camera you are, the more you'll enjoy using it, the more you'll want to learn.

Having friends with the same brand gear can be helpful, since they can offer advice or loan lenses, etc.

[WarrenG]

Dave,

There are other brands out there which are as good, but you probably have more options and accessories for the big two. My advice would be to go to the local camera shop and see it they offer rentals. They may not be the same model cameras that you are looking at, but you should be able to get a good feel for which one you like shooting better or feels more natural in your hands. I would also suggest feeling out both cameras in the store.

The truth is, both make great gear, and you will get very nice images from both brands... remember the camera is only an extension of the shooter.

Good luck, it get's addictive! We are always looking for better, faster, cleaner...lol


W

[Abel]

side by side comparison shows theyre pretty neck and neck.

biggest differences i see is nikon has 39 focus points versus canon's 9 and the canon has a swivel lcd as opposed to nikons fixed screen..

other than that the seem almost identical...

check this side by side comparison link
http://www.dpreview.com/products/com...ts=nikon_d7000

[crbeveri]

I couldn't agree more with what Warren has said about going to a local camera shop. Not a ritz or wolf camera but a true camera shop.

Personal thing here: I personally shoot canon b/c it is what I have shot my whole life. However, when I made the jump into Digital SLR's I went and played with a nikon and a canon but found that I did not like the feel or layout of the Nikon's. That being said I chose Canon 1: b/c I had used it for so long and 2: b/c to me it just felt better in my hands and more comfortable to hold.

Both Canon and Nikon are great cameras and both have things that the other might not have as good of. But like said, go to the camera store and give them a test drive there and see what feels better to you.

[KenJulio]

Dave - another option if you're unsure, you can rent a combination of lens(es) and bodies as this would be a smaller investment than an outright purchase. Also, if you dont have friends with either bodies, this would be an option.

I would also consider if you have friends who shoot either, to lean more towards that one so you would have a 'mentor' so to speak, as well as another person you could try lenses with.

Bottom line, you will not lose with either.

[Rson]

Let me just get this out before anyone else.

Canon Sucks and Nikon Rules.

KIDDING.


With the specs being so close, I would rent the body for a week and shoot the heck out of them. It might come down to ergonomics (it is with me, Nikon just felt more natural in my hands and I liked the way I would control everything using my 3 fingers and one hand). It will ultimatly comedown to personal preferance. DEMO DEMO DEMO.

[venchka]

Your list excludes very viable alternatives.

[Photogdude]

Flip a coin, heads it's nikon, and tails it's canon! i mean they both have good camera's. and the good lenses are outrageously priced. so it really don't matter

[venchka]

Originally Posted by DaveStorym

Hi all,

...
One thing I want to consider is that if I start to invest in multiple lenses, and I want to upgrade the body in a couple of years...I will obviously want to stick with whatever brand I buy now.

I focus primarily on landscape photography, if it makes any difference.

Dave

If you are already thinking of upgrading the camera, why not start slow with used camera? There are a lot of serviceable learning bodies on the market. Invest your savings on the camera in a good lens that you will want to keep for a long time. When you get through the learning curve potholes, you will know what camera is best for you when you feel like upgrading. look at the for sale listings here. There are always good "learners" for sale.

[andyz]

Originally Posted by Photogdude

Flip a coin, heads it's nikon, and tails it's canon! i mean they both have good camera's. and the good lenses are outrageously priced. so it really don't matter

And what is "1st" today may be "2nd" tomorrow when you upgrade. My 7D is a far cry from my original Rebel. Many of my lenses though are the same.

[Sonny]

These type of threads tend to go south very quickly. I want to thank everyone that offered advice and recommendation for staying neutral.

Even Wayne had something good to say.

[venchka]

Thanks

[soymilk]

Pretty much neck and neck. Can't go wrong either way.

Probably might not even be an issue, but if you plan on using tiltshift lenses for landscape. The 24mm pc-e (nikon) can't shift all the way up without hitting the flash housing on the d7000. I believe the 24 ts-e (canon) has no problem with the 60D.

This might not be an issue because the lens is $2000 and also by the time you get there, you might have moved up to a pro body. Pretty much not a big deal.

P.s. Surprised with all the responses so far. No fanboyism here... So please allow me to start. Xbox rules and ps3 sucks!