Camera Purchase Decision

[KevinCollins]

I'm comtemplating a camera purchase in the new future (like maybe Christmas) and have been doing some research. I think I've narrowed it down to two cameras and I'd like to get some help from people who may have used both.


A few things to keep in mind:
1). I'm not a professional, I'm just trying to get better pictures and be able to try some new things.
2). Most of the pictures I'll be taking will be landscapes, random family shots, and various macro type things - flowers, etc. My Flikr photostream shows some things I've shot in the past.

I own a Nikon Coolpix 8800 and I've used a Canon 20D. I think I need something in between. I personaly feel the Nikon has given me better pictures, so I'm leaning toward that brand.

Anyway, by two choices are:
A). Nikon D3000 and as soon as I can afford it, I'd buy the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II lens.

B). Canon EOS Rebel XSi and as soon as I can addord it, I'd buy the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens.

So for those who know way more than I do, I ask for your opinion. Which would you purchase? And more importantly why?

Thanks in advance,

(note: I'm not wanting to start a Canon vs Nikon flamewar here, I simply need some advice from those with experience.)

[candidrachel]

Hi, I have the Canon 550d and I love it. I don't think there is much difference between the Nikon or Canon. Its what you prefer. I was speaking to someone who had the Nikon equivalent recently who just went for Nikon in the end because he preferred the "feel" of the camera in his hands.

Can I make a quick suggestion to your flickr pics? I loved the Viva Las Vegas photos but the other ones of the sunset where pretty "samey" - just pic your faves and post them.

[vsa]

The entry level dslr cameras are quite the same when it comes to performance. Some may have little bit different capabilities than others so those you might want to take a look at... like does it shoot video (if that matters to you). I'd just go to the store to find out how they feel in your hand and choose a brand based on that. After deciding whether you go for Canon or Nikon look for which model you want to get.

Either way, you can't really go wrong with either of them. Just find out which feels best first.

[sybren]

I'd go for the Canon. Canon systems make sense to me. Focus and zoom rings rotate the "correct" way, the menu system is logical. The Canon designers just make stuff that matches my brain. Nikon on the other hand always manages to confuse me.

[KevinCollins]

Originally Posted by candidrachel

Can I make a quick suggestion to your flickr pics? I loved the Viva Las Vegas photos but the other ones of the sunset where pretty "samey" - just pic your faves and post them.

Yes, you can make a suggestion. Thanks, I'll be revamping that set in the few days.

[kirbinster]

I would urge you to look at the D5000 rather than the D3000, for slightly more money you get a much better image sensor (almost same as D90 and D300) and the tilt screen which can be very handy. If money is tight why not consider a lightly used D90 also.

[KevinCollins]

Sounds like I need to take a trip to the local Camera Store...

I did hold the D3000 today and I like its display when setting the shot. What caught my eye was the animated shutter that re-inforced which way you were going. I'm sure there are other things, but a two minute browse while at Best Buy was all I could muster today.

[Rolling Stone]

I think you are going to get advice that will leave you in the same spot you are in now. The best thing to do is go to a store and feel them for yourself. Hold them. Check the functions and menus'. See which one feels right to YOU.
If your still in doubt, get the Nikon D90.

[LMAshton]

Originally Posted by Rolling Stone

If your still in doubt, get the Nikon D90.

Yes.

[oldwolf]

I wouldn't directly compare pictures taken with a Nikon Coolpix with a Canon 20D. Both are completely different form factors. One being a point and shoot and the other being a DSLR.

With the point and shoot you're limited in what controls you have over exposure. With the DSLR you have a lot more control and some times, for new users, are overwhelmed by the controls.

Personally, I'd go with Canon but that's because I know and use Canon. *shrug*

In the end even if you went with Nikon you'll think the Coolpix took better pictures because it was a point and shoot. That is until you learn to make the DSLR (Canon or Nikon) do what you want it to do.