bakeroo Loc: So.Cal

Hello All,
I posted a few weeks ago about a tele lens for a sony H-2. Since then I have decided that I can afford an entry level DSLR. My family has always been a canon family;my dad was a UPI reporter in his early career and took his own photos. He really liked canon.
I am torn between canon and nikon. Thinking Canon t5 or sl 1. Nikon d5200 or d5300. How about a sony A58? Please HELP enlighten me. Reading more articles only confuses me more.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Welcome to the Hogg. I think the D5200 or 5300 would serve you well.

Check out Cameta.com for some great deals. Good Dealer.

BamaTexan Loc: Deep in the heart of Texas

I personally shoot Canon. Started with a Rebel xtI then t2I which I still have and also 5D Mk III. I suggest you go to a brick and mortar store and hold each camera to see which fits your hands best. You can't go wrong with either Nikon or Canon. There are also many other excellent DSLR's.

wisner Loc: The planet Twylo

I suggest you find a camera store where you can actually handle the models you are interested in. Often one may fit your hand and will better than the other ones under consideration. In my opinion, there are really no bad cameras, they are all capable of taking great photos. In the long run, it is the person depressing the shutter release button that is the most important part of the camera.
Mine own personal choice would be the Nikon 5300, second choice Canon t5i.
"A photographer went to a New York socialite party. As he entered the front door, the host said 'I love your pictures; you must have a fantastic camera'. He said nothing until dinner was finished, then 'That was a wonderful dinner, you must have a terrific stove".

Sam Haskins

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

This is a fantastic place to get 1000 different opinions of what you should buy. If you think you're confused now you'll be 10 times as confused after reading any advice you get here.

Walt

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

:thumbup: :thumbup:

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Welcome. I hope asking the Hogs doesn't get you even more confused! You will get lots of advice, and great thing about that is that there will be so much of it expressing differing points of view.

Both Nikon and Canon are excellent brands, Sony also.

Instead of thinking about the specs on paper, go to a store and play with some and see what appeals to you. Do you have contacts that you will take photographs with? If so, there is some advantage to having the same (good brand) as they do to share experiences and maybe lenses occasionally.

Are you likely to take photos with your father? If so, Canon may have some relationship / experience advantages. I personally chose to stay with Canon because of my familiarity with their older equipment, it made the learning curve for digital a little easier.

If you do look at Canon, I would suggest the T5i (or even the older T3i) instead of the T5. The T5 (like its older T3 sibling) is a little more limited in its growth potential. The T5 is good, but the T5i or T3i may take you further.

Good luck with whatever you choose. The brands you mention should all serve you well, but once you start buying lenses and accessories it gets harder to switch.

IShootEverything Loc: TN

A great one for you is the Canon 20D. It's a great entry level DSLR with professional quality. It was my first DSLR and its a great all around camera and better than a rebel.

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

Already lots of good answers here but let me add a couple of things, 1) as someone already mentioned, go to a store and see how the cameras feel in your hand. I have a Rebel and traded for a 50D simply because it feels better and the shutter is a lot smoother, bottom line is I really enjoy it. I'm not recommending a 50D as it is not a well ranked camera but to me it feels better than the Rebel. 2) I own a Canon for the same reason I own a Harley Davidson; it is easily customize-able. I could own a Nikon but at the time I just happened to run across a deal on a Canon. There are companies out there like Yongnuo that make wireless flash and camera triggers and lens and stuff that can really enhance your photography experience for a fraction of the cost of name brand stuff and if you decide the item(s) isn't your style then you haven't sunk a lot of money into it. Customizing and accessories may or may not be a consideration.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Either way is ok...Chevy VS Ford.

ralphc4176 Loc: Conyers, GA

I, too, am a Canon man. Between the Canon T5i and the Sony a58, I'd recommend the a58. My daughter has a Canon T3i and I have an a58; if I had to choose between the two for my use, I'd greatly prefer the a58.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

After quite a bit of research, decided that between Nikon and Canon, Nikon came out ahead in sensor technology (they use Sony). For entry level, the D3300 or the slightly upgraded D5300 are great choices. The Rebel series t5i, would be the secondary choice.
If size, weight, latest technology, highest degree of versatility, competitive pricing is a consideration, suggest looking into the Sony a6000.
I use Canon, and recently bought a 6000. It is in my opinion, revolutionary when compared to the above mentioned Nikon and Canon products. Any of the above are good choices. Nikon for their sensors, Canon for their lenses, Sony for technology, quality, and versatility. Admittedly new to Sony, I am finding it an incredible camera. Still a lot to learn.

ottopj Loc: Annapolis, MD USA

Both Nikon and Canon are old and losing ground to other manufacturers. Your father may also have driven a Pontiac. It doesn't mean you should, also. Look around and see what's out there.

I strongly suggest you look at mirror less setups. They are the future of photography, at least for the next 10 years, or so.

Take 20 minutes and watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wM_5nROeaw

"10 Reasons Why a Professional Photographer Left Nikon and started shooting with Sony."

ottopj Loc: Annapolis, MD USA

Check this one out, too on the Sony A6000

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYXwCGWb7Yg

Stanley Fleming Loc: Maine/Florida

I agree with the 'go to a store and handle the cameras' concept. I also agree that you can't go wrong with any top brand camera available today (unless your goal is to be a Professional Photographer - then I think it is wise to stick with either a Canon or Nikon). And it is my personal opinion that a person here or on the street or in a camera store simply saying 'I prefer the XYZ camera' is of no value to YOU - if they tell you WHY they prefer the XYZ then you have some useful info to factor into your decision process. Milage will vary .......