RICKO

Which is best for someone (older) starting out and not very tech savvy? I've been leaning toward the NIKON, but some reviewer said it's complicated to operate in RAW mode. Thanks for the help in advance guys!

big ed Loc: Dudley UK

Hi Rico, I have a d3100 and have found it to be an excellent camera.... it is no more difficult to use in raw than jpg....

Tspinney Loc: New Hampshire

Ricko: I started out with a Canon Rebel XT and then got a Nikon D3200 years later. I was amazed at how easy it was to use the Nikon. The menus make it sooooo easy to maneuver. Both the Canon T3i and D3100 have similar feature but for me it was easier to maneuver the features with the Nikon. The D3200 is being touted as the go to camera for beginners. Go with the Nikon you can't go wrong as far as being able to pick it up and go!!!!! Good luck.....Terri

uppics Loc: rockford, il, usa

i am 63.....not getting older....i refuse....still ride a bike....still go to the gym everyday. i make some of my fellow c o's look silly, when they physically deal w/ inmates.

why or what is the hang up w/ raw? i started out 5 or 6 yrs. ago w/ an olympus e520; it was too tech for me @ the time, but i learned through trial and error. the d3100 is an excellent choice for someone starting out........you can find several articles on line.

i've since moved up to nikon d 5200. the d5200 is a step or two above the e520; not taking anything away from olympus; they make quality cameras. i would have gone bigger, but money and my wife art two considerations.....especially my wife; trying to explain to her why i bought a new camera......

i guess what i am trying to say is that you have to get out everyday or nearly everyday and practice. take pictures of everything & anything. find out what you are interested in; your niche. i prefer being outside, when i take pictures. a few of my fellow c o's prefer to take only pictures of "the kids" or "the grand kids." i always shoot jpg. you still can take jpg and process it in programs such as picasa or corel or photoshop or gimp etc. the thing is to practice; try different settings; you can look @ the pictures later to determine what you did right or wrong. practice just as if you were playing a musical instrument. take the manual w/you, when you shoot, read articles on line, google anything that has to do w/ photography, subscribe to a photo magazine or just browse photo magazines @ barnes & nobles etc. you can sit in some stores for hrs. and just browse......but just about everyone knows that.

some prefer raw, because in raw, i believe, you don't lose very much in processing. you have to read up on all this, and this forum is a good place to start. ask questions, just as you are doing..........practice.....

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Hi RICKO, please do not limit you choice to these two makes, look at Olympus,Sony or Pentax, etc.
Olympus have several suitable models and you could save a small fortune.
Cheers.
John.

ArcticPug Loc: Cape Cod, Massachusetts

I have a T3i and I found it easy to learn how to use. Both the Nikon and the Canon have a guide mode (I'm pretty sure) so either way you won't regret it.

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

My first dslr was the D3100. I found it pretty easy to use. Now you still have to read the manual and learn about the camera, but I found the controls well placed and had no problems learning how to use that camera. I also have the canon sx50. But if i were to buy another dslr, it would be a Nikon.

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

My first DSLR was a D80 and I did find it's operation over my head, so I switched to the entry level D40X. Since then, I've had the D3100 and, now, two D5100's. I luv my Nikons! I shoot RAW and find the controls and menus very user friendly. And when you post process your RAW images, I would suggest Lightroom. Your software will be just as important as your camera and Lightroom is quite versatile while being easy to learn.
P.S. Some of the best advice you've been given is to practice, practice, practice. If you are committed to that, you'll manage whatever camera you choose.

jethro'spal Loc: Oklahoma

My first DSLR was a D3100 though I have since upgraded. I fount the D3100 easy to use and with a well written and easy to understand reference manual.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

I've been a Canon guy for several years and have never been disappointed by any Canon camera I've owned.

I'm currently shooting the t3i and I'm very pleased with both video and stills.

Both companies make excellent gear I just happen to prefer Canon. It's a great starting platform, simple to learn and operate.

Good luck