genny

Fairly new to the site and forum. . . My current camera - don't laugh - is a Nikon Coolpix S6000 that I bought several years ago. However, I would really like to get something MUCH better. One of the reasons has to do with the August 2017 solar eclipse. I feel as though I'm out of my league because despite my studies on cameras, lens, etc, I'm not sure what camera to get for such a purpose - plus so many other great photos I'd like to take.
Two cameras I have on my list as potential buys: Canon EOS Rebel T6 or the Nikon P900. I've read great reviews of both in addition to the drawbacks of these cameras. It seems that the Nikon P900 would give me 'ease of use' - i.e. I don't have to switch lens, but I honestly do not know how this differs from the Canon DSLR camera (?) If anyone could give me some practical advice about this or has owned either of these cameras, I'd appreciate your input :) Thanks in advance from Genny.

Shoeless_Photographer Loc: Lexington

I have a Canon T3. It has its limitations, but it's light years ahead of point-and-shoot in general. If you want to do a solar eclipse, get a DSLR so you can change lenses and add filters. You'll need a good (9- or 10-stop) ND filter for shooting the sun unless you're only planning on shooting it during the total eclipse phase. I can't recommend any specific cameras at this point, but shop around and see what you like. The Nikon vs. Canon interface is different, so check those out and see how any camera feels in your hand. It must be comfortable for you to hold.

Gary Truchelut Loc: Coldspring, TX

You didn't mention budget but that is a big factor since cameras can run the gamut in prices. If you buy a dslr then you also need at least one lens. Many dslr cameras come in a kit with at least one lens, however these lenses are usually a lower quality lens. This is not to say they are bad but you may want to purchase a good lens for the purpose you have in mind. I would recommend a good zoom in the range of 200mm to 500mm in order to capture the eclipse. Really the longer the better. For the purpose you have described, it doesn't really matter whether the lens is a fast lens or not as you will have plenty of light to work with. You will also need a tripod and remote release as well as the ND filter mentioned above. I can't really help you with the decision to buy Canon or Nikon but I would try to find a way to shoot each brand and see which you prefer. Picture quality will be similar but the layout and features of the cameras will be different and of course price will go up as you move up the chain of models available from both manufacturers.
I wish you good luck in your hunt and many happy hours of shooting and learning along the way.

BJW

Rebel T6 is a great camera, especially the touch screen. But having developed a keen interest in sports photography, I found myself limited. If I wanted to stay at that level I would have, happily. I love my T6. So, I (reluctantly) made the switch to a Nikon D500 and am so glad that I did. It is an awesome machine. My point is that once you get to the next skill level, you may want to go beyond and better. You can't go wrong with the Rebel, but will it be enough for you a year or so down the road? If yes, I wouldn't hesitate. But once you make the switch from Canon to Nikon or vice versa, you are switching lenses too. Those are not interchangable. And then it becomes expensive.

rdubreuil Loc: Dummer, NH USA

Quick side note to BJW's response on no interchangeability of lenses. With adapters you can shoot Nikon lenses on Canon bodies, you can't however shoot Canon lenses on Nikon bodies due to mount size and configuration.

RGreenway Loc: Morristown, New Jersey

I would definitely consider the newer Sony models, from the RX100 to the A7 series if they are in your price range. I would consider a good used one of whatever you get.....

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Welcome to the Hog.
(I've had a T1i for years.)

Robert R Loc: Indianapolis and Naples

I started with a Canon T5, an earlier model of T6. It became addictive and I have moved up to a different Canon DSLR and have several lenses. The T6 is the entry level model and an excellent choice to get started in DSLR. If you don't mind changing lenses you will not be disappointed. However, if I was starting today, I would consider a mirrorless camera.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

You really can't compare a point and shoot camera (P900) with a DSLR (T6). You have lots of more options with the T6. On the other hand the P900 is a fine camera with a tremendous reach. You will save money, over time, with the P900 because you won't have to buy more lenses. You can be more creative with the T6, but may have to purchase new lenses. Good luck.

BJW

Rd: Thanks for the side note. Interchangability was a real issue I grappled with before I got the D500, having been a Canon guy before I made the switch. But doesn't the adapter interfere with communications between the lense and the body, such as with auto focus? I've never used an adapter before but would love to try some of my Nikon glass on my Rebel T6. Would love to hear any experiences encountered on this point. Many thanks.

TommiRulz Loc: Corpus Christi, TX

Hey Genny - I get that the idea of a Bridge camera (the P900) seems awesome - no lens changing, huge zoom, lightweight etc... BUT you do give up a lot in doing so. The DSLR (T6) will be a much faster camera, you will be able to pick it up and immediately get your shot if needed: whereas the p900 will have to start up, slowly focus and ugh..... missed it. The DSLR has a real viewfinder, the viewfinder on your P900 will be whats called an EVF - its a video of what your seeing - so it looks and feels weird and can be slow to start too. AND overall - the picture quality on the DSLR will be MUCH better!
You will also have room to grow as a photographer with a DSLR, learning how to change settings to improve pictures etc.. I'm afraid with a Bridge it will just turn into a giant point and shoot.
If I were you I would go with the T6 or T6i, start out with 1 or 2 kit lenses and have fun !!!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Welcome to our forum!

Decisions, decisions! You must first decide how deeply you want to get into photography and the related gear - $$$. Do you want to buy a DSLR and then buy lenses, or would you prefer a superzoom like the P900? Switching from camera to camera can be more costly than buying the right one first. Shooting the eclipse itself is a major project. There is lots of information online (Google) about photographing an eclipse. Of course, you'll need a decent tripod.

Read comparisons and specs, and decide what features are important to you.
(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

Eclipse
http://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/article/h20zakgu/how-to-photograph-a-solar-eclipse.html
http://www.mreclipse.com/SEphoto/SEphoto.html
https://photographylife.com/how-to-photograph-a-solar-eclipse

Tripods
http://www.bythom.com/support.htm
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/5-pros-and-5-cons-of-using-a-tripod/
http://www.lightstalking.com/tripod-heads/

rdubreuil Loc: Dummer, NH USA

I'm also a Nikon guy, I did a quick google search and I stand corrected, there is a new adaptor on the market for mounting Canon lenses to Nikon F mount bodies, but as you state there is no communication between lens and body, fully manual on that one. Of the ones I saw, again just a quick search, there were a couple for mounting Canon lenses to Nikon bodies that have focus confirmation chips (not auto focus) to aid in manual focusing the rest is manual adjustment. Prices also ranged widely.

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

What you have said tain't necessarily so mate.

blackest Loc: Ireland

Do you have a link for that adapter?