Foozer wrote:
I am very new into photography. (Taking an online class and using a 15 year old Canon Powershot S3 IS). I have been shopping around for a new camera and just saw a Black Friday ad for the following 2 cameras. I am wondering what you knowledgeable photographers think would be a better deal. I really enjoy outdoor photography.
1. Canon T6, with a EF-S 18-55mm IS II lens and EF 75-300mm III lens. Price $449.00
2. Nikon D3400, with a 18-55mm lens and 70-300mm AF-S DX NIKKOR Lens, extra battery and 2 yr service contract
Thank you for your thoughts and opinions.
Scott
I am very new into photography. (Taking an online ... (
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Hi Scott,
The Canon T6 is their most entry-level model and those lenses are pretty basic, too. But the same is true of the Nikon, too.
The kits I'd recommend instead are currently out of stock, but I'd really recommend you check out the Canon USA "refurbished" cameras at:
https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/refurbished-eos-digital-slr-cameras?cm_sp=Camera-Category-_-Product-Link-3-_-Refurbished-EOS-CamerasThere the T5i with EF-S 18-55mm IS STM and EF-S 55-250mm IS STM lenses for $440 plus tax.
https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/eos-rebel-t5i-ef-s-18-55-is-stm-kit-with-ef-s-55-250mm-f-4-56-is-stm-refurbishedAnd the T6i is being offered in kit with the same EF-S 18-55mm IS STM and EF-S 55-250mm IS STM lenses for $510 plus tax.
https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/eos-rebel-t6i-ef-s-18-55mm-is-stm-lens-kit-with-ef-s-55-250mm-f-4-56-is-stm-lens-refurbished Both these cameras are a significant step up from the more basic 18MP T6 model.
The T5i uses largely the same 18MP sensor, but is faster shooting, has better performing 9-point autofocus, has a larger buffer so it can take more consecutive shots before it needs to pause, has an articulated LCD monitor and more.
The T6i is much the same, plus is 24MP, has even more advanced 19-point AF, among other improvements.
Both the lenses offered with these are also better than the kit you mentioned. The "STM" lenses are faster, smoother and quieter focusing than the "micro motor" lenses being sold in kit with the T6. In particular, the EF
75-300mm III is among Canon's cheapest and worst. Besides slower and noisier AF, it also lacks image stabilization and doesn't have all that great image quality. The EF-S 55-250mm IS STM is a MUCH better lens in all respects... it's got better image quality, faster & quieter AF, image stabilization, is closer focusing. Normally it costs a $100 or so more than the 75-300mm (Note: There are several very good EF
70-300mm Canon lenses, but they tend to be more expensive and you don't need an "EF/full frame capable" lens on an APS-C camera such as T6/T5i/T6i. The EF 75-300mm III is bundled in the cheapest kits merely because it's the least expensive tele-zoom that Canon makes... but it's also the least capable.)
Canon refurbished bought direct from them are little different from new... they often are just open box or demo models that can no longer be sold as new... and they have the exact same warranty as new.
If you are okay with refurbished and patient enough to wait until stock is available, for the same money or only $50 or $60 more you can get a WHOLE LOT better camera and lenses. The same T6i, 18-55mm STM and 55-250mm STM lens is available brand new (not refurb'd) on sale right now for $900 (after a $300 instant rebate). The T5i is an older model less easily found brand new any more.
Canon USA has been selling refurbished direct via their website for several years now and many people have been very pleased with the products and services they've bought that way.
You'll have to compare the Nikon D3400 and lenses specifications yourself.... But or the D3300 is probably most comparable to the T6. The Nikon D5200 or D5500 is probably more comparable to the Canon T6i. I do know Nikon USA has recently followed Canon's lead and started selling refurbished cameras and lenses directly via their website. Not sure about availability or if the deals are as good there. I do know that Nikon usually only offers 90 day warranty on their refurbs (instead of a year like Canon). I also know the Nikon D3000 and D5000-series cameras are unable to autofocus some of the legacy Nikkor AF lenses and even some that are still being produced... to autofocus, these cameras require AF-S or AF-P lenses, I believe. Even so, there are quite a few lenses available, so it's not a big deal.But there are no limitations with the Canon T6, T5i or T6i.... Like all Canon APS-C models made since 2004, these Canon can fully utilize ANY EF or EF-S lens made the last 30 years.
Both Canon and Nikon offer excellent cameras (even their entry level) and very extensive selections of lenses and accessories. To help you decide between them, you might go to a store and actually handle the models, play around with them a bit, to see if the controls and menus and general ergonomics of one or the other appeals to you. The differences may be minor, but a camera that's you find more comfortable or more intuitive to use will probably be faster to learn and more fun to use.
Finally, it's fairly common for Nikon cameras and camera/lens kits to be a slightly lower priced than the most comparable Canon. However, Nikon lenses and accessories tend to be more expensive than comparable Canon. So you might spend a little more initially on Canon... but less in the long run if and when you add lenses or accessories in the future. Look beyond the basic "kit" you buy now... at things you may want to add in the future such as a wide angle zoom or a macro lens or a flash, etc.
For example, Canon offers two ultrawide zooms... an EF-S 10-18mm STM IS for under $300 and an EF-S 10-22mm USM for about $650. Nikon offers three: an AF-P 10-20mm VR DX for about $310, an AF-S 10-24mm DX for $900 or an AF-S 12-24mm DX for $1150.
Another example, Canon offers a number of macro lenses including: EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM for $400, EF 100mm f/2.8 USM for $600 or EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM for $750. In comparison, Nikon offers Micro-Nikkors: AF-S 60mm f/2.8 for $600 or AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR for $900.
And, top of the line Canon 600EX-RT II flash is selling for $480 right now, while similar specification Nikon SB-5000 AF costs just shy of $600. There are many more similar comparisons.