garwig

Since my last post, I have narrowed the choices down. Before investing thousands to see if I am going to really get involved with photography, I thought it best to start out with something a little more practical. I had this narrowed down to the Canon T5i vs. the Nikon D5300. Both with the kit lens but am open to recommendations. Then the Canon 60D and 70D caught my eye. I read somewhere that later this year, a 70D mk II is being released which I don't know what that means. I am also wondering if the 60 or 70 is overkill for trying to learn. I would also like the camera to have enough "wow" to it to peak my interest to learn more. So, any thoughts or suggestions to the confused??

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

What you're going to get here is the Canon folks telling you to go for the T5i and the Nikon folks cheering for the D5300. My advice is to make a trip to your camera store and get some hands on. Hold them see which feels best in your hands, see which has the function buttons where you find them most comfortable. You can't make a bad choice considering the options you've mentioned. Both will give you plenty of room to grow your interest in photography and by the time you learn either camera you'll be well prepared to make your next step....as always JMHO
BTW if you have friends with cameras you may just want to consider any lens swapping you may do down the road.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

There isn't a whole lot of difference in learning to use the 70D vs the T5i. Both have similar menus and many of the same features. The 70D just has more features. I can't speak for the Nikon, other then to say that both Canon and Nikon make excellent cameras and lenses. The differences often amount to more about personal preference then quality or capability.
I started with a T3i and then moved to a 70D recently. I'm very pleased with it. I will probably move up to a 6D or something similar in a couple of years. If I could have started out with the 70D I could have saved the cost of the T3i. I'll probably say the same thing about the 70D when I upgrade. The point is, if you think you really have the photo bug then most likely you will want to keep improving your gear. If that's the case then I suggest you buy the best you can afford, whether Canon or Nikon or any other quality brand. I suggest you go to the manufacturer sites and closely compare specifications. The 70D not only takes very good stills, it is exceptional for video, if that's a factor. The T5i and 70D are crop sensor cameras. If you don't understand the term then do a search on this site. You may decide that a full size sensor is what you want. Ask yourself where you want to be in 5 years and buy accordingly, if your budget allows.

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

Personally, I would purchase a used Canon or Nikon from a reputable dealer and go from there. It's been awhile since I shot with Canon, so others will have to chime in there, but as far as a Nikon goes: 3100, 5100, D90, are all excellent start up camera's and you can advance from there if you decide too.
Why spend numerous dollars and find out this is not what you want. You can get any of those camera's in the $300 to $400 range. Just my most humble opinion. Good luck!

Wall-E Loc: Phoenix, AZ

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

I always tell people to buy the best they can afford, whatever brand they choose...

Dave_TX

Good advice! Doing so will save you money in the long run because it will delay the day you need to move up to a higher level model.

LarryM Loc: Northfield, MN

If you're going to go Nikon, I see local listings on Craig's list and on eBay for the D7000 for $500-600. This is a marvelous camera, high end consumer, and will really answer almost any need you have in a DX (APS-C) camera. Look around.

FWIW

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Go look at 2nd hand canon or nikon - something is always available. Check it out on DPreview.com, but what you see will probably do everything you want it too. Talk to the shop keeper and take heed of his advice too _ you may be back to trade up so he/she will try their best for you when given a choice of either or (not 'something'?>>>)

most folks will tell you - its the lens that makes the picture more than the camera.

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

Everyone has had SOME good suggestions. And sure canon and nikon are very good cameras, but this forum most of the time suggests (strongly) that they are pretty much the way to go, the only way to go. I strongly disagree, and I would add that one thing a newby should consider, the one thing most likely to make his Hobby, or career great is the lenses... Really. pick a brand, almost any of the name brands, that you like and see all about that company's lens line up. Get a "less than top of the line camera" and one terrific lens.Probablysomething like a 24-70mm(WIDE-RANGE) Not necessarily the usual KIT-LENS. Buy lenses to keep, and camera bodies to move up later. You can find out whether photography is for you, on a less than magnificent body.....Remember, it's the lenses that make thepic.....RJM

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

I like the idea of a newby buying an loder model, reconditioned by the factory camera body and then get a great lens for that company's Mount. Don't some of you agree? Get a "good" camera But buy a GREAT lens. If photography is subsequently Not your thing, great lenses sell and hold their value WELL.. I'm just suggesting!! Rjm

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

You make a great point and the factory refurbished unit is a very good suggestion as long as you deal with a reputable dealer. Again great advice.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Up, if what you say is true....then Canon has the MOST, the FASTEST and the LIGHTEST lenses.

Hmmm, I wonder exactly what that means....? ;-)
SS

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

i'd check the used camera source for a camera/lens combo,.maybe a t2si-t4si would do.

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

They also have some of the most expensive lenses, but then they truly have some of the most fantastic lenses in their line up.. I used to have quite a canon collection, but sadly....you CAN get some mighty cheap (not g00d) lenses from Canon. I am now a two camera many great Pentax lenses guy. All of Pentax lenses throughout their history fits my pentax bodies.... So every great lens they ever made fits these cameras. Thats why I said .go with a system and mount you like and start off with at least one great lens......I gave up my canon eos 30D cuz I would never in my retirement afford their best lenses. I figured that pentax 100mm macre at 800 was probably my most $$$$ lens. Good luck with what-ever you do, the choices are unlimited. RJM