Diocletian

I went with Canon because weight and size were an issue. So far I am really happy with my SL1. (Although I am starting to see its limitations) Fits in my hand easily. My camera, 2 lenses and an assortment of filters and other gear weighs just a couple of pounds so I can carry it around all day without getting a headache, backache, shoulder ache and I'm not grumpy at the end of the day!

So there may be some things other than 'features' to consider. And if he doesn't know what the features mean or do, does he really need them? Sometimes simple is best.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Well, let's see... the D3400 has a 24MP sensor, higher settable ISO ( 25600... not necessarily usable, though...), 5 frames per second continuous shooting rate and more shots per battery charge. It doesn't have WiFi or AE bracketing.

The T6 has WiFi and AE Bracketing, but "only" 18MP sensor (unless they print large, they won't see any difference), lower settable ISO (6400, which I've used in Canon 18MP cameras, expandable to 12800), slower 3 frames per second and fewer shots per charge on average.

Neither camera has a self-cleaning sensor (which would be a deal killer for me... I shoot in dusty conditions frequently and really appreciate the newer cameras with this feature, had to manually clean my older cameras A LOT).

Your friend should go to a store with operable examples of each camera, handle them and take a few test shots, dive into the menus and explore a little, download the user manuals for each and scan over them. Some folks have preference for one system over the other, Nikon versus Canon. Some like the ergonomics, control layout, ease of menu access, etc. of one or the other better. They can probably learn to use either camera well, but if one or the other just seems easier and more intuitive, might make the learning curve easier.

What you say about the T6 versus the D3400 is accurate. But Canon and Nikon tend to "leapfrog" each other regularly with both cameras and lenses. The T6 is slightly older than the D3400 and a T7 (1400D)replacement for the Canon has been announced in recent weeks. Also, comparable Canon cameras and kits tend to be a little more expensive than Nikon... But beyond the initial purchase, comparable Nikon lenses and accessories tend to be more expensive than Canon.

It's actually little surprising to see T6 (EOS 1300D elsewhere in the world) selling for less than D3400... But that might be because the T7 (1400D) has just been announced and they're probably reducing prices on T6 to clear the shelves. The T7 is expected to sell for the same price that the T6 did initially, $550 with 18-55mm lens.

Speaking of which... from either manufacturer I would also highly recommend your friend fore-go the kits including telephoto zooms. I'd suggest they buy the camera with the 18-55mm only (at lower cost) and add a better quality telephoto zoom separately later. It's a difference that's easily overlooked, but both the Canon EF 75-300mm III and the Nikkor DX AF-P 70-300mm that are offered in kit with these cameras are their manufacturers' cheapest and lack image stabilization, which is arguably a lot more important on longer focal lengths such as these than on the 18-55mm lens (which has stabilization in both cases: Canon IS or Nikon VR). There are slightly more expensive telephoto zooms that are much better quality.... Such as the Canon EF 75-300mm USM (much faster/quieter AF, still no IS and otherwise the same) or even better EF-S 55-250mm IS STM (much better image quality, closer focusing, faster/quieter AF and helpful stabilization) or better EF 70-300mm IS USM (better IQ, faster/quieter AF, stabilized)... or the Nikkor DX AF-P 70-300mm VR (stabilized, but otherwise the same) or Nikkor FX AF-P 70-300mm VR (stabilized and full frame capable, likely better image quality).

Both Canon and Nikon systems are extensive and very capable. In truth they're a lot more similar than they're different.

But be aware that the Nikon D3000-series and D5000-series Nikon can only autofocus with AF-S and AF-P lenses... so a lot of Nikkor lenses now and in the past would be manual focus only on the cameras under consideration (D7000 series and higher models are needed to be able to AF those lenses). AF-P lenses also are not fully compatible with most older Nikon camera models. See lens compatibility charts at Nikon, Niconians.org and Ken Rockwell websites for more info.

There is no similar limitation with Canon... No compatibility charts are necessary because all EF and EF-S lenses made the past 30 years will work fine on a T6 or T7... or any of the other APS-C models. (Note: there were three Canon APS-C models made 2004 and prior that preceded and cannot use EF-S lenses. And Canon full frame cameras require full frame EF lenses. But the same is basically true of Nikon, though their "crop-only" DX lenses may mount and work in a limited way on their FX cameras.)

Finally, someone considering T6/T7 and D3400 also might do well to look at the Canon SL2 (EOS 200D).... A newer release from Canon, it's a smaller model (as was the prior SL1/100D), with specs more competitive with D3400 (24MP, 5 frames per second)... PLUS it has a lot the D3400/T6/T7 lack including an articulated Touch Screen, self-cleaning sensor, WiFi, much faster Dual Pixel Autofocus in Live View, higher ranging ISO (100-25600, expands to 51200) and more. It's about $100 more than the T/6/T7, $150 more than the D3400... Currently sells for around $650 with EF-S 18-55mm IS STM lens. But it may be worth the extra expense for all the additional features along with it's extra compact size. Put one of the tiny Canon "pancake" lenses on it (24mm and 40mm) and it might fit in a large coat pocket. It's about the smallest APS-C DSLR from any manufacturer.

Hope this helps!

Selene03

I am not going to read through everything, as I know in these kinds of threads there is a tendency for everyone to recommend what they have. I had a Nikon 3200 when it first came out with the kit lens. I thought it was a great camera; in fact, I liked it much better than my D5100, which I could never get to work the way I wanted to. So, I would not hesitate to recommend the Nikon. The costco canon bundle isn't that great. The 75-300 lens is maybe Canon's worst lens. I don't know why they still sell it. However, I recently acquired a Canon Sl2 It seems to me that it is the ideal beginner camera (though maybe Nikon's equivalent is just as good). It is a terrific camera and a good supplement to my full frame Canon bodies. So, just because Costco offers a couple of kits, that doesn't mean those are the only entry level cameras out there.

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

I have canon and Nikon i like Nikon better i feel that the Nikon is easer to use.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I care. I'm seriously considering picking up a Pentax.

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

Yikes and Yuch! More Cankon vs. Ninon

dougbev3 Loc: Pueblo, Colorado

Many years ago, when I was looking for a nice DSLR to start shooting with ; moving up from a point and shoot. I asked my sons opinion because they are tech guys who worked in the tech field. They both said buy Nikon. I did and have never had any problems... Both Canon and Nikon are very well made cameras . It is once you buy a camera system you pretty much stay with it for the lenses that you buy... I have looked at Pentax med format, as well as that $36,000 camera. But since I take pictures to please me and not put a roof over my head or food on the table, I will stay in my same format of camera and just buy what works for my photos.

drklrd Loc: Cincinnati Ohio

Why only panasonic? Most new Nikons these days all shoot digital video plus photographs.

JoAnneK01 Loc: Lahaina, Hawaii

May I suggest that you have DMAD go and checkout the cameras and get the "feel" of each one. Let him choose the one which feels best in his hands. Both Canon and Nikon do offer great cameras at the beginners level. Have him check the buttons and their locations and ease of use. The feeling of the camera in his hands will make the difference.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Indeed! In fact those extra features often make the camera much more difficult to learn and use. >Alan

the f/stops here Loc: New Mexico

Bill, what should direct a person toward Canon or Nikon is not features or specs. Cost should certainly be a factor but I feel the most important is what does that person want to do with the camera and what features and functions are they going to be using often. Does one camera feel better than the other? is changing ISO, shutter speed and aperture easier to change on one as opposed to the other? How easy is it to do exposure compensation or flash exposure compensation on one or the other? Those are factor I would consider when making a camera decision.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

billnourse Loc: Bloomfield, NM

And yet you opened the thread.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

I agree with Jakebrake on this one. Not really enough info to make an informed suggestion. Similar to someone asking for a suggestion for purchasing an entry level car.

Billynikon Loc: Atlanta

I had a friend ask me for a good starter. Costco had the Nikon 3400 package for $549 and I told him though I was a Nikon devotee, that in all honesty this was the best deal for what he wanted. He got it and is taking pictures of everything now.