mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Not Again Pay your money and take your choice

Szalajj Loc: Salem, NH

I'm currently a T5 user, with plans to upgrade to the 7D Mark II as soon as I get a new job. The money is already put aside!

I'm going to suggest that you stay away from any Canon "Kit" lenses, as the quality is just not there. Upgrade to better glass, you'll never regret that decision!

But the question that should be asked is what types of pictures do you plan on taking, as the answer to that question could guide you on your choice of a camera and lens combination.

Do you intend on shooting sports, nature, portraits, birding, or landscapes?

How extensive a lens collection do you anticipate acquiring down the road?

I started out with just the 18-55 kit lens, then added the 55-250 kit lens. If I had that second purchase to do over, I would have moved up to the better quality 70-300 instead for a longer reach.

Right now, I'm considering replacing my two kit lenses with either an 18-135 or a 24-105, once I've saved up for the purchase. I was lucky to be gifted the 100-400 MII L lense in my signature, so my longer distances are covered!

Consider purchasing the L series lenses if you would ever consider obtaining a Full Frame body in the future. Those lenses will give you a longer reach when placed on a Crop Censor Camera, which the T series bodies are, and will save you from having to purchase new lenses if you ever upgraded to a FF format body in the future.

Basically, purchase the best equipment that you can afford, instead of going for the "Economy" models because they're being offered as "Kits"!

Check out B&H or Adorama, for the best ship to home prices and a good reputation. If you're in the northeast, Hunts Photo is another reputable source for equipment!

Don't forget a good quality tripod, a separate flash unit, and a remote or cabled shutter release as additional necessary equipment, as well as a camera bag or backpack big enough to grow into as you add equipment in the future!

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

i would certainly look at the pentax K1 - they are also making some stunning prime lenses instead of just zooms.

J2e Loc: Canandaigua, NY

Excellent comment, SS, as usual.

LuckyshotCT

Ask about Canon v Nikon and the opinions abound! My suggestion is to visit your local camera store and have a first-hand look and feel of the cameras. While I have my preference, both companies are highly regarded. With similar features, the decision is can be based on how they feel in your hands.

Tom B Loc: Rhode Island

Both Nikon and Canon make great cameras so don't forget to hold each of them in your hands and see how they feel. Check out the button layout and see if they feel easily accessible to you.
For me it was Canon all day long. And as others have said, Canon does make a lot more choices to go along with their bodies.
Good luck.

Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho

If you decide on Nikon, I suggest getting a refurbished D5300 rather than the D3400. The D5300 will add a "flip LCD" on the back that is very helpful in shooting low-to-the-ground shots AND the price is very similar. Take care & ...

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

Hi Chuck, Welcome to the Hog, as you are now aware the question of Canon or Nikon is a loaded question, however both are fine cameras. There is a Professional Photog out of Austin, Tx named Kirk Tuck, he is now using primary Sony's and 1/2 of his income comes from the camera linked below. Scroll down to the second article.


https://visualsciencelab.blogspot.com/

stevebein

I shot Nikon for 30 years, Canon the past 15 years, now moving to the lighter mirrorless, originally the Olympus OM-D E-M1 ( getting sharp 20x30 printson paper and sharp 30x45" lab prints on aluminum. From my Canon system of 45 pounds to the Olympus system which including the fanny pack for 2 bodies , 5 lenses, two flashes 6 batteries and charger plus accessories the weight went down to 10 1/2 pounds. While large film cameras may have better IQ, it is the end result you want and need which will determine if you want film or the convenience of Digital. This question and argument has been going on since I started with Nikon in the late 1960's. Now, due to gallery requirements and my need for larger prints, I am going to the Sony A7R II to make 40x60 prints. My needs and desires are mine and probably have little carry over to you. There are adapters to take almost most lens manufacturers to most brands, so that is not a factor. Some off brand lens makers are exceeding the manufacturers own brand of lenses, so lens availability of one manufactures brand lenses is not a factor.
As far as Mirror less, ifyou want one, get one with the eye viewer, then sun is not a problem. At age 76, the weight is a factor, if weight is not a factor for you, pick either of the main brands you wanted to chose between. As a former pro, you know what feels best. Chasing technology to more aim points is pointless since one brand will have more now and then the other brand will have more of aim points,or bells and whistles. As a former pro, you know what you want, brand choices are so many that if you want to read arguments of one vs the other, ad nauseum if that is your desire. Digital has a better dynamic range with most of the newer cameras than film. There is a different choice,but the ability to change ISO from one shot to the next is outstanding. The ability to see a thumbnail of what you just shot is outstanding. So, it boils down to chose which one you like and you will not make a mistake.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

They are both entry level cameras that do what you need them to do but for just a little more you can get way more bells and whistles. You may grow tired of entry level fast is why I recommend looking at some of the others as well.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Nikon does not offer a 70-300 VR as a kit lens with their entry cameras. I guess you meant the 55-200 VR which happens to be a very popular lens.
As I am sure you know, selecting a camera brand is just a subjective matter. Holding both cameras and playing with the menus and controls will give you a better answer to your needs than all of the opinions we could offer here.

Orca Loc: Little Egg Harbor, NJ USA

Welcome Chuck,
Since you have more experience with the Nikon (1979 to 1982) you should stay with what you know. lol You can't go wrong with either brand. Compare side by side to see the features you will use most often. Good luck and let us know what you get along with photo's.
Ron

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

With the experience you have in photography, I would say you are looking at very low end, entry level cameras. You may be able to rent a camera body to see how you like it before you buy. Being a Nikon shooter, I would recommend you to check out the d7200 or the d500 for a cropped sensor body, or the d750 or d810 for a full frame body. As for manually focus on the fly, research back button focus. It will disable the half shutter release focusing and allow you to use a rear button for focus, if you need to quickly focus manually, the shutter release button will not refocus when you take the photo, works really nice. On the camera recommendations, I am not trying to discourage the camera choices you have made, just trying to get you to broaden your search to a camera that may be closer to your experience level. Happy shooting.

Lenscracker

Look at the new Pentax K-1 very seriously. I own top of line Canons and Nikons. I use the Pentax except for specific purposes.

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

I am not going to say here we go again. I have owned many Nikons and consider them a great company. I have tried out Canon's and I like their color science is looks slighter warmer.
But the answer to branding is Sony is showing such advances in technology and imagery that I would put them first. Mirrorless is great and smaller in format. Now before I get that
was was not the question well the answer is Sony. As Philip Bloom the filmmaker teacher said Sony is blowing everybody out with their new products. For this gentlemen the Sony a6300
or FF a7 or a7s would be a great choice. I own the RX100VI pocket camera and is stands alone as a work of genius. Recently took a chance and bought the new RX10 III bridge camera.
It is an amazing camera 24-600 zeiss lens. Great video and 34k video. IQ is great. I would say buy a a6000 with a nice starter lens. Or go for the Zeiss 55mm which is amazing sharpness and
great bokeh. Just a thought. Good luck.