Canon or Nikon?? Opinions please

[GTIStevie]

As title what do you prefer, thinking of going into the SLR market but would like some feedback.

Thanks Steve

[rich83]

Either 

[CocoPops]

What have your friends got?

Seriously, no point buying a nikon if your friends have Canon's.
Most of my friends have Canons, so it made sense for me to get a Canon as we can share lenses etc.

[RedRobin]

.
I've owned/hired/used both Nikons and Canons and there's very little to choose between them - So Rich's answer isn't as flippant as it first appears. Try and borrow each for even an hour and 'test drive' - You'll then know which suits you best.

Regarding lending friends prime expensive lenses (Coco), they'd have to be extremely trusted friends you'd have confidence in and also wealthy enough to buy you a replacement if needed.

[Hedge]

I would say it's more a case of buying what fits your style, needs and budget. Go to a decent camera shop and explain your requirements, hold the goods, try some of the features but most of all make sure it fits.

Buying one of the big 2 means that there are plenty of options come upgrade time but that may not be a consideration. 

[Saint Steve]

Im saving to purchase a Nikon D80 currently 

Great piece of kit

[Hedge]

D80 

Don't you mean D90?

[rich83]

Nom nom nom...


Beer + 5DII by Rich Wigley, on Flickr

[Saint Steve]

D80 

Don't you mean D90?

D80 Ian, need to re-morgage for a D90

[rich83]

The D80 has been discontinued, are you getting a 2nd hand one?

http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod1651.html

Not a bad price for what your gettting

[Norbreck21a]

Just as Rich is a Canon guy, I'm Nikon. Why, mainly because I purchased my first Nikon over 20 years ago and started building a system.

I've also used a Canon 1Ds MK III on an assignment and that was also a super bit of kit.

To be honest as Rich also said, both Canon and Nikon produce superb cameras and systems but also don't discount the entry level offerings from Pentax, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony etc.

The only thing I would say about these systems is that whilst they are every bit as good as a Canon or Nikon (certainly in the non-professional areas), the latter two are the only ones I would recommend if you are serious about building a system (lenses, flash, grips, etc) as both Canon and Nikon have by far the most comprehensive systems and support.
 

[Saint Steve]

The D80 has been discontinued, are you getting a 2nd hand one?

http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod1651.html

Not a bad price for what your gettting

I'm buying One of Alex Perkins D80 SLR with 18-135mm lens and some other goodies in exchange of a packet of Pork scratchings and a Ginsters Pastie 

[rich83]

The D80 has been discontinued, are you getting a 2nd hand one?

http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod1651.html

Not a bad price for what your gettting

I'm buying One of Alex Perkins D80 SLR with 18-135mm lens and some other goodies in exchange of a packet of Pork scratchings and a Ginsters Pastie 

Bargain!


Another option is to get a really good point and shoot. Something like the canon G12 or Nikon Coolpix P7000.

Rich

[Saint Steve]

I've always wanted an SLR, with a long lens, and having seen Hedge's girth of his camera lense at various track day events, and playing with Alex's selection of SLR's at corfe castle the other week, has made my mind up..

[Norbreck21a]

Just bought a Nikon P7000 Rich for my holiday to Mexico in a few weeks.

Absolute belting bit of kit and very light and pocketable(ish). The 28-200 stabilised lens is all I really need for the holidays.