I’m currently using a semi-SLR by Nikon, the Coolpix5000 series. After playing around with it for a year now, I’m getting the itch to upgrade to a DSLR. I’ve been a fan of Nikon cameras even when I was using a point-and-shoot so naturally, I thought of upgrading to nothing less than a Nikon.
However, during my enquiries at the shops, I found that the affordable entry level DSLRs by Nikon only come with a viewfinder, with no LCD display screen (I was eyeing the Nikon D60 model). I’m just an amateur at this and I don’t think I’ll fancy peeping through the viewfinder to take pictures all the time.
So I reluctantly looked at other brands and the guy at the store let me handle a Canon EOS 450D. Being the first time I touched a DSLR, I was certainly at a loss and didn’t know quite what to do with the lenses and focus buttons. I simply snapped some photos but you know what? They looked good! Now, all the more I’m hooked to a DSLR!
Thing is, I’m still a fan of Nikon but it’s just too bad that it’s lacking the LCD display screen which I think I will definitely need for a start. However, since I got to play around with Canon, I quite like it too but I can’t really compare it to a Nikon since I didn’t get to test it out.
So I need some opinions from camera enthusiasts out there, what do you recommend?
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If me, i would ask you to go for Nikon. Although the accessories were a bit hard to find and a bit more expensive than Canon….the things that reli matter if how many of your friends are going for Canon. I found out that most of my friends go for Nikon rather than Canon. For amateur, i would suggest u to go for Nikon D60 or D80 for a step higher. For Nikon, yes there are no live view on LCD but there is accessories for that whereby you can change the viewfinder and the extra accessories can be turn upside down for easier view. If you view the whole panorama over the live view, you cant get a good shot unless u try to learn using viewfinder. Trust me….i have the problem like yours just few months before and i have problem making decision weather to go for Nikon or Canon hehe =) If you have enuf budget, i would suggest for Nikon D80 because its master body. Good Luck mate =)
I mean Good Luck girl! I didn’t know u were a girl lol….until i saw your blog title: Shopping Queen =)
Get the Nikon D90 if you want the live view. But trust me when I say you can definitely live without it. It’s actually very awkward when you use a DLSR and NOT look into the viewfinder.
If you want something cheaper the Nikon D80 is a steal nowadays.
I just bought a Nikon D60 beginner entry level. It’s also my first SLR camera. I have to say i enjoy it very much. I was just like you thinking without the lcd screen is difficult to take pictures. But with SLR camera you will actually need to use the viewfinder. What Justin mention it will be weird for a SLR to take pics without viewfinder. If you are planning to upgrade, using a SLR is definitely different from using a compact camera. I felt the same way when i was trying out the cameras. I suggest that you have to consider few things before buying a SLR or continuing with a compact camera. Look at the pro’s and con’s for each camera and what do you prefer.
I am looking for a dSLR myself. At the moment, I’m looking at Nikon D60 as my entry level dSLR camera, but previously I’m looking at D40 since the price dropped recently. But then D60 still remain as my first choice. I’ve also looked at Canon 350D and 400D entry level dSLR. But somehow I still prefer the Nikon.
Tip: If you’re a beginner, get the simple one so that you don’t confuse yourself. Nikon D60 is most suitable.
Hi there!
I just got myself a Canon 450D. I own a Nikon Coolpix 5900 and love it to bits but then, after playing with all the options in my Nikon, I feel that I’m ready to pick up photography seriously and decided to go for a DSLR.
Why Canon? Well, for me – after talking to a lot of Canon users (I know I got brainwashed) and some Nikon users, it boils down to a few things – how comfortable you are with the camera (settings, feel), which brand has the technology and of course, how much you are willing to pay for it.
For me, the Live View (viewing through LCD) can be helpful but have you tried to snap photos under the mid-noon sun using your compact camera? You can’t really see very well. So, I still like to hunt for things through the viewfinder.
If you’re comfortable with Nikon, go for it.
Good luck!
After doing some research, it seems like there is not much difference between the Nikon and Canon entry levels, other than brand loyalty or if you already have Nikon or Canon lenses.. compatibility reasons.
Some reviews are leaning towards Canon, some towards Nikon, but they general say good things about both, so it doesn’t really matter.
For me, I would personally ask myself, if I go high end one day, whether I would go for a high end Nikon or Canon. From there, I would start with an entry level camera of theirs to familiarize with their line, and be able to re-use the lenses later when I upgrade to the high end cameras. If you buy Canon now, and buy a few lenses, and later upgrade to a high end Nikon, your Canon lenses would go to waste.
So, maybe you might want to do some additional research into the high end cameras and find out which ones you are leaning towards to, who knows, it may help you decide on the entry level cameras.
Justin, most of my friends interested in photography are fans of Nikon too. Thanks for the tips on those accessories.
Wyejon, now that you mention it, I also just realised that it’s true. I’ve never seen someone with a DSLR take pictures and not look into the viewfinder! Haha, it shows how amateurish I am!
Fallen angel, I think I’m quite set on a DSLR and over the stage of using a compact. The only con of a DSLR would be the size and weight of the camera but beautiful pictures should more than make up for it, I hope!
Az1, I heard that the D40 model has been discontinued and that a D60 would be better. I am leaning towards the D60 if I were to go for a Nikon. Hope you find yours soon and do share your experience.
Angie, you’re right, it’s hardly possible to look at the display screen under the bright sun. I forgot about that point, thanks for bringing it up.
Pekingduck, that’s a really good way to assess which brand to go for. I didn’t think of the future upgrade factor and the lenses going to waste should I decide to switch brands midway. Very helpful tip indeed, thank you!
I fancy Nikon more, and if you do like live view, then consider D90. Not only it has live view, you can also shoot HD video with this baby!
Can’t afford the D90….
That’s why have to go for entry-level DSLR. Even now I’m still thinking whether I should buy it or not since times are not looking great.
So did you eventually get the camera? My best friend’s hubby recently bought one and used it at H’s birthday. The photos were great and I was hooked instantly. Now I am also aiming at getting one BUT I am not sure yet cause I dont think I want to travel with that bulky camera. What say you?
Amy, I say GO FOR IT! It’s really worthwhile to see good shots of your little one in her growing years. Not to mention, you may also develop more interest in photography once you handle a DSLR! I bought my Nikon D60 and I have no regrets!
I know. I saw the photos in the blog and they were great. Can’t get shots like that with my normal digital camera.
So go and get yourself this wonderful new toy, for Hayley’s sake!
I’m a newbie who show great interest in entering the world of photography.I myself done a lot of reaesch online and generally most of the review about the best entry level DSLR would be SONY A200 or A300. I’m in dilemma right now since i myself quite confused with which model suit me the best.Is there any recommendations? Which model should i go for? My budjet would be 2k…..
Hmm…sorry Albert, I have no knowledge of Sony’s DSLRs. I was only doing my research on Canon and Nikon. I ended up with a Nikon and am lovin’ it!
Hey Penny, other than the D60 you purchased, did you also invest in extra lenses. I have been thinking of getting an entry-level dslr for awhile now. I was told by those who are quite veteran in using dslr, once you have started using them you’ll have to be prepared to invest more on lenses (which are very expensive) and other accessories. Otherwise, it will defit the purpose of getting a dslr.How true is this? any comment?
Hi Mommi4two, since the purchase, I have yet to upgrade myself with the better lenses. Simply because I’m not great at handling the camera. It’s practically a point and shoot for me! But frankly if I had the extra funds sitting around, I WILL invest in the lenses. But I won’t really say that having the DSLR and not the better lenses defeats the purpose of the DSLR. It still takes pretty good pictures compared against point and shoot. Just that if you have DSLR already, it’s worthwhile to invest in lenses to get even better pictures