New DSLR

[Barewolf]

I'm in two minds about which Camera to get, Ive been used to the point and shoot bridge camera's, but I want to start taking up photography as a hobby.

I like to take macro shots, but I also like to take landscapes, and I want a DSLR that will last me.

I've narrowed it down to 3

1: Nikon D90
2: Canon Rebel T1i
3: Pentax Kx

The Canon and Pentax come with 2 Lens kits for under £500 but only just, the Nikon D90 is £420 which would allow me £80 to spend on a decent lens.

Anyone have any advice? opinions?

[Matt D]

My wife has got into photography, in a big way.

Started with digcams, as normal, then moved to a bridge camera (Panny Lumix DMC-FZ28) when she got more serious.

After finding the bridge camera too limiting for what she wanted to do, she moved onto DSLRs. First a Nikon D40, and then... a Nikon D90.

She loves it, and has a fair selection of lenses for it now, plus goes to a camera club, tinkers in Photoshop, etc.

I can't remember all the reasons she went for Nikon rather than e.g. Canon (although one, IIRC, was due to Nikon lens mounts staying constant compared to other makes), but I do know that she looked into the options thoroughly and is still extremely pleased with her choice.

EDIT:

Some example pics of hers, using the D90:

Homecoming of the Royal Anglian Regiment, June 2010

Anglesey Abbey

[Wayfair]

The Royal Anglian Regiment Homecoming pics are ace Matt, even though I have never been or wanted to serve in the forces pics like those make me proper proud..

Well done to Mrs D

[Delta Whiskey]

The D90 is a great camera, I've had one since last May and can't fault its quality. It's about to be discontinued though so you may want to wait until the Nikon announcements next month. I wouldn't think you're not going to get a decent lens for £80, even the kit lens
are more than that second hand.

[peanut]

I'm still enjoying taking shots on my Nikon D40x, I don't think I'll be upgrading that any time soon though as it does everything I need and a whole lot more. Maybe if I was a lot more serious about photography then maybe, but for my level and enthusiasm the D40x is ideal and the price was right without paying out too much to find out if I get the photography bug or not.

[idi banashapan]

You've starte a thread that will divide most photographers! Personally, I'm a Canon user and have been for many years. I currently use a 50D and will continue to buy canon as i have never had a problem. Just remember to chose wisely as once you purchase and begin to invest, it will become very expensive to change teams!!!

[haydnwalker]

I currently have a Nikon D5000, which is also a great DSLR (the next one below the D90 - which is also a brilliant camera).

I looked at the Canon 450D (the Rebel/500D is its replacement) and I couldn't hold it due to the massive size of my hands and the location of the shutter button was awkward for me, and thats the only reason I chose Nikon over Canon, but it was definitely between those two makes.

You need to also as well as camera costs, take into account the cost of accessories (lenses etc). I have never used a pentax camera, so couldn't comment, however, most photographers I know either use Canon or Nikon kit.

As idi_banashapan says, once you've chosen, it would be VERY expensive to swap makes.

Go to Jessops or a local independent dealer and have a play with the cameras your interested in to get a feel for them and then - if necessary purchase online

The 18-55VR kit lens that came with my D5000 retails at £95 new and for the fact its a kit lens its of "OK" quality.

Why not look at the D5000 and see what offers are available - it has almost all of the features of a D90 (lacks some more advanced features, but I doubt you'd use them anyway - things like flash commander etc)

[Uncle Peter]

How about one of the Sony Alphas? they're well worth looking at and at this level well on a par with the Canons and Nikons imho.

One thing to note about the Canon bodies, especially the Rebel models is that some people don't like the compact size and they don't feel particularly well balanced. I use a 400D as a backup body and even with a smallish zoom like the 70-200 on it feels just a little awkward.

[idi banashapan]

It's true about the canon bodies being small, but that really only applies to the entry level cameras (those with Model numbers of 3 digits - XXXD and probably 4 digits, but I've never held one myself). Models of semi-pro and pro are fine (two and one digit model numbers - XXD and XD). another good place to look is www.dpreview.com

[Halcyon]

I have a Nikon D90 and it is a briliant camera that has been at the top of it's class for the past few years. And it continues to be a very good camera.

Nikon have however brought out the new D7000 which is also very good.

I'd definately reccomend the Nikon DSLR's.

[haydnwalker]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

Nikon have however brought out the new D7000 which is also very good.

I'd definately reccomend the Nikon DSLR's.

The D7000 is supposed to sit ABOVE the D90 though, and its like nearly £400 more expensive than a D90+kit lens

[Tuftus]

I have a Nikon D80.

I wish i had hung on a few months and got the D90... Money burning a hole and all that.

The overwhelming response is to go Nikon, I second that.

[D_Skids]

Originally Posted by haydnwalker

I looked at the Canon 450D (the Rebel/500D is its replacement) and I couldn't hold it due to the massive size of my hands and the location of the shutter button was awkward for me

This can be easily fixed by buying a battery grip for the camera (more expense I know) as well as the advantage of holding two batteries it feels better in the hand, balances better with bigger lenses on and duplicates the shutter button as well as others for when holding it in portrait mode e.g. turned through 90 degrees

[LSainsbury]

I've got a Canon 60D with the a EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM and a few other lenses.

Don't buy a kit with the standard kit lens - i.e the Canon 18-55mm - it's not that great.

If I could afford it I'd buy with Canon EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens but that's about as expensive as a body only.

The 550D feels very plastic - 'cus it is and it's very light. My 60D is more heavy but this is good in my eyes.

The Rebel T1i - that's the US name - what's the UK model called?

[Uncle Peter]

The rebel ti1 is the 500D