I am thinking about buying a DSLR but am not certain what the best way to go is. Should I go for a new, bottom of the range DSLR (for example the NIkon D3200) or look for something which is maybe not a current model (Canon 600D/ Nikon D5100) which is used? 

 

I am upgrading from a bridge camera and really want something that will be suitable for upgrading over the course of time as I learn.

IMO the lens is the most important part of any DSLR set up, so buy a body you can afford and spend your money on quality glass.

 

 I am still using a Canon 50D and I also have a 40D, I thought about upgrading to a 7D but spent my money on L lenses instead and image quality improved greatly.

 

 Nikon or Canon, always a debate but really it is down to personal preference and how you find the menu and operation, go to a camera shop and have a go with different bodies and lenses and make your choice from that.

 

 DPreview is a good website for comparisons of all things camera.

I currently use a Canon 600D and my main lens is a Canon EFS 17-85mm f/4.0-5.6 and then my nifty fifty 50mm f/1.8 mk2

 

Thinking about upgrading to a 7D also!

I too recently was looking for getting into DSLR, same situation as you - whether to buy a second hand body and save some ££'s or go for it with a new one. 

 

I eventually went for a Nikon D5200 with 18-55mm lens kit. Really nice camera, lots of features and settings and manual settings are easy to change. I'm now looking for more lenses though as it isn't quite enough zoom sometimes! 

 

 

Jake

Pretty much the same as above, I own both Nikon and Cannon (photography is my job) they are very similar.

I find the Nikon slightly easier to use, Ive got big hands, but its a really minor issue.

maybe see what comes up on ebay over the next few weeks, tis the season of unwanted Christmas gifts after all.

You should also get the feel of the models in a camera shop, but they will try the hard sell, see if they will price match websites, if not, don't be embarrassed to walk out, its your hard earned cash!

And don't rush into anything, a good choice will last you years.

Best of luck

When you have an idea of what you want, check out http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk for up to date listings of shop/internet prices

 

 

Id would say the best idea is visit a shop. Pick up a few cameras in your budget and see what feels the best. Once you see something you like if you choose not to buy new, take not of the make and model and keep an eye out online. 

Many thanks for the advice.

 

I have had a play with a Canon 600D and Nikon D3200 and to be honest, they felt very similar! The Canon felt slightly more 'natural' in my hands, but the Nikon felt good too and certainly wouldn't be a problem to use.

 

So, still a little stuck. 

 

I have read a lot of reviews online and watched a lot of videos on You Tube (some useful, some plainly rubbish!) and when they do head-to-head tests, it generally comes down to "they're both good, it's difficult to tell the difference, try both and choose your favourite". Two themes that have come through clearly are:

 

1) The glass used with the camera will make more difference than the body being used, and

2) don't be overly analytical - just learn how to take photos.

 

Subsequently, I am no closer to a decision! I guess Nikon users will support Nikon equipment and Canon users Canon equipment. Maybe the cost of lenses will be different?

Buy the best you can afford, you have already answered your question about a Body, Canon felt natural in your hand so buy that.

 

 Lenses, buy with IS if budget allows and steer clear of kit lenses as they are usually cheap although some offer IS kit lenses now. Look for a wide angle 18-55 or similar and then a 55-200 or telephoto so you have a usable range in your kit bag.

 

 Once you decide on body and lens you can buy them, this makes you a camera owner. The fun then begins developing your skills in camera and post processing and eventually you will become a photographer (I am still on this road of learning)

 

 

 Good luck with whatever you choose.

Based on what you have played with and the reviews you have read, you have found that both these are similar cameras. camerapricebuster shows best 'proper' deals for twin lens packages as Nikon D3200 + 18-55mm VR & 55-300mm Lenses £589 and Canon 600D + 18-55mm IS & 55-250mm IS Lenses £599. Note both canon and nikon are running christmas cashback offers so you will get money back on both these deals. My experience is that kit lenses are perfectly acceptable for most photography so do not be frightened off by starting with kit lenses (especially if money is tight)

If you go better quality, but second hand, check the shutter count to get an idea of previous use.

Edited 5 January, 201412 yr by Guest

Am I correct in thinking Canon have IS and AF motors in lens and Nikon have them in camera and use a drive spline to the lens?   I hear this is a weak point. But might not be the case for the modern Nikon..

 

 

 

 The Canon package above is a good deal, the 55-250 IS lens gets a good review, my comment about kit lenses should have been more specific.

I'm in the same boat trying to decide on either a 700d or the d5200 i then looked at both and didnt really like either tbh... The eos-m felt really nice though! Good luck with your choice whatever that may be!

Am I correct in thinking Canon have IS and AF motors in lens and Nikon have them in camera and use a drive spline to the lens?   I hear this is a weak point. But might not be the case for the modern Nikon..

Only the upper range Nikon DSLRs have the focus motor in the body.  Nikon make some lenses with a focus motor that autofocus on all models and other lenses with no focus motor that only autofocus on the higher models.

The D3n00 and D5n00 series definitely do NOT have autofocus motors.  I think the first models that do are the D7n00 series.

All the 3 digit and 2 digit models have the motor.

 

All Canon lenses have focus motor in lens.

 

Both manufacturers have IS (Canon) or VR (Nikon) in the lens but not all lenses have it.

Buy second hand body and invest in training yourself in learning how to use it and how to 'create' photographs as opposed to 'capturing' pictures.

After that, but the best lenses you can afford.

The upgrade the body when you really deserve it.

Canon / Nikon are the top two for a reason, but don't discount Pentax, Sony, Olympus (not DSLR though), etc.

Xmas present from wife is a Fuji filmFinepix 4200. DSLR , 14MP . Great on auto ,but I am looking to get past the camera think time to get action photos. Film speeds up to 6400 ASA.aNY advice /help welcome.

Hi The Fuji 4200 is a Bridge camera not a slr and you should get some good photos with it bey try not to higher than 400 iso or you will find that you lose detil and get a fair bit of noise above this.

 

Good luck

 

Mike