Question for camera buffs - SLR Nikon v's Canon?

[LMH]

I'm now looking to replace my camera. I've more or less narrowed my choice down to two models. I'm a novice really.

The functions I specifically require are:

Must take good action shots (sports)without blurring

Must take good close ups without blurring

So the two models I'm interested in are:

Nikon D40X + 18-55mm lens

or

Canon EOS 400D + 18-55mm Lens

Does anyone know anything about these? I have googled and read some reviews but it's still a bit confusing. Also, can anyone tell me in easy language, what the 18-55mm lens is used for and is it permanently attached to the camera?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Lisa

 

[Gilitygirl]

Hi

I have a Canon 400D slr. It's fantastic and great for action shots - it manages around 3 frames per second if the lighting conditions and lens attached are right. The 18-55 lens is the focal length of the lens - 18 being a wider angle and 55 being less wide it's certainly not telephoto - more akin to what the human eye sees) - and the lens will be able to zoom between the two focal lengths.

As they are Dslrs the lenses are not fixed but changeable/removable - you can buy many many different lenses all at VERY different prices.

Both cameras are, I believe not full-frame cameras so you will have to multiply the lens lengths by 1.5 to work outthe equivalent of a 35mm film SLR.

If you want a lens that is permanently attached to the camera (like a pocket point and shoot) there are many models that would be much cheaper.

Just out on the market is the Canon S5iS which is an SLR-style compact which offers some interesting spec and also a massive zoom. To get the same zoom with an SLR you would have to pay a HECK of a lot of money.

Can I recommend a site like Steve's Digicams? It's excellent.

My best recommendation would be to list what features you really want, what you're willing to spend and then ask the questions on the website's 'What camera should I buy?' section. They're all really helpful there. And then go to a camera store and hold the ones you have identified. I love my Canon but it's very bulky for candid snapshots.

Hope this helps

 

[Hamer_5041128]

Hi,

What make and model of camera do you have at present? If it is a 35mm SLR with more than one lens then it may be worth your while to buy the same make of digital SLR so that you can still use your existing lenses. I have found that there is not a lot to choose between the results of the SlR's you are talking about. Both cameras come with decent basic lenses. Whichever camera you choose I would buy the camera body on it's own and purchase a decent lens, one which will cover most photo occasions from wide angle to good telephoto. Sigma do an award winning 28mm to 300mm digital telephoto lena. (28mm wide angle to 300mm telephoto.) Tamron also do a decent 28mm to 250mm digital telephoto lens.

In photography to take good photographs it is more important to learn how to use all the functions of the camera correctly than which is the best Digital SLR.

Hope this helps.

Hamer

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

Lisa you can buy cameras that bridge the gap between compact and digital slr. The benefit of these are that they have a fixed lens so unlike the slr, which has detachable lenses, theres no problem with dust getting inside.

Try looking at the Fuji Finepix S9600 to see what I mean.

I've got the older S9500.

http://www.digicamreview.co.uk/fujifilm_finepix_s9600_s9100_review.htm

 

[LMH]

I've only got a small digital camera (well I did have, but lost it on hols).

So I know nothing about any camera which costs more than

 

[LMH]

Hi LB

Thanks pointing out about the dust problem, I never thought about that.

I have also looked at the Fuji Finepix S9600. This is a photo someone took with it. Brilliant photo. Have you taken any action shots with yours? (keep it clean please, family site content and all that).

It's just that I want to be absolutely sure that I am buying the correct model.

Lisa

 

[Hamer_5041128]

I've only got a small digital camera (well I did have, but lost it on hols).

So I know nothing about any camera which costs more than

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

No I haven't taken any of those kind of pics Lisa but the camera is up to it in Manual mode. If you've never used these kind of cameras before and have only used point and shoot auto focus compacts you will need to do a bit of reading or maybe join a club or go to night school to learn it all because they are pretty complicated. The best part of digital though is you can keep snapping and experimenting because it doesn't cost anything, unlike film.

To print your own pics is expensive and at the moment nobody knows how long the printer inks will last before fading.

 

[LMH]

Thanks for the replies folks.

LB, there's no courses for basic photography I'm afraid, I've looked into that.

I'll join a saddo photography forum but you know me, I can't wait and will probably buy the camera without having a clue how to use it. Emma and I are going up the town tomorrow, although the cameras are cheaper to buy online.

Lisa

 

[LMH]

I've only got a small digital camera (well I did have, but lost it on hols).

So I know nothing about any camera which costs more than

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

I bought mine online, EBay, and saved about

 

[LMH]

Thanks LB, I've seen a couple of websites. I don't buy anything over

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

Only cold compress, paracetomol and strap it to the next toe. You should really go to casualty if you believe it to be broken just to confirm it but they will only strap it after xrays.

 

[LMH]

Only cold compress, paracetomol and strap it to the next toe. You should really go to casualty if you believe it to be broken just to confirm it but they will only strap it after xrays.

Thanks. I'll see how it is in the morning. I've put ice on it. I'll strap it to the next toe, never thought of that.

Lisa

 

[will2]

Hello Lisa cant help with the camera.

But the toe as Lord B says and try to walk as normal as possible.

Will

 

[ed1]

hello lisa, im a proffesional photographer and my choice is canon, i have the 400d as a back up camera, and it does more than back up, its a good choice, i have 5 canon cameras in my possesion and the one you are considering is near the top of the pile, along with one that cost 4 times as much......my freind chooses nikon, its up to you , go look and get a feel for them, and then enjoy a brilliant pastime........EDWINA.(ED)

 

[LMH]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm going with the Canon 400D. I'll probably get it tomorrow.

Thanks again for all your help.

Lisa

 

[LMH]

Hello Lisa cant help with the camera.

But the toe as Lord B says and try to walk as normal as possible.

Will

Thanks Will.

Lisa