1st dSLR advice?

[AcurA]

A repetitive tread i know *apologise*

Anyway been thinking of taking the next step up from my aging little point and shoot (Fujifilm F30).

Taking into account price braket and my novice status i'm currently looking at 2 cameras.
Nikon D90 and Canon 550D (Vid Cap not a deciding factor for me... good to have but that is it.)
I've done a fair bit of reading on both, eg
http://www.digitalreview.ca/content/Canon-Rebel-T2i-EOS-550D-Compared-to-Nikon-D90.shtml Clearly favoring the D90

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_550D_Rebel_T2i/outdoor_results.shtml
Not conlusive i thought.

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/eng/Image-Quality-Database/Nikon/D90 highest Dxomark rating for an APS-C censor. Easilly ahead on the 550D in all test.

Comments? recommendations?

[kiwi_xposure]

hi i have a D80 for sale if you are interested

[AcurA]

So what are you replacing it with?

[kiwi_xposure]

So what are you replacing it with?
are you asking me??? if so i dont know yet

[AcurA]

Yes i was. And thanks for the offer but i'm looking at a new setup.

[tomberkley]

you dont have to get the latest gear, to start. general rule is that good quality lenses are better to invest in vs the latest body( not saying that those cameras you are looking at arnt any good). new bodys change every 6 months but this doesnt mean the earler model is no good any more.
If you dont need video, i have a 40d and its my first slr and does every thing i need. you should be able to find one cheeper than a 550 on tm. not to sure about nikon havent used the darkside.

[Rick0r]

What's your budget?

[AcurA]

No more than 2K i'd say - happier in the 1500. I know some guy on zillion is selling them pretty cheap... parallel import heaven i know.

---------- Post added at 09:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:50 PM ----------

.... general rule is that good quality lenses are better to invest in vs the latest body.... So i've been told... but i'm too much of a novice to know what i actually want in a good lens let alone know a good lens when i see one! So i was going with the starter single lens kit and get a feel for it and when i know better i can get more... if that makes sense. :cool:

[Rick0r]

I'd say get something like a D90, the kit lenses are pretty decent and will easily do for most uses. Then once you've got another $1-2k of cash to spend, purchase some nice lenses. Those nice lenses will see you through to & beyond your next body purchase, if you decide to further invest in photography/cameras :)

Bonus points if you can find a D200/D300 or something on Trademe.. much better if you don't need the video.

[ShutterNut]

For Canon vs Nikon - I would go into a store, and TRY both. One of them will feel better in your hands, and the controls will be more intuitive. Ask them where the controls are for aperture and shutter speed, and see what feels easiest.

I debated over upgrading a few weeks ago as to whether to go Canon or Nikon. There seem to be staunch supporters of both brands, and not many people could give me unbiased advice. But what I personally need in terms of lenses etc, and for the cameras I was looking at, it was right for me to stay with Canon, but you might be different.

If you are going new, I have found Progear really good to deal with, ang the best prices I could get from a registered NZ Canon dealer (or you can take the risk with parallel imports - but there is no guarantee they are genuine Canon and not a rip-off).

[AcurA]

Thanks :)