Need camera suggestions!

[BCdogs]

I'm finally ready to upgrade from my old Canon Rebel XT and I've decided that I'm definitely going for a Nikon this time around. Other than brand, I have no idea which camera to pick. My budget is around $700 and I'm looking for a camera with kit lens, and depending on what that will cost me, I'm also hoping to get a lens that goes up to 200-300mm. I've been looking at cameras and lenses on Amazon and it seems the 3000/5000 series cameras are within my budget. Has anyone used these cameras? Would it be better to get an older camera for less money and get some extra lenses, or is there a big difference in quality if I go with a more expensive, newer camera? I will be using the camera mainly for action shots. Heeeelllpp!!

 

[Novy]

Camera recommendations

Most of the advice I gave Jazzy would still apply. Lens aperture is always a huge factor. Failing that, a camera that handles shooting at higher ISO without introducing a ton of noise would also help. But I don't know enough about Nikon to make a recommendation there.

In your situation unless your Rebel is totally shot and you have a compelling reason to move to Nikon or upgrade cameras, I'd think you could probably improve your shots with a better lens for your Rebel. The 70-200f4L (non-IS) can be found gently used for under $500 and has great image quality. You'd probably get better shots cropping photos from a high quality 200mm lens as opposed to a low quality 300mm.

What lenses do you have right now?

 

[BCdogs]

Thanks! I was looking at that thread earlier, great advice, just wondering if anyone had experience with some of these Nikon cameras.

I've decided to switch to Nikon because I can see a considerable difference in quality between shots taken with a Nikon vs. a Canon. I know that the lens has a lot to do with it but I've had an overwhelming amount of people tell me that I would not regret making the switch. My Canon is getting very old and worn, it has been practically around the world with me and I'm just ready for a new camera. I'm still going to keep the Canon as a backup, but I want to try something new. All I have for the Canon is the original 18-55mm lens that it came with. It does surprisingly well for action shots but I definitely want a lens with more zoom and a bit more crispness when shooting from far away. Most of the pictures I take are action shots of my dogs while they're running around on a mountain so it can be hard to get good shots with my current camera/lens.

 

[kady05]

If you only have the 18-55mm stock lens for your Rebel, you really haven't given it much of a chance Granted, the XT is an older model, but it's still capable of producing nice shots with a good lens. I shoot with a Canon, FWIW. These were all shot with the 70-200 f/4 lens:

Just to give you an idea of what it's capable of. I hated the lens when I first got it, but it was all user error. That's something you'll need to consider as well. Pretty much any DSLR on the market is capable of taking great shots with the right lighting, right lens, a steady hand and good eye. I didn't have that all together in the beginning, and blamed my gear for it. Now I know that definitely wasn't the case and my 70-200mm pretty much lives on my camera.

Can't help too much in regards to Nikon's. I have a couple friends that shoot with them and yes, they take nice shots, but I've never been tempted to make the switch over the Nikon. I'm sure one of their entry level DSLR's would work well. Unsure about their lens choices, but I would go for something similar to the 70-200 that Canon offers. It's a great all around portrait and action shot lens.

 

[BCdogs]

Thanks for the info kady. Those pictures are definitely more clear than anything I've managed to take so far. I'm sure there's still tons I haven't even scratched the surface with my current camera... I am still a complete and total amateur after using it all these years.
Nikon lenses seems to be much more affordable which is another factor here.

I was looking at getting this lens:

Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR: Amazon.ca: Camera Photo

So you think I should stick with my current camera and just spend the money on the lens then?

 

[kady05]

I don't think an upgrade to a different body is necessarily a bad idea. But I do know that investing in good glass is a key component of good shots.

I paid like $550 for my 70-200 (used, mine is the non-IS version), and that was a few years ago. I imagine they're cheaper now.

 

[BCdogs]

I just don't want to end up spending more on a really great lens and then have my camera crap out and be broke and camera-less, lol. That's why I was thinking a new camera with a cheaper lens. So much to consider!! Thanks for your help.

 

[Novy]

There are always cheap used bodies on the market of it ever comes down to that.

Really, Canon vs Nikon vs whatever at the consumer level comes down to preference and lens selection and that is it. Similar bodies with similar optics are not going to produce noticeably different pictures when properly exposed and under the same lighting conditions.

When you get into full frame, there may be a discussion to be had with regards to performance under specific conditions as the price points vs performance can be a factor, but at that point you're taking about bodies worth thousands.

 

[BCdogs]

Okay, good to know. Maybe the differences I've seen are due to the person taking the photo and not the camera then. I'll keep thinking for a while.

 

[kady05]

Maybe the differences I've seen are due to the person taking the photo and not the camera then.

Exactly that. Like I said, when I originally got my 70-200, I hated it. But it was all me being inexperienced.

Check your local CL for used camera bodies. Or Ebay, or the Canon Forums. That's where I've purchased all of my stuff. You might be able to find a great deal, whether it's Canon or Nikon.

 

[BCdogs]

I'm in a very small town so we don't even have a Craigslist here, lol. We're going to drive into the city and talk to some people at camera stores. Hopefully I can even try out some cameras/lenses before making a decision. Thanks everyone for the help

 

[Novy]

Kijiji is more common in Canada.

 

[BCdogs]

Kijiji is more common in Canada.

Yes it is, we still don't have one though. The closest city that has anything like that is an hour and a half away. But I will take a look because I'm sure we'll head there at some point.