Ear bending time

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Steve
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Having used a cameras of various makes and models since the early 70's, I've now decided to get myself my first dSLR.

My main uses for it would be outdoor, to include landscape, and lowlight work. With the occasional video work, for indoor and outdoor use. I'm just your avid amateur user, who doesn't mind whether the camera has an optical or electronic viewfinder etc. But I do like to to have as many options to change/tweak as possible. Max amount to spend will be > £700 to include a lens.

My ubiquitous list is as follows:
Canon 600D
Nikon D5100
Sony A65

So far, from what I have gleaned my preferences are the Sony or the Nikon, but not 100% sure which one. If the Sony had positioned the articulated screen to open from the side, I think I would have plumped for that, as that seems to be the best position.

I've tried (holding) the canon and the Nikon, but not the Sony, down at my local camera shop, and found I liked the feel of the Nikon over the Canon.

So what I'd like to know is, what would be the one to go for, from user experiences.

Thanks for reading.
 
Honestly, they're all good cameras so it really does come down to feel.
 
The Sony might have in body IS. That'd be lovely :D
 
If i had that money i would go for a 2nd hand d300 for about 600 and a 2nd hand 18-55mm vr or a 50mm afd f 1.8 lens for starters .

OP mentions video work,the D300 does not have that facility.
As 23rd man says,it comes down to feel ,that is a Big factor.......
 
Thanks for your comments so far, pretty much what I expected really.

The D300 certainly is a great camera, from what I have read so far, even though its, what, 3 year old tech, still looks like an amazing camera though. My only concern would be from the video point of view, regarding the lack of. If it wasn't for that fact, I think I would have seriously given this one serious consideration. How things change in such a short period of time.

It would seem I would have to spend a great more amount of money to get that type of camera now, which would include the video aspect.

As it is, my list still stands, its just a small case of which.

I do like the feel and spec of the Nikon, but something tells me I ought to go with the Sony, but not having held it, and the fact the screen is fixed at the bottom, is slightly putting me off. Now they do have a Sony Alpha A35 down at the camera shop, would that be fairly close in size and feel to the A65? If so I suspect that would make my mind up. what's that word that is often used... yes I know, compromise, lol, hmmmm. :thinking:
 
How about going in a slightly different direction and looking at a Panny GH2? These are supposed to be the best video tools (and there seems to be a busy little industry hacking them) and their stills ability isn't too shabby either.
 
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