For a friend... (Please don't shoot me!!) - Its a Nikon or Canon!

[JohnN]

Hi all,

A friend of mine is asking advice on what to go for.

Here is his 500px using a Sony, but he's just not getting on with it.

His budget (at Christmas) will be around £6-700, but has no issue with second hand as that will at least get him a lens or two too.

The question is whether to go Canon or Nikon as that will long term dictate what he ends up with - I for instance went Canon because I saw a friends and liked it, but have spoken with a few pro's through work (I work in publishing) who would have said Nikon, anyway you get the picture.

Now I can advise on Canon, to a point but know little about Nikon.

Luckily he doesn't need high FPS as he's doing portrait, art, landscape - that sort of thing - RAW is a must (but all Canikian DSLRs have that as far as I know).

I'll let you know if he suddenly wants something else!

Cheers

 

[realspeed]

I would suggest your friend handles different makes and see what he likes, if you suggest something and he takes your advice and then decides he doesn't like it then its on your head he bought the wrong thing .

My manageress prefers Canon because she likes and is used to the layout/menu setup and how it handles, whereas I prefer Nikon for exactly the same reason.

A camera is like a woman, treat correctly and you get the best out of them.( glad er indoors isn't about)

Realspeed

 

[squishy]

There's nothing wrong with the sony he's got now. If he's moving because he doesn't get along with the control/grip layout, the only advice we can give is to try a load of cameras and buy one he likes best. Also keep in mind older bodies often offer better handling (at the expense of older technology) for the money. The OP should be able to get a 20D or D200 + lens etc. within his budget, most people find this type of body nicer to hold than the entry level ones you get in that price range new.
Don't rule out pentax either, their bodies are very competitively featured, they can make a great choice if he gets along with the grip/controls.

For portrait and landscapes there really is little to separate them especially within that budget.

 

[JohnN]

Yes, I suggested going and handling, however there is nothing of use close to where he lives

Regarding the Sony, its an on loan from his work so he's looking for one of the big two primarily because there is such a wealth of lens and accessory choice.

 

[SamP]

His budget (at Christmas) will be around £6-700, but has no issue with second hand as that will at least get him a lens or two too.

he's doing portrait, art, landscape - that sort of thing

5D Classic? Judging by what he does he'll certainly profit from full frame.

 

[towershot]

I would suggest your friend handles different makes and see what he likes, if you suggest something and he takes your advice and then decides he doesn't like it then its on your head he bought the wrong thing .

My manageress prefers Canon because she likes and is used to the layout/menu setup and how it handles, whereas I prefer Nikon for exactly the same reason.

A camera is like a woman, treat correctly and you get the best out of them.( glad er indoors isn't about)

Realspeed

 

[JohnN]

Yes, I thought full frame until he gave me his budget - I'll go take a look at the 5D classic, hey of they're cheap enough I might get one

 

[eccles]

What doesn't he like about the Sony? The thing is, if it's the handling, then he really should try out the alternatives before buying or he might end up with something even less suitable. If there's nowhere close then it's worth the effort to travel to a photographic store and get his hands on some. Failing that, is there a photographic club nearby? Judging by his shots which are quite atmospheric I'd guess he might enjoy joining a club anyway and other members will no doubt be able to help him in his choice.

If he's not happy with his pictures then the chances are he won't be happy with an alternative as the sensor of the A300 is generally speaking pretty good. Having said that, there are however two limitations with the A300 that might influence his choice: the viewfinder isn't very bright, and high iso performance lags behind the equivalents from other manufacturers, and indeed later Sony models.

 

[JohnN]

Well, I've been on to him for the last few hours on skype and it looks like he's most likly going with the Nikon D5100, and having looked at some of the same reviews he has it looks like it not only walks on water, but heals the lame

Sorry Mike, he just doesn't seem to like much about the Sony, could be just that model, menus, layout, whatever but he's looking to move to one of the big two with all the choices that offers.

Damn you all though, I may just end up getting a 5D myself, I'll have to do a bit more digging myself, and given that I'm used to both a 7D (now sold) & 60D I'd really be hoping for better IQ, but from what I've read on another thread I have on here going full frame helps in that department.

 

[Cistron]

5D Classic? Judging by what he does he'll certainly profit from full frame.

If he's happy with the 50mm only for some time, this is a choice I would second. Having had a Fuji S5 Pro, I have to admit that the Nikon body stuck a lot nice to my hand, though.

Btw. what exactly is wrong with the Sony? Maybe a better lens or a higher body would disperse his problems.

 

[SussexBlue]

Well, going by his photos it certainly looks like he gets on fine with the Sony

 

[eccles]

Sorry Mike, he just doesn't seem to like much about the Sony, could be just that model, menus, layout, whatever but he's looking to move to one of the big two with all the choices that offers.

Fair enough. He's obviously had plenty of time to like or dislike it, for whatever reason, and I'm sure the Nikon will take great pictures. The try-before-you-buy mantra that everyone seems to say is well founded though. Has he tried your Canon for instance?

 

[JohnN]

Only for a few minutes, although mates growing up I don;t live anywhere near him anymore sadly and the week we're planning to go over he's going on holiday!

 

[andya700]

Well, going by his photos it certainly looks like he gets on fine with the Sony

I agree John, nothing much wrong with them, and some really imaginative stuff going on. Obviously I am biased, but after 3 years with the A700, I in no way feel the need to change, because the camera is solid, reliable (touch wood), and I honestly could not see what improvement a switch of system would bring. However, if it is a borrowed camera then that is different.
I reckon that for £700 you could get a good A700 plus three or four excellent lenses.