Advice for a beginner DSLR

Bucks85th

Bucks85th

Bucks85th

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Joined
13 Jul 2010
Posts
29
Location
High Wycombe, Bucks
Hi Guys,

I'm looking for a reasonable DSLR camera for an utter beginner.

I've narrowed it down to the Canon EOS D550 or the Nikon D90 (I ruled out the D600 after some reviews said that bang for buck, it wasn't a big advance on the D550 yet is over 100 quid more).

I have a few friends who have said both are very good, but seem to be firmly in either the Nikon or Canon camp, so consequently they would suggest what they use (they rarely seem to have owned anything by the other make).

The 550 seems to be newer than the D90 (2010 vs. 2008 I believe) so seems to be better specced. Although, I guess if the D90 is still going strong after 3 years, I guess that says something about it's quality!

I have held both, and they are both comfortable (although the Nikon feels sturdier).

Just wondering if anyone has actual experience of both and can help me out a little here.

Ultimately, I want to be able to take some motorsport & airshow pictures. I understand that to do this I'll likely need to invest in bigger lenses, but we all have to start somewhere and learn, and I don't really want to shell out for these initially in case it's something I just can't get along with.

Thanks in advance!

Jim
 
Havn't used any lower end Canon DSLR's (Had a cheeky go on a mates 5D MKII, thats all :D ) so cant compare to my D90 from personal experience.
Google'ing the question seems to suggest the D90's better in AF speed and accuracy, auto White balance, has a larger view finder, better dynamic lighting, and whilst similar in terms of noise in high ISO, retains more detail. The D90 also has a slightly better FPS count, which might be useful for sports action.

-edit-

One clear thing i know the D90 has in advantage is the top display which helps with swiftly changing settings compared to having to go through the main LCD's menu screens.
 
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I'd say D90 but thats because it was my first DSLR, great camera. I dislike the Canon layouts but it's not to say its a bad camera, just appears unintuitive to use.
Ultimately I'd say choose what feels comfortable and also a brand that some of your friends may have, always useful for borrowing lenses and things.
 
Thanks Guys,

I have decided to take the plunge and order a D90 (with the 105mm lens) as a starter.

A friend has indeed offered a) to take me through some of the basics, and b) as he has a Nikon, lend me his 200mm lens for the Silverstone MotoGP in a few weeks!

(not that I'm expecting to get many good shots that soon; but at least it'll give me some practice!)

Cheers!

Jim
 
Thanks Whitecrook!

I spoke to a second hand camera dealer yesterday, and he mentioned the D90 had just been discontinued. I had figured that the D5100 was the replacement given it's a similar price, whereas the D7000 seems quite a bit dearer. However, I was confused as the D5100 would seem the logical replacement for the D5000.

The D5100 doesn't seem to get quite as good reviews as the D90 did, although I do understand the reviews for the D90 are, I guess, about 3 years old now!

I was fully prepared for a steep learning curve when using a DSLR, but I had no idea just choosing one was going to be such a minefield!
 
Just because its discontinued dont be put off, its an awesome camera.
The D7000 is the replacement, the D90 has just dropped in price over time as it naturally ages.
The D5100 is inferior, imo, to the older D90 for a few reasons, no top display and the inability to focus with older lenses being the main reasons.
 
It's probably a bit late now, however as a beginner with not much money, I opted for the Sony a230. There are better versions now (a240, etc), however these take the standard Minolta lenses which you can buy off eBay, photo shops very easily and very cheaply.
 
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