I am in the market for a nice D-SLR. Not sure between Canon or Nikon. Dont need anything crazy, just 12mp at most. Any suggestions super appreciated along with a place to get it and some different lenses. Looking to spend no more than $1000.

Thanks

 

Both are nice options... shop around. You can definitely spend less than that for a decent setup.

 

ritz and amazon is where i've picked up a majority of my equipment

 

Ritz is garbage!

Go to B&H. B&H Photo Video | Digital Cameras, Camcorders

 

Don't let megapixels cloud your perception, megapixels don't matter for the average user. These were all taken with a 6.1mp Nikon D50 SLR:







Can't go wrong with Canon or Nikon (I'm a Nikon user). Avoid Ritz like the plague, their prices are about average compared to other local retailers but their staff isn't at all knowledgable. Best Buy and Circuit City are about the same as Ritz. Check out North Tampa Photography if you really feel like you need face to face advice.

Don't got taken by any of the online scams. Buy from B&H Photo, Adorama or Amazon only.

 

I would avoid Amazon too. Shady like ebay these days. B&H is a safe bet though. If you are printing large format, like HUGE than you MPs may matter but for most printing it isn't that big of a deal with what is on the market today. I shoot a Canon XTi which has 10.1 MP and they can be had with a really good lens, which I use all of the time for under $600.00 which will get you started. Save up a couple hundred more and you can score another really nice canon lens. The upgrade of what I have is the Canon XSi which is also a really good camera but costs just a little more.

You may want to check out Digital Camera Reviews and News: Digital Photography Review: Forums, Glossary, FAQ to get the latest and greatest in unbiased reviews in all Digital Photography equipment.

There are some features in these cameras that you may or may not use. So if you find that one brand has a feature but another doesn't, don't let that sway your judgement in purchase unless you know that you are going to use that feature. I know my canon has a self cleaning sensor which is nice, and reduces the amount of professional cleanings that I need. I am not sure if Nikon has it or not.

In the end you will be happy with either Canon or Nikon, it mostly comes down to which one is easier to navigate through and use. Between comparable models of Canon and Nikon, the photographer makes the picture not the camera.

Sony also has a line of digitals out that you may want to look at. I don't know ANYTHING about them but I know there is a Sony store at Tampa International which you could go check em out at. I am sure it is comparable to a Nikon or Canon as well though.

Good Luck!

 

i perfer canon but yea mega pix dont really matter just stay above 6.0 and shop smart

 

Awesome.

Thanks for all the advice. Checking out B&H right now.

What is a decent all around lens?

 

I LOVE the one that came with my kit. It is what I shoot everything with.
you can check my images at FLPhotography's photosets on Flickr if you want to see examples

 

well, for a literal, "all around lens" i would say either of the Nikon or Canon's 18-200 IS/VR lens. OR one that I like that even takes the cake of those would be the Tamron 18-270 VR lens. Priced closely to the other, but you get a little extra out of it, its really sharp all around too. There may be a sigma thats close to it as well but I'd say check out the Tamron.