Canon vs Nikon

[funforfive]

I'm ready to take the plunge, but looking at either Nikon D3100 or Canon t1i, which do you all think is a better choice? I've read reviews, looked in this forum and am having a hard time deciding. The package price I'm looking at has Nikon about $100 less than Canon Package.

Any opinions, pros/cons to either? I don't currently have a DSLR so looking for best entry level of the 2.

Thanks

[Evad]

Nikon is far superior to Canon!!!! Go with the Nikon!! Just my honest opinion.... :goodvibes

[disneyboy2003]

Canon is far superior to Nikon!!!! Go with the Canon!! Just my honest opinion.... :goodvibes

[Pea-n-Me]

Oh boy popcorn::

[YesDear]

This one is easy. The Nikon fans will say Nikon. The Canon fans will say Canon. Serveral will say you are misguided and you need a Pentax, and a few more will try to tell you Sony is the way to go!

THey both are excellent systems. Both will allow you to grow to the professional level should you decide. I always believe you should play with each and see which one makes more sense to you! I have used Nikons since the mid 1970s so you know what my choice is.

Oh and several will overkill you with technical photo speak.

Get the one you will use and learn and enjoy!

[ukcatfan]

Oh boy popcorn::

Agreed, naming a thread "Canon vs Nikon" is just asking for trouble!

As for the decision, the Nikon is a generation newer than the T1i, but I doubt that will make much of a difference. Compare the features you think will be the best for you and also see how they feel in your hands. If you don't like the feel, then you will never use it.

Oh yeah, go Pentax! :rotfl2:

[DVC Mike]

I'm ready to take the plunge, but looking at either Nikon D3100 or Canon t1i, which do you all think is a better choice?

I think the Nikon D3100 beats the Canon T1i.

Are you also looking at the Canon T2i or T3i?

[photo_chick]

The best one? Which ever fits in your hands the most comfortably, fits your budget and has the features you want. And that is most definitely not limited to Canon or Nikon.

[disneyboy2003]

Just FYI regarding the Canon T1i, please note that there have been 2 newer upgrades to this camera: The Canon T2i, and the Canon T3i.

The Canon T1i was released in May 2009.
The Canon T2i was released in February 2010.
The Canon T3i was released in February 2011.

To be honest, though, any entry-level dSLR camera will give you great photos and a great starting point from which to expand your knowledge of photography, no matter what brand or what model camera you decide to buy.

[Spinning]

I was in the same boat about 2 years ago. I had decided after reading and reading and reading I wanted a Nikon. Had it all picked out and in my cart online. Then decided lets go to Ritz and just look at it. I did...then I picked up the canon D50 and it was love....I didn't care that it cost me more, I didn't care it didn't have video.....It just fit my hand and I loved the weight, (it weighed so much more than the nikon) It has been the perfect camera! I am sure I would have loved the nikon but honestly you have to be comfortable with it and it needs to fit your hands, eyes, etc....

[Shutterbug]

Thats an age old question that started many of wars :laughing:

You've said you have read alot on them but have you actually seen them in person?

My suggestion is this. Go somewhere and actually hold each one in your hands. See how it feels in your hands. Try out the controls and menu systems see which one seems to be more intuitive for you.

[Evad]

Canon is far superior to Nikon!!!! Go with the Canon!! Just my honest opinion.... :goodvibes

:lmao::lmao::rotfl::rotfl:

[funforfive]

OP here...sorry didn't mean to cause problems:confused:, I realize everyone has their favorite. I was hoping to get some honest perspective on what you like about the 2 cameras I mentioned. I have seen/held both and like them equally. The price for the Canon is about $125 more has an extra 55-250mm lense vs an extra 55-200mm with the Nikon.

Thanks

[Anewman]

I realize everyone has their favorite. I was hoping to get some honest perspective

Thing is that when a Chevy fan tells you that their trucks are the best, they are being honest(from their perspective)

Same thing with a Ford man...

But we all know DODGE rules them all

[ukcatfan]

OP here...sorry didn't mean to cause problems:confused:, I realize everyone has their favorite. I was hoping to get some honest perspective on what you like about the 2 cameras I mentioned. I have seen/held both and like them equally. The price for the Canon is about $125 more has an extra 55-250mm lense vs an extra 55-200mm with the Nikon.

Thanks

You didn't cause any problems. It is actually sort of amusing for the regulars here. It is kind of like standing in the middle of downtown Detroit and asking people Ford or Chevy?

Like I mentioned earlier, the two are different generations, but the t1i was the top of the entry level for its time. I wouldn't really consider the D3100 that, but being newer, I think they compare pretty equally. If you are set on one of those, then go with the one that feels better. The lenses are also pretty equal. They are entry level, so don't expect the quality of a $1K+ lens. If you think you are going to upgrade lenses fairly soon, then maybe you should start looking at those options so you have a plan in place. Picking one brand over another could have huge budget implications in the future.

[ukcatfan]

Thing is that when a Chevy fan tells you that their trucks are the best, they are being honest(from their perspective)

Same thing with a Ford man...

But we all know DODGE rules them all

Too funny! I was thinking the same thing, but walked away from my computer for a few before finishing my post.

[m-tinkerbelle]

I was in your same boat 15 days ago and was wondering the same thing. I ended up buying the Nikon D3100 with kit lenses 18-55mm VR and 55-300VR. Just a matter of local availability and that I found a bargain.

I first checked all the cameras in my budget range out,but I didn't know which one to choose because since I never had a DSLR I couldn't tell which one of the cameras had the right "feel". They all felt the same. Some a bit lighter, some heavier... but all kinda the same :goodvibes

I ended up with the D3100 and I just wanted to tell you it's a great camera for beginners. That doesn't mean that a Canon will make you less happy at all.

Go to the Nikon site, there's an interactive tutorial with videos on how to use the camera and it gives you an idea of where the buttons are and how the menus and features work.
Check the camera features at Canon's website as well. If one of them has an additional feature you can't live without, go for that one

But as they told me here, if you're going to become a photographer the body of the camera is not as important as the lenses and you'll change it sort of often.

[ssanders79]

I'm a nikon fan, but I will not try to sell you on the brand or any brand for that matter. Ultimately you will need to do your own research into the brands and find one you want to grow old with. I look at it like marriage you are not just buying camera, you are buying into the brand.

I would also suggest getting each one in your hand and see what feels best. I choose Nikon for a few reasons after about 6 months of my own personal research.

[handicap18]

OP here...sorry didn't mean to cause problems:confused:, I realize everyone has their favorite. I was hoping to get some honest perspective on what you like about the 2 cameras I mentioned. I have seen/held both and like them equally. The price for the Canon is about $125 more has an extra 55-250mm lense vs an extra 55-200mm with the Nikon.

Thanks

Its really hard to get an honest perspective when your dealing with this kind of question. Canon users know Canon equipment. Nikon users know Nikon equipment.

Even then most users know pretty much their own model and maybe 1 or 2 others depending on how many times they have upgraded.

I'm a Nikon users and can tell you all about the N6006, N70, D50 and D300. Those are the models I have shot with over the years. I have used a D40 and read a lot about the D700. I have recommended the D3100 to a friend but haven't used one (I recommended it because I am a Nikon shooter and he would be able to borrow a few of my lenses every now and then).

I have a few friends who are Canon shooters and I know a little about the 30D, 50D, 7D and the 5D Mark II because those are the bodies they have used/are using.

In the end what it comes down to is how each feels in your hand. Do you like the feel? Do you like the layout of the buttons? Any of the camera's will give you a lot of features and more than give you enough room to learn and grow.

[KAT4DISNEY]

Lol - saw this thread name and all the posts and just HAD to see what was being said! :rotfl:

Can't really help you OP other than to say that all new DSLR's are very capable and it will come down much more to the photographer than the camera itself. Go with whichever feels more comfortable or maybe weight it towards the lenses in the package unless you think you'll change those later on.

Oh - and if you can't decide then go Sony! :rotfl2:

[mom2rtk]

Lol - saw this thread name and all the posts and just HAD to see what was being said! :rotfl:

Can't really help you OP other than to say that all new DSLR's are very capable and it will come down much more to the photographer than the camera itself. Go with whichever feels more comfortable or maybe weight it towards the lenses in the package unless you think you'll change those later on.

Oh - and if you can't decide then go Sony! :rotfl2:

Kat, my friend brought her brand new Sony A500 with 18-200 lens over yesterday. What a great camera and lens combo for $599! I walked her through some of the features and can't wait for her to start shooting!

[bob100]

I'm ready to take the plunge, but looking at either Nikon D3100 or Canon t1i, which do you all think is a better choice? I've read reviews, looked in this forum and am having a hard time deciding. The package price I'm looking at has Nikon about $100 less than Canon Package.

Any opinions, pros/cons to either? I don't currently have a DSLR so looking for best entry level of the 2.

Thanks

the answer for "better choice" depends on the poster!
I'm a Canon fan but for Canon I would look at a more current model like the T2i (550D) or T3i (600D)

[Pea-n-Me]

The price for the Canon is about $125 more has an extra 55-250mm lense vs an extra 55-200mm with the Nikon.
That's a drop in the bucket compared to what you're about to spend! :rotfl2:

Sorry, we don't mean to be funnin' with ya - it's just that brand preference is one of those things known to incite near riots in photography. :laughing:

I had decided after reading and reading and reading I wanted a Nikon. Had it all picked out and in my cart online. Then decided lets go to Ritz and just look at it. I did...then I picked up the canon D50 and it was love....I didn't care that it cost me more, I didn't care it didn't have video.....It just fit my hand and I loved the weight, (it weighed so much more than the nikon) It has been the perfect camera! I am sure I would have loved the nikon but honestly you have to be comfortable with it and it needs to fit your hands, eyes, etc....
This happened to me too. I intended to go Canon but fell in :lovestruc with Olympus.

[ukcatfan]

This happened to me too. I intended to go Canon but fell in :lovestruc with Olympus.

Same here. I was set on a Rebel XT until I actually handled it and ended up with a Pentax K100D.

[KAT4DISNEY]

Kat, my friend brought her brand new Sony A500 with 18-200 lens over yesterday. What a great camera and lens combo for $599! I walked her through some of the features and can't wait for her to start shooting!

Awesome!! Maybe someday you'll convince her to post some pictures here! :goodvibes

And to add - I was just browsing KEH and see they have a used A500 and a bargain condition 18-200 lens for $700. And your friend got new for $101 less! Excellent deal on a very nice camera!

Same here. I was set on a Rebel XT until I actually handled it and ended up with a Pentax K100D.

Me too. It was the Xsi that had just come out but then I ran across the Sony and the Canon no longer felt comfortable. :cutie:

[PrincessInOz]

I think this is much more "fun" than "Fun For Five".

popcorn::


As many of the other posters have said, go into a camera store and go pick up and hold the different cameras. All the major makers make good systems - you just need to find one that fits your hands and budget.

Good luck!

princess::upsidedow

[funforfive]

Well....thanks for all the helpful insight:sad2: I have had my hands on both, talked to folks at Ritz cameras and internet searched both cameras. I was hoping to get an idea of what owners like/dislike about each camera.

Thanks anyway!

[Pea-n-Me]

Well....thanks for all the helpful insight:sad2: I have had my hands on both, talked to folks at Ritz cameras and internet searched both cameras. I was hoping to get an idea of what owners like/dislike about each camera.
Don't go away mad! Don't you see? We have given you insight! We've confirmed that you're already on the right path (in our opinion) because you've done your research and held the cameras you're interested in. Truly, the rest is personal preference! Whichever you choose is going to do a good job for you. :thumbsup2

[Shutterbug]

For me the thing I really like on my Canons are the thumb wheel on the back.
Though that is only found on the higher end canon cameras such as the 50D, 7D

[Shutterbug]

Don't go away mad! Don't you see? We have given you insight! We've confirmed that you're already on the right path (in our opinion) because you've done your research and held the cameras you're interested in. Truly, the rest is personal preference! Whatever you choose is going to do a good job for you. :thumbsup2

This...We cant tell you whats the right camera for you.

Although when watching sporting events I do see an awful lot of those canon white L lens mounted on cameras :rolleyes1 :)

[PrincessInOz]

Well....thanks for all the helpful insight:sad2: I have had my hands on both, talked to folks at Ritz cameras and internet searched both cameras. I was hoping to get an idea of what owners like/dislike about each camera.

Thanks anyway!

I was in the same position about a year ago. I've been hanging out on this sub-forum since. In that time, I've learnt that all [substitute camera maker name] owners love the [substitute camera maker name] system. There are likes/dislikes about each camera - but that is true irrespective of whether the camera is an entry level or pro level camera and irrespective of maker.

This debate has been going on longer than I've been hanging out on the boards and I suspect it will go on longer than I will be here. It also rages on other photography boards. I doubt that there will be a resolution to it unless one of the makers decides to mount a conquer the world action and buys out every other manufacturer.

I hope that once you make your decision and buy the camera that you'll continue to hang out here with us. Afterall, buying the camera is the easiest step. The fun bit is in learning how to shoot the pictures and that's when we (or I should say)....our exif files...will probably be of more help.


princess::upsidedow

[Marlton Mom]

Alright, I'll be BAD..... No objectiveity here.... go Nikon!
There I said it.
I feel better now. And yes I am ashamed. Well, not really, I'm pretty shameless.

I'm also Marlton. Mom
mwa ha ha! :lmao:

[ukcatfan]

Well....thanks for all the helpful insight:sad2: I have had my hands on both, talked to folks at Ritz cameras and internet searched both cameras. I was hoping to get an idea of what owners like/dislike about each camera.

Thanks anyway!

We actually have given you a decent amount of details and insight on making the decision. We also had a little fun with it because it is often a very heated discussion, but we are typically not harsh to each other here, so it doesn't get that way here.

As stated above, we cannot make that decision for you. Please do not be inconsiderate to the people here.

[disneyboy2003]

Well....thanks for all the helpful insight:sad2: I have had my hands on both, talked to folks at Ritz cameras and internet searched both cameras. I was hoping to get an idea of what owners like/dislike about each camera.

Thanks anyway!

Well, I don't know if this'll be a helpful insight :sad2:, but the Nikon D3100 doesn't have an in-body focus motor in the camera, so any the Nikon lenses that you buy MUST have their focus motors built inside the lens for autofocus to work. For the most part, you'll probably be buying Nikon's most popular lenses, which will have focus motors in the lens, so this most likely won't be an issue.

There is one particular lens where this might become an issue for you: if you choose to buy Nikon's popular 50mm f/1.8 lens for about $120. The reason why this lens is so popular is because it's a (1) relatively inexpensive lens that (2) produces very sharp photos and (3) is great for low-light photography. On the Nikon D3100, however, you won't be able to autofocus using this lens. Instead, you'll have to do manual focus.

This issue won't come up with Nikon's higher-end cameras. This issue also won't come up in any of the Canon cameras, including the Canon T1i.


Here's another disadvantage of the Nikon D3100. Do you plan on doing HDR (high-dynamic range photography)? It's all the rage nowadays. That's where you take 3 identical photos (1 "properly exposed" photo, 1 brighter photo, and 1 darker photo), and use software to combine them into a composite photo, where the dark shadows aren't too dark, and the bright highlights aren't too bright.

To do HDR, ideally you'd want a camera that does exposure bracketing. You place your camera on a tripod, and the camera can take those 3 identical photos in rapid succession: 1 "properly exposed" photo, 1 brighter photo, and 1 darker photo.

The Nikon D3100 does not have exposure bracketing, so you'd have to change the camera settings yourself. Nikon's higher-end cameras have exposure bracketing. All of Canon's cameras, including the Canon T1i, have exposure bracketing.


You mentioned that you held & played with both cameras. In addition to the "look & feel" of each camera, did you play with the menus on each camera? Did they seem intuitive to you? I'd hate to see you stranded in the middle of the Magic Kingdom, baffled at how to access a certain camera feature. :confused:

Anyway, I'm a Canon boy, and I haven't touched or held the Nikon D3100 myself. I'm sure the Nikon D3100 is a wonderful camera, and I hope that someone with this camera will chime in about their likes & dislikes about it. However, these are some important "negatives" I gleamed off a Nikon D3100 review. For some users, these might be non-issues. But if you're a budding photographer, these are things that might bother you in the future.

[photo_chick]

Well....thanks for all the helpful insight:sad2: I have had my hands on both, talked to folks at Ritz cameras and internet searched both cameras. I was hoping to get an idea of what owners like/dislike about each camera.

Thanks anyway!

This is really a personal choice thing. Honestly. I can tell you I'll never use a Nikon because they feel funny to me. That I love my 50D because it has all the features I wanted and fits well in my hands. But none of that will tell you how a camera will fit you or which one is right for you.

Keep in mind when talking to camera sales people... camera companies give them incentives to sell things. Nikon is the worst offender here. You may not be getting an unbiased opinion.

As far as the internet.. if no one mentioned it, go to dpreview.com and compare the models you want. They have great test images for most cameras and a complete list of specs.

[PrincessRosetta]

Is one camera really better then the other?

[photo_chick]

Is one camera really better then the other?

Better is a really subjective term. Some cameras have more features, some offer better ISO performance, some do better in certain conditions. The key is to find which of those cameras is the best for you. It's a lot like shoe shoppping. And how well the perform depends a lot on the user.

[Darth Boeder]

Better is a really subjective term. Some cameras have more features, some offer better ISO performance, some do better in certain conditions. The key is to find which of those cameras is the best for you. It's a lot like shoe shoppping. And how well the perform depends a lot on the user.

Photo chick you are so right. It is like shoe shopping. I tried many cameras before I picked mine. I first had to find one that felt right not only in my hands but in DH's. After that we narrowed down the features that we liked/ needed more. You really ahve to go out and test drive them and see what you like.

[JoeDif]

I think this whole DSLR thing is a fad.....mirrorless is the way to go :rolleyes1

[Pooh2]

It just fit my hand and I loved the weight, (it weighed so much more than the nikon) It has been the perfect camera! I am sure I would have loved the nikon but honestly you have to be comfortable with it and it needs to fit your hands, eyes, etc...._

For the same reason, I went with the Nikon! (D60). My hands are little and the Nikon was a great fit!

[PrincessRosetta]

What is mirrorless?

[zackiedawg]

Cameras that have the same large sensors as DSLRs (or slightly smaller ones), but are much more compact because they removed the mirror and optical viewfinder paths from the cameras entirely. They are a trendy new form of camera - usually thought of as their own category not really competing with DSLRs, but the future may indeed head that way some day. The Olympus Pen and Panasonic G series cameras use a micro 4:3 sensor which is a bit smaller than typical DSLR sensors but much larger than P&S cameras, while the Sony NEX system uses the same APS-C sensors as DSLRs.

Per the original argument - I agree with most sentiment posted here that camera A vs camera B should be decided by each indidual buyer based on their needs and which cameras best suit them, plus ergonomics, features, and price. No one brand is better than another. And you'd be well advised to consider more than just 2 brands, because some offerings by another camera brand might end up being more perfect, more attuned, more comfortable, or a better fit for your needs...it would be sad to pass up the perfect camera for you because you only restricted your shopping to two brands.

[disneyboy2003]

Is one camera really better then the other?

Yes.

[DVC Mike]

Yes.

And it's always the Nikon.

:rolleyes:

[Shutterbug]

Maybe when someone decides to take up photography as a hobby, they should have to put on a the Sorting Hat as in Harry Potter.

The hat would decide to which Camera House that person would go into.
Such as this:
Gryffendor would be Canon
Slytherin would be Nikon
Hufflepuff would be Pentax
Ravenclaw would be Olympus and Sony

:rolleyes1

[bob100]

And it's always the Nikon.

:rolleyes:

what the ??
If you are serious about photography the obvious choice is CANON !

[ukcatfan]

Maybe when someone decides to take up photography as a hobby, they should have to put on a the Sorting Hat as in Harry Potter.

The hat would decide to which Camera House that person would go into.
Such as this:
Gryffendor would be Canon
Slytherin would be Nikon
Hufflepuff would be Pentax
Ravenclaw would be Olympus and Sony

:rolleyes1

Sony can have Hufflepuff because us Pentaxians are clearly from Durmstrang :wizard:

[Anewman]

Sony can have Hufflepuff because us Pentaxians are clearly from Durmstrang :wizard:

So Muggle-borns are not allowed....:thumbsup2

[ukcatfan]

You know, I also heard that Charlie Sheen is a Pentaxian... because he is winning! Duh!!!

[photo_chick]

Maybe when someone decides to take up photography as a hobby, they should have to put on a the Sorting Hat as in Harry Potter.

The hat would decide to which Camera House that person would go into.
Such as this:
Gryffendor would be Canon
Slytherin would be Nikon
Hufflepuff would be Pentax
Ravenclaw would be Olympus and Sony

:rolleyes1

Yay Gryffendor!

[Marlton Mom]

Maybe when someone decides to take up photography as a hobby, they should have to put on a the Sorting Hat as in Harry Potter.

The hat would decide to which Camera House that person would go into.
Such as this:
Gryffendor would be Canon
Slytherin would be Nikon
Hufflepuff would be Pentax
Ravenclaw would be Olympus and Sony

:rolleyes1

Yes BUT....
Nikon is the OFFICIAL Camera of the Jedi Council :yoda:, Star fleet Academy and Frodo and Gandolf!!

Marlton Mom
PS. Darth Vader shoots with Canon :darth: (Boo, Hiss!)

[bob100]

Yes BUT....
Nikon is the OFFICIAL Camera of the Jedi Council :yoda:, Star fleet Academy and Frodo and Gandolf!!

Marlton Mom
PS. Darth Vader shoots with Canon :darth: (Boo, Hiss!)

sorry, you have it reversed: Nikon is the dark side - evil !

Good guys wear white and shoot with CANON

[Shutterbug]

PS. Darth Vader shoots with Canon :darth: (Boo, Hiss!)

Actually no he wouldnt shoot a Canon because those white L lens' clash with his black cape. Obiwan clearly a Canon user.

[disneyboy2003]

Maybe when someone decides to take up photography as a hobby, they should have to put on a the Sorting Hat as in Harry Potter.

The hat would decide to which Camera House that person would go into.
Such as this:
Gryffendor would be Canon
Slytherin would be Nikon
Hufflepuff would be Pentax
Ravenclaw would be Olympus and Sony

:rolleyes1

So Harry Potter shoots Canon?! Cool! :woohoo:

[ukcatfan]

You clearly have it all wrong with Star Wars. They ALL use Pentax in the galaxy far far away. There is the Rebel red and black and storm trooper white in the K-x and K-r models! You can even get Yoda green :yoda:

There is nothing wrong with the dark side, they have cookies!

[JoeDif]

We all know Olympus is the camera of choice of the gods (Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, etc.)

[ukcatfan]

We all know Olympus is the camera of choice of the gods (Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, etc.)

:thumbsup2

:rotfl:

[Marlton Mom]

We all know Olympus is the camera of choice of the gods (Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, etc.)

:worship: :worship: :worship:

:rotfl2: :lmao:

~MM

[eliza61]

Another newbie, making the jump into entry level dslrs. So I've been lurking around here for a while and reading all the advice from all the jedi masters on best brand.

I'm now at the "go to the store and hold the camera" stadge but all my local stores seem to have the same few models.

I have bestbuy, HH chregg, sears, and sams clubs all near me and not one of them had a pentax any thing on the floor. What gives? Best buys had a few higher end sonys but I'm hoping to stay within the $600-700 buck price range.

So pentaxions, what gives?

[JoeDif]

Another newbie, making the jump into entry level dslrs. So I've been lurking around here for a while and reading all the advice from all the jedi masters on best brand.

I'm now at the "go to the store and hold the camera" stadge but all my local stores seem to have the same few models.

I have bestbuy, HH chregg, sears, and sams clubs all near me and not one of them had a pentax any thing on the floor. What gives? Best buys had a few higher end sonys but I'm hoping to stay within the $600-700 buck price range.

So pentaxions, what gives?


I'm not sure how close to Philly you are as I see you are in SNJ. Calumet Photo in Philly usually has a larger selection of cameras than the brick & morter electronic stores. Ritz Camera, if you can find one, may also have a Pentax model or two as well.

[Marlton Mom]

Another newbie, making the jump into entry level dslrs. So I've been lurking around here for a while and reading all the advice from all the jedi masters on best brand.

I'm now at the "go to the store and hold the camera" stadge but all my local stores seem to have the same few models.

I have bestbuy, HH chregg, sears, and sams clubs all near me and not one of them had a pentax any thing on the floor. What gives? Best buys had a few higher end sonys but I'm hoping to stay within the $600-700 buck price range.

So pentaxions, what gives?

Did some one say Southern NJ??? :thumbsup2

You are so close to B and H you can almost reach out and fondle the merchandise!

B and H is the store you want to go to if you want to feel every brand in your hands!

Here's what I would do, heck, here's what I HAVE DONE in your situation.
Get in your car and drive to the Hamilton NJ Transit train station (this is the one above Trenton). Park your car there (for about $7) and purchase a NJ Transit train ticket to Penn Station in New York City. A one way ticket for one adult will cost you $15 and a round trip ticket may be even cheaper, I'm not sure.

Hop on the train for a local (90 min approx) or express ride (65+ mins) right to the center of New York City! It would easily take you 3 hours by car from Hamilton NJ with all the traffic and tunnel congestion so this is a Win, Win, both from the consideration of time and money. The tolls and parking lot charges are outrageous in NYC.

You can relax on the train as it's more like a rail road car than a subway car and Penn Station is right under Madison Square Garden and you are literally 2 blocks away from B and H.

On your return trip, Penn Station can be a little daunting, but just look for the New Jersey Transit part of the station and never mind the Amtrak part. Both Train stations are relatively nice with bathrooms and food courts. The one at Hamilton has a Dunkin Donuts fer gawds sake! There is also a bathroom on the train but I have never been...:eek:

I have done this with my family and again with just my 12 y.o. son and his friend for a Boy's Lego store and Nintendo store trip. The boys think B and H is cool and they love to check out the telescopes, computers and especially the conveyor system.

Usually we have time and energy to go to B and H, hop in a cab and go to see something else in NYC, then hop in a cab to go eat a restaurant that we have scoped out, then back to Penn station for the trip home. The last time we went we ate in Chinatown in a place that Anthony Bourdain recommended on his show. The next time we are planning to take the boys to Sarita's Macaroni & Cheese place so you see you can really make it an adventure!

It's no secret here that I am a BIG B and H fan. Keep in mind however that you can examine all the different cameras, ask the knowledgeable sales staff for help and then go buy the camera some place else if B and H doesn't offer you the price that you want.

If you see it cheaper some place else, especially if it's like $100 or more be advised that it may be a gray market camera from a disreputable seller. There are a number of on line outfits that pop up and then change their name when their poor reputation is revealed by unsatisfied customers.

With B and H, I never have to worry about stuff like that and they do keep pretty current with everyone else s price matching, at least with the reputable places.

The rest of the folks here can post about which on line retailers they have had good experiences with.

As for me, I got to B and H to SEE the merchandise, then I check out what the prices are online from the reputable sellers, and then I pretty much wind up going with B and H because they have the price and service that I like.

I hope that helps, :thumbsup2

Marlton Mom