Best time to purchase a camera?

[Spinning]

IS there a better time to buy one? Odd question I am sure....but my current camera is working fine and I don't need a new one but I really want to cross over to DSLR. Not sure if I will have enough cash by summer.....but would love to have it by June....
I thought for sure I wanted the Nikon D90 but now I see that Cannon is coming out with a camera very similar. It doesn't have the same frames pre second it says it is 3.4 and the nikon is 4.5......but if the review is correct it will be cheaper, around $800 for the body......so do you think the Nikon will start to come down in price? Is there a time of year they release new cameras? Will Nikon come out with something to out do the D90?
I am so nervous about moving to a DSLR. I currently own the FUJI s6000 and I do love it. But I need something faster, I need better zoom and I just need!
I want to make sure what ever camera body I get I will be happy forever! I know that the body will wear out or better stuff will come along but I plan to purchases some lenses so once I fork out money for lenses then I will stick iwth the same brand.

oh and for any input you care to offer....I will be shooting spring board diving and swimming both indoor and out.

 

[ukcatfan]

You are talking two different classes of camera. Specs or not, the D90 is a better camera. Ignore the MPs for one. The D60 is likely to have an update soon that you would compare to the Rebel series. To compare to the D90, look at the 40D/50D.

 

[jann1033]

actually the new rebel T?? is comparable to the nikon d90, they are keeping the xsi and xs for entry level more comparable to the d60/40.
with canon it seems to me they usually have rebates before a new model comes out( at least last few releases they have) don't follow nikon but it conceivably could come down if the new canon does what they say it does since the nikon is around $1300 i think????????? but that is pure speculation someone posted a link recently that talked about how lenses are going up so who knows. they will keep trying to outdo each other so you have to decide...overall, i think nikon is a little more expensive than canon but they go back and forth and never seem to really match each other totally. if you don't care if you have the absolute latest, you can hold off and see what happens cause they always seem to go down once they are out a little while

 

[Master Mason]

You are talking two different classes of camera. Specs or not, the D90 is a better camera. Ignore the MPs for one. The D60 is likely to have an update soon that you would compare to the Rebel series. To compare to the D90, look at the 40D/50D.

Actually the lines don't cross compare well at all. I think they do it on purpose.

so you don't really have a direct comparison. It becomes price performance and brand preference.

Since the OP doesn't have a vested interest in any brand, I would suggest looking at them all. Don't just focus on the big 2.

 

[WDWFWfan]

Canon and Nikon have strategically placed themselves where there models do not have a direct comparison to each other. The Canon T1i may be a little lower than the D90 (this is yet to be seen), the 50D is better than the D90 etc. Each manufacturer has a number of good bodies. However, in order to get a "prosumer" body you would start with the Canon 40/50D or the Nikon D300. Anything less than that will be a lot more "plasticy" and less durable under moderate to heavy use.

Nevertheless, my advice would be not to choose a manufacturer solely on the basis of the body. Consider the whole system. Unlike digital P & S cameras, you will/may be also buying lenses, flashes, grips, extenders, etc. The actual body will probably be your least cost by far.

Also, the body that you buy today will be obsolete in a few years and you will most likely end up replacing it. When you do, you will be stuck with the manufacturer that you have invested in (unless you want to start the spending process all over again).

My advice would be to investigate both company's offerings and choose the system that works best for you. Then determine which body along that manufacturers offerings that appeals to you the most. In addition, remember that the greatest part of your investment should be in glass! I'm not stating that the body is totally irrelevant in this process (the Nikon Dxx series bodies just don't feel comfortable in my hands), but it should not be your only consideration.

Both companies produce excellent components; however, I would recommend figuring out which lens that you are interested in and do a little price shopping. It's the general consensus that Nikon glass is a little more expensive for similar product lines.

Also, if you are looking at Canon I would recommend checking out the 40D/50D for the price range of a D90. Similar IQ, but the body is a lot more solid in the hands.

 

[ukcatfan]

I realize that they do not compare directly, but based on things like build quality, FPS, having a 2nd lcd, etc. the D90 is going to compare closer to the 40D/50D IMO. Some of those things are features people are willing to pay more for. The Rebels are still on the consumer level and that is the way Canon intends it. Otherwise, they would be afraid that the Rebels will significantly erode sales of higher end models.

 

[WDWFWfan]

I realize that they do not compare directly, but based on things like build quality, FPS, having a 2nd lcd, etc. the D90 is going to compare closer to the 40D/50D IMO. Some of those things are features people are willing to pay more for. The Rebels are still on the consumer level and that is the way Canon intends it. Otherwise, they would be afraid that the Rebels will significantly erode sales of higher end models.

I know it's all opinion, but I would say that the FPS and the build quality of the D90 compares more favorably with the T1i.

D90 FPS 4.5
T1i FPS 3.4
Difference 1.1 FPS

50D FPS 6.3
D90 FPS 4.5
Difference 1.8 FPS

Build quality? Both the D90 and the T1i share plastic bodies whereas the 40/50D have proper magnesium bodies with some weather sealing.

In addition, max shutter speed on both the D90 and the T1i are limited to 1/4000 sec. whereas the 40/50D tops out at 1/8000 sec.

Both the D90 and the T1i are consumer grade products. To go prosumer (and get a magnesium body) with Nikon requires a significant jump to the D300 which is a great camera in it's own rights, but significantly more expensive that either the Canon 40D or 50D.

Not trying to start a battle of Nikon vs. Canon here, just noting the differences...at least on paper.

 

[YesDear]

The true answer to your question is when you have made your decision on the brand and model you want. As you have read there is plenty of opinion on that. If you want to have it by June, I am not sure there is a better time other than when you have the money and have made your decision.

Prices overall, particularly Nikon. have gone up recently. I have read it is the exchange rate and I have read that it is the demise of Circuit City and bankruptcy of Ritz. Regardless, look and see if you see any deals and make the jump. I would recommend if you get online you be careful and if the deal seems too good, it probably is, B&H, Adorama, etc are reputable dealers, etc.

My standard suggestion is to go and play. Whichever camera feels better to you and you seem to understand better, at your level, will make you want to use more. Then the real fun begins and the difference between fps and mps become less important. A year after you have your camera, you will either be a devote of that brand or you will sell it and change. Then you can take sides on which is best!

I have never heard a novice say they liked the feel of a Nikon, but bought a Canon or vice versa because the specs were better. It always in my opinion boils down to a price and emotional feeling about that camera!

 

[Me!Thatswho]

Seeing as I'm in the same boat as the op (upgrading from a S3 is), the responses so far have definitely been of a great personal interest to me. Seeing as I too would like to have possession of a new camera in June/July (upcoming trip), I have been spending a lot of time reading reviews and watching prices. After months of research, I think I have pretty much narrowed it down to the Canon 40d. And, as it turns out, Adorama had a 40d refurb kit on sale for $799 (body & 28-135 is lens) as recent as the beginning of this week and, due to my hesitancy, I missed out. Now I'm kind of kicking myself. While they still have bodies only for $699, being new to DSLRs also, I wanted to practice with the kit lens, which from what I have read is a decent lens, before having to invest in better glass. For only $100 more, ye olde learning curve could have, at least in the short-term, been more affordable. Now, to go the body-only route, my initial investment just went up in terms of $$$ because I'll have to invest in order to learn. On a side note, I did contact the Canon e-store to inquire as to whether they will be selling 40ds, but unfortunately the rep had no idea as to when, if at all, such a listing will occur.

So, as it stands now, I might pull the trigger within the week. Obviously I want to get the best price that I can for what I want, but, at the same time, I want to make sure that I have a good 2 or 3 months of playing with the new toy so that I know what I'm doing beforehand.

Good luck op!

 

[boBQuincy]

There may not be a better time to buy certain models, Canon's Xs is a real deal right now ($500 @ Amazon) and the recent announcement of the new T1i (shipping in May) should drive the price of the Xsi down soon. Buying the previous generation usually shows some good savings and there are often rebates to help clear out the older models.

If frames per second is important then the specs will have to be interpreted carefully, the manufacturers show the optimum speed while the actual speed is sometimes limited by shutter speed and buffer size.

 

[Spinning]

lots to digest......This is a huge leap for me....I ultimately know I have to look carefully at my lense choice. Since once I purchases extra lenses I am sold on the brand.... I also have to handle the cameras. I was totally sold on the Nikon D90. I liked the kit zoom lense. it would work for me for now till I learn what I really need. The zoom was good for summer swimming and diving since I have access to the deck area during meets. I like the fact I could do a short video. We don't own a digital video camera and I personally don't care for video, never watch the thousands of hours we have. But it is nice to be able to video tape my kids when they do a dive or sing a little song. That is perfect for me. So this is one option I want.

The one down side was the fact that it isn't made of metal and doesn't have some of the weather protection. Being at pool all the time this is an issue. I haven't had any problems in the past but I was also using under $350 cameras...so if it died......I wasn't out a ton and would be able to go out and buy one rather quickly.
I use to shoot with a minolta SLR Loved it. Had some great lenses. But it is at least 30 years old....

 

[Spinning]

Master Mason
What other cameras would you look at? I looked at some of the sony cameras but just wasn't sure.....
Since this is all new for me I am not loyal to any brand. I know I will need new cards, batteries, camera case etc.....so I am open to anything. I just want something that will shoot fast, be under 1500 and would much rather be around 1000 or less. Frames per second is very important. I really want video.

I know what ever DSLR I get it will be way faster than what I have. So I know of course I will be super happy. But I want to make sure I am happy for a long time......

 

[Me!Thatswho]

The new Rebel, the 1Ti mentioned by bob, has (or will have) HD video capability and, if Ritz camera (which is currently doing pre-ordering) has the price point correct, will be $899.

Having the video built in is definitely a nice feature. My S3 is has video capability. Granted the quality is nothing compared to my video camera (Panasonic GS-400), but it is definitely nice when I don't feel like lugging the BIG camera bag.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I use to shoot with a minolta SLR Loved it. Had some great lenses. But it is at least 30 years old....

Hi, Mickey88 shoots Sony and he has said he uses Minolta lenses. So if you still have your lenses and if they are still good, you may only have to buy the body. (Some of thebest lenses are older ones.) What's good about the Sony cameras is the in body stabilization. Nikon and Canon has IS or VR built into the lenses and they cost more than regular lenses sometimes. I believe Code also uses Sony DSLR. Hopefully they'll be along soon to add their 2 cents. I love my D90. The best thing I can suggest is to go hold the cameras and weigh them out. I almost bought the D300 -- until I practically got tendinitis from carrying it around. I have the D90 and it's perfect for me.
ETA: Zackiedawg shoots Sony too IIRC...Hopefully they can pipe in with their opinions...

 

[WDWFWfan]

Master Mason
What other cameras would you look at? I looked at some of the sony cameras but just wasn't sure.....
Since this is all new for me I am not loyal to any brand. I know I will need new cards, batteries, camera case etc.....so I am open to anything. I just want something that will shoot fast, be under 1500 and would much rather be around 1000 or less. Frames per second is very important. I really want video.

I know what ever DSLR I get it will be way faster than what I have. So I know of course I will be super happy. But I want to make sure I am happy for a long time......

A few thoughts, if you really want video, it's going to seriously limit your choices as there are only three bodies on the market right now (that I'm aware of) that offer it.

There are a number of manufacturer's out there who produce quality photographic products. Before going digital, I had Minolta equipment and loved it...then Minolta went away. Sony has bought their rights, but Sony is such a large company and photographic equipment is such a small percentage of their business that I would be concerned that they might decide to pull out of DSLR market altogether if their recent attempt isn't a profitable venture for them.

The other major manufacturers are more vested into photography and while anybody can go bankrupt, I feel they will pay more attention to their photographic lines as it is their "bread and butter." I didn't go with Sony (even though my Minolta lens would have worked saving me a considerable amount of money) because I was afraid they would pull out of the market just like Minolta. Just something to think about as you consider a manufacturing line.

For your purposes, if you are going to be shooting sports events (need high FPS) and want a more robust body, I would strongly suggest looking at the 40D/50D. I bought my 50D body for a little over $900 (long story...rebates, etc.). You would have to give up on the idea of shooting video, but HD camcorders are cheap these days.