Purchasing Our First Digital SLR and Need Help!

[mjaclyn]

I've always had point and shoot cameras, but I'm tired of ending up with blurry, grainy or out of focus pictures. DH and I have decided to go with a Digital SLR but can't decide on which one to get. Went to B&H Photo today and are trying to decide between the Canon 550 (EOS T2i) Or Nikon D5000...any thoughts? DH has an EF75-300mm Canon Lens from an older camera that I think we can use with the Canon, but we've heard such good things about Nikon it's hard to choose..

Also, I really don't see myself switching lenses and carrying around a huge case. I'm not sure about DH though...

 

[VVFF]

I've always had point and shoot cameras, but I'm tired of ending up with blurry, grainy or out of focus pictures. DH and I have decided to go with a Digital SLR but can't decide on which one to get. Went to B&H Photo today and are trying to decide between the Canon 550 (EOS T2i) Or Nikon D5000...any thoughts? DH has an EF75-300mm Canon Lens from an older camera that I think we can use with the Canon, but we've heard such good things about Nikon it's hard to choose..

Also, I really don't see myself switching lenses and carrying around a huge case. I'm not sure about DH though...

Honestly, I can't say much but good stuff about any SLR brand. So I wouldn't worry too much about brand. They're all pretty darn good.

You could use that Canon lens on any new Canon Camera...its not the best and you may be unsatisfied with the sharpness of it...but it's better than nothing that's for sure!

Be careful though...realize that focusing on an SLR is MORE important than on a point and shoot. If you weren't use to focusing and recomposing on your point in shoot you may have a hard time adjusting. Nothing you can't overcome but I'm just warning you that while SLR's have their advantages, the focusing becomes very critical. Hence...they really aren't a point and shoot. You cannot rely on the camera to focus automatically(picking the AF point). It simply doesn't work well.

Did you try using both cameras? If so, which did you enjoy using more?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I'm jealous that you live close enough to B & H to be able to visit their store. I would work with the experts at B & H to assist you in the purchase. If you can't find a camera that works for you there, it doesn't exist. Since all the DSLR companies make good products, its up to the individual photographer to select the one that works best for them. Hold all the different brands to see which one works or feels best in your hands. The ergonomics of the camera is important. It has to feel good and the buttons have to be in the right places. Since the Canon lens you have isn't the best one they make, I wouldn't limit myself to just Canon and Nikon. I would look at the Pentax, Sony, Olympus, etc. B & H carries all the models and I would try them all.

 

[Mosca]

Don't get hung up on brand. Visit a camera store and handle each model you're interested in. Ask a lot of questions and feel around for the buttons and scroll through the menus to see which system is more intuitive for you.

Then buy the one that's cheapest.... no, I'm kidding. Buy the one that feels best to you, that feels like it fits your hand and mind the best. If you do that, you'll be happiest with whatever you choose.

 

[ukcatfan]

Since you have such a nice store at your disposal, you really should look at all your options. I have to put in a good word for Pentax here. I have had my K-x for a few months now and I am nothing but happy with it! It is my second Pentax DSLR. While they are not one of the two big companies I do not regret my decision to go with them at all. Like it has been said though, any DSLR can capture really good images. It is more about the photographer than the equipment in most cases.

 

[DVC Mike]

DH and I have decided to go with a Digital SLR but can't decide on which one to get. Went to B&H Photo today and are trying to decide between the Canon 550 (EOS T2i) Or Nikon D5000...any thoughts? DH has an EF75-300mm Canon Lens from an older camera that I think we can use with the Canon, but we've heard such good things about Nikon it's hard to choose..

Both are great cameras...

 

[photo_chick]

Blurry and out of focus images are a user issue. They will not disappear with a DSLR. As was pointed out, focusing with a DSLR accurately can sometimes be more challenging than with a point and shoot. The digital noise will improve, but still it will not disappear. It's like grain with film and for now is an inescapable a part of digital photography.

That said...I'm partial to the Canon T2i from what you listed. I've got the 50D and it has the same ISO range (to 12800). Yeah, the higher ISO settings are noisy, but I got shots around the campfire this weekend that I would not have been able to get were I limited to 1600 or 3200. But that is what I needed, and may not be what fits your needs.

I also agree that Pentax is worth a good look as well.

 

[Frantasmic]

Of the two you are currently considering, I think the slight nod in reviews goes to the Canon, which is considered a 50D lite. If you were considering a Nikon D90, I'd say the D90 would get the slight nod.

However, since you do live close enough to look at many different cameras at one of the premier stores in the nation, you should look at Pentax, Sony, Olympus, Canon, and Nikon to see which one works for you.