Which one should I buy - Need to make decision today!

[tyniknate]

I'm looking to buy an entry-level dslr for the first time and here is what I have found. The cost will be the same, I just need to decide which one is a better purchase. Where better to ask, than here.

Can you give me your opinions please?

Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm G VR DX AF-S Zoom Lens - Factory Demo with:
EN-EL14 Li-ion Battery
MH-24 Quick Charger
DK-5 Eyepiece Cap
DK-20 Rubber Eyecup
AN-DC3 Camera Strap
Body Cap
BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover
Software Suite CD-ROM
Instruction Booklets
Front & Rear Lens Caps
1 year warranty

or

Canon Rebel EOS 10.1 MP
18-55 lens
75-300 lens
padded backpack
tripod
camera strap
battery & charger
memory card
all manuals, discs & cords in the original box

The Canon is from a private seller, with no warranty. Which is the better deal? I need to make a decision today, as the seller of the canon would like to list it online if I'm not interrested. Thanks!

 

[reimero]

I'm a fan of Canon, but between the two, I'd definitely choose the Nikon. He's raising the prices because of the extra stuff (lens, backpack, tripod), but the Nikon is the better camera, and comes with a warranty. With the Canon, half of what you're paying for is accessories. With the Nikon, it's all camera, but it's a better camera.

 

[Shazzasmd]

I also own Canon, but would choose the Nikon of the two you've listed. You will probably want to save up for a longer telephoto lens, but what you will be getting is a great start-up kit.

 

[photo_chick]

It depends on how much they are if I'd buy either. But if I have to choose, I'd go with the Nikon. The Rebel XTi is pretty old, the Nikon D3100 is a bit newer. And I would not buy a kit with the Canon 75-300 lens. I have it, it's awful and that's the only Canon lens I'll say that about. There are much better telephoto zooms you can buy for the same or less money than what that lens is usually sold for. And the Nikon has a warranty.

 

[tyniknate]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. I was leaning toward the Nikon, but wanted to see what everyone had to say. I have a very limited budget. The Nikon will be around $350. Is that too much? I have a friend who can give me a discount on the camera from a retailer.
I realize this isn't going to make me a professional photographer. I just want something that I can play with and learn from until the budget will allow a larger purchase. Will this work for what I need?

 

[photo_chick]

$350 is right in line with what a Nikon D3100 would be used from what I've seen. So if you're getting it with a one year warranty then it seems good to me.

 

[tyniknate]

One more quick question if you don't mind. What is the best way to learn to use the camera? Is there a book or something that someone could recommend? I'm literally starting from level zero in photo knowledge. I'm used to just pointing and shooting.

 

[alloyd1170]

The first place you need to look is at your manual so you know what your camera is capable of doing. I still carry mine with me as sometimes you will get an error code that only the book will tell you what it means.

Scott Kelby has some good books. There's a series of three that will teach you how to get some popular shots without going into all the technical jargon. Understanding Light and Exposure is another great book.

For a more hands on approach, check out your local community college for some courses (heck even a local community center might offer a basic course). And finally, trial and error.....get out there and shoot using different settings and controls once you learn the basics. Practice is the best way to learn!

 

[reimero]

One more quick question if you don't mind. What is the best way to learn to use the camera? Is there a book or something that someone could recommend? I'm literally starting from level zero in photo knowledge. I'm used to just pointing and shooting.

I've heard over and over and over again that if you read one intro book for photography, it should be "Understanding Exposure." That's your starting point, and it teaches you the basics of the 3 elements most critical in getting a properly-exposed photo (aperture, shutter speed and ISO, or sensor sensitivity).

The other thing I'd strongly recommend is that you take a lot of pictures and look at a lot of pictures. And take notes. What works, what doesn't. The single best thing you can do for yourself as a photographer is to learn to see what the camera sees. When you can do that, you can see the photo as you're taking it, and that's when you begin taking some really awesome pictures - even with a very inexpensive P&S.

 

[meanpc]

You can also find a good photography forum where you can post your photos and get honest critiques.

 

[tyniknate]

Just wanted to say thank for all the replies and help yesterday. I bought the Nikon. I realize it's not gonna give me award winning photos, but its a starting place for some fun family pictures. Can't wait to get my fingers on it and start learning.

 

[reimero]

Just wanted to say thank for all the replies and help yesterday. I bought the Nikon. I realize it's not gonna give me award winning photos, but its a starting place for some fun family pictures. Can't wait to get my fingers on it and start learning.

Don't be so sure. I've only been doing photography semi-seriously for a year or so, and amazingly enough, I've already placed in a photo contest. Take the time to learn your camera and practice a lot, and I think that camera will serve you quite well.

 

[nettekay]

wow!! That was a great deal!!!! I'm looking at a sale ad and the price for the D3100 is $549.95 I wish I could find a deal like that!!

 

[tyniknate]

It was a factory refurb, but it came with a one year warranty.....so I'm hoping its a good deal!