New Camera Thoughts
So, with the Nikon Coolpix 5700 not working again, I’ve been giving some thought to getting a new camera. The most direct replacement to the 5700 appears to be the P5100, 12.1 megapixel, 3.5x optical zoom, same basic form factor as the 5700, though smaller, and without the flip-out, rotating LCD (this feature doesn’t seem to exist on current models anywhere.)
Although, I’m thinking of going for a digital SLR instead. I’ve always kindof wanted one, but I don’t feel like I know enough about photography and optics to make an informed decision on an SLR at this point. I’ve been eyeing some of the lower end bodies, like the Nikon D40x or the Canon Rebel XTi, both of which are available in a starter kit sort of deal with a lens. But I’m not really sure what brands are good or what I should look out for. Any input?
Canon, hands down. The Nikon is nice, don’t get me wrong, I used to shoot Nikon, but the Canon is money. I know there was a trick with the first gen digital rebels that you could flash them with the firmware from the higher end Canons and most of the more advanced features would work. I’d assume something similar could work with newer ones considering their still based on the same imager and body.
In a specific Nikon vs Canon battle, it’s all about the little things. The Nikon will do a great job at color rendition, they always have. However, at higher ISO speeds, they’ll tend to have more noise and pixelation. The Canons are fast, really fast, in every department. They also do better with auto focusing and work much better in low light situations.
My advice though, would be to wait until after Christmas. Canon is coming out with their new top of the line cameras by years end and that’s sure to drive down the cost of the entire line. The entire Canon pro line is getting new duel imagers and upgraded sensors and I’m sure that technology will trickle down to the Rebel line as well.
Oh, and last tip, order from B&H. More than likely they’ll beat the price at any local photo shop you’ll find, they’re reliable and the shipping is damn near instantaneous. Plus they have good “combo” deals on camera bodies and lenses.
Let me know what you decide, either way, it’s bound to be a good investment, a good camera always is.