Which camera - Nikon D90 or Canon EOS 550D

[Taurean]

I'm very keen on getting a DSLR but I can't decide between the Nikon D90 and the Canon 550D. I know there are lots of praise for both amongst BB members but is there any reason why I should sway towards one more than the other?

I'm trying to get the best deal I can by buying online. So far cameras out of Hong Kong seem to be the cheapest. Does anyone know of any super duper websites (anywhere in the world) I can look at?

TIA for any advice!

[PollyA]

I have been a Canon girl since the days when silver had a lot to do with producing a photo (takes a moment to reminisce)
I think a good reason to go Canon is that when you want to get extra lenses, flashes, filters etc it is very easy to find Canon. Most photographers are Canon converts that I've met and there are just a lot of Canon goods around. And they work. Well.
Very exciting purchase. Good luck

[LisaBear]

I recently got a d90. Love it! The accessories were all easy to find from teds cameras.
One thing to be aware of. I looked at getting from overseas too, but you must pay extra costs if it's over either $1000 or $1500 ( sorry can't remember exactly) and it's cheaper buying as a kit. Which will take it over the $1000 mark. Email the websites but I certainly found it cheaper in aus. Go to the big stores and get from there is my real advice especially because the warranty you receive for overseas isn't always viable in aus.

Oh and get uv filters for the lenses.

I got the d90 plus 55-105 and 55-200 kit. The big lens is amazing.

Good luck with your choice

[CharlieBrownGirl]

Try camerasdirect (au) website. Great deals and highly recommended. Also, a friend recently purchased from Harvey Normans during the sales.

I've got a Canon 500. Love Love Love it! My original SLR (non digital) is a Nikon.

It could be just a matter of Holdens vs Fords. When I see professional photographers they either have a Nikon or Canon.

Have fun with your new purchase

[Beach Mama]

We have the Canon 550D with twin lens kit and also bought the 50mm Macro lens which I totally recommend! It's only around $150 but man it takes the most amazing photos! Make sure the lenses you get have IS as well as I think they sell some without it. Makes a difference in clarity! As for why we chose Canon over Nikon I think it is a bit like CBG mentioned, we have always had an Ixus for years since digital came out so it made sense to us to use a Canon, plus one of the most amazing kids photographers uses Canon and her stuff is incredible and I wanna be like her

[~Raven~]

Have you seen the dpreview website? Loads of great information there to read and get confused over!

I use Nikon and of course I am going to say choose Nikon lol. My first DSLR was a D70s (which is the older version of the D90) and it is/was a great camera If you can go into a shop and feel both of them in your hands then give that a try. Sometimes it comes down to what feels more right in your hands too.

Be a bit wary of buying from Hong Kong. Make sure that the store has an Australian office because if there is any issues, such as warranty claims, then it makes it easier. Also you might get charged GST by customs if it's over $1000.

I've shopped locally at digitalcamerawarehouse or vanbar and they are quite competitive.

HTH

[Sopdet]

Nikon v Canon is like Holden v Ford.

My bestie and her partner are/were both photographers, she is doing her masters in photography, he doesn't do it as a job any more, just hobby.

He is a Nikon guy and she is a Canon girl. I've used both their cameras and personally I prefer the Canon. So when I get my camera next month I will be getting the 550D.

[toomanyshoes]

I personally much prefer Canon. If there isn't a clear winner for you go in store for a hold, I found thats what helped me make my mind up. It has to feel comfortable in your hands and I just couldn't stand the Nikon.

[Taurean]

Thx heaps for all your advice girls! I'll head to a camera store today and check them both out. I think I'm leaning towards the Canon as I've had my Ixus for several years and it's been a little winner. I definitely need something that can capture a great shot in any circumstance though, you know what kids are like - my little Ixus just isn't fast enough!

The site in HK has the canon for $723 and it comes with the following: Canon EOS Kiss (the 'branding' name used in Asia) X4 550D Kit+EFS 18-55mm IS+Battery+UV. Sound OK? My parents bought both their cameras from HK without any issues. The only thing with the warranty is you have to send it back to them in HK.

With regards to the second (bigger?) lens, what would I use it for?

[CharlieBrownGirl]

With regards to the second (bigger?) lens, what would I use it for?

T, I've used my 55-250mm for whale watching photos, getting up close of the ****ies eating sunflower seeds next door and yesterday I was using the lens to take photos of flowers in the garden, birds high in the trees and up close shots of my doggie.

I'm interested in getting the macro lens. Tanstar, where do you get it for $150?

[Shanti]

Canon 550D we have - love it!! The video recorder on it is awesome, so awesome, that we no longer use our HDD recorder anymore as we don't have to!

Have fun buying!

[Beach Mama]

CBG - Im pretty sure Harvey Norman have it for as low as $128 at the moment hun. Even at the full price of $150 it's a great buy! We got all our stuff at HN and got a great price with the bag, SD card, and the 50mm macro - now for a 17-55 lens, another macro and the list goes on........ stop me NOW!

[Taurean]

Woah, so much to think about!!! Hmmm, I might get the extra lens later. The 18-55 would be good enough to begin with, yeah?

[Taurean]

Girls, I can get all this (see below) from the HK seller for $723 and that also includes 2 yr warranty, but you need to send the camera to HK. I'm cool with that though. I'd need to buy a memory card if my existing one doesn't fit but they're cheap these days anyway. Is this a good package?


Brand New Kiss X4 Camera Body*
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
Battery Pack LP-E8
Battery Charger LC-E8E
Power Cord
Interface Cable IFC-130U
AV Cable AVC-DC400ST
Wide Strap EW-100DB III
EOS DIGITAL Solution Disk (CD-ROM)
Software Instruction Manual (CD-ROM,* PDF)
Camera Instruction Manual (CD-ROM, PDF)
Extra Rechargeable Battery
58mm UV Filter

[CharlieBrownGirl]

T, I think 18-55 is a good start. I was using it the majority of the time until I started getting the 55-250mm out.

[Beach Mama]

Sounds pretty good hun - remember all those cords and the things listed other than the camera and the lens aren't worth anything although it looks like alot of stuff! With that camera the HD video takes up alot of space so you will need a good quality HD card as well which are not that excy but excier than some! I use my standard lens most of the time unless I am up in the kids faces taking close ups of them and then I get my macro out. It's a bew-ewdiful thing.

[Taurean]

You girls rock This has been so helpful!

Tanstar - lol, agree! I think it seems like good value for the body, IS lens, extra battery, extra warranty (although in HK) and the UV filter, yeah?

[MummyNaomi]

We have the Canon 550D with the standard 18-55mm lens which I use 80% of the time, but I also got a Tamron 180-300mm macro lens which I love love love - I find my big lens is great for taking those non posed toddler pics from afar as you can zoom in from miles away un-noticed, and great for nature shots.
Personally I find the Canon very comfortable in my hands, but as I like to use the view finder rather than the LCD screen for taking pics I find I have to squash my nose up against the back of the camera a bit too much (maybe I have a big nose LOL)