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Question

Buying advice on Nikon D3100 or Canon 550D? Please help me!!

Oct 7, 2011 12:42AM PDT

Hello,
I am a beginner in the world of DSLRs. I intend to buy my first dslr. I have done some research and am torn between 2 options that are close to my budget:

Option 1 - Nikon D3100 with 18-55mm VR + 55-200 VR + AF-S DX 50mm F1.8.
Cost - £718

Option 2 - Canon 550D with 18-55mm IS + 55-250mm IS + EF 50mm F1.8
Cost - £825

Please note that I am not too fussed about the video quality as my purpose for this camera is to learn and enjoy photography when I am travelling. If you have had any experience in both the options then please help me in choosing the best option and also whether spending that extra £100 on canon is worth it, as I am already stretching my budget a bit? Also which one of them is better for long term (cost of additional lenses, compatibility, etc?)

Thank you in advance!!

Cheers

Pratik

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Nikon - Canon ... which is better?
Oct 7, 2011 12:08PM PDT

Most people stay away from this type of question.

The old Nikon vs Canon argument has been around for over 50 years.
And I do mean argument.
A good question for starting a fight.

Canon owners will say get the Canon.
Nikon owners will say get the Nikon
And each one can come up with several reasons for their answer.

Both make excellent DSLR cameras and lenses.

Go to a camera store and get your hands on each one.
The one that feels best in your hands is the one you want.

As far as buying extra lenses ... I believe that you should hold off on buying anything beyond the 18-55 kit lens.
It is going to take you six months learning the ins/outs of the camera itself.
By then you will know which extra lenses you really need.


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Answer
Either, but...
Oct 8, 2011 12:18AM PDT

...I do not know which 50mm f/1.8 you have priced for the kit you proposed. The D3100 does not have a screw-drive focus motor in the body, so if you want the lens to auto-focus, make sure you buy the 50mm f/1.8 G lens, and not the f/1.8 D.