Camera Recommendations Please

[Wes66]

Hello, so I’m hearing recommendations for my first “real” DSLR camera. First, the canon, EOST7/2000 D or, the Nikon, 5300 used in mint condition. As I look at the various comparisons, it sounds as though the Nikon d5300 is a more advantageous option. I would love to hear your thoughts. Thank you!

[zakslm · Accepted solution]

Wes66,

When I first seriously considered getting a DSLR, I considered both the cameras that you mention.  The decision was between a new T7 and a refurbished Nikon D5300.  I was coming back to photography after a long hiatus having owned Canon film cameras/equipment in the past including an EOS film camera, EF lenses and a Canon speedlite.  My familiarity with Canon EOS cameras made my decision easier.  

Another factor that swayed me was that it confused me as to which Nikon lenses would work and autofocus on the D5300.  As I recall, I thought that some lenses mount and autofocus on the D5300, some would mount but not autofocus and some could not be mounted at all or required an adapters to mount and would or would not autofocus.  I knew that any Canon EF or EF-S lens works well on the T7 without an adapter and that was a big factor in my decision.  

Also, I knew I would want to acquire a small selection lenses and maybe a shoe mounted speedlite after getting acquainted with my new DSLR.  I compared prices of a few lenses and speedlites that I likely would be interested in buying in the future either as new, refurbished or used.  For whatever reason, comparable lenses from Canon appeared to cost less than the equivalent Nikon equipment and in most cases was rated more favorably than the Nikon equipment by reviews I found on the Internet and from user ratings at B&H and other sites.  However my familiarity with Canon EF lenses vs. my ignorance on Nikon AF lenses most likely impacted that research.

Ultimately, I hope you choose the right camera for you and hope you enjoy that camera as much as I enjoy mine.  

Good luck

[zakslm · Accepted solution]

Wes66,

Thank you for the kind words.  

Please excuse me, but I'd like to offer the following additional advice to consider when purchasing a new, refurbished or used Canon or Nikon (or probably any other brand) camera/lens/accessory:

1. Purchase from an authorized USA dealer assuming you're in the USA.  There are sellers on Amazon Marketplace, Walmart Marketplace, eBay etc. that sell package deals including a camera and lens that are not covered by a USA warranty (gray market) and include in the package a bunch of accessories, like a flash, extra batteries, telephoto and wide-angle lenses that screw into the front of the camera lens, colored filters, tripod, etc.  Most of those additional items are either useless or of questionable quality.  When in doubt, ask if the camera and lens are covered by the manufacturer's USA warranty and includes a Canon USA or Nikon USA warranty card.  Here's a list of Canon USA's authorized dealers if you are curious.  https://www.usa.canon.com/content/dam/canon-assets/authorized-dealers/canon-ad-06-14-24.pdf. 
2. With regard to a Canon Rebel T7 - if the camera is described or labeled as a “2000D” or “1500D” it may be essentially the same camera as the Rebel T7, but is a gray market camera intended for sale outside of the US and most likely not covered by a Canon USA warranty and Canon USA may choose not to service it in the event repair is needed.
3. If you are considering the T7, you may wish to check out Canon's refurbished store.  Currently, the refurbished T7 is about $100 less than a new T7 and includes a 1-year Canon USA warranty.  https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/refurbished-eos-rebel-t7-ef-s-18-55mm-f-3-5-5-6-is-ii-lens-kit.  They also show a refurbished R100 mirrorless kit that is even less, but I will leave it to others who are familiar with that camera and mirrorless cameras in general to advise you if you are interested in the R100 kit.  
4. I've purchased lenses from Canon USA's refurbished store and been extremely satisfied to say the least.  Others on this forum recommend the refurbished store as well.  If you decide to buy a used camera/lenses/accessory choose a reputable seller such as KEH.com, B&H Photo or Adorama that offer warranties and return periods on most gear.  MPB.com and usedphotopro.com have also been mentioned on this forum as reputable used equipment dealers.  
5. Finally, get a good quality full sized SD Card (not a micro-SD card and adapter) for your camera and buy that card from a reputable seller as well (again use caution when buying from an online marketplace - there are counterfeits out there).  A good size to consider is 32mb or 64mb.  Look for name brands like SanDisk, Lexar or other brands you recognize.  Format the card in the camera (per the steps in the instruction manual) when you insert a new card in the camera for the first time. 

Again, please excuse me if any of the above is too rudimentary or basic in any way but I thought I’d include it “just in case”.

Good luck!

[Wes66 · Accepted solution]

Thank you! So much good advice from you and others. I think I am leaning towards a refurbished camera from USA canon, or a new camera. You’re all amazing, and I appreciate your input and time!

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

What type of photography do you enjoy.  What type of pictures do you like taking most?  

What is your budget?

Maybe you can skip DSLRs all together and go mirrorless?  

[Wes66]

My budget is between the two DSLR’s. A retired 66 year old, senior, wanting to get into photography 🙂

[TomRamsey]

The most important thing to do is think what are the things that you want to most with a camera.  Compare the features on the camera that mean something to you, that may be hard when you haven't used a "real" camera yet.  Many of the camera features are very similar and saying one is better is really splitting hairs.But back to the important part; what do you want to shoot.  When you know this you may know what type of lenses you need.  Look at the available lenses that you can afford and see what fits best.  If I were just starting into photography, I would probably look at mirrorless over the DSLRs.

[Wes66]

Thank you so much however, Merralis is beyond my financial budget. Looking at landscapes, focusing in on birds, bees, scenery… very beginner. I am a retired 66 year-old, senior, just getting into beginning photography 🙂

[stevet1]

Wes66,

By a "real" camera, do you mean a camera that has interchangeable lenses that you can take off and swap around, or do you just want a camera that is a step up from a smartphone?

The reason I ask is that you can get a Canon Powershot SX740 for about the same price as a T7. 

Steve Thomas

[zakslm · Accepted solution]

Wes66,

When I first seriously considered getting a DSLR, I considered both the cameras that you mention.  The decision was between a new T7 and a refurbished Nikon D5300.  I was coming back to photography after a long hiatus having owned Canon film cameras/equipment in the past including an EOS film camera, EF lenses and a Canon speedlite.  My familiarity with Canon EOS cameras made my decision easier.  

Another factor that swayed me was that it confused me as to which Nikon lenses would work and autofocus on the D5300.  As I recall, I thought that some lenses mount and autofocus on the D5300, some would mount but not autofocus and some could not be mounted at all or required an adapters to mount and would or would not autofocus.  I knew that any Canon EF or EF-S lens works well on the T7 without an adapter and that was a big factor in my decision.  

Also, I knew I would want to acquire a small selection lenses and maybe a shoe mounted speedlite after getting acquainted with my new DSLR.  I compared prices of a few lenses and speedlites that I likely would be interested in buying in the future either as new, refurbished or used.  For whatever reason, comparable lenses from Canon appeared to cost less than the equivalent Nikon equipment and in most cases was rated more favorably than the Nikon equipment by reviews I found on the Internet and from user ratings at B&H and other sites.  However my familiarity with Canon EF lenses vs. my ignorance on Nikon AF lenses most likely impacted that research.

Ultimately, I hope you choose the right camera for you and hope you enjoy that camera as much as I enjoy mine.  

Good luck

[Wes66]

I really appreciate your lengthy explanation! After reading your response, I now understand more about the autofocus and future lens situation. Those two reasons alone, has swayed me to go with the Canon. I can’t thank you enough! 

Best regards…. Wes

[Tronhard]

Hello and welcome!

With the greatest respect: your brief is rather a vague one, and concentrates on two specific cameras, but don't give the context of your situation.  From reading your other responses, I humbly suggest you are asking yourself the wrong questions, and have already come up with a restrictive conclusion that makes it hard to give good advice.

Please, can I first suggest that you read the enclosed document, consider the questions it poses, and share those answers with us - which are not technical in nature, but depend on your needs and intentions as a photographer and allow us to translate those into camera solutions. The Questions you need to answer when buying camera gear 

Obviously, the fundamental one is budget - and by that I mean an actual $ value, (assuming you live in the US, as this is an international site) not relative to two cameras of which we know nothing specific. That is really necessary to allow us to offer suggestions you can actually afford.

Answering these questions will allow us to help you and give you the best solution.

[normadel]

You have mentioned two specific camera models from Canon and Nikon, out of a vast lineup of models from each manufacturer. Are the T7 and D5300 even "comparable" cameras? I put that in quotes because it's pretty nearly impossible to be 100% the same in features and functions.

Canon and Nikon both have followers who think theirs is "better". There is no settling that argument. There are a million reasons someone can prefer one over the other. When I made the decision to go with Canon for my entry into DSLR use in 2012 it was because (and this is shared by many in the field) Nikon created a monster by preserving lens compatibility from their F-mount film cameras through digital cameras. And their lens designation terminology is confusing as hell. You can find numerous charts and tables showing what lenses will work fully, or partially, on what DSLRs. cameras. It's dizzying. 

But again, you will not convince a diehard Nikon user that Canon is as good. If there is a subject that is more of a personal decision than Canon vs Nikon, I don't know what it is!