07-11-2024 05:05 PM - last edited on 07-11-2024 05:14 PM by SamanthaW
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!
Solved! Go to Solution.
07-11-2024 11:26 PM - edited 07-11-2024 11:32 PM
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
07-12-2024 01:31 PM
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:
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!
07-12-2024 06:57 PM
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!
07-13-2024 12:04 PM
07-11-2024 06:30 PM
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?
~Rick
Bay Area - CA
~R5 C (1.0.7.1) ~RF Trinity, ~RF 100 Macro, ~RF 100~400, ~RF 100~500, +RF 1.4x TC, +Canon Control Ring, BG-R10, 430EX III-RT ~DxO PhotoLab Elite ~DaVinci Resolve ~Windows11 Pro ~ImageClass MF644Cdw/MF656Cdw ~Pixel 8
~CarePaks Are Worth It
07-11-2024 06:43 PM
My budget is between the two DSLR’s. A retired 66 year old, senior, wanting to get into photography 🙂
07-11-2024 06:41 PM
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.
07-11-2024 06:47 PM
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 🙂
07-11-2024 08:37 PM
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
07-11-2024 11:26 PM - edited 07-11-2024 11:32 PM
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
07-12-2024 06:40 AM
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
07-12-2024 12:02 AM - edited 07-12-2024 12:50 AM
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.
07-12-2024 01:13 AM - edited 07-12-2024 01:15 AM
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!
09/26/2024: New firmware updates are available.
EOS R5 Mark II - Version 1.0.1
EOS R6 Mark II - Version 1.5.0
07/01/2024: New firmware updates are available.
04/16/2024: New firmware updates are available.
RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM - Version 1.0.6
RF400mm F2.8 L IS USM - Version 1.0.6
RF600mm F4 L IS USM - Version 1.0.6
RF800mm F5.6 L IS USM - Version 1.0.4
RF1200mm F8 L IS USM - Version 1.0.4
Canon U.S.A Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.