I am posting this question in behalf of Bishwarup from Silchar a member of Nikon D3100 users community has a query :-


hi can u advice on this :::

plz advice ......

i was planning to buy a nikon /canon DSLR (35k INR budget)
some time later i plan on buying the nifty-fifty 50mm f1.8 prime .(othr lenses are usually too costly for me )

my worries is.....
if i buy a nikon d3100 now( 32k INR) i will have to get 50mm AF-S for 13k INR.
So shall i wait some weeks and get the canon 550D (39k INR). The canon 50mm is only 6k INR.(yes it will autofocus)
the combined price stands almost the same.

suggestions/tips please ...........

I will suggest if the budget is allowing you go for 550D with its associated accessories then always go for that then the other one irresspective of the lense issue. And the lenses are always cheaper compare to Nikon. So from all respect 550 will be the choice even if you have to wait for sometime. Though this is my view. For more I will post this question to my blog and provide you the link soon.

I dunno much about new cameras, used to use canon a 1 still have a weakness towards it, would like to buy one more i can lay my hands on.

but in digi cams, slrs i think D 90 is a better choice, it cones pretty cheap in USA 1200 USD for the body, 18-55 lens, 70-300 lens, 4 gb card and a carrying case, and it was the price 2 yrs back now may be even cheaper!!

Go for a Nikon D5100 (~ Rs. 38K). The D3100 is also a good buy.

I prefer a Nikon as I have always used a Nikon (from 1981). I have bought and tried out The Canon 400D and did not like it. I moved to a Nikon D200 and currently the Nikon D300.

Both Canon and Nikon are system cameras and whatever you choose and and add lenses later, you are stuck with it as changing the brand means changing the whole battery of lenses. If you are in my state of having 12 lenses, changing the brand is a very large expense.

Another alternative is to go micro 4/3rds and get a Panasonic G2 or a G3. They are small, carry able and takes very good pictures. I have a Panasonic G1 too and have used it for over 6 months now. You can see the pictures on http://dds-pictures.blogspot.com.

The choice depends solely on your budget. I personally own the canon 550D or T2i and found it to be excellent. It has all the features as the canon 7D and has the most advanced video features of the cameras in the same range. I have tested it alongside Nikon D90 and the only difference I noticed it loss of minute information at ISO 1600 and more. True photographers will avoid cranking up the ISO anyway so that should not be the problem. For lenses, I would advice the tamron 18-270mm, VC lens. It comes to around 500$ with the canon 550D body at around 800$. The tamron lens is an awesome compact zoom lens with image stabilization. It is much cheaper than the Canon lens, but almost indistinguishable in performance. A cheaper alternative will be the Canon 18-135mm, IS lens or the Canon 18-200mm, IS lens.
Also a previous comment mentioned that changing the camera brand means changing all your lenses. This is actually not true. There are adapters available for each brand that can be used. They are available online. Adapters for your specific camera mount with the other end for specific lenses are easy to find.
Being accustomed to regular lens use, a word of advice while purchasing the camera and lens is to get a UV filter with it. Put it on immediately and always keep it on. It protects the lens and is a cheap security for your lens at all times. Hope this helps.