Help w/DSLR Camera
 

I have enough points from my credit card to get a free camera! It's mainly going to be used for pics for my site & of the fur babies. Who knows, I might pick up photography as a hobby.:D

Should I get this? Canon - PowerShot SX30IS 14.0-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black - SX30IS Black

Or should I wait & save up for this Nikon - D3100 14.2-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera - Black - D3100 Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens

I have the Nikon and really love it. I can't tell you much about the Canon. I would suggest getting another lense for the Nikon. I needed a better zoom than what mine came with.

Thanks for the tip Michelle. That's another thing, I have no idea what lens to get...I've just been using a simple Canon digital camera for yrs. The DSLR thing is all new & exciting to me...electronic jewelry.:p

Fun, Jenny!!! :)

Let's see....the Canon doesn't look like an SLR camera to me, from what I can see/read. It has an attached lens. So, that's a huge thing to consider if you want to be able to switch out lenses.

The Nikon is def an SLR. It's $579 on Amazon right now, btw. Amazon has a great return policy on cameras...you have 30days to return it, as long as it was bought direct from Amazon.

They both can do video, which is nice. The ISO on the Nikon goes higher, which can be both fun and convenient. The processor on the Nikon looks of better quality (CMOS is the processor).

Another important difference (that I think I'm seeing) is that the Nikon has "live view", whereas I don't think the Canon does. So, for taking piccies...on the Nikon, you could either use the regular viewfinder (where you put your eye up to the little diopter) -or- you could use "live view" - where you can view your subject live from the screen on the back of the camera (similar to most point and shoots). Whereas on the Canon...it looks like it doesn't have live view....? Maybe I'm missing it, but I don't think it has it. Live view is a deal breaker for some people, and not at all for others.

They're both nice cameras....:)

The Canon says it has a 2.7" LCD display. Would that be a live view?

Jenny, I have a Canon Powershot (not as nice as this one) and it takes great pictures for a point-and-shoot. But I bought a Nikon DSLR about a year ago and it can do SO MUCH MORE because I can switch out lenses, choose my own settings, etc. I've been very happy with the Nikon DSLR.

Ahh so the Canon is not dslr...it was in the dslr category, so I just assumed it was lol. I'll be fulfilling the order thru best Buy as that's the only way to claim the 'prize'.
I have many more points to go for the Nikon, so it looks like I'll have plenty of time to do more shopping:p & more research on dslr cameras & lenses.

Thank You ladies!:hug:

I think Nikon is the way to go. I am saving up for the Nikon D90 - I can't wait to get one!!!

It looks like the screen has the typical 'playback' (where you can review your pictures/movies), but I don't think it has live view. I could def be wrong, so it'd be good to check this out in person.

Jenny - I think the Canon is under the point-and-shoot category...there is a path code at the top of that Canon page, so I'm not sure why'd they list it under DSLR...that's so confusing for people.

Oh also, the point/shoots are usually smaller and lighter - so that may be a thought for you too.

I'd choose the Nikon Jenny! Love DSLR cameras

**giggle***

Jenny, I had a Canon digital before getting my first digital Nikon. This of course is a very biased opinion because Nikon was what I always used back in the 1800's when cameras where only film..... :D before going digital.
The Canon took nice pictures, but in my opinion Nikon rules. Like I said, very biased,hehe