Best DSLR *BRAND*?

A

Ashton

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I'm thinking about getting a DSLR for my mother for her bday, I'm seeing only minor differences in cost between the major brands (Nikon, Canon, etc) Which *brand* gennerally is the best in terms of (1) build quality (long-lasting) and (2) image quality?

I am NOT asking for recommendations for MODELS (unless it's a case of "well brand X is good EXCEPT for model 1234") just which brand to do with.
 
Canon and Nikon leapfrog other in both areas you mention on what seems like a monthly basis. You can't go wrong with either.

The only factor I recommend that you consider before taking the plunge is the lens lineups offered for Nikon vs. Canon mount. The ever-popular third-party lenses (Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, etc.) are typically available for both mounts and at identical price points, but the highest-quality glass is going to be made by Canon or Nikon themselves. Personally, I find the Canon lens lineup slightly more extensive and affordable (for the type of lenses I need), but even on this point the differences are fairly minor. And unless you expect your mother to become a connoisseur who's willing to shell out $1000+ for glass that gets her slightly better image quality, this is probably a moot point anyway.
 
About 70% of the image quality is determined by what lens you use. Brands may not mean much if you are shooting with a kit lens. Until you are into the pro-consumer level body, pretty much "which brands" does not matter. Both Canon and Nikon have very good pro-consumer to pro bodies. But they aren't cheap. Looking at about $1600 and up to spend on them. Budget yourself for another $700 on one lens. You can't get a good body shooting with a crappy lens. Sony and Pentax seem to have good entry level to mid entry level bodies with built-in IS and video recording. So, what is your budget?
 
VictorChan said:
So, what is your budget?
Click to expand...

entry-level $300 or less used (eBay or B/S/T forums). Never going to be professional level I doubt, though if the difference is $50 or something yeah, not worth it and would go with pro.

Until now she's used a point-and-shoot digital camera with no lenses and minimal settings options... (but she used to have a very nice ($800 in the 1970s) Canon with about 5 lenses so she's kinda pining for that but wont spend the money herself)
 
Ashton said:
entry-level $300 or less used (eBay or B/S/T forums). Never going to be professional level I doubt, though if the difference is $50 or something yeah, not worth it and would go with pro.

Until now she's used a point-and-shoot digital camera with no lenses and minimal settings options... (but she used to have a very nice ($800 in the 1970s) Canon with about 5 lenses so she's kinda pining for that but wont spend the money herself)
Click to expand...


Checkout this deal... Given that you budget is low, I would stay with Canon. Canon XT, XTI can be had for under $300. Now, this Canon 30D is much better and considered a pro-consumer body about 5 years ago.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=910902
 
Canon and Nikon gear is similar in a lot of ways, but let's face it... Nikon cameras are ugly... made the decision easier when I bought into the Canon EOS system. Price-wise, Canon also has more diverse options price-wise in their lens lineup.
 
It's all preference. I can work my way around a Nikon... when I pick up a Canon I feel that I can't even turn it on. Go to your local camera shop... play around with the demos. Make your decision then.
 
IN all honesty, at your budget level it is whatever you can find. All of the major brands are capable of taking perfectly nice pictures.
 
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