DSLR Suggestions... Nikon vs Canon!

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cant say it any better.

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As everyone has suggested, get some face time with various cameras. I know that BestBuy typically has working display models, but if possible, find a specialty camera store which will let you try it out in the store. You could even bring your own memory card and snap some pic to take back with you.

That's a hell of a deal for a 7D. If only I were still in the military so I could go to the PX! It is quite a different camera from the Rebel series though, so I would definitely get your hands on one before considering it. To basically operate, it's no more complicated than a Rebel (it has Program Auto, Full Auto and scene modes just like Rebels), it's just that the 7D is quite a bit larger and has many more features and performance.

If you really want to thoroughly get a feel, you could rent various cameras, but that costs of course.

i personally like the feeling of nikons. perfect weight. feels good to use. and a huge variety of high quality lenses

the canon is good too. my friend has a t1i. works well too. feeling is a bit off from what i like in a DSLR.

i just ordered a D5000 last week after lookin at DSLRs and wanting one for like the past 2 years.. i just like the design of nikons more and the lenses look sweet and well built. i have fairly big hands since im a big guy [chinese too. what?! lol...] the d5000 i bought was from newegg with the 10% cashback last week for its black friday deal cutting 68 bux off the price tag of 680. then 2% from using a discovercard as well =]

take note though, nikkor lenses are more expensive than canon lenses. for example, the 18-200mm, for a nikkor, its about 800. for a canon, its about 600.

but overall, lenses keep their value if kept in good condition. whichever brand u may go to, will still be a good camera and you will like it.

*edit*

OH also, something ive noticed if you were interested in the video function of the two cameras. ive played with the T1i in video mode. it has a focus button u can press during shooting but since the lens is right next to the mic, its really loud. my friend who owns the T1i mentioned that the t1i has one of the louder noises for autofocusing during video.

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The noise isn't caused by the T1i, it's coming from the lens. If he's still using the kit lens then the mic is picking up the motor. Best way to avoid it is...

- Manual focus
- External mic
- Lens with a sonic motor (if you really want AF)

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Doesn't help. The internal mic still picks it up, at least on my D300s with the 18-55mm. Having an external mic is great though, but note that the D5000 and T1i don't allow the use of an external mic. Only the D300s and 7D (and above of course) can use an external mic.

Manual focus is an awesome way to go. I'm not sure on the Canon side of things, but Nikon has a large list of fast MF primes that are top-notch for video work.

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My 70-200 is quiet enough not to pick up in the audio. Depends on the lens construction. The 70-200 is completely weather sealed and zooms and focuses internally, so that combined with the USM makes it fairly quiet.