Oldie but goodie, Canon v Nikon v Rest

Golferx

It's probably been done to death, apologies in advance, and delete if appropriate, but is there any winner of the

Canon v Nikon v rest

debate for the likes of a lower end DSLR, the likes of Nikon D40x/D80, Canon 300D/350D/400D, or the likes of Olympus E510 ?

I tend to hold on to anything I buy, rather than trade them after a bit. I still have my PENTAX ME-Super from 1984, I have an Olympus super-zoom and would like to move up to some serious semi-pro photography.

From what I can find on the web, there's precious little between Canon and Nikon, with , possibly, better value in something like the Olympus. I would be buying something like an 18-55 and a 50-180 lens, I don't have anything else already which would dictate what I would buy, and, above all, I have an open mind as to what to buy. (Some might say, an empty head!)

The choice in the market is bewildering, to be honest, so I would like to make my selection of camera, first, then hunt down the best deal for that particular unit. Going to the market without one's mind made up is a nightmare.

nilhg

Olympus user myself.
I think you will find that most of the serious camera brands are very competitive at that price point and you will also find that very few people switch brands once they commit themselves.

I would suggest looking through the review sites (they are in the sticky) but also thinking carefully about the situations you will use the camera in then go to flickr and search for the various makes used in those situations. Take the best examples you find and compare them.

Check the specs of the different models carefully and remember that some models have "cousins" which have interchangeable lenses. Be careful of the quality of the kit lenses.

Finally I'm a very happy Olympus E510, user its a fine camera.

magicbastarder

one advantage nikon and canon have over olympus is availability of standard primes.