heavy_g

1. Nikon and Canon are both user friendly.
2. You'll notice difference in quality with lens selection rather than camera selection (DSLR's in the same price range nowadays are pretty close in image quality)

Also, consider a full frame sensor if you have the budget to do so. You won't have to deal with the focal length factor.

theXman

C - One other thing to consider - if any of your friends are into photography and have a collection of lenses, then you should buy the same brand of camera as theirs. Because you can always borrow and tryout their lenses first.

C's Bimmer

Do the cameras in Option 2 have this function?

C's Bimmer

I'm going to do just that. But based on the above, should I do the camera's in option 1 or option 2?

heavy_g

I believe the Canon in Option 2 is an APS-C size sensor...

here's a page for comparison:
http://www.minasi.com/photos/dslrmag/

here's the wiki on crop factors for different sensor sizes:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/APS-C

providenceleaf

C, I've had a D90 for over a year now. It's a great camera. We never miss any shots with our girls. Sometimes we take too many pics.

BlaSTiWi

Go w/ D90 C ... I'm very happy w/ it and after more than a year now I started to collect more lens for it ...

C's Bimmer

Thanks! Looks like you guys are costing me more money. Hahahaha!


The new version of the D90 is the D5000. I listed the D5000 under Option 2. Very tempting...

Richard in NC

I am a Nikon fan so I would recommend the D5000 but Canon is also good. The D3000 has the older 10mp sensor. It produces good shots but its not as good in low light (high ISO).
Both brands have good ergonomics but it's what you are used to or like the feel out of the box that matters. I do think Nikon is more consistent model to model if you upgrade in the future.

In my opinion, full frame isn't an important requirement. Only if image quality is extremely important and money is no object but a good lens on a crop sensor is better than a cheap lens on a full frame.

Yes the shutter lag (or lack thereof) is what differentiates a DSLR from a P&S and will solve your problem with any of the listed cameras. The fps also is better but that is most useful for action and sports photos. The D5000 can take just as good a picture as the D90. Only some of the features, customization ability, and speed are better with the D90. The D90 is the camera to get if you want to really learn photography.
I would either get a 2 lens kit (18-55VR and 55-200VR) or just the 18-55VR and save up for the 70-300VR.
Note I highly recommend the VR lenses. They make it easier to get sharp pictures as a beginner.

Note with the D3000 or D5000, the program modes or full auto can produce great shots. Its the creative shots that require you to understand photography concepts and how to set the camera for them.

heavy_g

That's why I didn't recommend you the cameras I use.

Just go to a camera store, test the cameras out, talk to the sales guys, read up on reviews online. You can't go wrong with either brand.

A friend of mine (photographer) shoots for a very well known magazine and is still shooting with a canon 20d.