[Paul B]

I'm looking at getting a Digi SLR and not sure which one, thinking of either the Canon 300D or the Nikon D70.
Can anyone give any recommendations or suggest something in the same price bracket.

Thanks

Paul

[Steve]

Welcome Paul

Providing you don’t already own any lenses or other equipment, from the two cameras listed there the Nikon is currently just ahead in terms of quality and features. Remember though that you are buying into a manufacturer as well, into their lens systems and accessories, whichever you do decide on you should consider this carefully at this stage.

If you can hold off for just a couple of weeks there is a good chance that both Canon and Nikon might announce new models to replace the ones that you have already listed though. The PMA show is Feb. 20-23 in Orlando, FL. This is where Canon and the other big names introduce new products and the rumours are that Canon are to replace the 300D

This will allow you to make a more informed decision and even if you should choose to buy one of the existing models, chances are that the prices will drop to reflect the new models arrival.

[silkstone]

As Steve says, don't rush - nothing ever gets more expensive as time goes by. :wink: Also don't rule out the Canon 10D which, although superseded by the 20D, is still a very good camera and can be found at a bargain price while stocks last.

[MyPix]

for the money the Canon 300D is the better deal ( nearly bought one ), tho i went for the Nikon D70 as i had existing Nikon kit, and its a badge thing :P

Nikon is offering £100 cashback on the lens kit bought in February, and Canon are already competative with the price,
i did read an article in a mag about second hand availability,
it seems that the 300D owners are already ' upgrading ' for want of a better word , where as there are virtualy no used D70's to be found at the moment, Nikon tend to run their current production models longer than Canon do tho

all i can recomend is u go into a shop and get hands on with both units
technically the Nikon is better in some ways, but this comes at a price
dont be fooled into being told that the canon has more ' new ' lenses for it, as the nikon will take anything made in the last 30 years with an ' F ' mount, tho the older the lens the more manual modes u have to employ

just my thoughts

MyPix 8)

[The Edge]

While the 10D is still available it offers the best value for money by far.

You need to go to a shop and actually try the candidates out first, and include the 20D - if you like that you'll like the 10D.

don't rush, and decide on all the kit before you start buying

[digitalfailure]

Both cameras have good points and niggles, so I place none ahead of each other tbh,

The canon offers less noise in it's images and can be used with a purpose designed battery grip to extend battery life and give a better feel when used in portrait situations, it's silver looks don't suit everyone but they keep the 300 series branding of it's film based counterparts. A black version can be bought now from jessops, or importing from HK.

I had a 300D before moving up to the 20D, and it produced some great images during the time I had it.

The NIKON takes advantage of being almost a year behind the canon and made use of this time to spec a camera which redressed the niggles found on the 300D.

Customers wanted an entry level Dslr that started up quickly, took as many shots as possible and be BLACK!
and to NIKON's credit they gave the public exactly what they wanted, the d70 is a very capable camera indeed.

As mentioned earlier, buying into the Dslr market your buying into a brand which once selected will be expensive to change as your choices of lense and flash are specific to the body.

If you have no kit to start with, you have the power
Let the shop sell you the best kit, but make them work for the sale. Test both bodies and get them to do a print out for you, this is where the specialist shop comes into it's own.

Good luck with your decision.