Choice: Canon Rebel, Nikon D 7000 or Sony 65 or 77

My first draft of my reply started: This post is probably going to upset or offend some people.

Should have included that I guess.


The single largest forum devoted to one brand is "Photography On the Net", often called POTN. This isn't an accident - it caters to the single largest selling brand. Sites like Fred Miranda have subsections devoted to Canon and Nikon. Bob Atkins' site is Canon.

I'm certainly not implying that Canon or Nikon are the best, but the fact is they are the majority brands and because of this, there are far more options to choose from for accessories. The Canon and Nikon brands DO have a larger selection of lenses than the other brands.

The guys that make their living with photography are far more likely to use one of these brands; this is not supposition, it's fact.

Glenn

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Originally Posted by Glenn NK

The guys that make their living with photography are far more likely to use one of these brands; this is not supposition, it's fact.

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Well, Glenn, that may well be true. But in my book, just because guys make money from photography doesn't automatically make them the best, or the most knowledgeable. Your comment sort of suggests that, does it not? In my amateur opinion, it's not the make of camera that is important, but it's technical ability to capture what you want to portray. I don't see why any camera (in theory) could not do that.

I use a 5D Mk2.

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Originally Posted by rob marshall

it's not the make of camera that is important, but it's technical ability to capture what you want to portray. I don't see why any camera (in theory) could not do that.

I use a 5D Mk2.

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I think that if it's just the camera we're talking about then for the most part, a camera is a camera is a camera -- but I do think there are advantages to be realised in terms of supporting structures (ie the collective knowledge base that one can tap into being a good example). If someone buys a Canon / Nikon - or uses Photoshop - changes are there will be a lot more resources in existance that can help them; if one buys a "taikwando" and uses "AcmePhotoPlus" then they're probably going to struggle to get the same level of assistance & training, even though they might be extremely competent products.

In the case of professionals - they probably wouldn't need that level of support, but I suspect that (call it a heard mentality even) many would still just feel outside of their comfort zone in not having a brand that was recognised and respected as being a market leader (rightly or wrongly).

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Originally Posted by Glenn NK

I'm certainly not implying that Canon or Nikon are the best, but the fact is they are the majority brands and because of this, there are far more options to choose from for accessories. The Canon and Nikon brands DO have a larger selection of lenses than the other brands.

Glenn

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Never quoted myself before on a forum.:D

I was trying to not suggest that the major brands were better cameras; in fact if I had the money I'd take the larger format Pentax (can't recall the model but it's probably MF).

However since my funds are limited, and if I was starting over, I'd still pick one the two major brands for the same reasons I gave. :)

G

I am certainly not the right by majority type and thus I shoot with the A77. Let me first say any of these cameras will be fantastic! I started off with the Sony A100 so I had glass that I would rather not have to replace. As for the question between the A65 and A77, it really depends on what you are after. The A77 is fully weather sealed and has a magnesium frame, and a couple options that the A65 lack.

There are several write-ups on this camera and for the most part are quite accurate. Sony has done a quality job with this body. There have been questions about the noise due to the amount of pixels fit on the sensor and while it is not the top low light body out it fairs quite well and I would say better than reported, having used it now for about a month. I will also say the OLED view finder concerned me as I am not a fan of the electronic finders. This thing ROCKS! I love it and if I had to go back to a "proper" view finder....it would be missed.

So I guess what I am saying....If the lens selection from Sony is workable for you {it is growing quite quickly} it will really come down to what feels best in your hand and the difference in camera layout. I love my A77 and would by it again right now if all of my kit was theived.

Paul, congrats. on getting your paws (avatar humor) on an A77; those things sold out in a matter of hours. Above all else the word that comes to mind when I think of Sony is 'innovative'...so many 1st's in recent years, exciting stuff...

Thanks Rob, yes that would be the word! My local shop called me when they were given the word to start a pre-order list. I was gladly the first on it. :D The Tech has certainly come a long way and fast.

Oh a little secondary note for the OP, the A77 is not a small body. For some {like me} that is a bonus. The weight is nice and feels solid and steady and the hand grip ergo's allow a very stable and comfy one handed shot if needed.

Thanks for all the amazingly generous and enthusiastic support. I have probably gone for overkill as a first investment, but if you're interested this is what I think I am going for - stretching my budget way beyond my original intention!! :(

Nikon D7000 SLR Body Only
Nikon 50mm f/1.4G Autofocus Lens AF-S Nikkor
Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR Zoom Lens and
Nikon - AF-S 105/2.8G ED IF VR Vibration Reduction Micro Lens

Your thoughts? Are any of these three lenses redundant? I like to have a really wide aperture option, and I want t have fun with micro.

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Originally Posted by DavidLapin

Thanks for all the amazingly generous and enthusiastic support. I have probably gone for overkill as a first investment, but if you're interested this is what I think I am going for - stretching my budget way beyond my original intention!! :(

Nikon D7000 SLR Body Only
Nikon 50mm f/1.4G Autofocus Lens AF-S Nikkor
Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR Zoom Lens and
Nikon - AF-S 105/2.8G ED IF VR Vibration Reduction Micro Lens

Your thoughts? Are any of these three lenses redundant? I like to have a really wide aperture option, and I want t have fun with micro.

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I think your choices are excellent. I have a 24-105 f/4 lens with IS (VR in Nikon talk), a 100 mm f/2.8 macro (mine is the older model without IS/VR). The 50 mm f/1.4 is something you'll probably use a lot because of its speed. With my first three 35 mm cameras (film) a 50 mm lens is all I had.

When you're out shooting, you'll no doubt meet other photographers using Nikon that have different lenses. This is a good opportunity to discuss their choices and perhaps even be able to briefly try one of their lenses on your camera. I was talking to a photographer for the local newspaper a couple of years ago, and she hadn't seen the 24-105 - I let her put it on her camera to take a few shots. She really liked it, and decided to get one for her work.

Get started having fun.

Glenn

Thank you Glen. I have started shooting a bit. This is life changing!

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Originally Posted by Glenn NK

I think your choices are excellent. I have a 24-105 f/4 lens with IS (VR in Nikon talk), a 100 mm f/2.8 macro (mine is the older model without IS/VR). The 50 mm f/1.4 is something you'll probably use a lot because of its speed. With my first three 35 mm cameras (film) a 50 mm lens is all I had.

When you're out shooting, you'll no doubt meet other photographers using Nikon that have different lenses. This is a good opportunity to discuss their choices and perhaps even be able to briefly try one of their lenses on your camera. I was talking to a photographer for the local newspaper a couple of years ago, and she hadn't seen the 24-105 - I let her put it on her camera to take a few shots. She really liked it, and decided to get one for her work.

Get started having fun.

Glenn

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