DSLR Ladies

JJ&BB1146

What's the most important thing to consider when looking for one? It is the megapixels? ISO? I've had C a n o n cameras most of my life, but now I'm leaning towards a N i k o n. I have a little point and shoot right now that's got 14 mp, but for some reason it's taking everything blurry and it is soooooo slow! I asked for a new, better camera for Christmas, but we're not doing my family Christmas until the first weekend in January, so I still have a few weeks to do some more research. What do you have? Do you like it? Would you recommend it? What all should I consider?

fjaril

Most of the cameras out there have similar features, same megapixels etc. I went by what felt best in my hand. For me, If the camera doesn't sit well, my thumb doesn't easily slide to the button I want or it's too wide for my hand, I won't be comfortable using it for an extended amount of time.

I'd talk to a camera shop and tell them what your are going to use it for (so you don't end up with tons more camera than you need) and then try out the models. Most places won't mind you holding them and taking shots around the store etc for a while. I think we spent a good hour or so at precision (in Austin) playing with 2 cameras before I picked one. 

Just my two cents

mlf625

fjaril:

Most of the cameras out there have similar features, same megapixels etc. I went by what felt best in my hand. For me, If the camera doesn't sit well, my thumb doesn't easily slide to the button I want or it's too wide for my hand, I won't be comfortable using it for an extended amount of time.

I'd talk to a camera shop and tell them what your are going to use it for (so you don't end up with tons more camera than you need) and then try out the models. Most places won't mind you holding them and taking shots around the store etc for a while. I think we spent a good hour or so at precision (in Austin) playing with 2 cameras before I picked one. 

I think that's great advice.  I felt like the Canons and Nikons were pretty equal, and had friends who loved each brand, so I just went to Best Buy and handled a few until I found the one that just felt right.  I ended up with a Nikon D60 and have been very happy with it.  Have fun!

KSandAE2008

I had always used Canons as well until we bought a DSLR. We have a Nikon and I love it.

rssnlvr

I loved my first Canon DSLR and used it quite happily for 7 years. I just finally upgraded this year and went with a Nikon. I went to a camera store and talked with the person about what I did with cameras, what my complaints where with my old camera, etc., and then he talked to me about the differences between Nikon and Canon with their new models, and for my needs, the Nikon was the better option. I ended up with a Nikon D5100 and while I'm still learning it, I adore it.

s-a-r-a-h

We have a Nikon D90 and love it!

MrsMillerTime

There is nothing crazy-different between Canon/Nikon that makes one superior to the other.  It is really just a personal preference between the two.

Definitely go and check them out and see which one gives you a better feel.  I would recommend going to a nice camera shop that will have a lot of different brands/models for you to play around with (ditto fjaril on the Precision rec).  I'm also a Nikon girl (D90) and lovelovelovelovelove it.