Nikon SLR Cameras

Digital SLR camera advice needed

Shannen
Shannen

Ok so I'm wanting to buy my first digital SLR camera and I'm having a hard time deciding which one to pick. I have narrowed my options down to these four cameras:

Nikon D5100 - $717.30
Canon 600D - $806.40
Canon 650D - $1076.40
Canon 60D - $1166.40

I'm not too concerned about the price. They all come with a twin lens kit.

If any one owns any of the cameras or knows a lot about these cameras and can give me some feedback on how good they are that would be extremely helpful!

I want to know which camera would take the best quality photos and which one does the best job recording videos. I have read a lot of reviews saying that the lens on a lot of SLRs make noises when filming, do any of these cameras not do that? But at the end of the day the photos are more important than the video quality to me.

G hound
G hound

That's quite a dilemma as the manufacturers seem to be drawing enthusiasts towards full frame 35mm sensors.

The 650D is the most modern but it only has one control wheel (useful for photo enthusiasts to have two)

The 60D is older but has a larger and clearer viewfinder and that important second control wheel on the back. If I actually had to choose either Canon or Nikon and couldn't budget for full frame this is the one I'd probably go for.

If video is important to you consider a Sony A57 and upwards. Sony is more 'bleeding edge' digitally than Canon or Nikon. They have huge electronic viewfinders (as big as the old pro film SLRs), so why not take a look at the Sony A77 and A65 to see just what you will be missing. They have 2.4MP OLED viewfinders.

Pentax K5-II is also worthy of consideration.

Jeff
Jeff

For a first dslr you can rule out the 60d. The others are down to you, go to a shop and hold them in your paws see how each feels and you are most comfortable with