I'm just about to write my letter to Santa and I've got my mind set on a "proper" camera.

My first choice was the Canon EOS 1200D but the site I want to get it from (/cough John Lewis) is out of stock for now but then I spotted the Nikon D3200 which to my untrained eyes looks like a better camera for £20 less than the Canon. Both are entry level DSLRs which is what I'm looking for and it will be used mainly to photograph miniatures but maybe a bit of life size stuff occasionally.

Does anyone have any thoughts/advice for a photography biff like me? For now I'm more or less sold on the Nikon but I'm very easily swayed by a good (sounding) sales pitch for the Canon.

Thanks in advance,
Billy

Clickies:

http://www.johnlewis.com/nikon-d320...0p-24mp-3x-optical-zoom-3-lcd-screen/p1187074

http://www.johnlewis.com/canon-eos-...m-is-lens-hd-1080p-18mp-3-lcd-screen/p1213111

Cheers,
Billy

Billy, have a word with Ron Clark, (Kagemusha),..he may have something that will tickle your fancy if you are looking at Nikon! ..but its the rest of the kit that comes with it that will pop your eyes!

Regards,

Mark

I'm a Canon user, and have had great service from my various Canon DSLRs for 9 years.

However, given the specs of these two cameras, the Nikon seems to edge ahead, despite it being 2 years older

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-EOS-1200D-vs-Nikon-D3200

http://www.cameracomparisonreview.com/2014/05/27/canon-1200d-vs-nikon-d3200/

hope that helps

Rob

Thanks for the replies folks;

Mark, I've been chatting with Ron this morning via pm and e-mail and he's helped me a lot (his sample pics were impressive). My mind's still not made up yet but I'm leaning towards the Nikon. On Ron's advice I'm gonna try and find a nearby dealer to check out both models in the flesh (if they have them both).

Thanks for the links Rob, they're very helpful

Cheers,
Billy

Am a Nikon user and I think the 3200 is a great camera. If its for miniature work only, you may want to go with a factory refurbished one and spend more money on a good macro lense and tripod....necessities for good miniature photography. If you are talking about shooting at shows...a monopod is about all you will be allowed to use and you will need a good low light lens. Go to uglyhedgehog.com......great photo site for all your questions.

Thanks for the advice Kevin, I've bookmarked the site

Cheers,
Billy

Billy, there is your answer! from Kevin. You already know what kit is available from Ron! My Brother has the 3100,..and keeps posting me pictures of everything that, 'Walks & Talks', Plus the scenic stuff! The quality of these pictures are impressive! (But I wish he would cut back a bit) . I did the research between these two models, and found myself asking the question, what is it's primary use?? Its easy to think about new is best, which is not always the case.

Mark

Billy, IMHO you have good cameras less expensive than a Canon or a Nikon DSLR in market. If you are not a pro or a advanced skilled photographer I think you have good point and shoot cameras less than £150 and with them achieve good results.
An example: Canon SX170 IS, 16MP, Full HD video and full manual.
If you know which cameras are used for some top artists you will be astonished.

Cheers

Hi Billy, before buying it might be an idea to take an evening course in photography, this should help in giving you a better grasp of what you're doing. regarding Cameras, the important thing is the lens and both Canon & Nikon have top line systems, and you can build on your equipment as your skill develops. Then again, so do Pentax and Olympus. Really, you need to physically handle all your choices and see how they feel in your hands and how user friendly they are.
Mind you, the last time I took a decent photograph was with a Nikon FM
Best wishes, Gary.

Have you considered Micro 4:3 cameras ?
Much more compact with excellent sensors
The olympus OMD line is perfect for everyday use and it is not as bulky as a DSLR

Thanks for the replies guys, I have got my camera now. I went for the Nikon D3200 in the end and it is now locked away till Christmas. I've missed the current term for evening classes at my local college but seriously considering enrolling for the next term in January. I've heard from a reliable source (my better half, who works at the college) that the tutor who takes the course is a bit of a specialist in macro photography so it may be worthwhile signing up

p.s. I didn't ignore your advice about cheaper/second hand cameras. I just decided to get a new one because I wasn't paying for it

You won.t go wrong with a Nikon, I just hope Santa is careful getting it down the chimney.
Best wishes, Gary.