Expert: John Oliverio - 11/21/2008

Question
I'm an amateur photographer who is getting back into photography after a long layoff.  (OK, it's really my wife pushing me into it, but you get the idea)  I've been looking at the Canon 50D and Nikon D90.  Boty seem to be top quality digital SLR's with good features and comparable prices if you look hard enough.

My question is which is your preference between the two and which lens/lenses make the most sense?  I would like one standard lens and one moderate telephoto (nothing crazy).  Would you recommend getting a kit with the above lenses?

Answer
Steve,

It's a toss up between Canon and Nikon. You can't go far wrong with either one.  I personally shoot Nikon. My main reason is that I had old lenses that fit the new cameras.  I also favor Nikon for flash photography....   the D80 and above support wireless flash from the body without buying an extra transmitter.  If you are really interested in Canon, you may want to consider going for the older 40D.  The new 50D has a little more grain at higher ISO (film speeds) because Canon shoved in more pixels at the expense of image quality. Plus the 40D is cheaper.  Retailers want to get rid of it to make room for the 50D.

The kit lens offered with both cameras are very good.  As for the telephoto....  it would depend on how much you are willing to spend.  My choice would be the 70-300 (either maker) with the image stabilizer.  (nikon calls it VR for vibration reduction). But these lenses are both between $500 and $600.  Both companies offer slightly shorter lenses (also stabilized) with lesser build quality for about half the price.  Canon a 55-250 IS and Nikon a 55-200 VR. Both Canon and Nikon have rebates on lenses right now, so check that out.  I don't know if they offer a "KIT" with the telephotos in the same box...  but it doesn't matter.  You don't usually save buy getting them that way.

To sum up, if I was choosing from what you are looking at, I would go with the D90 with the kit lens and the 70-300 VR. Be sure to get UV filters for both lenses. Consider a spare battery. And make your next major purchase a flash.  Direct flash is a terrible thing to do to a picture.  You can make a 100% better image by bouncing your flash from a ceiling or wall.  Unless you are really interested in sports or wildlife, I'd actually consider buying a flash before a telephoto lens.

John