Canon or Nikon ???

Every first-time DSLR buyer has this question in mind - Which DSLR to buy? Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony...? Hell lot of options in the market. But when it comes to SLRs, Canon and Nikon are the preferable brands. Availability of wide range of (comparatively) inexpensive accessories, especially lens and filters, is the main reason for this.

Now the next question is whether to go for Canon or Nikon? Followers of both the brands have been debating on pros and cons of their gear since long. You ask anyone for suggestion and they will tell their own experience.

With DSLRs, one's experience and preferences may differ from others. And since buying a DSLR is not a cake-walk (it's expensive and requires planning your budget), no one can know where you stand. There is a very simple way of deciding what to buy.

1. Decide your budget.
2. Do your research on what is available in the market within your budget. Look for various options and brands. Check reviews.
3. Tweak your budget if required (Most of the times it is required). ;-)
4. Go to a camera store and check the cameras. Here it is very important to hold the camera in hands and take few shots (if possible). People with bigger or smaller hands prefer one brand over the other. And this is the most important deciding factor too.
6. Check for type, price and availability of accessories (lens, filters, tripod, flash, batteries and charger, memory cards, etc) for the camera that you selected.
5. Once you narrow down on a camera, go get it !!!

One more thing. While looking for options in the market, remember that your should spend more on a good lens rather than on a costly camera body. If Canon 50D without a good lens is in your budget, then go for Canon 450D with a good lens. Buying camera body is just a beginning. If you are serious about photography, you will have to spend much much more on adding lens and accessories to your gear.

Happy shooting... :-)