body type

Let's talk camera bodies! A few weeks ago I had a first hand experience with shutter death. It was quick (and totally unexpected... um, and not so much painless.) It left me without so much as a goodbye from my beloved Nikon. It also left my hands empty and found my heart wanting.

Well, now what am I supposed to do? How do I create without the perfection of glass and mirror? I did what my heart insisted. I started a project.

This blend of photography and words might manifest a camera. But what camera? I've been pouring over all the reviews... but what I really want is the opinion of fellow Shutter Sisters shooting every day just like me.

So let's sit down and chat about camera bodies, shall we? What's your opinion? Share it in the comments today. Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Polaroid? Let us know your favorite camera. What do you shoot with every day? What camera would you never leave home without? I want to hear your suggestions, your stories, your thoughts on what camera body you own or would love to own.

Comments

[Marcie]

I shoot with a Nikon D300....and never leave home without it. Even on the darkest..dreariest..rainiest of days - it never fails me:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=1146

[N'tash- F[o]cus on big city life]

I looooove my Canon 450D, which is in the workshop right now and not having it in my hands makes me longing for it like never before. I feel almost physical pain. Crazy, I know! ;)
Luckily I have my Canon IXUS, men it's not the same. It's like I have been drinking champaign and now I have to drink dirty water. *please excuse my poor comparison*

[giftsofthejourney (Elizabeth Harper)]

Nikon D200 is the camera I use for pro work, but my everyday don't leave home without it camera is my Canon Powershot G9.

[Leigh Ann Kopans]

I shot with a 8MP Canon Rebel XT for two years. It served me really well. I could hear the wheeze of shutter death approaching, so I upgraded to the new Rebel T2i. I wanted better low-light performance and decided I could do without improved AF and weatherproofing for twice the price. What's funny is that everyone discouraged me from the Rebel T2i as an upgrade because it is small and light - but I think it's perfect for a lady's hands.
My condolences on shutter death...hope you find a camera you love soon!

[Ann]

I shoot with an entry level Olympus 520 that came with 2 kit lenses (a wide angle and a zoom) and I like it just fine. I've had it for almost a year now, it's my first camera. I am taking a photography certificate, and course after course my camera delivers results for me. I am resisting the urge to buy a full frame (which Olympus doesn't make), expensive lenses, and gadgets until I learn how to take good photos, so for now this is the camera for me. According to lens reviews, Olympus makes a very nice 50mm and a 12-60mm, but they are expensive. And the Olympus is light (and inexpensive for an SLR.)

But if I had lots of money, I'd probably go for a Nikon 700 (full frame), I tried my photo instructor's and the image quality is amazing.

[Cara]

I am currently shooting everyday with my Nikon D80, it's a workhorse of a camera in my opinion. When I go to upgrade, which I hope is soon, I will stay with Nikon. I will probably keep my D80 for sentimental reason too.

[cdscott]

I've always been a Canon girl...right now it's a 50D that I have had for almost a year. Love it!

[Jen L.]

I currently shoot exclusively with my Nikon d90 either with a 105 macro or a 50 1.4. Up until last Summer I carried a Fuji point & shoot finepix in my purse, but sadly it is now at the bottom of the Fox River somewhere. Until the Ginger Epiphanie bag is back in stock I only take my Nikon out when I plan on doing a shoot....drives me crazy since more than once I've found myself saying, if only I had a camera right now!

I am curious if I would have liked Canon better since the only reason I went with Nikon was on the recommendation of the salesperson when they asked what I would be shooting. For now I'm a Nikon person though!

[Nancy]

My first SLR was a Canon Rebel XSI, but recently upgraded to a Canon 5D Mark II... OMG! It is pure shutter heaven, I am shooting weddings so really needed a full frame camera, but honestly just dreamy. ;)

[Annette]

I have been using a Nikon D200 for a few years and it is a great camera. Lots of options for shooting, and always delivers beautiful color and exposures. My upgrade in the future will be a D700 full frame, to get the maximum result from the 14 mm and 20 mm lenses. Who knows, by the time I have to upgrade, there might be a new D___!

[Kate.S @ Little House]

Oh, this is so pertinent to me right now too. No shutter death (although I do seem to go through point-and-shoots with startling speed!) rather the impending purchase of my (drum roll please) first DSLR.
Woo hoo for tax return season ;)
I asked for advice on the SS Flickr group discussion list and got such helpful feedback.

Leaning towards a Nikon D80.......i think.....

[Courtney]

I have a Canon Rebel T1i EOS 500D that I instantly fell in love with as soon as I turned it on. However, when I don't want to pack the big girl camera, the camera I would never leave home without is my Canon PowerShot SX110 IS. It is a small camera that fits in my purse, even my pocket on some occasions (depending on the pocket) but packs a big punch. This little camera is truly amazing.

[beth]

i use a pentax k-7 and lots of lenses that make me very happy....especially my 70-300 lens.....

i also have a pentax k-10....always ready for backing me up :)

but always in my purse, is my sony cybershot.....

[Jess]

Ohhh, my condolences! Sudden shutter death happened to me last summer, on the evening before a very important day, and one week before a very important trip. Shock, denial, mourning...it's a very real loss! I love how you've turned it around to become a creative opportunity.

The camera that died was a first-generation digital Canon Rebel. I took its death as an opportunity to go to the next level and push myself to learn more, and bought a Canon 50D. It's love.

[georgia]

you are simply one of the most creative people i know of.
you inspire!
love the photo here.
love the project.

i use a canon powershot S5 IS. i really really want a polaroid sx70... badly! and i also really want my sister to give me here nikon d40, since she upgraded to a d90 and no longer uses her d40.

i know the camera is not what makes a photographer good, but a "better" camera can make a photographer more versatile, so i am so itching to upgrade. i sure am having to learn the art of patience when it comes to this. all in good time. i'm trying to learn to be creative with what i have.

i have a male photographer friend who swears that canons are superior to nikons. i can't give any good advice on that, as i am much too amateur to say. but i know this... no matter what you end up using to replace your former camera, i know you will do amazing things. your work continually impresses and inspires.

[Louisiana Belle]

After much research I settled on the Canon Rebel XTi for my first DSLR. I upgraded this year to the 50d and have no regrets. Simply love the Canon line. I read somewhere that Nikon makes a better camera but Canon makes a better lens. Not sure how factual that information is, but that is what pushed me over to Canon in the end. Both are great, but if you are already heavily invested in lenses with Nikon, you probably don't want to switch and lose that investment.

[lifeineden]

Nikon D90 (had tried the D60, but returned it because I couldn't stand only having a couple focal points -- I still want more). Dream of Nikon D300 or 700. Drool over more glass (zoom or big tele or macro or or or ...) Been very happy with Nikon.
Wishing I had a camera phone though, so I wouldn't always need to lug it some places.

[AnnGeeDee]

When my first generation Canon Rebel passed on, I was distraught. I bought the Canon 5D (Mark I) and I love everything about it. When I took a continuing ed course last summer, the instructor mentioned that Nikon was an "engineer's camera" since there are an infinite number of ways to configure the settings and buttons. Now I know why I prefer Canon and my brother prefers Nikon. We've always been opposite personalities!

[Victoria]

These days I am using a Nikon d5000. I used to use an Olympus point and shoot.
I remember years ago when I bought myself a full size truck after driving around a little Dodge Shadow for years.
It took a while before I felt comfortable driving that truck. It seemed like a bus and I had to learn how to drive it.I new my little Dodge so well!
That's how I feel about my camera. I'm still figuring out how to drive it.
In my hands it feels like this huge and awkward appendage. Yet when I see my self holding the camera in a reflection or someone else's shot, I think, "huh, that camera looks so small!"
Not to mention that I'm still trying to get it to do what I want it to do.
As far as the difference in Canons and Nikons, I have no idea. I wold like to try a Canon someday. My husband gifted my Nikon to me so I can't complain about the brand.

[Kizz]

I've been a Nikon girl since my old, film Nikkormat. Still have that, and it still functions...for the most part. Working with my first DSLR now, a Nikon D40 bought used. Would love to upgrade but I think lenses first then new body but I'll stay loyal to Nikon.

[Faith]

I have a 1st generation Canon Rebel that is probably coming to the end of its life. I've had it for 6 years but it still does great except when I'm shooting RAW (which I've been doing more and more). I have my eye on the 5D Mark II but have no idea when I'll be able to swing it.

I also have a Holga which I love to shoot with (but the $14 cost a roll really adds up).

[Candace]

I'm another Canon girl! I've had my Rebel XSi for a year and a half, and couldn't be happier.

[shirley]

I've always been a Nikon user. I had a film Point and Shoot Nikon that I loved until it got dropped in water. In 2004, I bought my first DSLR, a D70, and my love for photography grew exponentially. Last summer, I upgraded to a D300 and love it. I take it with me everywhere now, even as big and hefty it may be.
Maybe someday, I'll be able to rationalize a D700, but for now, the D300 is enough for me. That way I can spend more of my money on lenses, LOL!
http://shirleybehindthelens.blogspot.com/

[Justine So]

Why not try Panasonic/Olympus's Micro Four Thirds System? I think this is the future and with its tiny size, a lady would feel right at home. I've been using my Lumix G1, and I love it. Thinking about purchasing a GF1 for more portability. Should check them out. With these cameras, you'll never have second thoughts of leaving them at home.

With an adapter, you can easily use your old Nikon/Canon Lenses. It would be a challenge though because you'll be focusing them manually.

[GayleV]

I LOVE me some Nikon! I was in love the moment I picked up one of their cameras (and it was a film camera--just so we're clear.) They felt substantial and serious. I never looked back. I am on my third Nikon body (Nikon D300) and I couldn't be more happy. If I was buying today, I'd get the D700, but I am thrilled with my current body! Rock on Nikon ;)!!!

[jaana]

I used to share the Canon 40D with my husband & every time we'd go anywhere, we'd be swapping lenses, and camera bodies back and forth and it got to be sort of a hassle. I also had a little Powershot 870is, but I wanted something MORE.

So I got myself the little XSi and used that for over a year. Learned all my manual settings and fell in love. Just recently upgraded to the 7D and its pretty sweet. Has quite a bit more to offer. Someday I'll get the 5D (maybe mark 4??) :) But for now, I love this 7D. Love, love, love.

[Jamie]

I shoot with the Canon 5D Mark II and I am in love! I couldn't be happier with it. I suppose the only consideration would be the size... It might be a little large for small hands.

[mosey]

Oh dear. RIP to your beloved Nikon.

Although I consider myself a Canon girl, right now my everyday camera is the Panasonic Lumix GF1 which I love to bits. You can change lenses, but I mostly keep the 20 mm pancake lens it came with and couldn't be happier.

But when I really want something super special I "borrow" my husband's Canon 5D Mark 2.

[Diane]

My main camera is a Nikon D300 and that's what I use for all my client work. But I started out with a Nikon D40 which is now my back up camera. It's not just my back up camera, however. That little D40 is my everyday go-to camera. She's so easy to use, feels comfy in my hand, and she puts out such amazing images for me. She's lighter in weight too to take along on daily outings.

I started out using a Canon p&s but quickly got rid of it, despite the lovely images she produced. She just wasn't cutting it for any action shots and that drag really bothered me no end :) So, although my D300 is my 'main man', the old D40 is my everyday go-to.

Enjoy!

[Gail]

....I just upgraded from a Canon G9 to a XSi...stayed with Canon because I don't want to have to learn new computer settings:)....I am having fun learning with my new camera but I will continue to take my beloved G9 with me everywhere...and I am bemoaning a scratch on its lens...it will be cheaper to replace it than to fix it I am told...

[Valerie Mellema]

I found a great deal on an Olympus that came with two lenses, so I really couldn't pass it up. Now, I kind of wish that I had a Canon or Nikon just because there are companies that make lenses to fit those cameras. But, I just read in a comment above that you can buy an adapter to allow you to use those lenses, so I really must check that out. I have an Evolt 410 and love how small and light it is. Sometimes I doubt my decision, but I really do love this camera.

[Miriam]

I shoot with a Canon Digital Rebel TSi. Its light and is inexpensive enough that I don't worry quite so much about destroying it.

My not-so-quite-everyday camera is a Polaroid SX-70.

[agirlandaboy]

You can't go wrong with a Canon. I've been shooting with the Rebel XT for almost five(!) years now, and with the 17-85mm lens, it's the perfect size to throw in a bag and carry EVERYWHERE.

[Deirdre]

Shutters can usually be fixed, and it's a relatively inexpensive job.

I have my trusty old Nikon D40 and desperately want a D90.

[Joyce]

oh no! so sorry to hear about your tragedy! I can't even imagine what and how I would feel.... knock on wood!

I carry my Canon Rebel Xsi EVERYWHERE i go. I love it. My 50mm 1.8 lens is practically on it MOST days. Somedays I just need a bit more umph, and lucky for me, my husband owns a 5D. We share lenses which is so much fun -- as long as we don't have two different important and separate events scheduled for the same day! lol!

Good luck on your search and your new journey when you find your new camera ; )

[Alesa]

I am going to speak up for Pentax. I have a k10d and I love it. I think that pentax gets overlooked a lot, but they make really great cameras and lenses.

[Elizabeth]

I've always been a Nikon girl. I shoot with a D90 most days but also love shooting film with my vintage (1958) Nikon F1. Nothing quite like that sound of the film advancing or the shutter "click".

[cynthia]

I generally shoot with a Nikon D70 but, being a sahm to 2 preschoolers, it's just too heavy & cumbersome to take along everywhere. I take my Nikon P6000 on trips to the park and it does a decent job (here's my latest: http://apictureintime.wordpress.com/2010/04/19/swan-watching/.) When I'm without either Nikons, my Blackberry Bold becomes an awesome subsititute.

[camerashymomma ~ meredith winn]

awesome, thanks for all the recommendations ladies! my list is growing! it's good to hear what works for you and why. so keep em these comments coming! ;)

nikon has coughed up their estimatel to repair the shutter (it's the most expensive part to replace on a camera) and they actually recommend i buy a used camera body instead (for the same amount of the repair they deemed it the more financially responsible decision) so that's why i'm looking for the upgrade. you all have some great suggestions (and great cameras!!) i've thoroughly enjoyed reading through the comments today!

xo
meredith

[Aimee]

i have a Nikon D700. I am just addicted to full frame. Love being able to shoot at ISO 25600 if my daughter happens to do something cute in the dark. I had a D60 before and i couldn't even keep it as a backup because i felt so limited by the crop sensor. We traded it in for a Nikon F100 for my husband.

My dream body is a Contax 645. Sometimes digital just isn't as exciting.

[Lisa A.]

ooooohhhh, I'm so sorry to hear about your camera. I had a Canon Rebel XTi for years and just a few months ago upgraded to the Canon 7D. I must say that I love this camera. There is so much that I still need to learn, but for shooting my sons' sports games and my daughters' dance competitions, it is so far surpassed my expectations!! I researched cameras forever and finally bit the bullet. I'm so glad I did. Happy searching!!

[mandiesmithsegura]

We bought a Canon Rebel T1i for eachother for Christmas, and I just got an iPhone last week! Between the two, I'm set! :) Love them both!

[jakki]

Canon baby...all the way Canon. I went from a Kodak, to a Nikon now I'm at a Canon. I'm wanting to go a step up for more features than my PowerShot has but would also like to go down a slot for easy carry in my pocket or purse.

[divrchk]

I just upgraded to a Canon 7D from a first gen, original Canon Rebel DSLR 6mp. I am so in love with the 7D. Amazing!

[Kiki]

I've always avoided DSLRs because of the size--I just don't want to lug around a big camera. So everyday in my bag is my Canon G-10 and it's great. However, now that the kids are older and I'm ready to get my feet wet again, creatively, I can't help but covet the rich, juicy photos you get with a DSLR. So, I'm seriously considering a Pentax K-x which is one of the smallest and lightest DSLRs out there. The reviews are good and my husband shoots with a Pentax K-10 so we can share lenses. He really likes it, by the way. Pentax really is an underdog here!

[wendy jane]

My first and only camera so not much to compare with. (I went for the big guns right off the bat. I figured why start cheaper and then have to spend the money to upgrade a couple years down the road.) I have the Canon 5D. Best decision of my life! I love it. If it broke I would buy another 5D in a heartbeat. It's full frame, user friendly and amazing photos. I would love to try a Nikon D300 just to compare but I love Canon and will probably always stick with them.

Happy Camera shopping!

[Aimee Greeblemonkey]

I have a Canon 40D and love it. I used to be a Nikon girl for film, and switched to Canon early in digital because I didn't like the Nikon (early) menu system. Which is not a fair review now because it has been at least 8 years since I made the switch. Basically, I always tell people you can't go wrong with Canon or Nikon, whichever feels better.

[melody]

~moment of silence~

*shutters* at shutter death

hope you get a new camera soon

i adore your book

i am a canon 7D girl as of March. prior a canon rebel.

[Kim]

I shoot with a canon 30D and it serves my needs perfectly. Someday when money starts to grow on trees I will get the 5D Mark 2.

[Kayt]

Oooo... sorry to hear about the death of your shudder. Hopefully, they can fix it.

I thought I was a Nikon girl. I shot with them exclusively in high school way back in 19--mnffmphr. I almost bought a Nikon a year ago -- the D300, but I waffled and decided to wait until I was sure. My current camera is an old, old, old Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H2 (6mp), but it has AWESOME macro and it has served me well, so I'll never get rid of it. And, it's nice to have around for quick shots.

All that said, after MUCH researching and asking around, I finally settled on the Canon 50D (15mp). I almost went for the 5D mark ii (21mp-full frame), but decided that right now, it might be too big of a step for me. I kinda like having the auto settings to be lazy with sometimes, but the 50D also has the big girl manual controls. It's a nice blend and I've found the 50D is "just right" for me, right now. When I'm ready, I'll upgrade to the 5D mark ii or whatever is the "new" wizbang camera and keep the 50D as my backup camera.

My best to you. Keep us posted on your newest adventure!