Nikon vs. Canon

[TheDoctor]

Just curious what people here prefer. This question is asked a lot, I don't mean to get people riled up or nothing. I myself shoot with a Nikon D200 and I love it. Before that it was a D70. So I'm a Nikon guy. Weigh in people. Thanks.

[MarkoD]

Canon here 1d mark iii and 5d mark ii

I prefer prime glass so that's why I shoot canon

[sphelps]

Nikon for me as well, also use to have a D70s now I use D300.

[Aquattro]

I prefer prime glass so that's why I shoot canon

didn't know you could adapt Nikon lenses to a Canon? Cool! ;)

[TheDoctor]

Nikon for me as well, also use to have a D70s now I use D300.

Nice, I've been entertaining the idea of moving to a D300. How do you like it?

[TheDoctor]

didn't know you could adapt Nikon lenses to a Canon? Cool! ;)

Didn't know that either.

[Lampshade]

Olympus... i can adapt all the lenses with a $14 part from ebay.

But if i had to pick i'd chose the nikon, played with one the other day and i like it, i'd never used it and had no prob getting everything setup. Was almost easier than my olympus i'd been using for a couple years now.

[Aquattro]

Best DSLR advice I've ever heard was "buy what your friends have". That way you can lend and borrow lenses.

[sphelps]

Nice, I've been entertaining the idea of moving to a D300. How do you like it?
I like it although I doubt an upgrade from a D200 would be worth while, very similar cameras. If I were to upgrade I'd just spend the extra cash on the D700.

[MarkoD]

you can adapt nikon lenses to canon. but why would you. canon prime lenses are far superior to nikons. eg: 85mm f1.2, 300mm f2.8......

[sphelps]

Best DSLR advice I've ever heard was "buy what your friends have". That way you can lend and borrow lenses.
Agreed, but choose your friends wisely, some have more cash than others to spend on lenses :mrgreen:

[TheDoctor]

Best DSLR advice I've ever heard was "buy what your friends have". That way you can lend and borrow lenses.

:lol: true! Always helps when you can borrow from friends.

[TheDoctor]

Olympus... i can adapt all the lenses with a $14 part from ebay.

But if i had to pick i'd chose the nikon, played with one the other day and i like it, i'd never used it and had no prob getting everything setup. Was almost easier than my olympus i'd been using for a couple years now.

I've heard and seen some nice things from Olympus.

[Lampshade]

The only issue i have with the Olympus is finding used Olympus lenses. I have a couple nikon lenses that i use with adapters, but only the stock 14-42mm 4/3 mount lens.

If i had more cash to go get new lenses this camera would be 10x what i use it as. But for the meantime, buying used lenses and adapting them does the trick :D.


also... no HD video on the E520... there's been times when that would be nice.

[TheDoctor]

Have you tried Kerrisdale Cameras on 41st ave? They have TONS of lenses there. Or maybe Beau Photo? They have some rare stuff there too.

[globaldesigns]

I personally use a Canon 30D. Love the camera, when I do use it. Big and heavy, but quality is superb!

[Aquattro]

canon prime lenses are far superior to nikons. eg: 85mm f1.2, 300mm f2.8......

Well, yes, that seems to be the popular consensus. However, it will be a long time before I can afford a prime anything, so not a concern for me (I have a reef tank :))

[TheDoctor]

http://craziestgadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/canon-lens-chess-650x298.jpg

I want one of these!

[MarkoD]

Well, yes, that seems to be the popular consensus. However, it will be a long time before I can afford a prime anything, so not a concern for me (I have a reef tank :))

well thats why canon is good for me. i use those cameras/lenses to make money to fund my reef tank.... among other things

[TheDoctor]

MarkoD have you got a website? I like looking at peoples photography work.

nvm saw the link!

[TheDoctor]

Nice stuff! I like the automotive section.

[MarkoD]

thanks. do you have a website?

[TheDoctor]

No :( Just a hobby photographer here. I like to do wildlife photography mostly. The gf is big on the portraits. She's a Canon user as well. Which is why we sleep in two separate twin beds. Hehe jk.

[Coralgurl]

I've got the Nikon D3100. Great camera, still learning how to use it. I was a Canon girl prior to this camera though.

[Ross]

Canon for me...
I really need a cheap hobby...


Regarless of the camera you have or use, check out photoprice.ca (www.photoprice.ca).
It's a Canadian site comparing prices all the main retailers are charging.

[TheDoctor]

I've got the Nikon D3100. Great camera, still learning how to use it. I was a Canon girl prior to this camera though.

Interesting, why did you move?

[TheDoctor]

Canon for me...
I really need a cheap hobby...


Regarless of the camera you have or use, check out photoprice.ca (http://www.photoprice.ca).
It's a Canadian site comparing prices all the main retailers are charging.

I know what you mean.

[intarsiabox]

Lots of pros use both canon and nikon and looking through photography books and magazines you will never be able to tell what picture was taken with what brand of camera. The photographer's skill is what really matters in good picture taking. Since your wife already shoots canon, if she already has a set of good glass, then it would be much cheaper to get a canon and just share lenses rather buying new ones.

[TheDoctor]

Lots of pros use both canon and nikon and looking through photography books and magazines you will never be able to tell what picture was taken with what brand of camera. The photographer's skill is what really matters in good picture taking. Since your wife already shoots canon, if she already has a set of good glass, then it would be much cheaper to get a canon and just share lenses rather buying new ones.

I was thinking the same way. We were already shooting with our cameras before we met though. Plus she doesn't really like to share.

She finds that skin tone comes out a lot nicer with Canon. I have shot some portraits with my Nikon and I don't see a huge difference. If you look real close and have the same pic side by side, you can see a slight difference between the two. She's just a die hard fan. We are kind of set on our own ways.

[MarkoD]

Canon for me...
I really need a cheap hobby...


Regarless of the camera you have or use, check out photoprice.ca (www.photoprice.ca).
It's a Canadian site comparing prices all the main retailers are charging.

Try shooting professionally. Clients demand the best, and the best can cost up to 11 grand for a 400mm

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Best DSLR advice I've ever heard was "buy what your friends have". That way you can lend and borrow lenses.

Yup. Both my bro-in-law and I have Nikons so I have the zoom & he has the big flash and we can trade back and forth, saving lots of $$. Means more $$ to spend on corals & fish, you know:wink:

[Coralgurl]

Interesting, why did you move?

Was a point and shoot, but did take great pics, bf figured I needed a hobby so got me the dslr. Since switching to sw in April, my camera is loaded with tank shots and I still haven't figured the thing out...lol I have always had canon cameras but it does come down to the user, not the camera.

[Ross]

Try shooting professionally. Clients demand the best, and the best can cost up to 11 grand for a 400mm

Be glad you dont need the 1200mm L... Or the sigma 200-500.

[TheDoctor]

Be glad you dont need the 1200mm L... Or the sigma 200-500.

I've got the Sigma. Got some real good shots from it.

This was taken with the Sigma. I shot that free hand and it came out pretty good. During a trip to Jasper, Alberta. I love that place! Going for bears next time.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/3483585159_2af90c058e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36991042@N02/3483585159/)
Young Big Horn (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36991042@N02/3483585159/) by RuUusH (http://www.flickr.com/people/36991042@N02/), on Flickr

[TheDoctor]

There's a few pics taken with the Sigma if you have a look at my photostream.

[MarkoD]

There's a few pics taken with the Sigma if you have a look at my photostream.

you have the sigma 200-500 f2.8?

[TheDoctor]

you have the sigma 200-500 f2.8?

Yes I do. Got it from Broadway Cameras.

[intarsiabox]

You must have one hell of a camera case!:lol:

[TheDoctor]

Haha yeah not the most compact of lenses. Feels like I'm going out to war everytime we go out for a photo day. Kinda sucks.

[MarkoD]

what do you shoot with it if you're not using it to make money?

[blacknife]

Currently d 200, need more lens's.

Had a cannon before and loved it, it disapeared, and when it was replacement time i borrowed a buddies d 90 for comparison and it grew on me. Just seemed to fit better.

[TheDoctor]

what do you shoot with it if you're not using it to make money?

Honestly it doesn't come out a lot. I just like wildlife photography. Comes in handy for birds and things that spook easy.

[TheDoctor]

Currently d 200, need more lens's.

Had a cannon before and loved it, it disapeared, and when it was replacement time i borrowed a buddies d 90 for comparison and it grew on me. Just seemed to fit better.

Nikon D200 nice choice ;)

[TheDoctor]

Anyone here into HDR photography? I wonder how that would work in an aquarium environment. Could be possible with coral.

[Ross]

I've got the Sigma. Got some real good shots from it.

This was taken with the Sigma. I shot that free hand and it came out pretty good. During a trip to Jasper, Alberta. I love that place! Going for bears next time.


Freehand like this?
http://ylovephoto.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/juza_handholding_sigma_200-500_2-8.jpg

[TheDoctor]

Freehand like this?
http://ylovephoto.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/juza_handholding_sigma_200-500_2-8.jpg

haha okay maybe had help from a hood of a car

[fishoholic]

:jaw: OMG that lens is huge! Couldn't imagine carrying that around.

haha okay maybe had help from a hood of a car

How big is the sigma lens you have?

I'm a Nikon girl, had a Nikon D40 now a Nikon D3100

[Mitchell]

Nikon D300 used to shoot Canon.

[Mitchell]

BAHhahaha just had this sent to me...Canon vrs Nikon

http://youtu.be/qTVfFmENgPU

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

BAHhahaha just had this sent to me...Canon vrs Nikon

http://youtu.be/qTVfFmENgPU

That is soooo awesome. Great way to start off the morning.

Thanks for posting this. I'm gonna have to share with friends.

Anthony

[MarkoD]

That's right. Nikon is for terrorists.

Now watch this one :)

http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=CA#/watch?v=H_H8TOKcfjg

[Mitchell]

Joey L rocks!!

If you get a chance to see his video documenting his trip back to the tribes people he photographed then watch it. Heck just go to his site and spend the 20 bucks to buy the DVD. It's good.

[MarkoD]

Joey L rocks!!

If you get a chance to see his video documenting his trip back to the tribes people he photographed then watch it. Heck just go to his site and spend the 20 bucks to buy the DVD. It's good.

Just spent 300 on the Peter Hurley video

[Mitchell]

I'm sure it's money well spent though. I'll check him out when I get to a computer. The site requires flash to view. Not going to happen with the phone...

[Ross]

I'm sure it's money well spent though. I'll check him out when I get to a computer. The site requires flash to view. Not going to happen with the phone...

Android suports flash... :lol:

[Mitchell]

DOH!!!

[TimT]

I shoot with Canon 5D mk2 with 180/3.5 L series macro lens and a Canon G9 for quick shots.

One of the best places to buy camera gear is BHphotovideo.com. Just got a 2' arm to extend the camera over the tank to get those HD1080p videos of the corals feeding on my foods.

Cheers,
Tim

[JrdBen]

These days does it really matter?

Take comparable bodies that stack reasonably well (although most don't) from each, stick them in a bag and tell a person to pick one. Id bet my gear, that as long as it was free no one would complain about the one they got.

I went Canon due to their lens line up. For what I do I felt they had better and more options in the area that was most important to me. That said while there are differences between the two lineups, I don't think it matters much.

1Dmkiv and way too much glass

[Ryan]

My camera guy told me one day that made me a canon guy.

The image stabilization on the canon will take pictures with the same quality as other canons with a few more MP. For example our P&S 10mp Canon takes equal quality or better than my parents 12MP P&S, especially of moving objects like kids, the dogs, or fish.

[MarkoD]

My camera guy told me one day that made me a canon guy.

The image stabilization on the canon will take pictures with the same quality as other canons with a few more MP. For example our P&S 10mp Canon takes equal quality or better than my parents 12MP P&S, especially of moving objects like kids, the dogs, or fish.

mega pixels and image stabilization are unrelated. image stabilization is important when the light is low and you need to use a longer shutter speed.

also image stabilization is useless for any kind action photography. generally when shooting action a high shutter speed is used. and any shutter speed thats higher than 1/focal length makes the stabilization useless and could even work against you if you're panning

[Delphinus]

I like (and have) both. :lol:

Although I wish that were true of DSLR's. Only have a Nikon DSLR, and that's because I've got lenses going back to 1990 or so when I bought my first Nikon SLR, back then a 35mm. The lenses work fine for me and would cost a fortune to replace them all to Canon. So I'm "stuck" with Nikon but I don't mind it in the least.

Do wish I had the FX sensor though. One day .. one day.

[Ross]

Also image stabilization is useless for any kind action photography.
... and any shutter speed thats higher than 1/focal length makes the stabilization useless and could even work against you if you're panning

I agree except for the 1/focal length.
For those not using full frame sensors, it's 1/(focal length * multiplication factor)
(1.6 on canon and 1.5 on nikons)

[sphelps]

My camera guy told me one day that made me a canon guy.

The image stabilization on the canon will take pictures with the same quality as other canons with a few more MP. For example our P&S 10mp Canon takes equal quality or better than my parents 12MP P&S, especially of moving objects like kids, the dogs, or fish.
Agree with Mark, image stabilizers will do absolutely nothing in relation to a moving subject and the MP relation makes no sense. You need a new camera guy :wink:

[MarkoD]

I agree except for the 1/focal length.
For those not using full frame sensors, it's 1/(focal length * multiplication factor)
(1.6 on canon and 1.5 on nikons)

Yeah the crop factor is the focal lenth.

100mm lens on a 1.6 is 160mm focal length. So 1/160

[JrdBen]

Lol, I wasn't expecting to jump into the forums so fast. Still reading tons of threads while I wait for my tank to arrive :). However photography is near and dear to me.

mega pixels and image stabilization are unrelated. image stabilization is important when the light is low and you need to use a longer shutter speed.

also image stabilization is useless for any kind action photography. generally when shooting action a high shutter speed is used. and any shutter speed thats higher than 1/focal length makes the stabilization useless and could even work against you if you're panning

Very true.
When IS/VR was first becoming more mainstream (incorporated into more lenses and bodies) I used to get a chuckle at the marketing ads. They often portrayed moving subjects and the "claim" clearer/sharper images. The one I remember most was of a dog (Border Collie I think) jumping into the air and the shooter capturing the hang time :)
No "IS" sample showed an image of a leaping dog suffering motion blur
With "IS" sample showed a tack sharp dog.
wonderful marketing :) play to peoples heart strings to open their purse strings. I hope that marketing exec got a good bonus that year :)

I agree except for the 1/focal length.
For those not using full frame sensors, it's 1/(focal length * multiplication factor)
(1.6 on canon and 1.5 on nikons)

Yeah the crop factor is the focal lenth.

100mm lens on a 1.6 is 160mm focal length. So 1/160

Not "technically" accurate but yes true enough. The resulting image gives you the "same" field of view as though shot with a focal length of 160mm, which isn't quite the same as if it were shot at 160mm. If your at the back of a room, 30 feet from a large window (full frame sensor) and someone then removes the larger window and installs a window half the size (a smaller sensor) all thats changed is how much you see through the window (hence "cropped")...the window itself is still 30feet away. A crop sensor really just has a smaller frame and doesn't "increase" focal length in the most common understanding ("magnification")

To the original comment by Ryan.
Depending on the body itself, it could very well be newer technology as to why it takes as good or better images. Too many people get caught up in MP counts. Canon (and I believe Nikon as well) have finally come to realize that more isn't always better. The flagship "PnS" the G series, they've reduced the MPs from 12MP (G10 I believe) back to 10MP (G11) understanding that there are limits and that you can get a cleaner/better image, especially when dealing with even smaller sensors as found in PnSs.

While not entirely accurate (there are subtle benefits to more MP) for the most part, the average person really doesn't need more than 8MP. Ive got 19x13 prints from my "old" 8MP 1Dmkii that stand up very well against my 17MP files. For the average person who would most likely most often print nothing larger than 8.5x11 and 8MP file is plenty. I have more covers shot with my MKii (8MP) than I do with my mkiv (17MP).

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Someone mentioned the D700, just a heads up, the new (D800?) will be coming out in spring 2012 and probably be in the same price range, maybe a few hundred more. I wouldn't buy a D700 right now unless its used. I think there is a big shortage anyways because of the Tsunami in Japan. I know the Tsunami delayed the D800 (if that is the new model number as expected).

For what I like to call an almost professional Nikon body, the D7000 is amazing. I don't think you can beat it with a Canon for performance AND price ($1099 body only). I haven't seen a Canon in that price range that can compete. I hate the comparisons it always gets to the D700 because its like comparing apples and oranges. The D700 is FX and D7000 is DX BUT I have seen them compared side by side and was very impressed. The D7000 starts to loose out in lower light though.

One advantage of the D7000 is the glass cost. DX lenses are much cheaper.

My wife uses the D7000 as a back up body (professionally) and I use it for fun...I accidentally had it the other day shooting my aquarium when she was suppose to have it on set for a shoot lol. Luckily she didn't need it. I'm not allowed to touch her expensive body.

LOL I just realized how that sounds...

[fishykisses]

i've had both and both have their pro's and cons.
I find my Nikon doesn't take the greatest indoor shots - everything comes out a bit yellow but the Macro kicks it!
Canon didn't take the greatest macro shots but it really never took a bad indoor shot.
I think Nikon by far takes the best photo's in natural light!

[MarkoD]

i've had both and both have their pro's and cons.
I find my Nikon doesn't take the greatest indoor shots - everything comes out a bit yellow but the Macro kicks it!
Canon didn't take the greatest macro shots but it really never took a bad indoor shot.
I think Nikon by far takes the best photo's in natural light!

Are you comparing point and shoots or dslrs?

[Delphinus]

Someone mentioned the D700, just a heads up, the new (D800?) will be coming out in spring 2012 and probably be in the same price range, maybe a few hundred more. I wouldn't buy a D700 right now unless its used. I think there is a big shortage anyways because of the Tsunami in Japan. I know the Tsunami delayed the D800 (if that is the new model number as expected).

For what I like to call an almost professional Nikon body, the D7000 is amazing. I don't think you can beat it with a Canon for performance AND price ($1099 body only). I haven't seen a Canon in that price range that can compete. I hate the comparisons it always gets to the D700 because its like comparing apples and oranges. The D700 is FX and D7000 is DX BUT I have seen them compared side by side and was very impressed. The D7000 starts to loose out in lower light though.

One advantage of the D7000 is the glass cost. DX lenses are much cheaper.

My wife uses the D7000 as a back up body (professionally) and I use it for fun...I accidentally had it the other day shooting my aquarium when she was suppose to have it on set for a shoot lol. Luckily she didn't need it. I'm not allowed to touch her expensive body.

LOL I just realized how that sounds...

That was probably me who brought up the D700. I'd like one because of the sensor and the minimal (har har har) price tag (comparitively) but at still more than twice the price of the D7000 it is basically never going to happen for me.

I agree the D7000 is pretty nice.

But you mentioned getting the D700 used ... and well, trust me, I've looked into this and it's a non-starter. Maybe on account of the shortage or whatever, the price of a used D700 is ridiculous. I am seeing $2400 for the D700 body retail (new, for the stores that have one kicking around) and around $2100 for used with several tens of thousands of shutter actuations. Umm no thanks. Given that the D700 is also behind the curve on a few bells and whistles (2008 vintage) compared to 2011 models, you're paying for the sensor, and, it would seem, paying through the nose. Crazy.

[jostafew]

Not exactly answering the original question but I'd like to pose an alternative; Pentax. Stabilization is in the body so you don't re-buy it with every lense, any Pentax lense going back to the dawn of time will work with a modern body, and for the price the feature set is very good. I looked at the T3i, D5100, and K-R and ultimatly chose the Pentax. The K-5 is an excellent camera as well but I was on a pretty tight budget.

Getting back to the original topic, it's been mentioned above but I'd have to agree that the modern cameras are pretty decent and that the photographer will play a much bigger role in the resulting photos then the hardware itself. Feature sets will differ a little so your choice will probably come down to which features you find most valuable (video features, burst speeds, etc.) and trivial as it may sound, how the camera feels in hand. I had to drop the T3i from my list for that reason! Go to the camera shop to touch and feel the candidates, and have a good think about what kind of shooting you want to do. That should help you decide.

[MarkoD]

Not exactly answering the original question but I'd like to pose an alternative; Pentax. Stabilization is in the body so you don't re-buy it with every lense, any Pentax lense going back to the dawn of time will work with a modern body, and for the price the feature set is very good. I looked at the T3i, D5100, and K-R and ultimatly chose the Pentax. The K-5 is an excellent camera as well but I was on a pretty tight budget.

Getting back to the original topic, it's been mentioned above but I'd have to agree that the modern cameras are pretty decent and that the photographer will play a much bigger role in the resulting photos then the hardware itself. Feature sets will differ a little so your choice will probably come down to which features you find most valuable (video features, burst speeds, etc.) and trivial as it may sound, how the camera feels in hand. I had to drop the T3i from my list for that reason! Go to the camera shop to touch and feel the candidates, and have a good think about what kind of shooting you want to do. That should help you decide.

in camera stabilization is useless. image stabilization is mostly helpful for longer focal lengths. and the in camera sensor stabilizer just cant move enough to compensate the the shake at telephoto focal lengths.

anything below 100mm on a full frame body shouldn't need IS

and if you ever being a serious photographer, you dont want to be stuck with pentax gear.

[scubadawg]

It doesn't matter what you buy, whatever feels comfortable in your hands, you can't go wrong with any digital SLRs these days

When I was scuba diving in Honduras, I met a National Geographic photographer, he uses Nikon, went on a photoshoot with his friend (uses Canon) in the Desert, Canon was grinding after the assignment, super fine sand/dust was getting into the body and lenses. He told me that Nikon has a far superior sealing system in their cameras and lenses.

Here's a good read

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/nikon-vs-canon.htm

First DSLR for me was a Nikon D70, sold the D70 to a friend, then purchased 2 D200's

Personally I use Nikon, have 15 lenses, primes and the preminum zooms.
Have 2 Nikon D200's, cannot switch because I have 2 underwater camera housings for the D200's
All lenses have a Heliopan SH-PMC UV filters on them.

Purchased a D300, then sold it to a friend when the D700 came out, just picked up my D800 last week, just found out Sea&Sea is making a housing for a D800, so I'm tempted to buy it.
http://www.bluewaterphotostore.com/sea-and-sea-mdx-d800

It would save me a lot of weight travelling, won't have to bring my Sony HDV camcorder and housing.

Wrong timing:(, they won't before I go scuba diving and the end of July to Galapagos Islands (it's whale shark season), then to Machu Pichau

Probably buy the D800 housing for my next trip, muck diving in Indonesia in Aug 2013:)

I'm a old school photographer, still own a Leica M4P and a couple of Hasselblads, and 2 Nikon F100's and F70. Haven't shoot film in years.

[TheDoctor]

Old thread but just picked up the D3X a little bulky but really liking it. Anyone shoot with this camera?


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[byee]

I did a primitive test about a year ago - Canon 40D with 70-200mm f2.8 IS against my buddies $30,000 setup. In low contrast tests, Canon beats Nikon.

Everything else is similar.

I shoot with a Canon 40D and 5Dmk2 with all pro series lenses - f2.8's.

I've been shooting Canon since 1986.............I prefer Canon. Nikon does make an wife proof point and shoot which works really well. As long as you can aim it, it will take the picture.

I hope this helps!

[TheDoctor]

Canons are pretty good. I mean if Avril Levigne uses it, it's gotta be good right? :s


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[Ross]

Canons are pretty good. I mean if Avril Levigne uses it, it's gotta be good right? :s

and Ashton Kutcher doing Nikon commercials are different why?

[TheDoctor]

and Ashton Kutcher doing Nikon commercials are different why?

Haha touche


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[byee]

and Ashton Kutcher doing Nikon commercials are different why?

He wanted to something similar as Avril....Canon was already taken so the only logical choice was Nikon. ;-)