Canon or Nikon?
By leomilson
@leomilson (170)
Philippines
July 9, 2008 1:35am CST
By next month i will be buying my first professional digital camera. I love to capture snapshots of different things so i want to treasure it and show it someday as one of my works. Now, i'm choosing of what would be the best camera to buy. Is it Canon? or Nikon? maybe you can help me here. god bless you all.
6 responses
@trickiwoo (2702)
• United States
9 Jul 08
I assume by "professional digital camera", you mean a DSLR. With point and shoot models, there really isn't a lot of differences between Nikon models and Canon models. It all comes down to some personal preferences. But both brands are pretty much the same quality.
As far as Nikon and Canon DSLR models go, there are some more major differences. One of the main differences is how user friendly the camera is. Both cameras are pretty different as far as how to use them, where the features are located, etc. I would highly recommend going to a camera store and testing out both a Nikon and Canon DSLR. See which model you prefer. Which do you find easier to use?
Also, something to think about is what kind of photography are you planning on doing? If you're interested at all in infrared photography, you should definitely get a Nikon. Canon cameras DO NOT work with infrared filters. Canon cameras block infrared light, so you cannot use a Canon camera to shoot infrared photograpy!
Also, what kind of lenses are you planning on getting? Check and make sure any lenses you ever plan on getting in the future will work on your camera. For one thing, the Nikon D40, D40X and D60 do not have an internal autofocus censor. So ONLY Nikkor brand lenses will work on these cameras! If you want to get third party lenses, these lenses will not work on those 3 Nikon models.
As for which camera is "better"- it's going to depend on who you talk to! I think they're pretty much comparable in quality.
However, I have never known a Nikon user to switch to Canon. But I do know several Canon users who have switched to Nikon!
Also, my mom used to work for a photo studio as a digital editor. She'd have to edit the photos taken by photographers who use Nikon cameras, and photographers who use Canon cameras. She said that all of the photos taken with Nikon cameras were significantly better looking (as far as color tones, dynamic range, contrast, etc.) than the photos taken with Canon cameras.
So that's my 2 cents!
@jessej9 (394)
• Philippines
9 Jul 08
Wow i like the discussion you made. Very informative even to me who thinks that I know something already. I appreciate your post. I liked the part when you said that "you've never known any Nikon users switch to Canon" and it was the other way around. Go nikon!
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
10 Jul 08
I looked at both Canon and Nikon when I made the jump to a professional grade camera. When asked what I would be using the camera for, Action Photography, it was suggested by a Nikon Camera user to buy a Canon. What you will be photographing can influence which brand. If you are unsure I would suggest that you talk to a camera store and see if you could rent each camera for a week to test them out. If you end up buying one from the store you might get them to apply the rental to the purchase price. You are no only buying a camera but a camera system that will need to be updated and enhanced with extras and glass.
It is an important decision so do your research and if possible try them both out and see what feels and looks best for you and your photography.
@ahgong (10064)
• Singapore
10 Jul 08
I did a few write up on this when I was searching for my own DSLR.
You can check them out if you are interested.
Canon vs Nikon
http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/1346770.aspx
Some of the other articles I wrote during my considerations:
http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/1356097.aspx
http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/1346656.aspx
http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/1346661.aspx
http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/1348771.aspx
http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/1348757.aspx
http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/1348775.aspx
Basically, go to the shop and ask for the models you are looking at. Then hold them in your hands. Shoot a few shots of the surroundings. Shots must vary, from macro shots all the way to telescopic shots. Do the same for every camera you are considering. Then see the look and feel of the camera in your hands.
DO you like it when you are holding it?
DO you like the shots it took?
ARE you planning to upgrade anytime soon? DO you plan to buy a lot of accessories for the DSLR in your hands?
WHAT is the likelihood of you upgrading back to the same brand in future?
and most importantly...
DOES the price suit your budget?
Once you get the answers to the above, you will be able to make a decision easily!
Happy hunting leomilson!
@jessej9 (394)
• Philippines
9 Jul 08
Hi, Canon or Nikon doesn't really matter since both companies are on the top of the line when it comes to cameras, they say that the difference is that Nikon Cameras produces richer colors but Canon cameras produces sharper images. In the end it's your personal preference whether you'll buy a Nikon or a Canon, one thing that could help you when buying a DSLR is that which brand does most of your friends have, because if most are using one brand then you'll have many people to borrow equipment from. But for me, i'll choose Nikon, because, it's Nikon! I'm a certified Nikon Fan boy! Cheers and I hope that you will enjoy whatever camera you'll buy!