Canon or Nikon?

[LuisV]

I agree 100% with canabalized, this is one of the "givens" in every forum on the planet & it's silly b/c, again, you can't go wrong with virtually any dSLR out today.

In terms of lineup comparisons, that's common. I mentioned I don't like labels b/c I feel sometimes people sometimes don't like to be "canned" into a space. Having said that, for the most part, the dSLR segment is split into three major spaces. One is the Entry Market which is the price leader space. It is also the most dynamic in terms of new bodies. The second is the mid-level or pro-sumer space. These are the bodies with better builds that incorporate features and functions from the professional bodies in more economical packages. Lastly the Pro space. These are the flagships. It's not really a price breakdown, it's more a customer or user breakdown. Is this perfect? Of course not because the vendors don't necesarily conform to them. However, for the most part, that's how the buying public splits out. That's why the D100, D200 and D300 (which are all the same lineup and one has replaced the other over the years) are usually compared to Canon's 10D, 20D, 30D and 40D (also the same lineup).

On the pro side, Canon and Nikon have had two individual bodies for many years now. One is the High Speed body which is typically the sports shooter body. They other is the High Res body. In the Canon its the 1D (high speed) vs. the 1Ds (high res). In Nikon its the D2H (high speed) vs. the D2X (high res). The Nikon D3 is the high speed camera, no doubt there. Nikon will release the D3X (or whatever the name will be), most likely, sometime before the end of 2008. Nikon has followed this timing for as long as they have made the two bodies. Recently Nikon released the first D3 firmware update. It seems that there is reference to a D3X at roughly 24MP in that code. Regardless of that, there have been plenty of "covenient leaks" about the D3X being tested by the Nikon Pros (Nikon's Program for Professionals).

[studio206]

I just find it amusing that there is such a debate over canon and nikon. just pick a camera that fits your needs lol it shouldn't be such a difficult decision. the difficulty should come when you're talking about what lens you should buy since they're the most important part of an SLR. all the camera is, is the recording device... without good glass, it doesn't matter what camera body you have. in all honestly i kinda wish this topic would disappear because it really doesn't matter what brand you choose.

[savona]

I just find it amusing that there is such a debate over canon and nikon. just pick a camera that fits your needs lol it shouldn't be such a difficult decision. the difficulty should come when you're talking about what lens you should buy since they're the most important part of an SLR. all the camera is, is the recording device... without good glass, it doesn't matter what camera body you have. in all honestly i kinda wish this topic would disappear because it really doesn't matter what brand you choose.

I think we all agree to that and most of us expressed that same feeling.

[Adaptive]

I agree 100% with canabalized, this is one of the "givens" in every forum on the planet & it's silly b/c, again, you can't go wrong with virtually any dSLR out today.

In terms of lineup comparisons, that's common. I mentioned I don't like labels b/c I feel sometimes people sometimes don't like to be "canned" into a space. Having said that, for the most part, the dSLR segment is split into three major spaces. One is the Entry Market which is the price leader space. It is also the most dynamic in terms of new bodies. The second is the mid-level or pro-sumer space. These are the bodies with better builds that incorporate features and functions from the professional bodies in more economical packages. Lastly the Pro space. These are the flagships. It's not really a price breakdown, it's more a customer or user breakdown. Is this perfect? Of course not because the vendors don't necesarily conform to them. However, for the most part, that's how the buying public splits out. That's why the D100, D200 and D300 (which are all the same lineup and one has replaced the other over the years) are usually compared to Canon's 10D, 20D, 30D and 40D (also the same lineup).

On the pro side, Canon and Nikon have had two individual bodies for many years now. One is the High Speed body which is typically the sports shooter body. They other is the High Res body. In the Canon its the 1D (high speed) vs. the 1Ds (high res). In Nikon its the D2H (high speed) vs. the D2X (high res). The Nikon D3 is the high speed camera, no doubt there. Nikon will release the D3X (or whatever the name will be), most likely, sometime before the end of 2008. Nikon has followed this timing for as long as they have made the two bodies. Recently Nikon released the first D3 firmware update. It seems that there is reference to a D3X at roughly 24MP in that code. Regardless of that, there have been plenty of "covenient leaks" about the D3X being tested by the Nikon Pros (Nikon's Program for Professionals).

very well put! thanks

[jstuedle]

Basic answer to this question: Both brands are good rigs. They hop-scotch each other, so if one is leading today, the other most likely will be the winner tomorrow. My standard answer is go to a well stocked camera shop, hold a model of each in your price range and see what your preference is with respect to feel, control placement, and overall "apparent" quality. Make this 1/2 or more of your evaluation, then study up on spec's and features. The feel of the camera is very important in my mind, if it feels like a turd in your hands then you will not do well with it. Remember the operator has as much or more to do with the final image than the camera. Also know that once you buy into a system it becomes very expensive to change brands if you are not satisfied with your original choice. I have over 60 lenses acquired over the past 40 years and use most of them. I couldn't change at this late date if I really, really needed to. BTW, for the record I've been a Nikon shooter for 40 years now. The Photomic FtN I purchased in July of 1969 is still a fine shooter and it's glass makes very fine images on film and digital with the D3 and D300 we currently shoot. As always, JMHO.

[Adaptive]

Basic answer to this question: Both brands are good rigs. They hop-scotch each other, so if one is leading today, the other most likely will be the winner tomorrow. My standard answer is go to a well stocked camera shop, hold a model of each in your price range and see what your preference is with respect to feel, control placement, and overall "apparent" quality. Make this 1/2 or more of your evaluation, then study up on spec's and features. Remember the operator has as much or more to do with the final image than the camera..

Perfect answer
Everyone should read this and remember it.

[LuisV]

Agreed..... great comments. I too have been a Nikon shooter. I have been working with them for only a little over 20 years. I feel funny saying "only" 20 years...... but compared to John..... it is "only" 20.... ;-)

I did want to mention something, however....

.... I have over 60 lenses acquired over the past 40 years and use most of them. I couldn't change at this late date if I really, really needed to. BTW, for the record I've been a Nikon shooter for 40 years now. ...

A statement like this would not be possible with Canon. This is possible with Nikon and a few other manufacturers. Nikon's lens mount has been the same for 50 years now. This means that you can get a hold of many 40 year old lenses and put it on a Nikon DSLR and go and shoot. Of course, there are limitations to the capabilities of older lenses, but for the most part, it will work. The most notable, for example, is that AF did not exist in the 60's. So it goes without saying that some of these lenses will be manual focus. Also, don't expect to get lens data from a lens chip that is simply not in the lens from 1960 ;-). You won't get some metadata...... ect. There are many places to get the info of which lenses work with which capabilities/cameras.

Now.... before I get a bunch of hate posts.... the reason I mention that Canon can't do this it not, by any means, a criticism. They make outstanding gear and they have a huge number of wonderful lenses! I simply say it because I don't want somebody running out and buying a classic 1960 Canon lens and expect to thorw it on their new Canon 50D. It simply won't work. Just be aware of that.

[TX_Gulf_Coast]

Ohhhh...I hate this question! (Yea, I have been AWOL for a while. Life and a Hurricane will keep you busy!) In short, you should choose the equipment that will work for you. As far as MegaPixels go, the only winner in that race is the manufacturer, getting you to chase the lastest greatest. After a certain point, more megapixels will only increase post time and data managment tasks. (I have prints from a Nikon D2H (4.1 MP) blown up to 30x40 and you can't tell the difference next to a print from my 1Ds Mk II's.) I wish people would spend as much time learning their equipment (cause the basics and theory works for ANY brand) as they do worrying about who has the best (latest) camera on the market.

Just a note Luis, one of the main reasons Nikon glass is more expensive then Canon, is the actual manufacturing process. Canon glass is made in sheets, then they 'cookie cute' the lens blanks from that and grind/polish the elements; on the other hand, Nikkor glass is made from individual pieces or glass, ground for that lens. Costs more to do this. While Canon will never admit it, this is why you get a lemon lens every once in a while. Same way with some of the Third party manufacturersas well.

[studio206]

can we let this post die? really? nikon, canon, who cares? no one care. they both make excellent cameras. the both make excellent lenses. no gallery or art buyer is going to give an F what camera u use. I'm sorry but i am really sick and tired of this debate!

[tipo_60]

Although I'm a new member, I'd like to throw my 2 cents in. I have used Canon & Nikon film cameras in the past but always leaned to the Nikon F4 as my all around one. When I finally decided to plunge into the DSLR, I did large amounts of reading and comparisons. Both brands are great and have much to offer. My choice of the D90 came down to my love of Nikon, the fact that it will share lenses with my F4 and Nikon DSLR's feel like the old 35 mm's to me since , like TheBaron, I have large hands. You'll be happy with either one. One suggestion, find someone to borrow from and try each one out. In my area, you can find a few stores that will do that. Good luck