cannon or nikon? - DPChallenge Forums

12/30/2005 10:26:04 AM · #1

I am looking for a more advanced camera than my s5600 as I want to start work as a photographer any advice on how to start up and what camera and tools are the best. I am starting saving now and should be able to get about Â£2000 to start with.

d95vette

Nikon D200

12/30/2005 10:29:15 AM · #2

you cannot go wrong with either cannon or nikon. I stick with Nikon since I have a large investment in their lenses, flashes, cards, and camera bodies.

Once you pick either manufacturer, stick with them. If the other announces a great new camera (like the D200 - coming today), don't worry, the other will one-up them soon with an even better camera/lens

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

12/30/2005 10:33:55 AM · #3

ooooo nikon d200 pretty camera:)

edit* not wanting to bump it up (I dont like seeing the same post over and over) so replying here thanks alfresco I think you are right going for better glass is a good idea I will remember this when buying.

edit 2* Thanks I am getting some good info here :)

Message edited by author 2005-12-30 10:54:47.

alfresco

Nikon D700

12/30/2005 10:35:53 AM · #4

You're buying into a lens system rather than a camera. I prefer nikon, others canon.

I would recommend saving for decent glass and "scrimping" on the camera body - odds are starting out the body and its features won't be a limiting factor. ie - don't jump in and get the d200 (if you go nikon) and a couple of cheapo lenses, in my opinion you're better off getting the d70 and one or two quality lenses. When the time comes and your camera body is what's holding you back, upgrade it.

Unless you can afford good glass *and* a higher end body.

OdysseyF22

Panasonic DC-G9

Olympus 12-45mm f/4.0 Pro

12/30/2005 10:43:56 AM · #5

I prefer Canon equipment, but I agree with alfresco. Buy good lenses, and start with a body that's comofortable, then if you feel the need in a few years, upgrade. I have a 300D and love it, it can do about anything. Of course a 20D or 5D can do some of it better, but when I reach that level, I can get a new body and still have the good glass to go with it.

talmy

Nikon D300s

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

12/30/2005 10:53:38 AM · #6

Nikon and Canon are very comparable systems, but have considerably different "feel". Best bet is to try them both (in bodies you can afford) and go with the one that feels best to you.

Also, it hardly matters how good a lens you buy (or the camera for that matter) if you put it on top of a flimsy tripod -- so budget a good chunk of your cash for a sturdy tripod and ball head as well.

crabappl3

12/30/2005 10:59:27 AM · #7

I jumped from the Fuji s602z to the Nikon D100 due to it's similarity in feel and button layout that is on the Fuji. It also helped that I knew 2 other guys with Nikon lenses that I could borrow in a pinch ;-)

Both systems are good, go hold some camera bodies and lenses and see which 'fits' you the best.

-danny

jbsmithana

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

12/30/2005 12:44:22 PM · #8

I also went from Fuji to Nikon and have not regreted it. In my case it was the D-70 because it just felt more substantial and was more intuititve for me to use than a Canon.

Right now it is my opinion that the D-200 is the best value for your money out there. This is a near pro camera with metal body and weather sealing and has all the bells and whistles you might want for some time. You should be able to afford it and a good lens or two to start.

But, I agree taht you should go out first and handle it and a a 20D first. It truly is personal preference as to feel and layout of controls.

Good luck and have fun with the hunt.

Prof_Fate

12/30/2005 12:47:05 PM · #9

I went canon, a bit less costly at the time to get started, and it seems more lens options and less costly for the canon. The cost thing could be percepttion.

Generally, canon's have lower noise, nikons (to me) a better look to the images out of the camera (color temp, contrast sharpness) but much of look is affected by the lens used. I think there is more crappy glass out there for canon than nikon.

DanSig

12/30/2005 01:37:45 PM · #10

lol... like there is the "correct" answer to the question.. "Canon or Nikon ?"

everyone that has Canon will say Canon.. and vise versa

I'd say, try the fuji, konica, olympus, kodak, and ofcourse the canon and nikon.

most are decent cameras, find a camera that feels good, then look for available lenses and other perhiperals.

if you are satisfied with what you can get for the camera, buy it, don't think about whether you are like the others.. with a nikon or Canon :)

just my 2Â¢ :)

kearock

Nikon D90

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

12/30/2005 01:41:01 PM · #11

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

I was reading some reviews in Popular Photography on the airplane the other day which seemed to suggest that the low end Canons had quite a bit of noise, except at very low ISOs.

casualguy

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

12/30/2005 02:12:22 PM · #12

I will soon be making the transition from my Fuji S602z to the Canon 20D mainly because of the following features:

- Magnesium Alloy Body
- Good High ISO Performance
- 0.2 Second Start-Up Time

My initial lenses will be the Canon 50 1.8, the Tamron 28-75 2.8 (good glass by most accounts), as well as the 18-55 kit lens.

Olympus 12-45mm f/4.0 Pro

12/30/2005 02:21:42 PM · #13

I have decided to go for the canon 350d as for lenses I will buy them as I go along thanks for the help.

Man_Called_Horse

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

12/30/2005 02:21:49 PM · #14

At my local camera store in their used camera case, there are no used Canons for sale. There are a crap load of Nikons, and Fuji's, and the like.

I am biased, and I truly am sold on Canon.

MikeO

Fujifilm x100

12/30/2005 02:21:52 PM · #15

Dont forget the Pentax range, Minolta range and the Olympus e-500 is an excellent camera. As folks have said go and get some hands on as they all vary is size, weight etc. At the end of the day you will not be dissapointed with Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Minolta, Olympus - they are all outstanding.

OdysseyF22

Panasonic DC-G9

12/30/2005 02:27:40 PM · #16

Originally posted by American_Horse:

At my local camera store in their used camera case, there are no used Canons for sale. There are a crap load of Nikons, and Fuji's, and the like.

I am biased, and I truly am sold on Canon.

This says something about the quality and and preferibility of Canon. In my own experience, I use them, the newspaper I work for just replaced two broken 300Ds with new 20Ds, and when the campus photog was hired this year, he had the University get him all new Canon equipment, rather than upgrade their old Nikon stuff - and he's a longtime Nikon user himself. People like 'em, and they hang on to 'em.

12/30/2005 02:28:07 PM · #17

Originally posted by American_Horse:

At my local camera store in their used camera case, there are no used Canons for sale. There are a crap load of Nikons, and Fuji's, and the like.

I am biased, and I truly am sold on Canon.

I have looked at both on ebay and the number of canon for for sale is far less than nikon:)

theSaj

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

12/30/2005 02:30:12 PM · #18

Originally posted by kearock:

I was reading some reviews in Popular Photography on the airplane the other day which seemed to suggest that the low end Canons had quite a bit of noise, except at very low ISOs.

I don't know where you were reading it, and perhaps they were talking about P&S models.

But Canon's current DSLRs are known for being a generation ahead of everyone else in low-noise for ISO shots. In fact, in most reviews Canon's XT/20D's 1600 ISO usually has less noise than the competitions 800 ISO settings.

jbsmithana

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

12/30/2005 02:58:35 PM · #19

Originally posted by polkop:

Originally posted by American_Horse:
At my local camera store in their used camera case, there are no used Canons for sale. There are a crap load of Nikons, and Fuji's, and the like.

I am biased, and I truly am sold on Canon.

I have looked at both on ebay and the number of canon for for sale is far less than nikon:)

Are you sure you are not comparing apples and oranges?
If you are looking at only DSLR's then I think there are similar numbers.
Prior to digital the ball game was mainly in the Nikon field, ie. there are large numbers of old Nikon film bodies out there.

The Nikon / Canon debate alwyas brings out personal opinion (including mine) but little actual fact.

IMHO of course.

P.S. - you will love your rebel I'm sure. Enjoy and may you only buy good glass.

Message edited by author 2005-12-30 15:00:50.

General

Kodak Z7590

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

12/30/2005 03:10:17 PM · #20

Nikon for commitment to consistency of maintaining same mount since 70s .Having one crop factor instead of two. With Canon you just cannot feel safe that they would not change mount again. I have read so many post of people complaining how there older format lenses not compatible with EOS series.

I am also keen on buying DSLR but lack funds. I keep searching net for info on both systems and have realized that most people agree on three points. Nikon if you re interested in wide angle photography and also their Flash system is better.

Canon if you into Telephoto Photography.

One thing I observed Canon raises the bar by coming with new innovative cameras like the first under $1000 DSLR 300d or cheaper full frame DSLR 5d. While Nikon watches and than it comes back with equally exciting cameras that are oneâ��s money worth camera ,like D70 and D200.

Lastly camera is a only a box that prevents light from reaching Sensor hence no use of buying a D200 or 20 D or 5D and have worthless lens in front. So invest in lens more

P.S Go for Nikon

Message edited by author 2005-12-30 15:29:09.

undieyatch

Olympus E-10

12/30/2005 04:16:46 PM · #21

I have canon (FD mount changes - I hate that company) nikon (film bodies) olympus (4/3rds) and pentax stuff anyone for some K mount ...... how about kiron - it just accumulates.

MikeO

Fujifilm x100

12/30/2005 04:25:34 PM · #22

Originally posted by undieyatch:

I have canon (FD mount changes - I hate that company) nikon (film bodies) olympus (4/3rds) and pentax stuff anyone for some K mount ...... how about kiron - it just accumulates.

Yeh it is a pain, however I only had Pentax 42mm screw lens's that I used on my Mamiya 35mm film camera, just recently bought a 42mm screw to Canon Eos adaptor and it works fine - ok its manual only but I have a very nice Mamiya Sekor 50mm f1.4 and a Mamiya Sekor 135mm f2.8 which I can now use.
The adaptor only cost me Â£10!

theSaj

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

12/30/2005 04:30:52 PM · #23

Canon's EOS system was implemented in 1987 (. And the EF mount was the move from mechanical to electrical. A very good move IMHO. This was the 4th generation of lenses, replacing the FD lense series which was implemented in 1971. (FD was the 3rd generation, following Canon's 2nd generation FL lenses. Which used artificially made flourite and replaced the prior RL lenses).

Of note... "The EF mount, with an internal diameter of 54mm (external diameter of 65mm), has the largest clear aperture of any lens system used with a 35mm SLR camera. The large aperture EF mount made possible the brightest lens in the world designed for a 35mm SLR camera, the "EF50mm f/1.0L USM" lens."

"Although Canon does not endorse (and in fact warns against) the use of third-party lenses and adapters, the EF lens mount is ideal for the use of adapters, due to its large diameter and the relatively short flange-to-film distance of 44.0 mm[1]. It is thus possible to mount lenses using the Nikon F mount, Olympus OM, Leica R and universal M42 lens mounts (among others) by the use of a simple mechanical adapter."

So, it's not like I can't use an old FD lense. I can buy an adaptor and still utilize the older mounted lenses. I mean, hey, if I had a 600mm FD, it's not dead glass. And since the FD series was not autofocus, it's not like I've lost the autofocus ability. Furthermore, I can mount quite a few other lenses onto it with adapters.

In many ways, it's very much akin to the Russian's strategy of always using ammunition that was slightly larger than ours. This way, they could use our ammunition if they ran out. But we could not take advantage of theirs.

Is it perfect, naw...you've got to have a touch more skill and know how to meter and adjust your aperature accordingly. *shrug*

1959 Nikon implemented the F-mount. Yes, you can use any Nikon F series SLR lens from then till now on a Nikon camera. However, some functionality will be lost when using older lenses. It might be nice to mount a brand new Nikkor lens on an original F-1 camera. But I see that seldom happening.

So I really don't think that's too big of an issue.

Will Canon change their mount in the future? possibly...but if they do, I imagine they will simply add an advanced communication port and I doubt the actual mount will change. The mount was altered because many users of Canon did not like the mounting mechanism of the FD system (and the EF system mounts much more easily) and because they wanted a wider mount to allow for increased light. Doing so allowed them to offer the 50mm f/1.0

- Saj

Message edited by author 2005-12-30 16:33:37.

theSaj