Trouble going from Nikon camera to Canon

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

10/07/2009 12:09:12 PM · #1

So I bought the 7D for the HD video. (A thread about that already)

Today, while I was shooting some video my manager asked me to take a few portrait shots of the flute player (At the church). I only have the 50mm 1.8 lens. With my D700 I would have absolutely no problem understand where to put my hands, fingers etc, and what to expect from the picture display. I kept getting fuzzy, blurry images from the camera. Each shot I took was not focusing on the point I wanted (I still don't know how to get the camera to anchor point the spot I want to focus on...I haven't read the the manual...it's in Japanese.....and yes, I know I can download the English one.)

Anyways, I was kind of disappointed it wasn't that easy to go from one to another and have the same expectations. I always though Nikon and Canon were in the same playing field when it came to doing little snap shots. Guess I have to lug around 2 cameras just in case.

Tez

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

10/07/2009 12:26:32 PM · #2

maybe you should have spent more time getting to know your camera before doing a shoot? I'm not too sure what your point is, apart from the point out that different companies have different control methods for their respective products. I've used Canon for 5 years now and know where everything is without looking because I'm so familiar with the layout (like you are with your D700).

I don't really know what to tell you apart from to use common sense and download the manual and read it. Or use the 'pocket guide' thing all Canon's come with, stick it in your pocket and go out for a walkaround shoot for a couple of hours.

AJSullivan

10/07/2009 12:32:58 PM · #3

Its easy on the canon cameras to move your focus point around unintentionally...make sure they are "locked" (I think its a switch on the back that says just that)

taterbug

Nikon D300

10/07/2009 12:43:52 PM · #4

How did you learn to shoot your 700 so comfortably?
Do that with the 7D. :-)

NikonJeb

Nikon D850

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR

10/07/2009 01:02:38 PM · #5

Originally posted by heavyj:

Anyways, I was kind of disappointed it wasn't that easy to go from one to another and have the same expectations.

Having expectations was your first mistake. Why *would* you expect them to be the same?

Originally posted by heavyj:

I always though Nikon and Canon were in the same playing field when it came to doing little snap shots. Guess I have to lug around 2 cameras just in case.

They are in the same playing field.......but two *different* teams, remember?......8>)

Message edited by author 2009-10-07 13:02:54.

zxaar

10/07/2009 01:23:15 PM · #6

if there is a m-mode and if there is manual focus, then i think for a photog, there should be no problem in using any camera.
just an opinion.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

10/07/2009 01:33:17 PM · #7

There was no need for photography this day (It was unexpected). As far as the video and focusing manually with that, not a problem at all. That's what I bought it for.

As for the way it works for stills, I thought that it would be just as comfortable, perhaps, as the D700. I learned getting used to the D700 by have a D80 and D200 before that. I only got the 7D a few days ago and have only played with video, not stills. There is a typhoon today in Japan and that means I'm inside all day. I will be setting up lights to do a studio shoot with a friend and break out the 7D for some stills 'training'. However, I think it'll end up on my video rig to do some video stuff after a while.

I had made a post early this week about the quality difference in the 50mm 1.8 lenses (Nikkor and Canon) and how surprised I was at the build quality of the Nikkor compared to the Canon. I expect my 11-16mm Tokina, 30mm Sigma and 17-55mm Canon next week so I hope they help with more stills. I still have plenty of Nikon gear to do my photos with though.

Tez

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

10/07/2009 02:42:10 PM · #8

why didn't you just buy a camcorder if you only wanted something for video?

I find your reasoning quite bizarre. The canon system is a piece of piss to use and if you don't get it, that's what the manual is for... just what are you complaining about?

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

10/07/2009 02:43:55 PM · #9

Originally posted by heavyj:

Nikon controls are backwards compared to Canon and the menu setup is different. ;oP

As far as changing the focus point goes - press the star button on the back (upper right if same as 40D) then use the main wheel to change the focus point. For quicker changes, set the custom function related to this so that the joystick can be used to change it. Then you can immediately set the focus point by pressing the appropriate point on the joystick.

glad2badad

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic

10/07/2009 02:50:01 PM · #10

Originally posted by Tez:

why didn't you just buy a camcorder if you only wanted something for video?

DSLR's with video are substantially different in capability than a standard 'camcorder' allowing much more creativity. Using a 50/1.4 for example versus a camcorders fixed deep DOF.

You should read up on it. There's been substantial 'talk' about it for quite a while now in various publications and forums. :-)

10/07/2009 02:50:46 PM · #11

Originally posted by Tez:

The Canon 5Dmarkii, the Canon body you have

Tez, is absolutely superb when it comes to video. Camcorders, both consumer and pro level don't allow for interchangeable lenses and have a very limited amount of DOF control. You can't get that wonderful bokeh with your regular camcorder (I owned the Canon XH-A1 with a Brevis 35mm adapter and still do own a Canon HV20). If you are unsure about what possibilities lie ahead for you with your 5Dii the click HERE for an all MKii wedding short and here is one done by the same company with a 7D

Once you see the potential for video the reasoning no longer becomes bizarre.

Tez

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

10/07/2009 05:51:18 PM · #12

Firstly, I haven't known any videographers pick up a canon 7d/5dII because it shoots video.

Secondly, I'm well aware of the capabilities of the video, but Nikon make bodies with the video function also.

Thirdly, read the manual if you're still having problems. Yet again, a thread has gone off track. Does this mean you've figured out how to operate the camera?

glad2badad

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic

10/07/2009 08:03:22 PM · #13

Originally posted by Tez:

Firstly, I haven't known any videographers pick up a canon 7d/5dII because it shoots video.

Just a couple from a quick search...many more out there.

Filmmakers disclose how they are shooting movies with still cameras.

Fort Worth director making film using digital SLR camera.