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Nikon vs Canon
Josh Holmberg, Photographer
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Las Vegas | NV | USA | Posted: 3:38 PM on 04.05.11 |
->> I'm considering switching from Canon to Nikon, just as most other pros have done recently but I'm still weighing my options
I'm a career Canon shooter but I have been growing more and more frustrated with Canon's shutter durability and lack of new innovative features/technology esp. in the speedlight dept.
I have used some Nikon primes and other lenses and I think they produce sharper/crisper images than Canon lenses do.
I have not used either a MK4 or D3S yet, but have used a D3 and MKIII so I'd like to hear feedback from someone who has used both a MK4 and D3S and can give the pros and cons of each.
With Canon's new super pricey series II primes out and Nikon about to do the same, I need to decide quickly.
One of the most important features that I'm looking for is high ISO, high burst rate.
Thanks for the feedback |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 3:44 PM on 04.05.11 |
| ->> Definitely something that you should have posted through the equipment Q & A rather than rehash here. |
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Mark Smith, Photographer
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Elk City | OK | USA | Posted: 3:57 PM on 04.05.11 |
| ->> Oh boy. |
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Lee Weissman, Photographer
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XXXXX | NY | USA | Posted: 4:21 PM on 04.05.11 |
->> Josh...I am sure you are a nice enough guy, but here is some advice.....Go to the store and buy enough food for 10 days...Board up all of your windows and doors...Do not under any circumstance read this thread for those 10 days...During the 10 days reflect on what you have done...
After the 10 days emerge into the daylight, and scream at the top of your lungs to cleanse your soul. After doing all of this you may then continue with your existense. |
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Jason Joseph, Photographer
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Dublin | OH | USA | Posted: 4:30 PM on 04.05.11 |
| ->> Lee, great solution! But while at the store, should he buy Coke or Pepsi? |
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Phil Hawkins, Photographer
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Fresno | ca | usa | Posted: 5:39 PM on 04.05.11 |
| ->> It's admirable the amount of restraint being exhibited here... (Breathe deeply, count to ten...) |
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Mark Sutton, Photographer
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Herndon | VA | USA | Posted: 5:56 PM on 04.05.11 |
| ->> Where's Liddy when you need him? |
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David A. Cantor, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Josh Holmberg, Photographer
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Las Vegas | NV | USA | Posted: 6:23 PM on 04.05.11 |
->> I realize my mistake now.
I am a new member and I wasn't aware of any previous debates about Nikon/Canon and I did not realize I was setting off a powder-keg.
If I could take this thread down and re-post it in the equip. q&a I would do so.
Keep it civil everybody please. |
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Phil Hawkins, Photographer
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Fresno | ca | usa | Posted: 7:06 PM on 04.05.11 |
->> Don't worry about it Josh, there are some topics here that have been beat to death and some folks sense blood in the water when that happens. Your question is a valid one, but it's kind of like asking "How long is a piece of string?" You are correct that many consider Nikon lenses to be superior, but these things change all the time and the question turns into intellectual quicksand after a while. I can tell you that IN GENERAL my own personal experience has been that Nikon excels in low-light AF, but Canon's new series of lens updates have received great reviews. Liddy loves Canon, Joe McNally uses Nikon... you've gotta make this decision yourself... I know a lot of people who swear by the D3 or D3s, it's a tremendous camera, but I've also seen some of Liddy's work with his Canon MKIV and it's tremendous. It's all in the eye of the beholder, my friend...
But I can give you some advice being new here, is NEVER ask how to get NBA or NFL credentials... NEVER admit you shoot for free... to anyone for any reason (except non-profits) if you want to escape with your life.
Welcome to the board, Josh, just approach things here with a thick skin and you'll fit right in. |
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Scott Morgan, Photographer
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Rockford | IL | United States | Posted: 7:14 PM on 04.05.11 |
->> While we're at it, can we settle a few more?
Coke v Pepsi
Mac v PC
iPhone v Android
Ford v Chevy
Boxers v Briefs
Crunch Berries v Cocoa Puffs
Primes v Zooms
Film v Digital
35mm v Medium Format
Republican v Democrat
hang to the left v hang to the right
okay, may have gone too far |
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Sam Morris, Photographer
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Henderson (Las Vegas) | NV | USA | Posted: 7:19 PM on 04.05.11 |
->> Josh, I sponsor you and THIS is the first question you post? *palm slap to the forehead*
Kidding (joshing?).
Phil said it best when he typed "But I can give you some advice being new here, is NEVER ask how to get NBA or NFL credentials... NEVER admit you shoot for free... to anyone for any reason (except non-profits) if you want to escape with your life. "
And a thick skin is good, especially when asking for opinions. Some like Chuck Liddy will be brutally honest with his opinion (remember, it is just an opinion not a stated fact except in the mind of Chuck), others may be more constructive.
Glad my vouching for you didn't hurt you becoming a member. |
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Matthew Jonas, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Evergreen | CO | USA | Posted: 7:22 PM on 04.05.11 |
->> Scott, as a definitive expert in nothing I will try to answer your questions.
Pepsi, hands down.
Mac.
iPhone. (see previous answer).
The U.S. still makes cars?
Boxers in the summer, briefs in the winter.
Crunch Berries. Chocolate cereal just doesn't do it for me.
Primes until you can't walk. Zooms after.
Film until your nails turn black. Digital after.
Squares are easier to place in the page.
Oh, I'm not touching this one.
Depends on which side of the mountain I'm on.
There ya go. Enjoy. |
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Nic Coury, Photographer
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Monterey | CA | | Posted: 8:11 PM on 04.05.11 |
->> Just get a Leica and forget this conversation ever existed.
Or a Pentax K1000. |
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Jim Comeau, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 8:35 PM on 04.05.11 |
->> I've been a member since 2003. I've seen so many flip floppers: from Canon to Nikon and then back to Canon, and probably back to Nikon, then to 4/3, then to Holga, then back to Nikon, then Canon. Tides come and go.
Show me a Pulitzer winning photo and tell me how you know it was shot with a particular camera. I'll give you a dollar if you can tell me why the Monthly Clip Contest winner uses Canon or Nikon or whatever brand they use to win.
Use what works. Last I checked, both do. |
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Gregory Greene, Photographer
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Durham | NH | USA | Posted: 8:48 PM on 04.05.11 |
->> My advise would be to rent your favorite Nikon body and a
couple of nice lenses for a few days or a week and shoot
the heck out of it on a wide variety of subjects. That
experience will tell you more about the system then any
internet opinion or article ever will. Yes, it will cost
you a little bit but will also give you piece of mind on
the decision you are about to make in which you invest
thousands of dollars in.
Just remember that which ever side you choose will come
with its own quirks to deal with. |
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Brett Clark, Photographer
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Elizabeth City | NC | USA | Posted: 9:34 PM on 04.05.11 |
->> Why would you want to switch? Nikon has no full frame body. You guys have two. Compared to you guys, our colors look desaturated, have terrible contrast and I cant tell if anything's in focus unless it's shot with studio lights. We can only push our ISO up past 800 if it's a sunny day. Also the only decent lens we have that has a silent wave motor is the 17-35, our 80-200 doesn't even have one.
Oh, wait, sorry, I was having a nightmare that it was 2005 and wishing I was a Canon shooter. Funny to see how much happier of a Nikon shooter I am these days. |
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Michael Fischer, Photographer
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Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 10:40 PM on 04.05.11 |
->> Josh, they are nothing but electronic paint brushes. Having said that,I refer back to the advice I gave camera buyers back in my day behind a camera store counter: Buy what "feels" the best, what is most intuitive and instinctive.
I owned/used both brands, starting with the Nikon F and the Canon F1( a highly underrated camera imho). It's been Nikon most of the time, but I like the fit of the D series. Doesn't mean it's right for you. Jim's advice, along with Greg's suggestion to rent for a few days - they are both spot on.
DON'T be sucked in by the advertising or what so and so uses. This is too important a decision to make based on some marketing spin ( I'm also a marketer.. so I can say that :) )
Use what allows you to work without thinking about the camera.Use what allows you to fufill your photographic vision. Use what simply becomes an extension of your imagination and experience. There is no "best" - there is only what works best for you.
Good luck.
Michael |
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Bradly J. Boner, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Jackson | WY | USA | Posted: 11:08 PM on 04.05.11 |
| ->> They are the essentially the same. If you already have a bunch of Canon crap, just stick with it. If you had a bag full of Nikon crap I'd say stick with that. |
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Louis Lopez, Photographer
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Fontana | CA | USA | Posted: 4:28 AM on 04.06.11 |
->> Been using Nikon since my first camera in high school, so I have no opinion on the Canon gear. I can only go off the reviews from those that I feel are giving an honest review.(everyone will have their own opinion on who that may be.)
My Nikon gear has never failed me or left me without the ability of paying the mortgage or feeding my family ever... So Nikon works for me.(But I'm a faithful kinda guy.) |
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Darrell Miho, Photographer
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Los Angeles : SFO : HNL | CA | usa | Posted: 5:17 AM on 04.06.11 |
| ->> ditto what Mr. Greene said. go rent a body and a lens (es) and do your own tests. or borrow gear from a Nikon shooter and pick their brain. ultimately, you are the one shooting with the gear and only you will know which is best for you. |
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Robert Smith, Photographer
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Brandon | MS | USA | Posted: 8:45 AM on 04.06.11 |
->> "My advice to you is to start drinking heavily"-Animal House
;) |
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Michael Granse, Photographer
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Urbana | IL | USA | Posted: 9:18 AM on 04.06.11 |
| ->> LESS FILLING!!!! |
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Robert Beck, Photographer
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Carlsbad | CA | USA | Posted: 9:54 AM on 04.06.11 |
->> Nikon lenses have always produced better results...Sharper, crisper, better contrast and color. I've had editors who can even tell the difference. Nikon's files at higher ISO's are unbeatable. Perfect for all of the indoor events and night games I shoot. Flash? That's a no brainer. Nikon is superb. I'm not overly techie and they work for me every time no matter how I try to screw it up.
Burst rates I can't help you with. I shoot raw and jpg so I'm a little slower than the guy who shoots jpg only. My buffers are extended on my D3 bodies (Nikon can do that for you) and I've never had them put the brakes on during a shoot.
I've used both brands. I'm shooting Nikon. |
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James Clark, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Melbourne | FL | USA | Posted: 10:41 AM on 04.06.11 |
| ->> Is it April 1st again? |
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Chris Large, Photographer
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Okotoks | AB | Canada | Posted: 12:26 PM on 04.06.11 |
| ->> Robert.....read the whole post before you start writing |
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David Seelig, Photographer
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Hailey | ID | USA | Posted: 12:59 PM on 04.06.11 |
| ->> Well one of the people I work for tells me she prefers mk1v files to d3 files. Burst rate canon is faster and nikon better high iso . Nikon better wides canon better telephoto. That is the legend at any rate. When you are shooting at 1/60 of a second and life is blurry and you are at iso 64000 what you get will vary because of focus lack of depth of field. use them both at your most extreme situation and decide. |
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Phil Hawkins, Photographer
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Fresno | ca | usa | Posted: 4:30 PM on 04.06.11 |
| ->> Another thought occurs to me; in my experience, Nikon menus are incredibly confusing and completely non-intuitive. My students come and ask how to change certain settings and we have to dig out the manual just to figure out which menu it's in, and how many levels deep the function control goes. This is one area where Canon has Nikon beat. In the ten years I've been shooting Canon DSLRs, I've never had to consult a manual to find Canon functions, even in custom. |
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Brian Hollingsworth, Photographer
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Austin | TX | USA | Posted: 6:02 PM on 04.06.11 |
->> I shoot Nikon for work because that's what my employer provides, but I shoot Canon for personal/freelance work because that's where I invested my money years ago.
On days when I shoot both my brain hurts.
Seriously though, the only quality differences I find come from my end of things...not the camera. They're equal in my opinion. |
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N. Scott Trimble, Photographer
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Lake Oswego | OR | USA | Posted: 6:25 PM on 04.06.11 |
->> Matthew,
Do you prefer your Crunch Berries in Boxers or Briefs?
Josh, be wary of the term "most pros" in regards to switches. I can assure you most pros have not, but some have, and to a lesser degree more defected to Canon in the early 2000s |
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Mark Loundy, Photo Editor
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San Jose | CA | USA | Posted: 6:29 PM on 04.06.11 |
->> Wow, nice work folks. when I saw the title of this thread, I expected to find a bloodbath. Either that or discover that "Josh" is really Grover trying to drive page views.
--Mark |
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Matthew Jonas, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Evergreen | CO | USA | Posted: 7:27 PM on 04.06.11 |
->> N. Scott Trimble,
Crunch Berries in Boxers. It's the best way to start the morning before a busy day of loading film, shooting and switching between 6x6 backs. Gotta keep up your strength. |
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Eric Patterson, Photographer
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Louisville | KY | United States | Posted: 7:56 PM on 04.06.11 |
->> Agree w/ Mark,
This thread is "the train wreck that never was".
Nice work, photo community. |
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Scott Holstein, Photographer
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Tallahassee | FL | USA | Posted: 8:14 PM on 04.06.11 |
| ->> I'm conducting a poll on my Facebook page: http://bit.ly/fZ8e3w |
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Yamil Sued, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Peoria | AZ | USA | Posted: 8:34 PM on 04.06.11 |
->> I have shot both too, from the Canon F-1 and the Nikon F.
Now, I shoot Nikon.
I must agree with the suggestions stated above, Rent before you commit to buying. Test, Test, Test and then, Test again...
I wish you luck in making your decision, I would be more than happy to help you directly with my past experiences with both systems in the past 30+ years.
Y |
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Thomas Boyd, Photographer
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Portland | OR | USA | Posted: 12:16 AM on 04.07.11 |
->> I found the link to digitalpicture to be kind of interesting.
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens...
The tests on the 300/2.8 between Nikon and Canon, the Canon is far superior. I'm actually shocked how bad the Nikon tested. I would have guessed them to have very similar excellent performance.
Canon beats Nikon in the 50/1.4 (and 1.8) as well. Not even close.
Nikon 35/1.4 looks slightly worse than the Canon 35/1.4. Both are quite good.
The Canon 14/2.8 is far far sharper than the Nikon 14/2.8, especially in the corners, even at f/5.6.
The 500 and 600/4's test so close it's hard to tell any difference. Both are exceptional.
The Nikon 35/2 is WAY sharper in the corners and not as sharp in the center as the Canon 35/2. That surprises me. I've owned both those lenses and I wouldn't have guessed that.
The Nikon 24-70/2.8 is sharper and has less chromatic aberation at the edges than the Canon 24-70/2.8. The centers are comparable.
Most surprising to me is that Canon 70-200/2.8 tests much better, especially at the corners than the Nikon. I would not have thought that would be case. I've owned both those lenses and I would have bet good money Nikon was sharper.
I think it may not be accurate to say Nikon is has sharper crisper lenses than Canon. It would be more accurate to say, some Canon lenses out perform Nikon and some Nikon lenses out perform Canon based on tests conducted at digitalpicture.com.
Unless you use only one lens, basing your purchasing decision on overall perceived lens quality, would be a mistake.
If you plan on owning half dozen lenses and several bodies, I would base my purchasing decision on the ergonomics, features and opinion of image quality.
That's a pretty cool site. I just spent way too much time geeking out. |
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Chris Peterson, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbia Falls | MT | USA | Posted: 12:22 AM on 04.07.11 |
| ->> Jump off the train wreck. Try a Leica M9 and a fistful of Leica glass. You'll never debate the merits of Nikon or Canon ever again. |
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Chris Large, Photographer
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Okotoks | AB | Canada | Posted: 2:11 AM on 04.07.11 |
->> Did anybody bother to read the 2nd post on this incredibly over abused topic.
Nuff said |
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Louis Lopez, Photographer
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Fontana | CA | USA | Posted: 2:54 AM on 04.07.11 |
->> Chris Large,
Obviously there were some that wished to discuss and give their opinions to Josh, so regardless if there is a better place for it, it was discussed here and quite well by all. |
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Chris Large, Photographer
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Okotoks | AB | Canada | Posted: 3:10 AM on 04.07.11 |
| ->> OMG...I finally got an inappropriate...Hey Liddy....how many more do I need to catch up to you....you are my hero |
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Rodrigo Pena, Photographer
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Beaumont | CA | USA | Posted: 3:18 AM on 04.07.11 |
->> Hey Josh, if you are a career Canon Shooter, be prepared to spend a few weeks getting adjusted to the way Nikon does things. If that does not bother you at all, I think you'll be happy with Nikon. I was a Nikon shooter for over 20 years until Canon left Nikon in the dust with their higher ISO capabilities back in circa 2005/2006. It took me about 3 weeks to get adjusted to the way Canon does things. I was very happy with the way the Canon worked. Keep in mind I went from a Nikon D2H to a Canon Mark IIN. Huge difference!
This year I made the switch back to Nikon for several reasons that fit my life. First, I am a freelancer now and had to start from scratch. I had first-hand experience with the Canon Mark III focus issues and I was very disappointed. I read the reviews on the Mark IV and I saw that the camera was an improvement over the MKIII, but there were still focus issues. I got a chance to use a MKIV during an awards banquet and the camera performed flawlessly. I was really impressed by the quality, but shooting sports is another thing all together. I wish I had gotten a chance to shoot some sports with the MKIV. Since night sports or dark gym sports is a great deal of my freelance assignments these days, I love the Nikon D3 it performs very well and I am less frustrated compared to when I was a Canon shooter. With Nikon, you are still going to miss a shot here and there, but it seems like the frustration is less. See this thread about Canon frustration:
http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=37175
I am very happy with the results of the D3. I was going to invest in a D3s this year, but I heard the Nikon D4 was coming out soon and I am patiently waiting to see the reviews on the D4.
Rumor has it that Obama is giving a 100% tax deduction on new purchases in 2011, so this is the year to take full advantage of that tax break.
I hope this helps. |
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Mark Sutton, Photographer
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Herndon | VA | USA | Posted: 7:50 AM on 04.07.11 |
| ->> Amazing this thread has reached 42 posts and Liddy hasn’t chimed in not once. WTH? |
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Lee Weissman, Photographer
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XXXXX | NY | USA | Posted: 9:51 AM on 04.07.11 |
->> "Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue."
(You can never have enough obscure Airplane quotes in a Nikon vs Canon thread.) |
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Jon Wright, Photographer
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Wayzata | MN | USA | Posted: 10:27 AM on 04.07.11 |
| ->> Wallmart or target? |
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Matthew Jonas, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Evergreen | CO | USA | Posted: 10:38 AM on 04.07.11 |
->> Jon, I chime in here. Walmart is better for people watching but If I need a pallet of pickles, Target has better selection. Kosher Dill or Bread and Butter!!!!
The real question is who's lens mug holds more coffee? |
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Jack McCoy, Photographer
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Baldwin | NY | USA | Posted: 11:17 AM on 04.07.11 |
| ->> What was the question again? |
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Kent Nishimura, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Honolulu | HI | USA | Posted: 4:42 PM on 04.07.11 |
| ->> Paper or Pastic? |
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Chris Proctor, Photographer
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Crete | IL | USA | Posted: 5:11 PM on 04.07.11 |
| ->> I'm post #49, almost over.... |
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Jim Colburn, Photo Editor, Photographer
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McAllen | TX | USA | Posted: 5:30 PM on 04.07.11 |
| ->> Canon is better |
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