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Author Topic: Canon or Nikon?  (Read 13270 times)

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« on: January 01, 2009, 13:40 »
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Hi!

I have a couple of questions which by many will probably be considered as stupid... I apologize for this but I have to ask...

I am a hobby photographer, I travel a lot and take travel pictures everywhere I go. The problem is that I sold my Nikon d70 camera and I am looking for a new one. Well, the problem actually is that I can't decide what to buy now...!

I've also become more and more interested about portrait and studio photography. So my questions are:

- What do you consider being a good camera for travel (landscape, architecture, etc) and studio shots?
- What lenses do you recommend?
- Unfortunately, my budget is limited to 1300 (1800USD). I've spent hours and hours last days trying to figure out if Nikon D90 offer a better value than Canon Eos 40D...

All you ideas, suggestions, tips, everything, are highly appreciated!!

Thank you!

 


« Reply #1 on: January 01, 2009, 16:30 »
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Canon rules!  ;D


PaulieWalnuts

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« Reply #2 on: January 01, 2009, 16:45 »
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I'd suggest trying both brands to see what you like. I'd say which is better is really down to personal preference. Neither is just "better".

I started out with Canon film and switched to Nikon digitial a few years ago. I've been shopping for a Canon DSLR (30D probably) to do some testing just to make sure I'm investing in the right platform.

Why'd you dump the D70?

« Reply #3 on: January 01, 2009, 17:12 »
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Thanx for your answer PaulieWalnuts,

Well, the D70 was a good camera, but one of my friends was interested of it and I was looking for something "better"...
The truth is that I don't belong to those who fall in love with a camera model, I am just interested about the results! Unfortunately I don't have the posibility to try both cameras, that would have been great!



michealo

« Reply #4 on: January 01, 2009, 17:20 »
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Camera bodies are less important than lenses ...

And lenses are less important than the person standing behind them ...

« Reply #5 on: January 01, 2009, 17:47 »
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Taking everything into account, I would suggest that you read a few reviews and while doing that, keeping in mind that the EOS 40D was put to market about two years ago, and the D90, only a few month ago. The D90 consist of the latest technology, where many elements are taken from the D300 / D3. D300 & especially D3 has been highly reccomended for thair outstanding technology.

I have absolutely no experiences with the D90 and I have absolutely nothing bad to say about Canon, (I use the D3) but given the current aggressive development and marketing from Nikon, I would maybe think twice before switching away from Nikon right now. It seems that many professionals currently are switching from Canon to Nikon.

Up untill the launch of the latest models from Nikon, starting with D3/D300 and then D700/ D90, there's no doubt that Canon had some advantages, but now... Right now, I would for sure stay with Nikon.

That's my honest opinnion, and I'm sure that many of the Canon guys and girls will disagree, but that's life.. 

You should make your own choice after the review reading. I'm sorry to say so, but you'll never find anything but opposite directed reccomendation's, when asking this question in forums such as this  ;D   (sorry for the language as I'm not a native english speaker)

/Flemming   

« Reply #6 on: January 01, 2009, 18:18 »
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I would say that you will get no good reason to choose Canon over Nikon or Nikon over Canon: both brands are a good and safe choice and whatever you choose you will have everything you need to do excellent photos.

I've always been a Canon guy but I cannot give you any good reason for that choice... may be I prefer the look of Canon bodies? But this is not a good reason :)

This is thus a strange situation where you have to choose with no good arguments to help you... but whatever you choose, you win  ;D


« Reply #7 on: January 01, 2009, 18:35 »
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I second what Michealo said, lens is more than important than the camera body, and the person behind the camera is more important than the camera. As long as your camera has basic to intermediate functions, you won't go wrong whether it is a Nikon or Canon (the debate never ends).

As for a walk around lens. I recently added the Tamron 18-250 Di-II on my Canon 10D. I was hesitant to get a non-Canon lens at first and have always found the 70-200 f/4L (which I owned once) not wide enough and the white body very intrusive. The reviews on the Tamron were very good all around (even by the pros) .I decided I shall get a less conspicuous lens this time around. I have been very pleased with the results.

jc

« Reply #8 on: January 01, 2009, 18:47 »
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Agree...

The discussion never ends......

One practical detail..  Whgen choosing a zoom lens, have in mind that if you plan to use it in a studio, you might wan't one with a fixed f:stop value in all of the zom area. Othervise you'll have to adjust the exposure whenever using the zoom functionality...

When using stuidioflashes, you're running on manual. There's no automatic obtions awailable... 

« Reply #9 on: January 01, 2009, 19:14 »
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Canon and Nikon are both good, but if you are used to a D70, you may find yourself "at home" more easily with a D90. And it can't be repeated too often: lenses are much more important than cameras. As a good, reasonably priced standard zoom, I can recommend the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8. Great lens, and it's available in any mount.

lisafx

« Reply #10 on: January 01, 2009, 23:26 »
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I'm a Canon shooter and always have been since going digital in 2001. 

That said, if I was just starting I would seriously consider going with Nikon.

Having owned 6 Canon DSLR models, I have had to exchange half of them because of quality control issues. (went through 4 10D's before getting a good one)  Canon rarely puts out a camera that is perfect in its first production run, IMHO.  Buyers always get to test them and discover the bugs.  I think that is completely wrong when you are talking about cameras ranging from $1500 - $3500 new. 

I also have not been happy with the introduction of the 5D II - the way they announced it in Sept. and many folks (including me) still didn't have them by Christmas.  Not the way to treat loyal customers.

And lastly, I think Nikon's flash exposure accuracy and speedlights far surpass Canon's. 

Sounds like I am trashing Canon, I know.  I will say that my 5D I takes the most beautiful images I have ever seen out of any camera, so that is a plus.  And it was the only one of the DSLR's I have owned that was perfect right out of the box.   Another plus is the ergonomics of the canons.  I find the layout very intuitive, and the Nikons a bit confusing. 

Haven't had enough time yet with the 5D II to render an opinion, but off the top of my head I am not delighted with the preset white balances - incandescent and auto tend to run a bit to yellow/green. 

That's minor, so I am not jumping ship or anything.  But like I said, if I was just starting I might go with Nikon instead. 

« Reply #11 on: January 02, 2009, 00:14 »
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I would go with what your friends have, if you do not see obvious advantages with either brandt. I occassionally borrow lenses from my friend. Also consider how lenses are priced. It seems that Nikon lenses are more expensive here in Germany than Canon lenses.
Personally I have been very happy with canon and I think the canon bodies and lenses look better ;)

RacePhoto

« Reply #12 on: January 02, 2009, 12:27 »
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YES! Canon or Nikon.

Some people may disagree and name some other brands as well.

Doesn't matter that I shoot Canon, as I have some close friends that use Nikon. We are all very happy.

It's an individual choice, sometimes based on nothing but name and perceived image of a brand. Both Canon and Nikon make comparable cameras and lenses. In the end everyone has to decide for themselves if they are the one buying the equipment.

« Reply #13 on: January 02, 2009, 12:47 »
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I agree with Freezing, those grey Canon lenses are sexy.  ;)  The other point about sharing with a friend is a very valid one.   My friend went shopping with a Canon guy so she bought a Canon.  She is often with me and has no lenses or flashes.  I have a few lenses on my shelf she could have had.

Yes, Lisa - the creative lighting system that Nikon offers is amazing.    Get a speedlight or two and you have a portible studio.  (Note... the SB-600's are great and cheap but if you grow into using PocketWizards it has no synch.  They cost more but I'd say go SB-800 while they are still available or the new SB-900.)  

Whatever your brand though, make good lens choices.  If you get the best lens you can afford you may use it for a decade or perhaps a lifetime.   I've said it on another post recently, I would urge you to look for full-frame lenses even if your new camera has a digital crop sensor.   Most of my lenses are fine, but my everyday lens is DX and I will have to replace it as well when I get my next body.     The fact that I will have to replace a $1500 lens when I buy a full frame sensor makes a new camera purchase extra painful.  

« Reply #14 on: January 02, 2009, 13:05 »
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Olympus :x

lagereek

« Reply #15 on: January 02, 2009, 13:15 »
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Volvo or Saab??  same quality, same crap. If you know what I mean.

« Reply #16 on: January 03, 2009, 01:21 »
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I believe it's a matter of being used to one brand. I got D80 simply because I used F70 (or N70 in USA) before. If you are familiar with D70, you would probably have a less of a learning curve with a D90. D90 is also a very new model, together with a flash SB-900.


« Reply #17 on: January 03, 2009, 10:44 »
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Canon - no high quality zoom lens under $1000, Nikon no metal sealed body under D300. Olympus no camera over 12Mpix, on the other hand best zoom lenses ever made, Pentax with uncertain future, Sony with some quality issues...  Depends what you need. Best outdoor camera is definitely Olympus E-3 with no competitor, best studio is disputable but probably any pro Canons or Nikons with fixed focal lenses.

Truly there is very little (if any) difference between all modern "semi-pro" dslr models up to iso 800, which is too much for any stock agency anyway. Go to the shop, try all options and choose at least average quality lens. Its more about how the camera fits your needs and lenses available then the brand.

OM

« Reply #18 on: January 03, 2009, 12:25 »
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You could always get a D80 for <$500 and spend the rest on good lenses.
I've used a D80 for two years for both studio work and weddings. Don't exceed 800 ISO and there's no problem. At 100 ISO for stock, I doubt you will see a huge difference in the output between the D80 and the D90.
Or get a used Canon 5D Mk I from a careful amateur......couple of prime lenses and the quality will beat most of the other stuff out there!

hali

« Reply #19 on: January 03, 2009, 20:38 »
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Volvo or Saab??  same quality, same crap. If you know what I mean.


So what do you drive lagereek? a lamborghini... like this one?

in other words,

 ;)
« Last Edit: January 03, 2009, 20:42 by hali »

RC

« Reply #20 on: January 04, 2009, 23:44 »
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I agree. For the most part it is the one behind the camera. It really comes down to personal choice. How the camera feels in your hands, how the features feel and what you want ina camera.

lagereek

« Reply #21 on: January 07, 2009, 03:27 »
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Volvo or Saab??  same quality, same crap. If you know what I mean.


So what do you drive lagereek? a lamborghini... like this one?

in other words,

 ;)



Blimey!!  a police-car as a Lamborghini!  not bad at all.

Yes I use the new H3 with a 50 back but only for studio and commissioned work, not for stock.
For stock I use Nikons, the D3 and D700.
Ive been a Nikon man since the early Nikon F2, thats about 25 years. *!! Im getting on here.
« Last Edit: January 07, 2009, 03:33 by lagereek »

« Reply #22 on: January 07, 2009, 05:38 »
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Thank You so much everyone for your answers!

« Reply #23 on: January 11, 2009, 17:44 »
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I am a nikon person. I just ordere my first DSLR which was a Nikon D40. So far i am impressed to say the least. It is very easy to use and takes great high quaility pics.

Nikon all the way!

jsnover

« Reply #24 on: January 11, 2009, 23:14 »
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The first pictures I took were with a borrowed AE-1 program, so that's probably why that was the first camera I bought for myself. I've had a succession of Canon cameras since, but I think either Canon or Nikon would be a fine choice. As others have said, it's about the lenses. Once you commit to that investment, you'll probably continue with the cameras that use that lens mount.

« Reply #25 on: January 12, 2009, 00:40 »
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These are USD at Adorama. Sure you can do similar closer to home. This would be my pick for your budget, and help with portraits and landscapes.

Canon 50D body $1069
Canon 50mm f1.8 $85
Canon 28-135mm IS $ $299 (refurb)
Sigma 10-20mm EX DC $420

50D has enough pixels to allow you to submit to Alamy without too much upsizing. The 50mm f1.8 is still my fave lens I use all the time on the 5D. And the Sigma 10-20mm is a fantastic landscape lens.

Then just buy a Phoenix or similar flash unit and you are a strobist.

« Reply #26 on: January 12, 2009, 09:06 »
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I would say that you will get no good reason to choose Canon over Nikon or Nikon over Canon: both brands are a good and safe choice and whatever you choose you will have everything you need to do excellent photos.
...
This is thus a strange situation where you have to choose with no good arguments to help you... but whatever you choose, you win  ;D

+1 - This is exactly my thought on the matter.  As a full time photo pro who gets to shoot Canon regularly and Nikon irregularly, I can say the differences have only ever come in how well I know how to use a particular camera.  So get one,  learn it,  learn it some more, and then learn it a bit better.  That's the best camera - the one you know.


« Reply #27 on: January 12, 2009, 11:02 »
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The Q is so old... And there is no single answer, like you can see from the previous responses.

I own 40D that you consider, upgraded from 20D. 40D is a great camera and you will enjoy it. It sells now on discount because of newer 50D which comes with more MP and better high-ISO control.

In fact, it all depends what is important to you and what you are looking for. Is it the budget? The overall weight of camera and accessories? The best image quality? High sensor sensitivity / high ISO low light shooting? Ability to take a good shot in all-weather conditions? Ability to shot high speed sport? You can continue this list of questions with a few tens like these. Only answering them one by one you will configure out what camera and lenses fit your needs.

For instance, if you say: weight & budget are important, but I can compromise on image quality and I do not care that I will be unable to take some shots,  I would say - go to APS-C sized camera and get 18-200 Canon or Nikon budget zoom.
Since you will own just 1 lenses and just 1 body it does not matter if it is Canon or Nikon - get the cheapest set you can have or get the brand you are regular to and sell it later on.

Working with your gear, you will learn the capabilities and the restrictions of your camera and lenses and you will get a better knowledge of what do you need for your next purchase.

hali

« Reply #28 on: January 12, 2009, 11:20 »
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+1 - This is exactly my thought on the matter.  As a full time photo pro who gets to shoot Canon regularly and Nikon irregularly, I can say the differences have only ever come in how well I know how to use a particular camera.  So get one,  learn it,  learn it some more, and then learn it a bit better.  That's the best camera - the one you know.

Good point. Know thy tool. It's what makes an artist, not the brand. Well said mantonino.

« Reply #29 on: January 16, 2009, 18:39 »
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I would say that you will get no good reason to choose Canon over Nikon or Nikon over Canon: both brands are a good and safe choice and whatever you choose you will have everything you need to do excellent photos.
...
This is thus a strange situation where you have to choose with no good arguments to help you... but whatever you choose, you win  ;D

+1 - This is exactly my thought on the matter.  As a full time photo pro who gets to shoot Canon regularly and Nikon irregularly, I can say the differences have only ever come in how well I know how to use a particular camera.  So get one,  learn it,  learn it some more, and then learn it a bit better.  That's the best camera - the one you know.

Exactly, listen to this guy, he knows what he is talking about.

shank_ali

« Reply #30 on: January 17, 2009, 01:14 »
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why buy a nikon and a noise reduction programme when you can buy a canon and shoot with no noise ??

« Reply #31 on: February 10, 2009, 15:58 »
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I started out on Olympus and am now a Canon enthusiast.

I recently (six months ago) bought a 5d kit with the 24-105mm IS USM and after spending months researching I felt it was the best camera for the price and I am very happy with it.

Honestly though, you will be just fine with Canon or Nikon. Just pick a brand and stick with it.

After all its the photographer not the camera  ;)

« Reply #32 on: February 10, 2009, 18:35 »
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Ah the age old Canon vs Nikon debate continues here.

I started with a 35mm Nikon...got more lenses, upgraded my bodies, and bought and sold more lenses. As a beginner, I had no real reason to go with nikon instead of canon, I just got a camera I liked. I have stuck with it basically because of how much money I have put into lenses and such for Nikon products. I guess it sucked me in.

Honestly, personally, I like Nikon better than Canon. Some people complain if a camera is too heavy - and from my experience Nikon is usually heavier. But imho, I think that feels much more sturdy and better for me. I like where the controls are on Nikons as compared to Canon. I guess I like my cameras for stupid reasons.

But when you look at it, both brands are the top of the line. They both make great cameras that produce about the same quality results. I have heard that Nikon has more noise problems at high isos than Canon, but I dont really see a huge difference honestly. I'd suggest you read up on each camera from each brand to find what suits your needs. Someone above me said that lenses are more important than bodies and that is absolutely true. So make sure you get good glass and with either brand you will likely be happy. Also another tip is to go to the store and feel out the cameras. If you dont like the controls, you probably wont like the camera. Even if you intend to buy online or through a catalog, still go to the store and mess around with your camera candidates.

Lastly, try not to get caught up in the whole Canon vs. Nikon debate. There is no final answer to which is better. :) Good luck!

PaulieWalnuts

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« Reply #33 on: February 11, 2009, 00:10 »
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why buy a nikon and a noise reduction programme when you can buy a canon and shoot with no noise ??
Ahhh, Shank, you must be answering a question from 2002. It's 2009 and Nikon clearly has caught up, or possibly even surpassed, Canon. Why do you stir the pot?

cmcderm1

  • Chad McDermott - Elite Image Photography
« Reply #34 on: February 11, 2009, 01:27 »
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Go CANON baby!!!!!!!   ;D

« Reply #35 on: February 11, 2009, 05:24 »
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It all depends on the glass you might have already. It has been stressed often here and elsewhere, glass outlasts cam bodies and take up most of the costs.

« Reply #36 on: March 26, 2009, 18:00 »
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I start to photography with Nikon. and im very satisfied ...
For me ist Nikon the best  :)


PaulieWalnuts

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« Reply #37 on: March 26, 2009, 18:17 »
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Canon? What's that...  :)

« Reply #38 on: March 26, 2009, 18:44 »
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Canon? What's that...  :)

My next camera.

RaFaLe

  • Success level is directly proportional to effort
« Reply #39 on: March 31, 2009, 03:14 »
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Canon? What's that...  :)

I think it's a device that propels heavy balls.
It's actually quite funny - I "shoot" with a Canon!  :D


 

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