Wednesday

Canon vs. Nikon, Nikon vs. Canon

Looking for the right SLR for you and don't know which brand to get?

I'm here to tell you that there isn't a right or wrong answer.  Many people have different reasons for getting what they get but it all boils down to a predisposition that that person had.  I went with Canon because my late dad had Canon's which his dad a pro photog had Canon's.  Did I make the right choice?  Absolutely because I know I would not be happy with Nikon based on my family history.  I know, I know, it sounds ridiculous but c'mon!  Have you ever tried to get a Mac user to switch to a PC?  It's a personal choice that no one can make for you.  In the US Canon is the leading brand but Nikon is leading world wide.  Now there are people who are self righteous enough to believe that theirs is the better brand but all I say is that it's a better brand for them.  It would be wonderful to know what are the actual pros and cons of both brands, and there are test studies done out there, but what I've noticed is that every result ends differently.  I've heard Nikon's bodies are better for low light but then I've heard Canon's lenses can't be beat for low light.  Then in the next study it's vice versa.  Seriously people can debate all they want but the best camera is the one that feels right in your hands.  I know this post isn't helping you choose but I hope it helps you understand that both are amazing brands with amazing products and we should be open minded when discussing our tools for our trade.  I would love to play with Nikon's but all I can do right now is play because could you imagine the costs if you wanted to have both?  My best advice is to go to the store and hold each one.  Play with it and check out the prices, not just for the body but the lenses you will be eventually wanting too.  Find which one is most compatible with you as a person and you financially.  At WPPI all the speakers and BIG time photographers had to plug in which they shot with and it switched back and forth with each one.  When I found my photography hero shot with a Nikon I had a little buyers remorse.  True story.  Then I realized it still didn't matter if I shot with a Nikon because I am not at her level...yet! ;)  So instead of worrying about our brands we should be worrying about our skill because both Nikon and Canon are amazing enough to take us where we want to go... *cough, cough, Canon!*

Just kidding, just kidding!

Here's a little piece of cake offering.


14 comments:

  1. I've spent hours reading reviews hoping to make the most informed choice for my next upgrade...I currently shoot with pentax. But I've learned that you're right...it varies from magazine to article to personal plug. I've decided on a Nikon {sorry!} based on reviews of the specific one I'm wanting and price point...but I could be persuaded differently before I'm actually able to bring it home!

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  2. We went with Nikon, it was a bit of a family history thing for us too. Our papa (who owned his own printing business, had a dark room, printing presses, the whole nine yards and toyed around in photography and other arts!) Our cousin who had a small business said she loved her Nikon, oh and I found a great deal on a d40, which is where I started to play. I quickly upgraded my lens, and not to long after upgraded my body, and hoping for a d700 within the next year! We were taught on a Nikon, and when I have ever picked up a Canon it just feels funny. It is little things that bug me bc they aren't what I am used to, like the sound and feel of the shutter. I have found that Nikon bodies tend to run a little on the lower side, while Nikon lens run higher (well at least the ones I have bought/looked out bc there is only one lens, not the different levels the way Canon is set up, at least that is my understanding). I don't think it really matters one way or the other *cough cough Nikon* ;) I think it is all about which feels the best to you. It goes back to your post about "what camera do you use" Of course equipment is important, but knowing your equipment like the back of your hand, and the person behind the camera is hugely important too. I have found that people who know little about photography (in my area at least) think that Canon is the "professional" camera and Nikon is second rate. But if I showed them my favorite shot, they wouldn't know if it was a canon or a nikon.

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  3. I just came to your site for the first time and I'm soooo excited!! I've already linked to you and I'm ready to spend some hours reading your posts:) I just entered the photography world and I'm pretty obsessed right now. I'll have to send my other aspiring friends your way too:)

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  4. It just goes to show that humans will debate ANYTHING if you give them no information.

    It's all about what you have and what you are use to.

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  5. I am a Nikon girl myself so I about died when I saw this awesome cake. Loved this post because it is so true. Thanks for sharing. Love your blog!

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  6. linked over here from amy wenzel's site- i love what you are doing- i remember all those questions and still have plenty! oh...and i totally love canon!

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  7. Well said Noelle! :)

    I am a canon girl for the same reason as you. My dad! :) He gave me first Canon SLR in high school and I haven't looked back. Even when I made the switch to digital I stayed with it. I love it, it is what I know and what I love. :)

    PS Have you seen this???

    http://www.bonappetit.com/blogsandforums/blogs/badaily/2010/03/canons-new-point-sip-a-photogr.html

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  8. James Ann!
    I was so excited when I saw your link, I was going to go do my pre order immediately and then post to tell everyone else. Followed the link, and it's already unavailable again. :(
    Maybe more will come available. I'll post if I find out and you let me know if you find out!! :-)

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  9. Loved these words:

    "So instead of worrying about our brands we should be worrying about our skill"

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  10. Hi Leah,
    I'm from Australia and have just discovered your blog.
    After a lifetime of interest in photography, I've finally taken the plunge and with a little help from friends and family I've gone 'pro'.
    I agree that the Canon/Nikon debate is definitely a personal choice. One of my best mates has been pro for about 5yrs and swears by Canon, but I've gone for a Nikon and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Thanks for your honest and fun posts, I look forward to reading more :^)

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  11. Thanks everybody for their positive response to this post! I was hoping that I wouldn't offend anybody and I am so glad to hear that everybody is happy with what they're shooting with. That's what truly matters most!

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  12. Just finding it and love your site - plan to support you all I can! Wonderful info. And totally agree on Nikon/Canon debate. I'm a Nikon girl because I have always been. I'd love to play with Canon and been thinking of renting for a try. But I'm dug in deep with Nikon and couldn't afford a switch anyway. Grass can seem greener on the other side but in truth when you get there it's likely the same! :) Knowing how to use the camera is so important to great photos, no matter the brand.

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  13. I went in for a Nikon and left with a Sony. While I love my camera and having a dslr in general, its kind of difficult sometimes to find information and options for it (the Sony)..just like for instance, the rental place you have the contest going for doesn't offer options for Sony. Knowing what I know now about the info available and what I need my equipment for, I think I might've made a different choice. Maybe.

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