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Canon v Nikon
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I am getting my wife a digital camera for Christmas and have narrowed it down to a few. Has anyone here had experience with the following models?
Nikon D5000
Canon XSI
Canon T1I
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“Works of art, in my opinion, are the only objects in the material universe to possess internal order, and that is why, though I don’t believe that only art matters, I do believe in Art for Art’s sake.” E. M. Forster
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LOL This is a bit like Windoze or Mac?
My two previous cameras were Canon Digital Rebels, the Rebel (EOS 300D) and the Digital Rebel XT (EOS 350D). I have now upgraded to the Canon EOS 50D and I love it.
I know that some reviews say that the Digital Rebel cameras are not for someone with big hands. And one of the determining factors for a very first dSLR for someone should be the comfort one feels when holding the camera, the lenses and features will then follow the choice. Since your wife doesn’t already have a camera (I gather as much by your post) one of the deciding factors shouldn’t be the compatibility of lenses from a previous camera and should be one less thing to think about to help you determine your choice.
Is it possible for you to bring your wife to a camera store and see how the models feel in her hands and which she prefers? I suppose this would break the element of surprise for the Xmas gift but at least she’d get something she is satisfied using, IMO.
If you want to make sure of what the cameras can do feature-wise, visit these review web sites:
? Camera Labs
? Jeff Keller’s Digital Camera Resource Page (my favourite)
? Digital Camera Preview
? Let’s Go DigitalThere are a few more but these should give you a very good idea of what those models mean. I particularly like Jeff Keller’s site because he compares models with the same shots and tests so you can easily see how the camera performs, he ends his reviews with what he liked and disliked with the model he tested and lists competitor models.
I hope this helps.
[ Edited: 12 November 2009 03:24 PM by MacHeadCase ]Signature
Early 2009 24” iMac 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 640 GB hard drive, 4 GB 1067 MHz DDR3 RAM, ATI Radeon HD 4850, Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.7
Canon EOS 50D, EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro -
LOL This is a bit like Windoze or Mac?
My two previous cameras were Canon Digital Rebels, the Rebel (EOS 300D) and the Digital Rebel XT (EOS 350D). I have now upgraded to the Canon EOS 50D and I love it.
I know that some reviews say that the Digital Rebel cameras are not for someone with big hands. And one of the determining factors for a very first dSLR for someone should be the comfort one feels when holding the camera, the lenses and features will then follow the choice. Since your wife doesn’t already have a camera (I gather as much by your post) one of the deciding factors shouldn’t be the compatibility of lenses from a previous camera and should be one less thing to think about to help you determine your choice.
Is it possible for you to bring your wife to a camera store and see how the models feel in her hands and which she prefers? I suppose this would break the element of surprise for the Xmas gift but at least she’d get something she is satisfied using, IMO.
If you want to make sure of what the cameras can do feature-wise, visit these review web sites:
There are a few more but these should give you a very good idea of what those models mean. I particularly like Jeff Keller’s site because he compares models with the same shots and tests so you can easily see how the camera performs, he ends his reviews with what he liked and disliked with the model he tested and lists competitor models.
I hope this helps.
Thanks MacHeadCase.
Yes it is like Mac v PC. My wife currently has a point and shoot Canon PowerShot A520 which still works fine, but she wants something that will let her be more creative. She has small hands and mine are “average” for a guy and after hefting the Nikons and Canons in the store we find them to be fine in that matter. We both would be using the camera, but it is primarily for her.
I like the articulated LCD screen of the Nikon D5000, because I often take low to the ground nature photos, but I am concerned that it is something that could break easily. I can always add an angle attachment to the Canons.
I have visited the camera review links you recommended, as well as a number of others. Of course all the camera models I am looking at have good and bad features so this can be a hard call.
I have some time before making a decision, but I am leaning towards the Canon T1I
Thanks again
Anyone else?
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“Works of art, in my opinion, are the only objects in the material universe to possess internal order, and that is why, though I don’t believe that only art matters, I do believe in Art for Art’s sake.” E. M. Forster
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After doing some research, reading reviews, and trying several of models in my price range I am leaning towards the Canon T1i. While the tech specs are pretty much the same as other cameras in the same category I like the overall feel, the big LCD screen, the menu and buttons, and the large selection of accessories.
Back in the days of 35MM film I was a Minolta guy
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“Works of art, in my opinion, are the only objects in the material universe to possess internal order, and that is why, though I don’t believe that only art matters, I do believe in Art for Art’s sake.” E. M. Forster
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Seems like you have done so already, but one thing to consider is the user friendliness of the software. In general, in terms of hardware you can’t go wrong with either Canon or Nikon. Both are excellent brands. In my experience, I have found some users to be more comfortable with the Canon software while others prefer the Nikon software. By software I am referring to the in camera software (firmware).
As you already know, one advantage (although some might consider it a hindrance) is the selection of lenses available. Think about the type of pictures you plan to take with the camera, i.e. sport, landscape, portraits, etc… Then see which lenses best fit your needs. Finally, see if those lenses are available for the Canon and/or Nikon brands.
Feeling comfortable with the camera body/firmware and its lenses is important because as you add lenses to your collection, it will become more difficult for you to switch brands in the future without incurring some very heavy costs. You will find that buying the body is the easy part and the least expensive. The cost will start to add up as you buy the lenses.
For a good review of cameras and lenses you can visit http://www.dpreview.com
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Seems like you have done so already, but one thing to consider is the user friendliness of the software. In general, in terms of hardware you can’t go wrong with either Canon or Nikon. Both are excellent brands. In my experience, I have found some users to be more comfortable with the Canon software while others prefer the Nikon software. By software I am referring to the in camera software (firmware).
Yes, that aspect is like Mac v Windows.
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“Works of art, in my opinion, are the only objects in the material universe to possess internal order, and that is why, though I don’t believe that only art matters, I do believe in Art for Art’s sake.” E. M. Forster
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I’m a Nikon guy, so I don’t know too much about Canon, but here are some things to keep in mind:
1) Going with a bigger, higher resolution LCD is a better way to go. You can always add a right angle viewfinder to shoot low-to-ground (I have one, and I can’t live without it), though it won’t help if you’re trying to take photos of yourself without a mirror;
2) The D5000 can only use AF-S (equivalent to Canon’s USM) lenses, because the camera body does not contain a focusing motor, which the older AF lenses require. I’m not sure if the low-end Canons have the same issue, but Canon seems to update their lenses to USM faster than Nikon does, so it might be a moot point;
3) (Supposedly) Canon tends to focus faster (in terms of end-to-end movement), but Nikon tends to focus more accurately, although that partly depends on the AF system inside the camera;
4) Canon has a greater number of lenses available. For example, zoom lenses - Nikon has pro (f/2.8) and consumer (roughly f/3.5-5.6, sometimes slightly better or worse). I believe Canon has those, plus an intermediate line (f/4). IMHO Canon’s intermediate line is overpriced, but at least it’s available. Canon also has more f/1.4 and f/1.2 primes, if you have the money. Nikon seems to have more backwards compatibility with older lenses though;
5) Nikon’s 3D Color Matrix meter is superior to whatever Canon has (but it’s probably less important if you shoot RAW instead of JPEG);
6) Nikon’s CLS flash system is superior to whatever Canon has (although if you plan to do studio-type photography, you likely won’t be using hotshoe flashes, so it’s a very minor point);
7) In the future, should you wish to upgrade, Canon offers a relatively affordable high-resolution body (should you choose resolution over speed and low-light performance). Nikon’s only >12MP body to date is the $8000 D3x;
8) It is possible to buy an adapter that will allow you to use Nikon F-mount lenses on a Canon body, although I don’t know how well it works;
9) All the accessories exist on the Nikon side as well. Nikon just sucks really, really badly when it comes to organizing them and making them known (Nikon marketing sucks in general);
10) By far the most important factor is which lens system you prefer, because once you start buying lenses, chances are you won’t want to sell them and start over just to jump brands.
If for some reason you change your mind and go Nikon, I highly recommend spending a bit more and getting a D90. It’s a much better camera for only a little more money. Most importantly, the D90 has a focusing motor, so you can use any AF lens on it, not just AF-S.
In the end, they both make good cameras, and either one should serve you well. Most of what I wrote above is just nit-picking. However, sometimes that’s what you have to do, to find which one is right for you.
And to add to the confusion: if you used to be a Minota guy, you may want to look into Sony’s SLRs. They bought out Minolta’s SLR division to create their Alpha series. Two things about Sony I like:
1) Image stabilization is built into the body, not individual lenses. It doesn’t work as well as lens-based, but you’ll have it for every lens (vs. primarily telephotos), and not have to pay for it more than once (until you upgrade, that is);
2) The 135mm f/2.8 STF lens. Not even Nikon’s 85mm f/1.4D (aka “The Cream Machine”) or DC lenses can produce such beautiful bokeh.
I played around with a friend’s A700 a while back. It doesn’t seem too shabby.
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Thanks for the tips Mr Hooks
“1) Going with a bigger, higher resolution LCD is a better way to go. You can always add a right angle viewfinder to shoot low-to-ground (I have one, and I can?t live without it), though it won?t help if you?re trying to take photos of yourself without a mirror;”
I enjoy taking the low-to-ground photos, but am having trouble “getting down.” I have an old ankle injury acting up and I have to be careful when I squat down so I am also going to get a right angle gadget. I looked at the Nikon D5000 and its articulated LCD screen, but I have concerns about breaking that. A few years ago I did a short video at the dog park from the dog’s point of view, lots of butt shots.
Note that the camera is a Christmas gift for my wife, but as usual with these things I will use it just as much if not more than her.
I don’t think that I will ever take another photo using film, maybe those disposable cameras at a wedding or something, so I probably should gather my 35MM gear and sell it. I don’t have too many lenses, filters, flashes and stuff remaining, it was stolen from the car when my wife and her friend were off doing a Thelma and Louise trip. I sold my darkroom stuff a few years ago.
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“Works of art, in my opinion, are the only objects in the material universe to possess internal order, and that is why, though I don’t believe that only art matters, I do believe in Art for Art’s sake.” E. M. Forster
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Whatever camera you buy, you are buying into a complete system of cameras that would take a great deal of money and effort to change should you chose to do so later. After you get your body, you might start collecting lenses, then flashes, and other accessories. Eventually, maybe years from now, you will need or want another new body. Since there is a great deal of compatibility within the brands, you will want to stay within the system that you already have lenses, flashes and accessories for, so you really need to study out which system you prefer because in most cases it?s a lifelong commitment. So rather than evaluate these individual models, here are my thoughts about these two competing systems:
1. Lenses. Both Nikon and Canon have world class high-end glass. In that arena, there are no clear-cut winners. Both companies offer solid mid-level lenses for the so-called prosumer market. Nikon really doesn?t dabble much in the entry-level lens market, so their options here are limited. Cannon offers a wide array of entry-level lenses. The quality of these lenses are predictably class compliant, but some produce surprisingly good results. Verdict: advantage Canon for entry-level lenses, otherwise a draw.
2. Low-light performance. While Canon has pushed the envelope to create cameras that can capture more pixels, Nikon has put their energies behind improving low-light performance of their digital sensors. As a result, Nikons generally produce less noise when shooting at high ISOs. That?s not to say that Canon cameras perform badly. There is also a great deal of variability from model to model within each line of cameras, so you have to be careful with this generalization. Verdict: overall advantage goes to Nikon.
3. Flash. There is little difference when it comes to using built-in flashes or using flash guns on the camera. However, most (if not all) Nikon cameras can communicate wirelessly with most of their flashes. This allows you to use your flash when it isn?t in the hot shoe and makes it easy to use and wirelessly control multiple flashes. To do the same with Canon, you either have to keep one of their top-of-the-line flashes in the hot shoe to act as a wireless transceiver or buy an expensive device to do so. Verdict: Advantage Nikon for off-camera or multiple flash applications, if that matters to you.
4. Auto-focus. For more reasons than I will take time to explain here, Canon has enjoyed a long-standing advantage over Nikon with the speed and accuracy of their auto-focus systems. That?s why you see so many Canon cameras among sports photographers. However, Nikon has really closed the gap in recent years. Verdict: draw.
5. Built-in light metering and automatic exposure programming. This is another realm where Canon enjoyed significant advantage for decades. However, this gap closed in the ?80s and both manufacture?s cameras produce excellent reliable results. Verdict: draw.
6. Durability. Nikon tends to build their cameras like tanks, which is why they enjoy dominance among globe-trotting photojournalists. Canon?s pro stuff is likewise tough and their mid-level cameras are okay, but their entry-level stuff feels comparatively fragile. Verdict: advantage Nikon in entry and mid-level cameras.
7. Weight. Durability comes at a cost ? Nikon cameras and lenses are HEAVY. Not everyone wants to have a boulder hanging around their neck or stowed in their rucksack. Verdict: advantage Canon.
8. Macro photography. If the low to the ground nature photography you take involves extreme close-ups of small objects, this would be important to you. Historically, this is a realm where Nikon has completely dominated Canon. Although Nikon still enjoys a significant degree of mindshare among macro photographers, Canon has largely caught up with their lineup of really nice macro lenses, macro flashes, and other accessories. Verdict: draw.
9. Video. Right now Canon cameras shoot higher resolution and allow greater manual control. Verdict: advantage Canon.
10. Ergonomics. Nikon tends to put more switches and buttons on the outside of their cameras making some common adjustments quite easy. But I think Canon?s UI is more intuitive, particularly when navigating through menus. Neither is bad and you will get used to whichever you buy. Verdict: draw. -
LOL This is a bit like Windoze or Mac?
I disagree with the notion that Nikon v. Canon is closely analogous to the Mac v. PC debate. Nikon and Canon much closer rivals than OS X and Windows 7. If you buy into either the Nikon or Canon SLR systems, you will most likely be quite happy with your purchase and have few if any regrets. Conversely, few consumers will ever regret buying an Apple computer while many who buy a Microsoft system will eventually suffer emotions that will range from the gnawing feeling that they could have gotten something better to outright wrist-slashing frustration.
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Thanks your for input Black Dog
“Verdict: draw.” Yes, for my wife’s and my camera needs it is going to come down to the intangibles.
Signature
“Works of art, in my opinion, are the only objects in the material universe to possess internal order, and that is why, though I don’t believe that only art matters, I do believe in Art for Art’s sake.” E. M. Forster
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Sir Harry,
FWIW, I’ve had a Nikon Coolpix 8800 for a few years now and I’ve never had a problem with the articulated LCD. I haven’t seen the model you’re considering, but I have to imagine they’re continuing pretty much the same approach.
I’ve found it very useful also in holding the camera up above my head, as with crowd shots, for just that little bit of extra perspective. Though I may not use it that often, it’s a miracle trick sometimes. It rather surprises me that more manufacturers don’t do the same.
As for Minolta, I had an X700 that I had major maintenance service on twice (cleaning, new seals, etc.) over almost 20 years. Metal body. Loved it.
Good luck!
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FWIW, I’ve had a Nikon Coolpix 8800 for a few years now and I’ve never had a problem with the articulated LCD.
Yeah, I had a CP5700 before I went SLR, and I never had a problem with it either. However, in order to make the LCD articulating, a smaller/lower resolution LCD panel is placed inside the articulating frame (versus a non-articulating LCD, which obviously does not require any frame other than the camera body itself). For example, the D5000’s articulating LCD has something like 230,000 pixels, while the D90’s non-articulating LCD has somewhere over 900,000. It’s a trade-off: you get the benefit of being able to move the LCD around, but it’s more difficult to tell if your photo is soft. Personally speaking, while I would love to have an articulating LCD, a higher resolution LCD is more important to me, because I take a lot of photos in low light without flash, constantly pushing my ability to keep the camera steady enough. If you only shoot in bright light, or always shoot from a tripod, then it might not be so important.
