Canon vs Nikon

Grant

Grant

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Probably a difficult question, but which is the better to go for.

I have no specific models in mind (i realize difficult for comparison purposes) but assume the 2 brands each have a camera with virtually identical specs.
Looking to spend up to R15k including a general purpose type lens.
 
Neither. It is a matter of taste, feel and opinion.

I prefer Canon but that is merely a mindset on my part.
 
It comes down to personal choice.

Go to shops and play with the cameras. Then buy the one you are most comfortable with.

I own a Nikon but have used Canon plenty of times. Both have their pros and cons.
 
Agreed with all the advice about going into a shop and holding the cameras - some feel more comfortable than others, also have feel for the higher models, you might want to upgrade sooner than you think.

Something to also take into account is what, if anything, your friends and family shoot. They might come in handy when you have questions about your camera or if you want to buy a lens or other accessory that they might be willing to let you field test. Once you buy into a system it's more than likely that you'll stick with it for the duration.

EDIT - try and stay away from the bottom of the range bodies. They're ok but spending a few more bucks usually nets you a much better body that you won't grow out of nearly as quickly.
 
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bwana said:
...EDIT - try and stay away from the bottom of the range bodies. They're ok but spending a few more bucks usually nets you a much better body that you won't grow out of nearly as quickly.
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What in your opinion is the bottom of the range in say Canon?...I've been thinking about the 650D...does that fall within that range?
 
satanboy said:
What in your opinion is the bottom of the range in say Canon?...I've been thinking about the 650D...does that fall within that range?
Click to expand...
Bottom of the range in canon is the 1xxxD series. I started with the 400D and while I wouldn't get another XXXD range body it's because I'm used to features the higher range bodies offer. Until you've shot with a camera that offers 100% view through the viewfinder then that doesn't matter, same goes for a control dial/joystick on the rear instead of the buttons. I avoided the XXD range entirely so I can't comment with much authority on them.

I've still got my 400D - couple of them actually - and they've suffered a lot of abuse but are still capable little cameras.
 
satanboy said:
Neither. It is a matter of taste, feel and opinion.

I prefer Canon but that is merely a mindset on my part.
Click to expand...

This is probably the most accurate statement. I have a few photography buffs in my family. Some have Nikon and some Canon. I simply prefer Canon because it has a more modern feel to it whereas Nikon is more 'old school' with keeping to rotary dials for settings etc.

They both take gorgeous pictures but the pictures mainly come down to the lens and not the camera itself, although the camera is important.

You can't go wrong either way as they are the two best in the world and very little between them. The old vs new style is what makes a person go one way or the other.

Good luck!
 
IceDreama said:
I simply prefer Canon because it has a more modern feel to it whereas Nikon is more 'old school' with keeping to rotary dials for settings etc.
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I think you're mixing the two up there...

Nikon's kinda like Mac. A bit more expensive, more ergonomic, easier to use but canon/pc specs will trump it every time.
 
I'm getting back into photography and agree it comes down to personal choice, especially in your budget.

Go to at least two different professional shops to get a feel for it and their opinions. ORMs and Cameraland are magic in CBD, I'm not really impressed with SA Camera when I was trying to buy a bridge camera from them a few weeks back. But the other two stores treated me like king.

I've got my personal favorite of the two but I'm not loyal to brands so it would not bother me which one I got.
 
For that price I'd look at the one I got.

Canon 7D with 18 - 135mm

Either way, Canon or Nikon, you won't be disappointed.

Also consider if you don't want to save a little more to go full frame censor.
 
rorz0r said:
I think you're mixing the two up there...

Nikon's kinda like Mac. A bit more expensive, more ergonomic, easier to use but canon/pc specs will trump it every time.
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That's not even true of Macs.
 
Don't forget the third contender, Pentax.

However, not really easy to get hold of in South Africa, and the local distributor seems to have lost interest in it. But, if you are interested, I can recommend a local guy that imports Pentax stuff that I have used.

But, up to you what you get at the end of the day, don't think you will be disappointed with whatever you end up getting.

B
 
nikon.jpg

This made me giggle, and couldn't help but think of this thread when I saw it :)
 
Even the 4th contender in the way of the Sony Alpha range. They took over the Minolta line, and a few Nikons and all of the new Pentaxes use Sony Sensors
I can't comment on the alpha 77 or the full frame alpha 99, but the A700 comes out trumps for me
It's worth bearing in mind that Nikon and Canon do *not* feature in-body image stabilization and require a specific IS lens, whereas Sony and Pentax can use any compatible lens and have stabilization applied at no extra cost
Having worked with Nikons at my last job and dealing with them through my new company I have to mention that Nikon's aftersales support is far better than Canon, they offer free sensor cleaning, lens cleaning for the lifetime of the camera
The Canon images are always more saturated than the Nikon images, that's something worth bearing in mind if you do go for a Canon

As for what body to buy, I'd advise either a D7000 with a grip (I cannot work without a grip, just personal preference) or a D300s without a grip (the bodies are expensive enough without a grip. Rather spend the money bo batteries). If you're feeling adventurous you can try the second hand market at Kameraz in Rosebank, look for a D200, D300, D300s, or if money allows a full frame second hand D700 or D3
Canon: go for either a 5D, 5D mk 2 or a 7D, bear in mind that if you went for the 5D you would have to purchase an external flash unit

Would I buy a D600 or 6D? If you're a pro then I would avoid it like the plague. Limited features, and a very limited shutter speed of 1/4000th of a second
 
One thing worth noting is that Canon is more popular than Nikon in SA (and probably worldwide). This means more 2nd hand stuff is available for Canon. Consider this if you want to save money by buying used though with a budget of R15k, this may not apply.
 
grantza said:
Seems good - R17k at Orms.
http://www.ormsdirect.co.za/canon-eos-7d-slr-digital-camera-with-ef-s-18-135mm-f-3-5-5-6-is-lens

Thanx all
Click to expand...
Don't know much about the lens but last years firmware update gave the 7D a well deserved second lease on life. Decent frame rate, great AF and the high ISO is more than adequate for most people's uses. Even though I've just ordered a new body I'll still keep the 7D around - particularly for cricket, when I need a little extra reach.
 
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