Nikon vs Canon: Which do you prefer?

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Foxhound5366

Foxhound5366

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For the sake of 'apples to apples', let's keep this focused on the 'slightly better than' entry-level models: the Canon EOS 760D and Nikon D5500.

Specifically, this video sums it up better than most I've seen in a long time: https://youtu.be/kMLApH63AgQ

Based on that video and those models, it looks something like this.

Canon EOS 760D:
- Far superior live preview when changing exposure
- More accurate auto-focus for moving subjects (19 cross type sensors)
- Far superior auto-focus during live view (see Youtube vid above for example)
- Better ergonomics with top-panel screen and extra rotating control on the back
- NFC + better mobile application than Nikon
- More stable autofocus during video (Nikon tends to hunt more)
- More affordable ecosystem of lenses and flashes than Nikon (just look at the Canon 430 EX flash vs its Nikon rival)

Nikon D5500:
- Far superior portrait images straight out of the camera (in my view this is the most subjective thing but there's also no contest)
- Better dynamic range (around extra 2 stops) + Nikon D-Lighting helps HDR

Now this is driving me crazy. On paper the Canon 760D is the far better camera, except for one VERY important element: the photos out of the camera aren't nearly as nice, and if you mess up the exposure it will be less forgiving in pulling that detail back out during editing.

I'm guessing that if you shoot the Canon in RAW then you could invest some time in Photoshop to get comparable quality images to the Nikon (Nikon's strength in portraits is really in its handling of white balance and that is easily replicated during editing). That does sound like a PITA though, having to continually edit all the photos, but for all the other benefits that the Canon offers it's maybe worth it.

Does anybody have hands-on experience with both systems?
 
Apologies in advance, for slightly hijacking this thread, but I think the bigger debate at the moment is DSLR vs Mirrorless.

I sold all my Canon gear (750D and lenses) after watching this video [video=youtube;7wM_5nROeaw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wM_5nROeaw&t=368s[/video]

I've invested in a tiny Sony A6000 mirrorless camera. It's revolutionized the way I take pictures. I'm enjoying my photography and taking some of the best pictures of my life.

https://www.instagram.com/hubertj/
 
Chevron said:
Can you elaborate?
Click to expand...

There a number of factors, but the 2 biggest for me is:

1) Electronic Viewfinder - you can see what the picture is going to look like in real-time *before* you actually take it.
2) Size and portability - not having the need to lug around a massive body and lens simply creates more opportunities to have your camera with you.

Lastly, a point all on it's own, is the amount of technology squeezed into these cameras - everything from simple wi-fi integration with your cellphone, in the case of Sony, integration with an "app store" to enhance the features of the camera. In short. Nikon / Canon systems are stuck in an outdated DSLR world... the world has moved on. They hold simple software features back, forcing you to upgrade to the next model for simple things. I've been shooting with a Canon DSLR since 2004, flirted with Nikon for a short while, but haven't enjoyed my hobby as much since going mirrorless.
 
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Jason Lanier is such a douche. And his pictures are awful.
 
sybawoods said:
Lol! May agree on the douche part... but care to elaborate on the "awful" pictures bit?
Click to expand...

He has fetish for HDR/clarity that borders on gross.

jason-lanier-photography-reviews-and-testimonials-1-of-1-12.jpg



sybawoods said:
He has just been selected as one of the top 30 YouTube photography accounts to follow.
Click to expand...

Not really relevant to his prowess as a photographer. And no Phlearn/Edelman on that list sort of invalidates its effort.

sybawoods said:
He has a massive instagram following and is clearly an influencer in the industry.
Click to expand...

Teenagers with their asses hanging out also have large instagram followings, also not relevant.
 
I don't think it really matters on the 'slightly better than' entry-level models'. For what it's worth: Nikon is more expensive (thanks PD!) in SA. So if you plan to invest in a system long term, Canon might be better (for the foreseeable future).

Also:

I'm guessing that if you shoot the Canon in RAW then you could invest some time in Photoshop to get comparable quality images to the Nikon (Nikon's strength in portraits is really in its handling of white balance and that is easily replicated during editing). That does sound like a PITA though, having to continually edit all the photos, but for all the other benefits that the Canon offers it's maybe worth it.
Click to expand...

Why would you ever not shoot RAW? Unless you do photojournalism or the like I really don't see why you would not use the full capability of the DSLR you just paid for? Also consider this: taking a well balanced exposure with a camera is easy, anyone can do it. It's only half the battle. Applying your personal touch afterwards is what makes it unique and your own.
 
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sybawoods said:
There a number of factors, but the 2 biggest for me is:
1) Electronic Viewfinder - you can see what the picture is going to look like in real-time *before* you actually take it.
2) Size and portability - not having the need to lug around a massive body and lens simply creates more opportunities to have your camera with you.
Click to expand...

Both of those objections apply only to the early generation of DSLRs. Both of the ones I refer to in my original post have Live View (i.e. you can see the picture before you 'take'/'make' it - and on the 760D you can view the real-time impact of any adjustments), and both are definitely portable (1Ds pro cameras with battery grips these ain't).

I have a Samsung NX30 mirrorless camera and although I initially enjoyed it I'm now longing for a conventional DSLR again (the click of a mirror is something I associate with real photography - like driving a manual vs auto car). If anybody with a DSLR craves going into mirrorless, however, just let me know and I'll be happy to swop!
 
Foxhound5366 said:
Both of those objections apply only to the early generation of DSLRs. Both of the ones I refer to in my original post have Live View (i.e. you can see the picture before you 'take'/'make' it - and on the 760D you can view the real-time impact of any adjustments), and both are definitely portable (1Ds pro cameras with battery grips these ain't).
Click to expand...

Isn't the live view on the back LCD only?
 
Randhir said:
He has fetish for HDR/clarity that borders on gross.

Not really relevant to his prowess as a photographer. And no Phlearn/Edelman on that list sort of invalidates its effort.

Teenagers with their asses hanging out also have large instagram followings, also not relevant.
Click to expand...

One thing I've learnt from photography, is that it comes down to personal taste and style. What may work for one is going to be distasteful for another. It's not everyone who is able to make a living from their photography, so I tend towards (over) respecting those who do. But we digress... this was not meant to be a debate about Jason Lanier. The points he makes in that original video resonate with me and rejuvenated my love affair with a camera. I'm taking much better pictures (at least for me :) and I put this down to breaking out of a Nikon / Canon DSLR paradigm.
 
Foxhound5366 said:
Both of those objections apply only to the early generation of DSLRs. Both of the ones I refer to in my original post have Live View (i.e. you can see the picture before you 'take'/'make' it - and on the 760D you can view the real-time impact of any adjustments), and both are definitely portable (1Ds pro cameras with battery grips these ain't).

I have a Samsung NX30 mirrorless camera and although I initially enjoyed it I'm now longing for a conventional DSLR again (the click of a mirror is something I associate with real photography - like driving a manual vs auto car). If anybody with a DSLR craves going into mirrorless, however, just let me know and I'll be happy to swop!
Click to expand...

Am aware of the Live-view features. Mirrorless cameras however have this feature built into the ViewFinder. Once you experience it, you won't want to go back to anything else. It's fundamentally different from having to see LiveView on your LCD screen.
 
sybawoods said:
One thing I've learnt from photography, is that it comes down to personal taste and style. What may work for one is going to be distasteful for another. It's not everyone who is able to make a living from their photography, so I tend towards (over) respecting those who do. But we digress... this was not meant to be a debate about Jason Lanier. The points he makes in that original video resonate with me and rejuvenated my love affair with a camera. I'm taking much better pictures (at least for me :) and I put this down to breaking out of a Nikon / Canon DSLR paradigm.
Click to expand...

You can respect him all you want :confused: You did agree he's a douche though. My point was more about his photography than the video, though even things like that I feel are done for attention rather than meaningful content.
 
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