Nikon vs Canon: Which do you prefer?

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Welllll ... I'm happy to say that I found a great deal on a (hardly) used Nikon DSLR and two kit lenses. I'm meeting the owner tomorrow morning to check it out, and if all goes well I'll be able to report back here on the Nikon experience.

A big factor for going this route is precisely so that I can dip my toe in the water ('only' R4 000 deep) before committing to an ecosystem with a major investment into a new mid-range camera. Wish me luck!

Always a bad choice of words unless you're planning on turning a hobby into a career. Rather think of it as a monetary sinkhole ;)
 
Nikon Declares Extra-ordinary loss bombshell

... and not to be accused of hijacking the thread again :), but you may want to keep eye on that developing story. Nikon issued a profit warning last year, then last week issued another "extraordinary" warning that the profits were even worse than anticipated.

The news is not much better with Canon, whose year-on-year sales is close to 50% down as the DSLR market struggles to keep up with innovation in the smart-phone and general imaging market. "Investing" in old technology has it's upsides, but you also don't want to be stuck with Blackberry messenger when the rest of the world migrated to WhatsApp :)
 
Sybawoods, is this a bad problem of yours? "Without being accused of doing X..." [goes and does X] If your ability to pick photographic equipment is as strong as your ability to create new threads, then I'm not sure there's much of a case for mirrorless there.

And it's ok bwana, it's still cheaper than a cocaine addiction, so I reckon it's safe.
 
Sybawoods, is this a bad problem of yours? "Without being accused of doing X..." [goes and does X] If your ability to pick photographic equipment is as strong as your ability to create new threads, then I'm not sure there's much of a case for mirrorless there.

And it's ok bwana, it's still cheaper than a cocaine addiction, so I reckon it's safe.

Uhm... wow... 900 posts in over 14 years here. I try not to post here unless I have something valuable to say. I thought that a contribution to a discussion about the old Nikon vs Canon debate, indicating that both brands are in in serious trouble (or heaven forbid, that there are other choices), may add some value. Maybe I should revive the thread in another 14 years when either is no longer here, and say I told you so :p . No ill will intended, dude. Enjoy the Nikon.
 
Uhm... wow... 900 posts in over 14 years here. I try not to post here unless I have something valuable to say. I thought that a contribution to a discussion about the old Nikon vs Canon debate, indicating that both brands are in in serious trouble (or heaven forbid, that there are other choices), may add some value. Maybe I should revive the thread in another 14 years when either is no longer here, and say I told you so :p . No ill will intended, dude. Enjoy the Nikon.

I am thrilled that you've found the photographic holy grail, but please don't try convert everybody else. It's the forum equivalent of being a Jehovah's Witness. Heck, if you DID create your infamous thread (maybe call it 'Holy Church of Mirrorless - no clapping'), I'd be happy to jump in there, so go ahead. As it is, because this is my thread, Nikon DSLRs rule, mirrorless drool :P

In unrelated news, if anybody knows where I can buy a Nikon speedlight that I don't need to exchange a kidney for, that'll be great! A Nikon SB-700 costs R6 800 0.o
 
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If you don't need TTL, look into Yongnuo

Naw I need TTL, not just a nice bright flashy light. I really enjoyed the perfect metering of my old Canon 430EX, but here's the problem.

This is the latest Canon 430 EX III for R4 295:
CANON_430EX_III-RT_j1000.jpg

In the Nikon ecosystem, you'll need to step up the price to R4 495 for this beast, the SB-500 (what a sad little machine):
nikon_sb500af.jpg

However, if you sell your second kidney, you can then step up to the SB-700 for R6 395, and just look how beautiful:
SB700.jpg

But if you're paying that much, you may as well get the Canon 600EX for R7 995:
ex600_mini.jpg

The bottom line is that when it comes to accessories, you pretty much end up paying for Nikon equipment that would buy you kit that's one step higher in the Canon ecosystem. Although, Nikon's financial problems at the moment might see it reversing that trend and making things more affordable (here's to hoping!).
 
The bottom line is that when it comes to accessories, you pretty much end up paying for Nikon equipment that would buy you kit that's one step higher in the Canon ecosystem. Although, Nikon's financial problems at the moment might see it reversing that trend and making things more affordable (here's to hoping!).
It's Premium Brands that's inflating Nikon's prices, not Nikon themselves. Compare Nikon to Canon in the US and you'll see what I mean. Welcome to Nikon in SA. ;)
 
It's Premium Brands that's inflating Nikon's prices, not Nikon themselves. Compare Nikon to Canon in the US and you'll see what I mean. Welcome to Nikon in SA. ;)

Yeah, I actually found an old news story on Mybroadband about a guy who had discovered that he could get Nikon equipment at half price if he imported it from Australia.

Nikon SA made a really vague comment when approached by Mybroadband.
 
When i decided to buy a DSLR i was only really presented with the 2 main choices locally.

I must admit i felt rather put out and pressurised by having such a limited choice "forced" upon me by the local market, so decided to be different and go for Pentax.

Granted ,most of my lenses are not available locally, however I find that is a good thing, as now i am not tempted to just buy any and every lens, and have to buy wisely.
 
I must admit i felt rather put out and pressurised by having such a limited choice "forced" upon me by the local market, so decided to be different and go for Pentax.
Oh my, you're a rebel without a cause. Do you also drive a Citroen? :P I say that jokingly as a Citroen driver myself.

So I got the Nikon this morning, and what a sweet deal it was too. Only 5 000 shuttercount (verified) and everything literally as good as new (even with a spiffy Manfrotto camera bag thrown into the deal). Now I just need more Nikon kit ... and so it starts!

I'm gonna break it in this afternoon and will share a couple early photos here. The initial few are decent although in truth a kit lens is still a kit lens ... it won't rival the premium Nikon or Canon glass.
 
Ok, so as promised here are my first-ever Nikon photographs. Please don't be too critical, this was my first time handling a DSLR in years.

The sky was mostly overcast so the colours were more muted than they could have been, but I think you can already see the Nikon 'softer'/'yellowish' tones.

This isn't a definitive argument for or against either side, just me sharing something from my day. On a side-note, it's great to be back on a DSLR again, I love the muted slap of the mirror and being able to zoom in hand-held.

DSC_0007.jpg

DSC_0016.jpg

DSC_0031.jpg

DSC_0048.jpg

DSC_0065.jpg

DSC_0123.jpg

PS: Where there is some lack of sharpness in the photos above, that's mostly my fault. I got enthusiastic with hand-holding at very low shutter speeds, never a great combo! The kit lenses aren't ultra-sharp but overall not entirely rubbish.
 
Their 70-200 is R7k more than Canon's :eek:

Isn't the Canon due for a refresh soon though? Regardless, if you want to have a good laugh go look at the Nikon 70-200 prices...thankfully the new Tamron 70-200 seems like it might be the saviour
 
Isn't the Canon due for a refresh soon though? Regardless, if you want to have a good laugh go look at the Nikon 70-200 prices...thankfully the new Tamron 70-200 seems like it might be the saviour

It was released in 2010 so probably not for a few more years.
 
Their 70-200 is R7k more than Canon's :eek:

That is Pentax's ultimate WTF lens as far as price goes. Seems that the every one goes for the equivalent Tamron which is 13k cheaper and strangely has identical image quality.
 
In the interest of wrecking your budget: http://www.fotofirstonline.co.za/c31/Pentax.aspx

:)

Fairly similar just excluding customs fees.

Pentax SMC DA 10-17mm F3.5-4.5 ED IF
R 7 999.00
B&H - Price + DHL + VAT -R7551

Pentax HD 150-450mm F 4.5-5.6 ED AW
R 37 999.00
B&H - Price + DHL + VAT - R38630

Pentax HD 70-200 F2.8 ED DC AW
R 33 999.00
B&H - Price + DHL + VAT - R28410

That is Pentax's ultimate WTF lens as far as price goes. Seems that the every one goes for the equivalent Tamron which is 13k cheaper and strangely has identical image quality.

That has always been the issue with the *range of Pentax - overpriced. I also opted for the Tamron, and very happy with the lens i must admit.
 
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