Advice: Abandoning Nikon?

[surge]

go down to a 2nd hand shop. bring your own memory card and try shooting w a canon and a nikon body 30D/d200 for eg. make sure you mount a comparable lens. ( say 50/1.8 or a 70-200L and a 80-200 ED). DONT compare using a 3rd party ( cos if you are really going into photograophy to the state of which pro use what, its the L lens and the EDs, not 3rd parties).

look at the pics and see which you like. in film days, ppl who like contrasty pics tends to go for nikon. cos the film is the same and it all goes down to the lens. now you can actually dial in the amount of contrast you want. canon pics are softer. not that they arent sharp, just lesser contrast.

once read a nikon user decided to go canon cos he read that canon has 1000/5.6 lens but nikon dont have. or canon has a 5x macro and nikon dont have. so what if nikon have it, are you going to end up buying one cos that is what you wanna do w you photography?

nikon or canon, nikon 12-24, 17-55 and 70-200vr and canons 17-40, 28-70 and 70-200is preactically covers almost everything a amatuer photgraphy will need. both w do you fine.

 

[kelvgoh]

1) more pro uses canon (just qouting you, i got no reference souce) so you want to use this brand? than why you didnt go for f4 or f5 with pro lens when you use film? sorry, but i cant understand your reasoning. most of the pro features may not be found in non pro bodies. thats why canon and nikon has 3 catageries of dslr. do you mean you can produce better photos using 400D and D80 in your hand cant?

2) 400D is a few hundred dollars cheaper than D80 for the same megapixels. that may be true but than consider $$ spend to buy new EF/EFS lens, canon compatible flash. I think this is where the most $$ is going to be spend.

3) why dont consider D70/D70S? ask yourself if you really need 10mp. do you print 15R? do you agree that D70/D70s in pro hands can also result in master pieces.

i appologies if i offend you with my reply.

I totally agree with you bro. I opted for Canon coz I own a Canon film camera and the startup cost is lower coz I can reuse my existing lenses and coz I'm familiar with the system already.

I personally think that 10mp is overhyped. Most amature users wouldn't really see the difference unless you're printing sizes in excess of A3.

Don't read too much into all those reviews etc. The cameras you're considering (Nikon or canon or whatever) are all good cameras. There are differences, but you wont be able to tell unless you buy both and do a thorough study. Don't forget that when you switch you are sure to spend more. Pros switch becuase there's some expensive lens that they need to use for their work but can't get, or some other reason that we don't care too much about since we're amateurs.

Spend the time on improving your skills.

My personal opinion: stick to the brand you're with now unless there's something you really dont like about it, and by that I mean something that pisses you off. Plus side, you get to keep your lenses. Some more its a platform you're familiar with already. Personal story, I'm a nikon user as well, and when I play with friend's canon, the buttons are not in the right place, and they work funny. I'm sure its the same the other way around as well. But they both take photos as well.

Or if you're still itchy, go to the shop, play with all those you're considering, and buy the ones that you like the best. Or the ones that looks the best. At least if you get sick of taking photos, there's something nice to look at.

I agree that the so called "difference" in the reviews are usually not detectable by the majority of users. There will always be different "camps" that support the individual brands (Canon, Olympus, Nikon, sony, etc) but the main choice is how the user feels about the hardware. The best bet is to try out the different systems and find the one that is most comfortable.

Cheers

Kelvin

 

[Panzer]

Hi there,

I'm an amateur photographer trying to buy a DSLR to improve my skills.

I have been using Nikon Film SLRs all along and was thinking of switching to Canon but am in a dilemma because I still have my Nikon lenses. (I do not intend to sell the Nikon lenses and body becos I am still sentimental abt film photography.)

Altho they are not top of the range, I can't imagine having to spend the same or a higher amount getting the same kind of lenses. I currently have the following:-
i) Nikon F80 body,
ii) Nikon F60 body,
iii) Sigma 28 - 200mm AF lens (1:3.5 - 5.6)
iv) Tokina Wide-angle AF19 - 35 mm (1:3.5 - 4.5)
v) Nikon 50mm lens (1:1.8)

The reasons why I want to switch to Canon are as follows:-
i) Many rave reviews about Canon's speed and most professionals choose canon DSLRs
ii) Canon D400 is a few hundred dollars cheaper than Nikon D80 for the same megapixels; and
iii) I already have a few Compact flash memory cards which Canon D400 uses but Nikon D80 does not.

With the above concerns, what is the best course of action?
- Should I just go ahead to buy the Canon D400 and start an entire new collection of lenses?
- Is it worthwhile to invest in a canon DSLR and get started on the right footing?
- Or should I just get the Nikon D80?


Sorry if these questions have been asked before, I couldnt find the threads addressing this issue, so thought I would start a new one.

I was in the same situation like you before, moving from Nikon SLR to X-brand DSLR. I did not consider C-brand because I don't like the feel of it. Still very much a Nikonian inside me. However, I have not bought my D80 and because of some strange reasons (probably due to costs), decided to try the O-brand instead. Now waiting for my new lens to arrive. Having said, I think I will still buy D80 or its replacement in the near future.

So just buy what you like and willing to spend. Sticking to Nikon may not save much as the BBB virus will soon hit you and you will find yourself buying new lenses, flash, etc; almost like starting over again. Afterall, like most CSers here would agree, the camera is just a tool.

Cheers and happy shooting.

 

[DeSwitch]

I'm currently a Canon DSLR user. I would not switch if i'm you. Please dont look at the megapixel thing as top pirioty. I tell you honestly i dont even want to hold the 400D when it was launched. On the other hand the Nikon D80 is great. D80 have a big and clear viewfinder which canon dont have in its low to mid range. I curse everyday at canon for the small viewfinder.

Noise wise....though its true that canon handles noise better, but if you shoot below iso400 on Nikon, it will be not much of a diff. I'm in mist of thinking of re-switching to Nikon system. (incase you all dont know, my nick means "the switch".. i switched from Nikon SLR to Canon DSLR)


Sorry if i offended any canon user but i'm only giving my opinion out of my experience. And Nikon user, this does not means I fully support Nikon. There are pro and cons in every system and you must know how to go around the problem. I'm on Neutral ground and my aim is photography not equipment.

 

[jfoo]

my aim is photography not equipment.

well said. :thumbsup:

 

[lsisaxon]

I'm currently a Canon DSLR user. I would not switch if i'm you. Please dont look at the megapixel thing as top pirioty. I tell you honestly i dont even want to hold the 400D when it was launched. On the other hand the Nikon D80 is great. D80 have a big and clear viewfinder which canon dont have in its low to mid range. I curse everyday at canon for the small viewfinder.

Noise wise....though its true that canon handles noise better, but if you shoot below iso400 on Nikon, it will be not much of a diff. I'm in mist of thinking of re-switching to Nikon system. (incase you all dont know, my nick means "the switch".. i switched from Nikon SLR to Canon DSLR)


Sorry if i offended any canon user but i'm only giving my opinion out of my experience. And Nikon user, this does not means I fully support Nikon. There are pro and cons in every system and you must know how to go around the problem. I'm on Neutral ground and my aim is photography not equipment.

:thumbsup: use whatever equipment that suits your needs. :thumbsup:

 

[unseen]

No offence here but I personally feel Canon is much faster than a Nikon.. in depreciation value. Perhaps Canon comes out with newer DSLR bodies to replace each other far too soon.

My apologies to Canon users.

Anyway, as a D70s owner, I still find it more sturdy in grip and feel than most Canon bodies (in the same category, entry-lvl). Buttons are better positioned, and it has two command dials unlike Canon's single.

I so wanted a 350D when it first came out but got out of the shop with a D70s instead. Sounds like I'm promoting e D70s instead of e newer D80. Well it is! It comes with a superb kit lens, and accepts CF cards! Isn't that what you wanted?

Well met. It seems that I'm meeting more and more equipment collectors. Generally I think image quality is more important than the feel. Apparently, editors/webmasters etc mostly think so too.

Me, I never worried for once about the "depreciating value" of my camera. The good control of high ISO has already paid for my camera body, lenses, flash, studio lights, etc etc within a short period of time. It's still getting me images as good as the "new & double the cost" cameras, and better images than "easy to use UI and good to the feel" cameras.

To the TS: Men are generally unhappy with small packages. They always feel the bigger the better. Most of them have yet to realise it's how you use it that will make you popular with others, not the size. Are you one of them? In that case, sticking to a Nikon camera might be advisable.

 

[aaron80]

Fully agreed what DeSwitch said..:thumbsup: All systems have their pros and cons, there will surely be something and functions u have to compromise from one brand to another. Just choose the one which u think suits your needs and budget most. And u think it looks and feels most pleasant and comfortable to u. Dun worry too much about other's opinions and websites reviews. In the end, u are still the one who is paying money to buy the camera. So u must honestly like the camera and not because other ppl say its good then u buy. And like what DeSwitch said, its photography that matters, not the equipments.

I believe most of us here shares the same sentiment. To master photography is our aim..

I'm currently a Canon DSLR user. I would not switch if i'm you. Please dont look at the megapixel thing as top pirioty. I tell you honestly i dont even want to hold the 400D when it was launched. On the other hand the Nikon D80 is great. D80 have a big and clear viewfinder which canon dont have in its low to mid range. I curse everyday at canon for the small viewfinder.

Noise wise....though its true that canon handles noise better, but if you shoot below iso400 on Nikon, it will be not much of a diff. I'm in mist of thinking of re-switching to Nikon system. (incase you all dont know, my nick means "the switch".. i switched from Nikon SLR to Canon DSLR)


Sorry if i offended any canon user but i'm only giving my opinion out of my experience. And Nikon user, this does not means I fully support Nikon. There are pro and cons in every system and you must know how to go around the problem. I'm on Neutral ground and my aim is photography not equipment.

 

[jopix]

Hi to all!

Thanks for all your valuable advice!
Just to clarify, I had heard that Canon DSLRs were a better investment than Nikon in the long run etc and bearing in mind that I had cheap lenses... hence the thought of switching.

With your advice, I will try out the cameras in the shops. =)
And yes, the ultimate reason for buying a DSLR is so that I can take more photos, improve my skills and save the money (for film developing) for better lenses!

Thanks!

 

[kelvgoh]

Hi to all!

Thanks for all your valuable advice!
Just to clarify, I had heard that Canon DSLRs were a better investment than Nikon in the long run etc and bearing in mind that I had cheap lenses... hence the thought of switching.

With your advice, I will try out the cameras in the shops. =)
And yes, the ultimate reason for buying a DSLR is so that I can take more photos, improve my skills and save the money (for film developing) for better lenses!

Thanks!

Bro, "cheaper" lens and accessories can be found for both Nikon & Canon, due partly to the fact that these 2 systems are popular and there are lots of alternative 3rd party solutions. I'm quite sure that the lens & accessories will tend to be cheaper than other systems (relatively) due to demand/supply (ha ha ha econs 101 again *sigh* :sweat: :sweatsm.

Cheers

Kelvin

 

[MDZ2]

I am not sure, but doesn't the D80 and D200 use USM lenses similar to Canon's. If that is so, wouldn't it mean that the old camera driven AF lenses loose their AF function on the new bodies? Sorry to add another twist to your dilemma.

 

[Cikgu101]

What I can say is ... just buy a camera that suits you, regardless of brand and enjoy your photography nonetheless :thumbsup:

 

[zac08]

I am not sure, but doesn't the D80 and D200 use USM lenses similar to Canon's. If that is so, wouldn't it mean that the old camera driven AF lenses loose their AF function on the new bodies? Sorry to add another twist to your dilemma.

If you are talking about the AF-S lenses which has a silent wave motor to drive the lens for autofocus, well... it does not affect the camera (d80 and D200) which can still drive the AF modules of those older AF lenses.

 

[scenar]

Men are generally unhappy with small packages. They always feel the bigger the better. Most of them have yet to realise it's how you use it that will make you popular with others, not the size. Are you one of them? In that case, sticking to a Nikon camera might be advisable.

LOL, if you want to stick with canon, that's perfectly fine, but what's up with saying people who use nikon use it because of size?

This is really a very narrow minded statement. there are numerous reasons why one would prefer one brand over another. We really need not have fanboy comments like yours taking cheap shots at others.

 

[ortega]

the nikon user community is really good

There is a Nikon/CS outing this weekend
you can try the cameras there, just bring your CF/SD card

 

[Stoned]

personally i think Canon cripples too much stuff on their non 1-series bodies such that it gets annoying at points. Nikon does this to a much lesser extent so I would say that if you're not going for the top-end bodies go Nikon.

 

[westwest1]

Hi to all!

Thanks for all your valuable advice!
Just to clarify, I had heard that Canon DSLRs were a better investment than Nikon in the long run etc and bearing in mind that I had cheap lenses... hence the thought of switching.

With your advice, I will try out the cameras in the shops. =)
And yes, the ultimate reason for buying a DSLR is so that I can take more photos, improve my skills and save the money (for film developing) for better lenses!

Thanks!

Canon will be better in holding value IMHO...

give the 1D series a try....they are good....thats where canon excel...

 

[Zerstorer]

General guideline for Nikon freelance photogs at SPH, don't shoot above iso 800, you get unusable photos. Canon users the photodesk keep quiet even with images at iso3200.

I'd be interested to know which department set such a funny guideline.... Or has it been taken out of context. i.e Nikon D1 vs Canon 1Dmk2?

 

[meadslaw]

General guideline for Nikon freelance photogs at SPH, don't shoot above iso 800, you get unusable photos. Canon users the photodesk keep quiet even with images at iso3200.

That's something new.

Who did you hear it from? Under what context? Why do you speak for 'Nikon freelance photogs at SPH'?

FYI, freelancers are covered under contract.

 

[chanxj]

Hmm, personally, i advise you to rent the 400d and the d80 and go out to test. Only this way will you really know wad to get. Both brands have their pros and cons, but people tend to have a certain bias towards a certain brand due to brand loyalty. Therefore do not juz looks at things on paper but rather see the final result.

As for me, i prefer the nikon bodies due to the fact that i am able to grip it better. Also i have a few lens which i have from my film body. Also I have been put off by canon due to the fact that at song brother one day, out of three sets of identical lens a customer was viewing, 2 was faulty therefore this has put doubt on their QC for me. But nevertheless, try things out do not juz look at it on paper specs due to the fact that what that is most important is you yourself like the camera.