From Canon to Nikon experience ...

[liquidityzero]

how do u guys feel about the ergo compare from nikon d300 and canon 50d?

I handled a 40D & D300 before....in terms of ergonomics & build quality wise....I feel that the D300 beat it flat out. The functions are so easily accessible whereas some settings on the Canon are hidden within the interface, which may require a steeper learning curve. It's like buying an iPod versus a Creative mp3 player IMO. One makes so much sense in terms of interface design, the other takes a while to get used to it. I don't like using the AF selection on the Canon while the D300 AF system is a dream to use.

 

[tky]

Though I'm not using D300 or D700 which contributes to your +ve experiences with Nikon, I made the switch from Canon film (EOS 5) to Nikon digital (D70) few years back. I find Nikon interfaces are more "pro-photographer" and intuitive to use. Have not looked back since.

Welcome to the darkside :thumbsup:

 

[luntut]

IMHO, i used my buddy's canon system and my colleague's nikon, i preferred nikon's interface better. its more intuitive. ergonomics, i felt nikon was slightly better, but it could be that i was already bought over by the nikon's interface. i din have to read a manual to know how to set something for nikon. i spent like 5 mins trying to search for white balance (i think) on canon..

 

[David Kwok]

Makes me feel better that I have chosen Nikon in the first place. period

 

[chanjyj]

Well a few things I prefer about Nikon that nobody ever seems to say are

1. Menu Font (Ok ok, I know I'm nuts)
2. The "turn to the right to turn on, turn even more to light up" feature (When I use my PA's 40D I almost always forget where the ON switch is located)
3. Ability to bash it and camera to survive (ok, nuts again)
4. Mirror and shutter sound (Go compare D40 with 400D)

One thing though, that I still find Canon's initial AF faster than Nikon, at least for bodies up to the D300. I thought the D300 and D2x was fast. Until I tried the 40D and 1DsMk3 and got the shock of my life.

With regards to the tracking, I do not think that Canon loses out either, although from the D300 onwards both systems are on par. But initial acquisition of autofocus is the most important factor to me rather than tracking. It may differ for you.

 

[blurrblurr]

One thing though, that I still find Canon's initial AF faster than Nikon, at least for bodies up to the D300. I thought the D300 and D2x was fast. Until I tried the 40D and 1DsMk3 and got the shock of my life.

I thought it only happen to me so I am not alone.:bsmilie::bsmilie::bsmilie:

 

[captainjack]

Hi,
Thanks for the warm welcome to this forum. Didn't have access to internet for the last few hours so couldn't read the responses.

Firstly I totally agree with some of the posts, who have raised concerns over lack of Primes and f/4 lenses in Nikon lineup. I have most of the lenses in Nikon lineup for my type of shooting. But sometimes I still feel limited by Nikon lenses. Something you do want to consider when deciding between the two systems (Canon & Nikon).

For some Nikon camera user interface is a little intriguing. For me also it was a learning experience. I am still learning, but have learnt enough to get my way to features I want to use.

Canon has to focus more on thier Quality Checks and Nikon needs to look into thier limited lens lineup, if they both want to be on the top. Canon already have good lineup of Cameras and good lenses. Only QC is missing. Nikon is missing the product lineup. It needs to work feverishly to win back more customers.

I would definitely like to add that competition is good for the consumers. It get researchers from both the camps working thier heels to think and produce a value product for the consumers.

Thanks

 

[art2d3d]

Yup. I gave up my Canon EF-M, EOS 100, EOS 5, EOS 300D, EOS 10D, EOS 30D, EOS 40D .... for NIKON D300!

So far so good.

 

[voldisinarta]

I switched to Nikon around 15 years ago... and I will never ever change.

My reason:
1. Consistency in Lens mount. I can still use a lens from the 1970s in My D200...
2. So far I have never encounter problem in my cameras.
3. Wide choice of lenses, and relatively lower price too.
4. Well-built.

"Canon is like a sexy blonde, nice to own, nice to touch, nice to see. However, Nikon is the real Wonder Woman." :sweatsm:

 

[zaliariff]

I switched to Nikon around 15 years ago... and I will never ever change.

My reason:
1. Consistency in Lens mount. I can still use a lens from the 1970s in My D200...
2. So far I have never encounter problem in my cameras.
3. Wide choice of lenses, and relatively lower price too.
4. Well-built.

"Canon is like a sexy blonde, nice to own, nice to touch, nice to see. However, Nikon is the real Wonder Woman." :sweatsm:

Well said my friend....:bsmilie::bsmilie:

 

[XenoBaka]

I did the same thing as the TS and I am not regretting my move. To share, there are a few other things about nikon that I noticed (for me, at least):

1. I somehow find it that I shoot more with my D300 than I ever did on my 40D. Every single time I pick up my D300, I won't be able to put it down for a few hours at the very minimum. When I look through the Nikon viewfinder, something magical happens.

2. The D300 body should be slightly bigger than the 40D, but I feel as if it is smaller in size than the 40D. It is so easy to handle the D300 than it is the 40D. Feels more natural to hold and manage with one hand. And the buttons are all exactly where I need them.

3. I like Nikon's shutter sound better than Canon's.

However, Canon excels when it comes to customer service (in Singapore, at least).

 

[poh6702]

All DX lens can still be used in the latest FF DSLR, at least the investment is protected. The FF DSLR is intelligent to detect that DX lens is mounted and switch to DX mode.

 

[5kywalker]

"Embrace the power of the dark side..."

 

[zac08]

Welcome to the Dark Side....

just had the chance to handle a Canon 50D recently, and certain controls are so close together, I really don't know how you're supposed to depress the button and turn the dial to change the values... :sweat:

 

[d7t3]

how do u guys feel about the ergo compare from nikon d300 and canon 50d?

Nikon ergonomics make more sense to me.

For the 50D, WB is adjusted with the QCD on the back, while ISO uses the 'main' dial on top. I don't know how long I'd take to remember which was which.
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos50d/page7.asp

For the D300, just press the WB/ISO button and roll the back dial to adjust.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond300/page6.asp

The D300 viewfinder shows which metering and exposure modes you are in.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond300/page4.asp
The Canons do not.

The D300 has dials and levers with distinct positions to feel the settings without removing your eye from the viewfinder (e.g. AF: M, S, C; AF single, group, 51pt; and metering: centre, matrix, spot). You can also change PSAM this way. For attention-hungry shooting (e.g. sport), I think it slows you down less.

 

[lsisaxon]

One thing though, that I still find Canon's initial AF faster than Nikon, at least for bodies up to the D300. I thought the D300 and D2x was fast. Until I tried the 40D and 1DsMk3 and got the shock of my life.

It's not difficult to get a software to say "AF-Locked" and beep-beep. Whether it is really in focus or not is another thing. I do not have personal experience with Canon higher end bodies but reviews of the 1DmkIII and 1DsmkIII doesn't seem positive about the AF accuracy. That's one mistake that turned some people back to Nikon.

 

[d7t3]

If I'm not wrong, the 3 small buttons at top right on the Canons are 'sticky': you can press, release, then turn the related dial to set. For Nikon, you have to hold down the buttons while turning the dials. It's personal preference - I prefer Nikon's way even though it involves two hands. For Canon, it's one-handed but you have to press the button again if you want to cancel the setting mode.

 

[ortega]

welcome to the dark side

one more thing great about Nikon,
the after sales service and the great nikon users

 

[An drew]

I am having both systems as my hobby is to collect gear.

What I like about Nikon
Nikon is generous to bring high-end features to lower-end cameras (sensors, weather-seal, built, user-interface, etc) while Canon like to cripple features in low/mid cameras.
Nikon maintains quality in all/most of its products while Canon restricts quality to high-end products. (but Canon is slowly changing)
Its cameras are photographic tools with instantly accessible functions while most of Canon's feel like menu-driven appliances.

What I like about Canon
Acquires focus faster, good for sports/birding
Image (personal preference)
Fantastic series of USM(=SWM) prime lenses 24f1.4, 35f1.4, 50f1.2, 85f1.2, 135f2, 200f1.8, in addition to the super-teles with IS/VR, which Nikon is just starting to make.

As for service, I think both are good, but I feel Nikon is better. Waiting for Canon service feels like waiting in a hospital. But that's just me.

 

[gapman]

Welcome aboard, captain!