Dear fellow photogs,
What would it take to get you to switch systems? I’ve never owned anything but Canon (and this was what we used in my college newsroom), and therefore feel like a total traitor for even considering selling my current camera to some random convergence person (I don’t think a photo-j would want to use a Rebel XT professionally) and starting up with Nikon. This is not to diss my camera, which has served me well for two and a half years…but I need more firepower, and I can’t decide if I should get it in the form of Canon or Nikon. If I could afford L-Series lenses, this question would not be so much of a problem; I’d just stick with what I have. But Nikon seems to be better for mid-range photojournalism in the overlap of quality and cost (it’s closer to the middle of that particular Venn diagram than Canon seems to be).
Help! Any and all input is much appreciated….
I’m biased in my affection for Nikon, but I’ve never actually shot a Canon, so I can’t be much help. Talk to Kennedy…I know at one point he was on the fence about switching too.
For the last ten years, I have used Nikon, Canon, and many other camera systems (including film and digital).
My suggestion is to buy one based on your budget and needs. Don’t think about what system you should have or which is better. Your needs should be determined by your primary subjects, which gives you a clear idea for what lens(es) you need to own.
Technically speaking, Nikon and Canon do not make much of a difference. What both systems do is to produce an image although each system has its own “finickiness” as to image quality, operation, and look.
As far as lens quality goes, Nikon and Canon are pretty much the same. Nikon used to be better (about 30 years ago), but Canon has catched up with its competitor.
One tough decision to make is whether you’re interested in shooting movie with DSLR. If you are, there are only two practical options right now: Canon 5D mark II or Nikon D90.
Professionals change their systems when their needs change drastically. A friend of mine switched to Canon from Nikon because many of her clients asked her to shoot with Canon. Another friend of mine switched to Canon 5D mark II from Nikon because he wanted to shoot both still and movie.
Daisuke