Mochaman Loc: Wilmington, NC

Hi ALL,
I am new to this forum, done much reading although have made a few posts – thank you for the wealth of information, the gift of sharing your combined knowledge, experiences and passions!

Being an ‘amateur re-tread’ – someone who’s been in and out of this hobby (livelyhood for others) now retired and willing to start again.
My first camera was an Army PX purchased - Mamiya-Sekor 1000DTL, today I am looking at two cameras, Nikon D-500 and Canon 7D – MKII.
To this end I look to this forum – not to decide for me, but to add to/ provide a ‘tipping point’ for my final decision.
Not a professional and not able to spend $5K+ to snap (in order of priority) wildlife, action and land/cityscaping photos, my choices have been narrowed down to these two, non FF cameras and lens families.

Here’s what I know (or think I do):
•Both cameras are ‘closely’ matched in specs, with Nikon D500 newer and having slightly better resolution capable of providing a sharper image (?), and Nikon has a higher ISO range (more noise)??!!

•Lenses for consideration are 18-200mm and 200-500mm. Tests and user’s results garnished from this forum and various links indicate both manufacturers produce comparable quality lenses at comparable prices- I hope to obtain the widest overlapping focal ranges with the least amount of equipment to carry around.

•Both have Wi-Fi ability: Nikon’s is built in, Canon requires a card slot and external adapter. I want to remotely see and snap the subject appearing in the viewfinder

•Nikon has an articulating, touch screen - Canon does not…. I feel both features are assets

•Regardless of choice, I must “RTFM” to gain command of the multitude of features as well as the confidence to know how to use & apply them. I am in awe of so many high quality photos that I see so often on this forum!

I am leaning toward Nikon D-500 for a few reasons, but my tipping point is – of all things – the wi-fi feature as I want to shoot in raw and jpeg, but NOT at the expense of an SD slot for wi-fi.
However, I’m uncertain if wi-fi feature of both cameras performs as I believe - Ability to 1) transfer/share photos to phone and beyond, 2) remotely view and snap the subject.
Wi-fi is a key consideration.... but, not at the expense of the 'end product'.... hence conundrum.

So, I’m turning my research/ beliefs/ assumptions and subsequent questions over to you all:
Am I in the ball park – have I correctly dissected the technical information properly?
Based on my beliefs that both cameras are somewhat/closely match optically and feature-wise, what have I failed to consider?

At the end of the day, I’m not looking for, nor desire a Nikon-Canon bashing contest – I realize both manufacturers have dedicated ‘camps’…. I’m looking for that ‘tipping point’ – if it exists.

Sorry for the long post.
Paul Winter

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Why not rent one for a week and see if it fits. And then rent the other for another wekk and the you will have an idea which will be best for you. Feel is quite important as comfort in handling any camera can make a difference in performance. As far as glass is concerned--I use the canon 18-200. If I had it to do it again I would use a 24-105. The 18-200 is ok but the 25-105 is better.

Mochaman Loc: Wilmington, NC

Hi Boberic,
I agree 100%. Living in Wilmington NC there are few choices. The local camera store, nor big box stores carry either model. Before venturing any further, I'm hoping to gain more insight from those here.
Question re lens: do you find the 18mm end too wide for your style of photiography? I thought 18mm + crop factor yields approx 27mm? Please explain.
Thanks for the feedback!

Rongnongno Loc: FL

(Possible) Tipping points for the Nikon D500
Dynamic range
Invariant sensor
Focusing speed
Image buffer (allows for about 50 shots before it starts to slow down)

Negative:
Wifi is not all that it is touted to be. Unless this is a major issue for you I would not be concerned.

Future and caveat:
This camera uses DX lenses so if you are planning to go for a regular format like 24x36 this is not the camera for you. The D850 (way more expensive) would do the trick.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

The importance of WiFi is an individual thing. For what I do, it’s close to essential. Having experienced the early plugin devices, I strongly recommend cameras with built-in WiFi.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I agree with Boberic. Renting is a great way to make a practical comparison with relatively low expense and hassle. Previously I used LensRentals.com and was very satisfied, but there are others. /Ralph

JPL

Dynamic range is one thing that Nikon has tackled better than Canon in most if not all cases where you compare cameras in the same category. I would compare that for those 2 cameras. I have neither of those cameras you are comparing but I really like good dynamic range. It secures fewer pictures with blown highlights.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

No The 18 is not too wide. It's just that the 24-105L ll version is a sharper lens. If I had that lens and the 24 setting isn't wide enough I would get a short prime. or a short zoom, someting like the 10-22. BTW I use the 7D original, never had the need to upgrade. If I did I would go with the Pentax K-1 and use the 7D as a back up.

Mochaman Loc: Wilmington, NC

Rongnongno -
WOW! This is over my head - esp. ETTR... but it's obvious I need to do more research... lots!
Thanks for detailed explanation w/ visuals. I do remember watching a T Northrup youtube discussing buffer size.

D850 is waaay over my budget. However I understand FF cameras, by their nature, have a greater dynamic range.... small steps for me.... can't bite off more than I can chew!

Mochaman Loc: Wilmington, NC

Ok.... understood.... There's always a compromise.... shorter focal range = less glass = sharper images. and I'm sure $$$ has plenty to do with it as well.

SS319

Have you considered the Canon 6D? It is a full frame, and it has on-board WiFi. Currently Canon has this camera listed $150 below the 7DII with the WiFi add on.

Mochaman Loc: Wilmington, NC

Dynamic range - Rongnongno has pointed this and a few other important factors out as well. I was focused on the wi-fi feature set, however dynamic range, et al, overshadow this. Wi-fi is nice, but bottom line is the quality of the photograph.... always will be.
FF cams offer the most - just not in my cards.

Thanks

Mochaman Loc: Wilmington, NC

I did look at 6D early on.... it did not impress reviewers and the newer 6D Mark II, while improved, is not doing much better:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/canon-6d-mark-ii/canon-6d-mark-iiA.HTM#conclusion

Although it's a 26mp FF cam, the dynamic range is dissapointing..... as noted:
"Not only can the 6D II not match the 6D in terms of dynamic range, it trails its competition quite considerably, being bested by the Nikon D750 and Nikon D610 cameras by over two EVs according to DxOMark. For many users, the 6D II's dynamic range should prove sufficient, but for photographers looking for the best performance out of a 20-something megapixel full-frame sensor, the 6D II won't quite cut it."

Thanks....

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

The D500 has 1.6 fstops more dynamic range at low ISO values. It is slightly better at ISO values around 2000, and at ISO values higher than 3200 the two cameras have about the same dynamic range.

Except for very high ISO work, where they are similar, the Nikon D500 has a very clear and distinct advantage.

You might also want to consider frame rates (both 10 fps) and buffer sizes (the Canon is probably adequate, but the Nikon is significantly larger) for shooting bursts if you will ever shoot birds, other wildlife, or any kind of sports.

Mochaman Loc: Wilmington, NC

Thanks. Your pointers are echoed by others - driving home facts I should have paid better attention to.