Carl A Loc: Homosassa FL

Nikon does shoot video

Carl A Loc: Homosassa FL

I have a Nikon d5100 and it shoots video

georgevedwards Loc: Essex, Maryland.

I used Canon for 12 years, always looking for that sharper image, finally thought I would try Nikon and am finally happy. Of course you could say it is just new technology; I do believe if you buy one of Canons big ticket cameras like the full frame monsters (I wish I could afford one) you will get great photos. But for the price right now you can't beat the New Nikon 24 megapixel cameras like the D5200; and their lenses are great too. Video? What's that? If I wanted to shoot video I would get a videocamera. Have never had any use for it on the DSLR. I sell prints, take portraits, record events with still photos. You can't print a video and frame it and hang it on the wall or make an album, etc. It is hard to do post production or special effects with video. Ah, love the special effects you can get with photoshop, although many disdain them, I find a wonderful world of creativity there.

DaveHam Loc: Reading UK

The argument Nikon vs Canon is well worn in this and just about every other forum. For professional use either is quite adequate - in performance terms and cost terms you can find equivalents in both manufacturers product ranges.

You need to identify your market and then work out what you need to be able to provide your customers with what they want reliably. If you are shooting primarily action AF speed, frame rate and low light will likely be important factors, if you are working portrait and weddings then your criteria may be different. If you are shooting for internet media them again different.

One factor is important; the fast availability of rugged, reliable kit with easy access to high quality service and support. A good range of rental kit locally available is also very helpful. It is no good buying one of the less available brands where you have a month to wait for a shutter to be changed or a small problem to be fixed. You might note that 99% of all pro's chose Nikon or Canon, that is part of the reason why. When I shoot a Formula One race Nikon has service and support at the race track, for example.

Another point is a back up body. A pro is expected to be able to function regardless of disaster befalling you. Have a backup body and a range of lenses that overlap focal length so if you do loose a camera on a job you have the ability to carry on with your backup. I have just come back from an armoured vehicle exhibition when one of the camera men hit his camera on the side of a vehicle and wrecked it. He had no spare so had to quit the shoot and therefore is not getting paid plus has not done anything for his reputation!

Good luck with your new venture.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

It depends. For some, the gray lenses and the red ring clashes with their clothing colors. In those cases the black lenses and gold ring may work out better.

Seriously though, with few exceptions, both systems are excellent. Both manufactures offer cameras at each level that strongly competes with the other. Both have users that report incredible success stories as well as nightmares when it comes to repair.

Certain specific lenses or focal length ranges might provide a slight edge to one version or the other.

Toss a coin, pick one, you will take exceptional images with either. Yes, the newer DSLRs implement video.

My favorite anecdote had to do with a newspaper photographer that gave a presentation at a photo club a year ago. All of his work was done with Canon. Some of the members asked him had he ever considered Nikon. His answer, "I only shoot Canon for work. For my own photography, I use Nikon equipment."

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Don't limit your choice to just these two makes, there are several others to consider which are just as good if not better, eg: Olympus, Sony, Pentax etc. Look at some of these and save yourself some money at the same time.

DaveHam Loc: Reading UK

By turning pro saving money in the short term on equipment usually means spending more in the long term on maintenance, or replacing your entire inventory when you find the 'cost effective' initial purchase does not measure up to the needs of the job.

It is not a case of which is better, Sony or Nikon, Olympus of Canon. The criteria for a pro are very different than those of other users who can indulge their preferences and make do with more limited ranges of equipment, less focused support and have the time to spend fixing these problems as opposed to building their business.

Individuals have their own preferences for equipment, well and good. Businesses have to rely on their equipment and their preferences are to a very large extent dictated by availability, range, reliability and quality / speed of service.

Railheel

I had shot with Pentax since I got my first SLR in 1970. When I decided to go digital I was going to go with Canon or Nikon for the lens. Being a sports fan I was watching the pros and noticed all the white lens and checked them out and went with Canon. Started with Rebel, 30D, 40D, and now my baby, 5D lll.

Crwiwy Loc: Devon UK

For what it's worth - if video is important to you;
Karl Taylor - professional photographer with studios in the UK and America - shoots his HD training videos with Canon DSLR's.

http://www.karltaylorphotography.co.uk/fashionscape.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HxNEcaIYvI

Nic42 Loc: Cardiff, Wales

:thumbup:

One Camera One Lens Loc: Traveling

Welcome, you will recieve all sorts of opinions here, the thing is there is a wealth of knowledge with these photographers and they are very knowledgeable. Listen to them and then decide what's best for you. If you need video there is plenty out there to choose.
I wish you luck in your business what ever it is, and as long as your business doesn't interfer with my business will be ok..........from the Godfather,.....lol Good luck and glad to have you here..................

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

It was Nikon who introduced the DSLR to video with the D90. Either choice is good.

lone ranger Loc: Port Saint Lucie, Florida

thats not true, nikons higher tier cameras shoot 1080P video
matter of fact the very hard to get nikon 1 AW1 waterproof camera, that I own shoots, the best 1080P video, I have ever seen, it will put most cam corders to shame

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Hey SS.... Many Canon shooters use the older manual focus Nikkor lenses for their video ( & drive up the prices & availabilty of them on the used market)... On the sales end, many of those Canons are point & shoot models...After all, Canon's product line up is much more diversified (printers, etc) than Nikon so it's only expected that the sales tallies are greater......Not that video matters to me, I don;t do video, just stills... ...... As for lens assortment, if you add the older Nikon manual focus lenses in the mix, Nikon has considerably more since the Canon DSLR's need adapters to use older manual focus lenses (& with such, have limitations)

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

What are you using now? It sounds like you are starting some aspect of a photography business, so what has your experience been with each? In the film camera days, Nikon was top choice, hands down. With digital, it may be a wash. Whatever you choose, get a body that feels good in your hands and then buy lenses that will fit newer bodies as they develop them with new features. Nikon lenses have been interchangeable for years but I am not sure if Canon follows the same practice but would think they do. I always look to see what many professionals use - recently at Disney it was Nikon. Totally your choice.