Cannon or Nikon
Jan 28, 2017 12:13:20 #
Photoman22 wrote:
Hi,
I am going from film to digital and I want to know what to buy. I now have Pentax SLRs. Should I go Cannon or Nikon DSLR? I don't think I need full frame.
I am going from film to digital and I want to know what to buy. I now have Pentax SLRs. Should I go Cannon or Nikon DSLR? I don't think I need full frame.
Stay with Ricoh Pentax, they are showing some signs of innovation at least. Nikon and Canon are really stick in the muds. I have both 3 film and 3 digital Pentax cameras and loads of lenses. You can use any Pentax lens on their DSLR cameras. Though I find the A-series, F-series, and FA-series of film lenses the most convenient to use next to the newer digital DA-, DA*-, and D FA- series. The early K-mount K-series and most common and plentiful M-series are more clunky to use. And at times confusing. I actually prefer the vintage Screw Mount (M42) Takumar lenses to K- or M- as they are totally manual. The new Pentax K-3II, K-P, K-1 (FF) cameras have features that the competition can only dream about.
Jan 28, 2017 12:21:45 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
If you have some old manual focus Pentax lenses, they can easily be adapted for use on modern Canon DSLRs (so can vintage Nikon, Olympus, Leica, and others: http://bobatkins.com/photography/eosfaq/manual_focus_EOS.html). Sony also can accommodate many other manufacturers' vintage lenses.
Aside from Nikkors, most cannot be easily adapted for use on Nikon. The same is true of the other major brands.... Pentax can use Pentax, Oly can use Oly, etc. But there's a lot less adaptability across brands, than there is with Canon or Sony.
The problem with asking a question like this on a forum is that it brings out each brands fanboyz and fangirlz, who will rabidly defend the brand they chose and own.
This is an example of that...
Problem is, D750 is a full frame model, which is something the original poster already ruled out.
The fact is, D750 is a great camera and either Canon or Nikon can do a great job.... So can Pentax, Olympus, Sony (formerly Minolta, except for a few years when it was Konica-Minolta).
Canon and Nikon have the largest selection of cameras and lenses. In a lot of ways, the lenses are more important than the cameras they're used upon. So be sure to compare the lenses offered, taking into account what you might want now or in the future.
Canon makes their own imaging sensors. So does Sony. Everyone else buys their sensors from Sony or other sources. (Canon recently changed policies and announced they'll be selling their sensors to other manufacturers, too... But I don't know of any deals yet.)
Canon pioneered multi-point autofocus systems, image stabilization, CMOS sensors, extensive use of Fluorite lens elements, full frame DSLRs and to a large extent video in DSLRs.
But Nikon has a long, deep history of photographic innovation, quality and performance too.
The more affordable Nikon DX (APS-C) cameras - D3000-series and D5000-series currently - require AF-S or AF-P lenses to be able to autofocus. In order to autofocus AF-D lenses, a D7000-series or higher Nikon model is needed (with an autofocus drive motor in the camera body, because those lenses do not have built-in focusing motor). In contrast, all current Canon APS-C/crop sensor cameras are fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses manufactured for the past 25+ years (10D from 2004 and earlier models cannot use EF-S lenses... but you aren't likely looking at 12-13 year old camera models).
At their base ISO Nikon and Sony have the widest dynamic range sensors... about one stop wider than Canon. As ISO is increased the difference in dynamic range decreases. At about ISO 800 or 1600 they're pretty much the same. Beyond that at higher ISO settings Canon have slightly wider dynamic range.
Third party lens and accessory manufacturers nearly always make products compatible with Canon and Nikon.... For Sony now, too, to some degree. A bit less for Pentax. And considerably less for Olympus, due to their use of the Four/Thirds sensor format (Olympus are able to use some other manufacturers' 4/3 lenses and accessories, that aren't usable on any of the other major manufacturers APS-C and full frame cameras.)
You're probably wise to look at crop sensor cameras. They're all most people really need. Full frame cameras cost more and limit you a bit, to using full frame capable lenses which also tend to be larger, heavier and cost more. Crop sensor cameras can use both crop-only lenses and full frame lenses. Plus, a full-frame telephoto lens on a crop sensor camera is "more powerful" than the same lens on a FF camera. OTOH, a FF wide angle lens is no longer wide, when it's used on a crop sensor camera. But there are lots of ultrawide crop-only lenses available to solve that problem.
Again, look beyond the camera itself, at the lenses and accessories you may want to use with it now or in the future. For example, let's say you'd like to have a truly wide lens for use on a crop sensor camera. There aren't many primes, mostly just zooms. These are available for all the camera manufacturers... but look more closely.
OEM...
Canon: EF-S 10-18mm STM IS ($280) and EF-S 10-22mm USM ($600)
Nikon: AF-S 10-24mm ED DX G ($900) and AF-S 12-24mm f/4 ED DX G ($1150)
Sony: 11-18mm DT ($750)
Pentax: 10-17mm SMCP-DA ED ($450), 12-24mm f/4 SMCP-DA ED AL ($700)
Olympus (Four/Thirds): 7-14mm f4 ED ($1600), 11-22mm ($700), 9-18mm ED ($600)
Third party...
Sigma to fit all brands except Oly: 10-20mm EX DC HSM f3.5 ($450), 8-16mm DC HSM ($700)
Tamron for all brands except Oly: 10-24mm SP Di II ($500)
Tokina for Nikon & Canon: 12-24mm f/4 AT-X DX ($400), 11-20mm f/2.8 AT-X DX ($500), 10-17mm AT-X 107 DX ($475-$530).
Tokina still offers a recently discontinued model for Nikon, Canon, Sony: 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X DX ($430 to $480).
Wading through all the above can be confusing. You should look for and read reviews about particular items before making a decision. Interestingly, Nikon fanboy Ken Rockwell says the under $300 Canon EF-S 10-18mm is "Not only is it the world's least expensive, it's super light weight, and is also optically superb. There is no sharper ultrawide lens for APS-C cameras..." Ken failed to note that it's also the only lens in the category with image stabilization. Canon fanboy Brian Carnathan at The-Digital-Picture.com is a lot tougher on the lens, noting that it's a bit plasticky and has some slight shortcomings, but also seems very impressed by it.
You can do similar brand-to-brand comparisons with telephoto zooms or macro lenses or any other type of lens that might interest you. You won't find much difference in price and performance among "kit" lenses and some of the most common entry-level models. It's when you look beyond those to more specialized lenses and accessories that you may find some brands offer more choice and/or better value. The lenses and accessories you want now or in the future can really help narrow things down or steer you toward the best system for your purposes.
All the modern camera systems are excellent and highly capable. Sony is the "new kid on the block", bought into the DSLR market when they acquired Konica-Minolta in 2006 and has been doing some very innovative things with mirrorless cameras, electronic viewfinders and shutters, partnering with Zeiss on a lot of things.... but tends to be high priced with their lenses and doesn't yet have nearly the system selection of Canon or Nikon. Nikon has used the same F-mount since 1959 and there's quite a bit of backward compatibility.... but there also are a lot of incompatibilities or limitations among all the variations they've offered over the years. Canon made a clean break around 1990 to their EF/EOS system with it's electronic lens mount and has been at the forefront of DSLR and lens innovation for much of the time, but their system is not very backward compatible to their earlier FL/FD and R systems. Pentax is now owned by Ricoh and has emphasized durability and weather sealing, recently introduced a full frame model that their fans have wanted for about ten years, and also make some pro-quality medium format digital cameras (as do Fuji, Hasselblad and Mamiya). Thanks to the somewhat unique and smaller Four/Thirds sensor, Olympus is able to make their system smaller and lighter than most. Leica continues to be quite slow to adopt some of the new technologies and focus on the extreme high-end of the market with their offerings.
To a large extent, the playing field has leveled out a lot in the last few years. Everyone is now offering some form of image stabilization. Everyone is now using CMOS sensors. All the autofocus systems are similarly capable. Computer designed and manufactured optics are better than any time in history. Most manufacturers' DSLRs offer video capabilities and self-cleaning sensors. Other "gee whiz" features such as WiFi connectivity, GPS and more.... some of which might have little to do with taking photographs.... are relatively common, too.
Hopefully this will help you with your decisions.
Aside from Nikkors, most cannot be easily adapted for use on Nikon. The same is true of the other major brands.... Pentax can use Pentax, Oly can use Oly, etc. But there's a lot less adaptability across brands, than there is with Canon or Sony.
The problem with asking a question like this on a forum is that it brings out each brands fanboyz and fangirlz, who will rabidly defend the brand they chose and own.
This is an example of that...
jerryc41 wrote:
Nikon D750.
Read comparisons and specs, and decide what features are important to you.
(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu
Read comparisons and specs, and decide what features are important to you.
(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu
Problem is, D750 is a full frame model, which is something the original poster already ruled out.
The fact is, D750 is a great camera and either Canon or Nikon can do a great job.... So can Pentax, Olympus, Sony (formerly Minolta, except for a few years when it was Konica-Minolta).
Canon and Nikon have the largest selection of cameras and lenses. In a lot of ways, the lenses are more important than the cameras they're used upon. So be sure to compare the lenses offered, taking into account what you might want now or in the future.
Canon makes their own imaging sensors. So does Sony. Everyone else buys their sensors from Sony or other sources. (Canon recently changed policies and announced they'll be selling their sensors to other manufacturers, too... But I don't know of any deals yet.)
Canon pioneered multi-point autofocus systems, image stabilization, CMOS sensors, extensive use of Fluorite lens elements, full frame DSLRs and to a large extent video in DSLRs.
But Nikon has a long, deep history of photographic innovation, quality and performance too.
The more affordable Nikon DX (APS-C) cameras - D3000-series and D5000-series currently - require AF-S or AF-P lenses to be able to autofocus. In order to autofocus AF-D lenses, a D7000-series or higher Nikon model is needed (with an autofocus drive motor in the camera body, because those lenses do not have built-in focusing motor). In contrast, all current Canon APS-C/crop sensor cameras are fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses manufactured for the past 25+ years (10D from 2004 and earlier models cannot use EF-S lenses... but you aren't likely looking at 12-13 year old camera models).
At their base ISO Nikon and Sony have the widest dynamic range sensors... about one stop wider than Canon. As ISO is increased the difference in dynamic range decreases. At about ISO 800 or 1600 they're pretty much the same. Beyond that at higher ISO settings Canon have slightly wider dynamic range.
Third party lens and accessory manufacturers nearly always make products compatible with Canon and Nikon.... For Sony now, too, to some degree. A bit less for Pentax. And considerably less for Olympus, due to their use of the Four/Thirds sensor format (Olympus are able to use some other manufacturers' 4/3 lenses and accessories, that aren't usable on any of the other major manufacturers APS-C and full frame cameras.)
You're probably wise to look at crop sensor cameras. They're all most people really need. Full frame cameras cost more and limit you a bit, to using full frame capable lenses which also tend to be larger, heavier and cost more. Crop sensor cameras can use both crop-only lenses and full frame lenses. Plus, a full-frame telephoto lens on a crop sensor camera is "more powerful" than the same lens on a FF camera. OTOH, a FF wide angle lens is no longer wide, when it's used on a crop sensor camera. But there are lots of ultrawide crop-only lenses available to solve that problem.
Again, look beyond the camera itself, at the lenses and accessories you may want to use with it now or in the future. For example, let's say you'd like to have a truly wide lens for use on a crop sensor camera. There aren't many primes, mostly just zooms. These are available for all the camera manufacturers... but look more closely.
OEM...
Canon: EF-S 10-18mm STM IS ($280) and EF-S 10-22mm USM ($600)
Nikon: AF-S 10-24mm ED DX G ($900) and AF-S 12-24mm f/4 ED DX G ($1150)
Sony: 11-18mm DT ($750)
Pentax: 10-17mm SMCP-DA ED ($450), 12-24mm f/4 SMCP-DA ED AL ($700)
Olympus (Four/Thirds): 7-14mm f4 ED ($1600), 11-22mm ($700), 9-18mm ED ($600)
Third party...
Sigma to fit all brands except Oly: 10-20mm EX DC HSM f3.5 ($450), 8-16mm DC HSM ($700)
Tamron for all brands except Oly: 10-24mm SP Di II ($500)
Tokina for Nikon & Canon: 12-24mm f/4 AT-X DX ($400), 11-20mm f/2.8 AT-X DX ($500), 10-17mm AT-X 107 DX ($475-$530).
Tokina still offers a recently discontinued model for Nikon, Canon, Sony: 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X DX ($430 to $480).
Wading through all the above can be confusing. You should look for and read reviews about particular items before making a decision. Interestingly, Nikon fanboy Ken Rockwell says the under $300 Canon EF-S 10-18mm is "Not only is it the world's least expensive, it's super light weight, and is also optically superb. There is no sharper ultrawide lens for APS-C cameras..." Ken failed to note that it's also the only lens in the category with image stabilization. Canon fanboy Brian Carnathan at The-Digital-Picture.com is a lot tougher on the lens, noting that it's a bit plasticky and has some slight shortcomings, but also seems very impressed by it.
You can do similar brand-to-brand comparisons with telephoto zooms or macro lenses or any other type of lens that might interest you. You won't find much difference in price and performance among "kit" lenses and some of the most common entry-level models. It's when you look beyond those to more specialized lenses and accessories that you may find some brands offer more choice and/or better value. The lenses and accessories you want now or in the future can really help narrow things down or steer you toward the best system for your purposes.
All the modern camera systems are excellent and highly capable. Sony is the "new kid on the block", bought into the DSLR market when they acquired Konica-Minolta in 2006 and has been doing some very innovative things with mirrorless cameras, electronic viewfinders and shutters, partnering with Zeiss on a lot of things.... but tends to be high priced with their lenses and doesn't yet have nearly the system selection of Canon or Nikon. Nikon has used the same F-mount since 1959 and there's quite a bit of backward compatibility.... but there also are a lot of incompatibilities or limitations among all the variations they've offered over the years. Canon made a clean break around 1990 to their EF/EOS system with it's electronic lens mount and has been at the forefront of DSLR and lens innovation for much of the time, but their system is not very backward compatible to their earlier FL/FD and R systems. Pentax is now owned by Ricoh and has emphasized durability and weather sealing, recently introduced a full frame model that their fans have wanted for about ten years, and also make some pro-quality medium format digital cameras (as do Fuji, Hasselblad and Mamiya). Thanks to the somewhat unique and smaller Four/Thirds sensor, Olympus is able to make their system smaller and lighter than most. Leica continues to be quite slow to adopt some of the new technologies and focus on the extreme high-end of the market with their offerings.
To a large extent, the playing field has leveled out a lot in the last few years. Everyone is now offering some form of image stabilization. Everyone is now using CMOS sensors. All the autofocus systems are similarly capable. Computer designed and manufactured optics are better than any time in history. Most manufacturers' DSLRs offer video capabilities and self-cleaning sensors. Other "gee whiz" features such as WiFi connectivity, GPS and more.... some of which might have little to do with taking photographs.... are relatively common, too.
Hopefully this will help you with your decisions.
Jan 28, 2017 12:22:18 #
photoman022
Loc: Manchester CT USA
As a satisfied Nikon user I agree with the posters who suggest you stay with Pentax if your lenses will work on a Pentax DSLR. I also agree with all who say you will probably be satisfied with any system you choose. I am a Nikon shooter because the Nikon was $50 less that the Canon equivalent when I bought it at Best Buy many, many years ago.
Jan 28, 2017 12:38:10 #
Photoman22 wrote:
Hi,
I am going from film to digital and I want to know what to buy. I now have Pentax SLRs. Should I go Cannon or Nikon DSLR? I don't think I need full frame.
I am going from film to digital and I want to know what to buy. I now have Pentax SLRs. Should I go Cannon or Nikon DSLR? I don't think I need full frame.
Asking on here a question like you asked ,your going to get a lot of responses that are bias to what they shoot and then some will give you really good, unbiased answers. Even saying that you don't need full frame you still going to get answers to get one. Now what you have to do is use the facts that you like, go to a site like dpreview, and compare 2 identical cameras of 2 different makers. Once you think you have a couple that you like, I would get 2 sd cards and proceed to a reputable camera store and ask to try out both cameras with comparable lenses. Shoot them both at the same setting and distances, on each a separate card. Go home and look at them on your computer at 100% .Pick the one that gives you what is important to you. There's a lot to take into consideration, like ease of use, does it fit your hand , are the knobs, wheels ,menus etc. easy to maneuver, are the picture sharp, soft, are the colors onscreen the same as what you seen. Don't count out lesser known brands. Canon and Nikon are not the only cameras out there. I shoot one of those brands and if I didn't have the money invested , there's another brand that I would gladly buy. Do a lot of research and buy smart and enjoy.
Jan 28, 2017 13:15:21 #
I have used both Canon and Nikon cameras and both have excellent quality. On glaring difference I have found is in the tech support if your camera is having any issues. I guess I was spoiled with Canon because whenever I called I found the support staff to be fully versed in their cameras and could answer questions quickly and professionally. My Nikon D750, which I bought last year, has needed warranty service a couple of times, and while the customer service personnel at Nikon are friendly, their technical knowledge is vastly inferior to Canon. Any question I asked resulted in a hold while they looked up the answer on their computer.
As a couple of Canon reps told me, they were both professional photographers and thoroughly understood the equipment Canon manufactured. At Nikon I am reminded of the overseas support we often get for electronics in which the answer to every question has to be looked up. Other than that, I love the D750.
As a couple of Canon reps told me, they were both professional photographers and thoroughly understood the equipment Canon manufactured. At Nikon I am reminded of the overseas support we often get for electronics in which the answer to every question has to be looked up. Other than that, I love the D750.
Jan 28, 2017 13:27:38 #
Picture Taker
Loc: Michigan Thumb
I agree I found Canon Tech Support the best you can ask for but I did return a Nikon after trying to get Tech Support. I would never buy any N ikon product but that is only my experience.
Jan 28, 2017 13:31:24 #
rfmaude41
Loc: Lancaster, Texas (DFW area)
EdJ0307 wrote:
Not wanting to be picky or anything but the name of the camera is spelled Nikkon.
The camera is NIKON, the company is NIPPON, the lenses are NIKKOR
Jan 28, 2017 13:48:26 #
You didn't say how much you are willing to spend , I won't tell you what to buy only what I would do , I have used a nikon for the last ten years and pentax, koneka ,minolta ,Kodak for the 65 years before that , if I was going to buy a month or so ago it would be the top dx made by canon , but now it would be the top dx by nikon after reading all the testing reports the Nikon D500, but If wanted to save money , I would buy a refurbished nikon D7200 , IT WAS RATED as a winner and if you can get a sweet deal on one if you happen to see one in your local paper or buy sell or creges list , with low accusations on the shutter 20000 or 30000 maybe lower , check it out could be $400 to $600 that would be a steal ,
Jan 28, 2017 13:48:46 #
Photoman22 wrote:
Hi,
I am going from film to digital and I want to know what to buy. I now have Pentax SLRs. Should I go Cannon or Nikon DSLR? I don't think I need full frame.
I am going from film to digital and I want to know what to buy. I now have Pentax SLRs. Should I go Cannon or Nikon DSLR? I don't think I need full frame.
As a long time Canon user - I have nothing against Nikon, they are also excellent - I have to ask why do you want to move away from Pentax? They are excellent cameras and lenses and have some advantages that neither Canon nor Nikon yet offer. Pentax seems to be behind in the video area, but if you don't need that then it's a non issue. There are rumors that Pentax is going to re-enter the mirrorless market. There are many very knowledgeable UHH members that can give you good advice about Pentax.
Personally I stayed with Canon because of investment in lenses and familiarity. Why would you not do the same with your Pentax investment?
Jan 28, 2017 13:51:40 #
Photoman22 wrote:
Hi,
I am going from film to digital and I want to know what to buy. I now have Pentax SLRs. Should I go Cannon or Nikon DSLR? I don't think I need full frame.
I am going from film to digital and I want to know what to buy. I now have Pentax SLRs. Should I go Cannon or Nikon DSLR? I don't think I need full frame.
I think you should go Nikon since Cannon is spelled Canon. ;-) Just ribbing you. Go to a store where you can pick them up and feel them in your hand. The ergonomics are a bit different. Go with what feels good in your hand. Both Canon (which I shoot) and Nikon are very good cameras. Cheers.
Jan 28, 2017 13:59:58 #
tgreenhaw wrote:
I've noticed a pattern. I download photos I think have the best technical quality and read the file info to see what equipment was used. For whatever reason its usually Canon.<br/>
<br/>
Here is an opinion from a trusted source: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/nikon-vs-canon.htm
<br/>
Here is an opinion from a trusted source: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/nikon-vs-canon.htm
That is a very well written opinion by Ken Rockwell and makes me feel much more satisfied with my recent decision to go with Canon. Still, look at the lenses each company offers and see if there are any that are really compelling to you. If you can, handle the bodies and see if one fits your hands better than the other. The Nikon D7200 and the Canon 80D both have a lot to offer and either one would be an excellent choice.
Jan 28, 2017 14:31:27 #
Pentax made great lenses. If yours are M42 screw mounts then go with Canon. Adapters are cheap and most all of them will work great on crop frame and awesome on FF. Nikons will need addition glass to adapt and then not reach infinity focus. You will need to shoot full manual or av priority. Use Live-View + magnify to get perfect focus.
Jan 28, 2017 14:54:23 #
Photoman22 wrote:
Hi,
I am going from film to digital and I want to know what to buy. I now have Pentax SLRs. Should I go Cannon or Nikon DSLR? I don't think I need full frame.
I am going from film to digital and I want to know what to buy. I now have Pentax SLRs. Should I go Cannon or Nikon DSLR? I don't think I need full frame.
You do not need so-called full frame. Very few people do. You have Pentax SLRs, why did you not consider a Pentax DSLR? Pentax still makes very fine, competitive cameras, every bit as good as Nikon/Canon. Other excellent options are Sony and Fuji mirrorless.
While I have used Canon and Nikon for very many years, I have also chosen Pentax at times--including one of the very first Asahi Pentax in 1958. Pentax is excellent. In the last two years, I have sold all my Nikon gear and gone to Sony mirrorless. So you have more than just the two options.
Jan 28, 2017 17:57:41 #
Photoman22 wrote:
Hi,
I am going from film to digital and I want to know what to buy. I now have Pentax SLRs. Should I go Cannon or Nikon DSLR? I don't think I need full frame.
I am going from film to digital and I want to know what to buy. I now have Pentax SLRs. Should I go Cannon or Nikon DSLR? I don't think I need full frame.
Stay with Pentax. A lot better then the other two.
Jan 28, 2017 18:00:09 #
Peterff wrote:
In who's reality?
In your reality. I'm not saying there aren't excellent crop sensor cameras out there but the top level Canon and Nikon cameras have moved to FF and there can be little argument the their best lenses are designed to work with FF sensors. FF sensors are creeping down their lines. There will always be crop sensor camera and they will give excellent results, however, FF sensors out perform crop sensors in ISO noise, low light performance and other areas that may not mean much to the day trip photographer. I was very happy with my D2x until I went to a D3 and now the D4s and D750
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