Unclewiggley Loc: Winter Haven, FL

I know this has been discussed a number of times but I would like opinions to my situation. Sorry! if this seems a little long but here goes.
I have 2 old Canons a T90 and AE1 Program so I am familar with Canon. I have never had a Nikon. I am in the market for a new digital. The only one I have had is a Fuji S602Z, which is also somewhat old as digital's go. I have been researching the Canon 60D and Nikon D5100 along with the Canon EF 70-200 F4L ($659 used only on Canon) and Tamron AF 18-270 f3.5-6.3 PZD ($629 which can be used on either camera).
Well here is my question - Would I be wise to buy the Canon setup versus the Nikon setup. From what prices I have found the Canon is $1528. w/F4L and $1498. w/ Tamron and Nikon $1278. w/Tamron?.
I have lens that go on the old Canon's, a Canon 50mm 1.8, Kalimar 35-70 2.8, Soligor zoom macro 28-80 3.5-4.5 and a Solior MP auto tele converter 2x for Canon FD lens. Would any of these lens and teleconverter work on a 60D.
Again would I be wise to buy the Canon setup taking into account the Canon lens equipment I have if the lens will work?
I know the lens are not the greatest probably except the 50mm Canon.

I have read all the pros and cons of both cameras on Amazon and other review sites and still cannot make up my mind.

I have done wedding photography years back but with 2 1/4 cameras like Bronica and Mamyia C330's and yes Graflex but this researching digital is a whole different animal.

Thanks in advance for whatever help you can give a poor old man.

jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

if you already have some canon lenses...stick with canon.

i have both canon and nikon equipment...it's kinda like mac and pc, it's all personal preference. i like the L lenses for canon so i buy more stuff for the canon bodies.

both are great.....you cannot go wrong with either.

so this post is un-biased to either brand.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

You've read the reviews.
It's your choice.

Right, left
Nikon, Canon
Sony, Fuji
Black, blue
Red, white
Hot, cold

7k users and each one has their own views.

You and only you can make that decision.

Mudpuppy Loc: Michigan

everyone i talk to says nikon and canon are about equal - it comes down to user interface and your preference..

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

Your last statement is the key. Even that 50mm is probably not as good optically as the current $100 'nifty fifty' f/1.8, so from where I sit, your lens collection has no bearing on your future purchase. They are not worth considering as a 'balance tipper'.

Flip a coin.

Vi Loc: Upper Midwest

Go to a camera shop in your area and see which one feels more comfortable in your hands and while you are using it. If that doesn't help, rent each one for a few days if that option is available to you. I have the Canon 60d and really like it but then I upgraded from a Canon rebel xt. I don't like the price tag on the Nikon. Otherwise the cameras are pretty close in what they produce and that depends mostly on the skills of the user.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

I have Nikon, But here's the kicker, I also like to shoot animals and birds. My friend just bought a 400mm 2.8 fix lens for $6000 from Canon. For me to get the same lens from Nikon it's 10,000. Your glass will be the most important item you purchase, what type of photography will you do??

Paw Paw Bill Loc: d

Not many camera shops in my area.The two closest (80 miles) are Canon only. I shoot Nikon. The closest Nikon shop is in New Orleans (120 miles). Canon and Nikon are equal except for a few small quirks. If you plan astrophotography, then go Canon for it's ability to lock the mirror up and shoot. I use work arounds for Nikon for this, but it would be easier with Canon. Other than that, back to shops, I like going to the shop instead of the net. It may become a choice of what is available in shops near by.

OnTheFly Loc: Tennessee

I may be badly mistaken. But, I think a more accurate comparison with the 60D would be the Nikon D90.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I was comparing these two over the weekend. At least I think it was the 60D. I was trying to decide which one I would buy at a later date.

seaside7

Might want to check out the new Canon high end P&S.
http://www.usa.canon.com/app/emails/psnov11/?WT.mc_id=EM1111PS02007&RID=1-3U8GL9&CON=1-1NN2-1599&PRO=&CID=1-3RJ0PV

dasloaf

why not go on line and rent the camera, you would like to buy and get a lens to go along with it? Try it out before u buy it? Might cost a 100 bucks but try before you buy it. Numerous sites have lens and cameras to rent!

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

Unclewiggley,
Here is part of a post I made on a similar question about the D5100 and a Canon T3i.
One of the things to consider in purchasing the camera is to look at its sensor. A company known as DxO Labs has painstakingly put sensors used in digital cameras through several tests to measure performance. Bottom line? Out of 148 cameras tested, the D5100 is ranked lucky number 13 and has the same overall score as the Nikon D7000 (ranked 11th), a very highly rated camera in its own right. Why? THEY HAVE THE SAME SENSOR! Now, here again, the sensor isn't the ONLY consideration when choosing your camera, but it IS important because it affects image quality. To complete this analysis, what cameras, then, are ahead of the D5100 besides the D7000? The only other mid-range cameras ahead of it are the Sony Alpha 580 (ranked 12th) and the Pentax K-5 (ranked 7th). All the other ones are FULL-FRAME sensor cameras. So, in my opinion, the D5100 is in pretty good company, being ranked right up there with the "cream of the crop".
As far as the Canon 60D is concerned in this DxO ranking, it is ranked 50th out of 148, quite a bit of distance between it and the D5100. But...any of these cameras can be tweaked as well as have better lenses put on the camera. To me, as a learning photographer, the crucial elements are your own sense of composing pictures, having a good steady hand, and a camera that just simply feels good to you. Good lenses are also essential. So, for what it's worth, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it. (By the way, I am well on my way to saving up money to buy the D5100 with a couple of good lenses)

Unclewiggley Loc: Winter Haven, FL

I do have a camera shop about 4 miles from me but they charge full list. I am going to buy over the net. The other reason I have not gone there is the fact I do not want these people wasting their time with me if I am not going to buy from them. I've talked to them briefly awhile back and their price is their price. I am leaning toward the Canon. Thanks everyone for your help.

KB Loc: Tennessee

It sounds like the Canon 70-200L you are looking at (659.00) is not the Image Stabilized model. It's worth the extra money to invest in the 70-200 F-4L IS unless you ONLY shoot using a tripod. Also the 60D is not Canon's latest offering, keep researching the newer models before you put down that hard earned cash.

KB

Unclewiggley Loc: Winter Haven, FL

Just read you article and it makes me think a little more. Great article. It's amazing how little cameras can cause such debates.