skinFNP Loc: Michigan

I presently use an olympus Evolt 620 and am thinking about switching out to Nikon or Canon. I'm not terribly unhappy with my Olympus, I just think I can do better with some of the other models and features. My question, if you could have any camera under the Canon or Nikon line which one would you want if you could and why. I'm trying to feel everyone out to help me make a better decision. Thanks in advance for your help. (oh yeah, money is an obstacle, under 1200 for body if possible) thanks :)

amehta Loc: Boston

I think a more important question than the brand is the "level" of the camera. Once you decide that, Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, and Fuji all have excellent options. The brand matters less, except for the mirrorless/DSLR choice.

nikon_jon Loc: Northeast Arkansas

I could give you three choices. Nikon, Nikon and Nikon. Am I prejudice or what? If you buy a Nikon, go for the D90 as a starter camera. You can buy a D90 with kit lens (18-55mm) for way cheaper than $1200. Some of the major photo houses offer factory refurbs with 90 day warranty and they are pretty much like new.

The value of the D90 over the D60, D3000 series or the D5000 series is that the D90 has a focus drive motor in the camera body, which means you can buy some of Nikon's older auto-focus lenses which do not have the focus motor in the lens. You can pick these up very reasonably and for the most part they are great lenses. These lenses are designated as the D series lenses and these lenses will not autofocus on the D60, 3000, or 5000 series bodies. The D lenses can be used on all Nikons but they will not autofocus on all body models.

And did you know that almost all lenses ever made by Nikon will work on the latest digital models. Not so with Canon. I have an older non-autofocus lens that I used on an old FM2 about 15 years ago. It works on my D90 and D7000. It just has to be manually focused. It is a 35mm f/2.8 and my how sharp that lens is.

Happy shopping.

dano2010

My first Nikon was a D3100 kit Very reasonably priced. I also purchased a refurbished 55-200mm zoom lens. I take photos of all kind, sports, nature,and scenery. I tend to lean towards auto racing as a favorite. I have upgraded to a D5200 with a 55-300mm zoom. and I am very pleased with this package. I recently attended the 2014 Rolex 24hour race at Dayton. I took some amazing shots and some not so amazing shots. I'm still learning. I kind of jumped in with both feet but what fun to see the end results.

amehta Loc: Boston

I think this summarizes, in a nutshell, the difference between the more entry-level and the more advanced cameras: the ratio of amazing to not so amazing shots. Money is obviously a factor, but if you had jumped up to the D7100 and the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, with a little time to get comfortable with it, the percentage of amazing shots would be even higher. Especially for a subject like an auto race.

So, back to the OP, figure out what "level" of camera is most appropriate for your photography. Then we can talk about brands.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

If you really want to switch...to Nikon...
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D7100-24-1-DX-Format-Digital/dp/B00BI9X7UC

TNmike Loc: NW TN

This is one of the most intelligent replies I've ever read on UHH. Just because the 'brand' and 'model' of my cameras work for me neither may be correct for the next person. If I would have chosen brand X or Z instead of brand Y then I would have to have chosen the model that would fit my needs. With my investment in lens with brand Y mounts I will likely stay with that brand if I should decide to upgrade the bodies. TNmike

Frapha Loc: Tulsa, Oklahoma

I've been a "die-hard" Oly user since 1979, and eventually ended up with the E-520 and E-30. Like you, I was looking to switch to either Canon or Nikon. After a lot of research, renting & trying various models, I settled on the Nikon D7100 and am extremely happy with that choice. One (but not the only) reason for going with the D7100 was the internal focus motor which means I can use a plethora of older Nikon AF lenses that don't have their own focus motors. With the 3xxx series or the 5xxx series, those lenses would be manual focus only. And, as someone else mentioned, the ability to use legacy lenses on Nikon is a big advantage over some Canon models. It did take some time & practice to get accustomed to the larger sensor and 24mp, (and lens mounts turn the opposite way from Oly, as does the zoom) but I'm glad I made the change.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

You probably have enough knowledge and experience to do it from the proper angle now.
You are thinking about it wrong.
Its not the camera. It is the lenses.

Work out what shots you want to take.
Work out which lenses will take them.
Now, work back to the camera from there.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

What lenses are you using with the 620? I used to own one, then jumped to the e5. The 12-60 is a great fast lens with the 620. It can be had for 500 used...I just so happen to have one for sale if you're interested (shameless plug).

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

You'll find pros and cons with both. Go to a local camera store that carries both and see which feels best in your hands. Where are the function keys and feature buttons that matter to you. You can't make a bad choice no matter which brand you choose. I chose Nikon only because I liked the layout and felt it would be better suited for my shooting style.

n3eg Loc: West coast USA

Why not upgrade to the E-M1?

olcoach Loc: Oregon

If this question is ever answered satisfactorily please let me know.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Didn't you see my reply olcoach?

amehta Loc: Boston

It is very important that this question is never answered satisfactorily. For us, this means we get choices, and for them, it means competitive pressure to keep improving their products and service.