jimmya Loc: Phoenix

This question has been rattling around photo forums for a few years now with no real answer because the choice is almost always personal.

I'm a Canon loyalist and I enjoy their gear. I get the results I'm looking for so I stick with Canon. Others feel the same about Nikon and so it goes.

Both companies make excellent equipment. Several years ago Nikon, so the story goes, decided to make a run at Canon because Canon was the world's choice for camera gear. Nikon has made many strides in the goal and are now in head to head competition with their rival. That doesn't mean either one is better but some, like me, would beg to differ based on personal choice.

I'd say what ever works best for you is the best for you.
I happen to like Canon so I stay with them.

Good luck

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

Consider new and refurbished. BH has Nikon D800's at $1600. These are still new cameras. At 36 MP, 14.4 EVS, 5 fps, 30 fps movie mode at 1080i. They are an exceptional value.

Marionsho Loc: Kansas

Welcome to the Hog.
You'll get lots of advice. Ignore the negative replies. Be safe in your work. And have a Merry Chrismas.
Marion

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

You are invested in Nikon so your son would have options of using your lenses etc., if he got a Nikon as well. For video a silent lens is best and unfortunantly for you Canon leads the pack with the STM series specifically for video. Use the quietest lens you can so noise does not interfere. Larger aperture (More expensive) work well both in day and night but are larger and not easily concealed. Your Nikon lenses can easily be mounted on Canon but not the other way around.
Enjoy you new camera and involve your son in the joy of photography.

gessman Loc: Colorado

Why not to use Nikon:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jva08HY6uLE

picturesofdogs Loc: Dallas, Texas.

Nikon d7100 uses sony sensor, get adapter to use nikon lenses, mirrorless so lighter weight, better focus system.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

As some others have said, you should decide what functions are important to you before you make any final decision. For your work, I would guess that, low light capability would be important. In the Nikon line, Gene mentioned the D3s. I can't comment specifically as I never owned that model, but the thought process is that the more expensive, pro cameras have the best low light support. In the Nikon line, that would be the 4Ds, but that would be a bit pricey at $ 6,500! The D3s would be less expensive. Gene has been around for quite a while, and I value his advice. In the Canon line there is also a similar model, but, as a Nikon guy, I don't know the Canon line that well. Both are FANTASTIC systems! There are others, but they do not have the range of lenses and also lack some of the faster ones which will benefit your work. As far as lenses are concerned, if you need both low light capability and reach, something like the 300/2.8 (around $ 6,000) and also a zoom such as a 70-200/2.8 (about $ 2,500 for a nikon) would most likely be good choices for you. I would suggest that the all-in-ones, like a 28-300 would not be that useful in low light. My point, this is an expensive venture. Rent, try, etc.. You need more that one skill here. You must be a PI, and a photographer, and perhaps some others! And yes, having you son into the same system would allow the sharing of lenses. Best of luck!

LPigott Loc: Monterey Peninsula, CA

Nice to have the Canon Nikon debate continuing endlessly on this site. (zzzz)

picturesofdogs Loc: Dallas, Texas.

Low light nikon for $8300.00 versus sonny 7 for half that with a 405,000 iso.
Join the future.

Shutter Bugger

In your game you need a camera with as much resolution as economically possible which would be a Nikon D800E, Nikon D800 or Nikon D810. Also, in your
game, you need a sensor with the greatest light gathering ability as
economicaly possible, and that would be a "full frame" sensor that a
Nikon D800E , Nikon D800 or Nikon D810 is equipped with.

One could be easily forgiven for saying the Nikons above were designed specifically for private investigation work. :thumbup:

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

He may not have known how to shoot with his D7000. for the typs of shots he takes it does not matter if there is some noise as long as you can see what the images are. It could be the D3S just does a better job with that kind of light in P. Also the D7100 is beter than the D7000 in low light. By the way all many pros use crop format and before FF came out they all did and got very good pictures. - Dave

Basil Loc: New Mexico

I'm glad someone finally asked that question here /sarc.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I have seen many Sony fans here. Stick with your Nikon as the system is far better. The electronic viewfinder of Sony and other mirrorless cameras cannot keep up with movement as real light through a real viewfinder. There is a lag, (Missed critical shots) I tried this yesterday in a photo shop with several Sony and other mirrorless cameras and it was horrible.
Your Nikon is a wonderful camera. Get the fastest glass you can and get your son the same system.

CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.

Your business is only going to be as good as the equipment you have.
Seriously, a DX camera and lens are not going to be up to the task. (Give it to your son)
You need an FX camera and a good long f/2.8 lens.
You and your son plan on exchanging lenses so stick with the Nikon Brand.
Gene recommends the Nikon D35 Camera, if he says it good for your application I believe it.
I may suggest the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. There are also some really good 3rd Party Lenses too, Sigma, Tamron and Tokina.
Look at the 150-600 lenses by Tamron and Sigma.
Craig

tradergeorge Loc: Newport, Kentucky

One caveat. Since you already have a D7100 and want to share lenses, DO NOT get your son a D800. It has an FX sensor which is different from the DX sensor of your D7100. You COULD buy all FX lenses to use on both cameras, but that is unnecessarily expensive. Better to get him another DX camera and avoid any possible issues. The D7100 is an excellent bargain right now, so oit would not be bad advice to tell you to get him one just like yours. That way, you could also share information you each learn from the experience of using the camera...

To the person who recommended the D800...You are not wrong that it would be an excellent choice if he was not already invested in a DX and had expressed a need to share lenses. If I were starting from scratch, I would certainly think exactly as you did...Cheers!!!