Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

I read a new article about problems with Nikon gears. The link is http://photographylife.com/dont-be-a-guinea-pig#more-118384 . I still own quite expensive Nion gerars (over $40,000 now) such as D4S, Nikon 800mm, 200-400mm, etc. I have not had any problem yet. I just like taking photos. I am considering to buy newly released Nikon 500mm. Before I do this, I would like to get any input if possible. Any comment about the general comparison between the two brands about the reliability? --Thanks for the help!

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

The best camera is the one in your hands. S-

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

They all have issues. I went to Nikon after a long struggle with AF on the Canon Eos 1D MKIII. I also heard the 7DII has some AF issues as well, with some cameras working fine and others having problems. Also, it seems like Sony has had their share of headaches as well (the A7r series comes to mind) - so it's not just Nikon.

That said, I think the internet really magnifies the issues to a great extent. Not everyone who owned a particular camera or lens has had issues with it. Still, I have to admit that I now wait a little bit when possible before buying equipment (I only get it right off the truck if I'm doing a review or something).

As for Nikon Vs Canon, I'm not sure one is more reliable than the other. As for image quality, don't worry about it. If you can't get a good image with one or the other, the problem isn't the camera :)

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Welcome to the party Steve and you couldn't be more right!

Add the original posters comment "I have not had any problem yet. I just like taking photos." and why change what you have?

Cameras are a tool, and a tool is only as good as those who use it. S-

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

Thanks!

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

Thanks for the input!

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

Thanks!

Gobuster Loc: South Florida

You have a lot of Nikon gear, has it been troublesome? Seems all complex modern stuff will occasionally have problems, but, for the most part is reliable, I have 4 Nikon bodies and many lenses, and have taken thousands of photos with them. The only issue I've had was sensor spots (oil & dust) on my D600. It worked fine and delivered excellent IQ, but the need for frequent cleaning was unacceptable. Nikon replaced it under warranty with a D610. I've just got the new 200-500, so far, flawless and very fast to focus, sharp too. I've also had Canon equipment that aside from a sticky diaphragm in a couple of lenses, was also trouble free. I think both companies make great products and stand behind them.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Richard, I am not aware of any issues with either brand other than the normal bad luck and lemons that plague all companies.
With so much invested(yes it's just money if you have it) for most it would be hard to switch.
But, if you don't mind spending it, the only reason I went with Canon was because the glass was faster(still is), and at the time the big Nikon glass had NO VR, now I think it all does. But if you use the BIG glass a lot, the Canon glass weighs 20% less. That's huge if you actually use the big glass.
The cameras are virtually the same!
Canons system is more complete, including more lenses(only landscapers and bug chasers use old glass), printers, inks, papers and the best customer service in the business! It combines for a seamless experience from shoot to print.
Today, I would make the exact same decision, based on the same exact criteria! Good luck. ;-)
SS

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

Thanks for the input! I have not had any single problem yet. My other lens, such as 70-200mm VRII, 24-70mm, 14-24mm, 105mm micro, etc and camera D800, D7000 have not had any problem so far. I am considering buying newly released Nikkor 500mm/f4. I may wait longer to see how market responses for the lens before i buy one. Thanks!

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I largely have to agree with everything Sharpshooter wrote and I use Canon too, for much the same reasons.

In addition, at one point Canon had an edge with their CMOS sensors, too. They committed to CMOS early on, developed their own chips and production facilities. Everyone else was using CCD sensors, mostly bought from Sony and Kodak, which were fine in good light but terrible at higher ISOs. But, like image stabilization, that's another advantage that's evaporated, as the last couple generations of DSLRs from Nikon (and everyone else) are all using CMOS, too.

In fact, the most current CMOS from Nikon (well, actually from Sony) have a bit wider dynamic range than Canon's at their native ISO. The difference disappears by about ISO 1600 and beyond that the Canon CMOS are slightly superior. It's not all that big a difference either way, anyway. For a while Nikon and Sony offered higher resolution, too.... 36MP full frame models, while Canon seemed stuck around 22MP. But Canon has just introduced a couple 50MP models. Probably more resolution than most people will ever need, but I have little doubt that Nikon and Sony will come out with similar soon. It's sort of a leap frog game.

Yes, the Canon lens system is a little larger.... and all EF lenses are usable on all EOS cameras (EF-S lenses are limited to use on APS-C "crop" cameras). Nikon AF-D lenses do not have a built in focus motor. To AF they require a higher end camera that has the motor built into it. Nikon AF-S are gradually replacing those, and can autofocus on any current model.

Canon has some specialized lenses Nikon doesn't. But Nikon has some that Canon doesn't.

Both systems are excellent and highly capable.

Sony are pushing the envelope in some respects, with electronic viewfinders, electronic shutters and other interesting advancements.

Olympus continues to offer the most compact DSLRs and lenses.

Pentax has focused on durable, well-sealed cameras and lenses.

The system of lenses and accessories for Sony, Oly and Pentax are not nearly as extensive as the Nikon and Canon. But what Sony, Oly and Pentax do offer are excellent, too.

It would be very expensive to switch, once you are heavily invested in one system or another.

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

Thank you very much for the input!

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

Thanks for the input and comment!

Indrajeet Singh Loc: Goa, India

I must agree with everything you say Steve! Couldn't have said it better!

:thumbup: :thumbup:

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

They have both built reliable gear. Both companies have good customer service centers for current models. Both stand behind their products. Both care about their customers. What else do you need to know.