Canon or Nikon DSLR?

I am going to be in the market for a new camera in the next few months.
Recommendations, opinions, experiences?

I am leaning towards Canon…if I remember correctly Nikon is not as compatible with after market lens.

Thanks in advance!

I recently got a Nikon D5000 and have really enjoyed the ease of use and stunning pictures that I have been able to capture. I was new to the DSLR world and wanted something that would be easy enough to learn on, yet still have the advanced features to utilize as I progress as a photographer.

I have heard nothing but good things about the optics that are available for the nikon cameras. The only issue is would be the lack of a motor on the camera to control the focusing, meaning you have to spend more on lens that have a built in motor. To be honest you probably won’t need that many lens when you start using your camera. Most people can get by on 2-3 lens (18-55mm Kit lens, 300mm Telephoto, and a specialty lens based on your preferences).

I would highly recommend going to a store and trying them out. I personally ended up with the nikon based on enjoying the feel of it in my hand. Both Canon and Nikon have pretty similar prices, features, and quality so your really can’t go wrong with either one.

I have a Cannon XSI and first and foremost, I will say that I love it. I really do. It has done things that I never thought that I could possibly do with a camera. In the last few months, I’ve also been on several photography forums and websites trying to learn and discover all the ins and outs of photography and composition and whatnot. With that said, knowing what I know now about cameras and lenses and all that, I would go with the Nikon. That D5000 would be an excellent choice to start off with. Cannon is excellent for what it is, however, Nikon is the brand choice of the pros for a reason. I would venture to guess that the entry level DSLRs are about the same as far as quality/output. However, once you upgrade a few times, Nikon is certainly where you’d want to be. What I like about some of the bigger Nikons more than my Cannon is the ability to bump ISO up really high when you have are in need of high speed shutters with lower light conditions. The higher level Cannons do that as well, but from the examples I’ve seen online the Nikon is simpler to use (once you are familiar with DSLRs and their functions) and produce a sharper picture (depending on the lens choice of course). That my not make much sense now, but if you really get into it like I have and enjoy it as much, you’ll thank me.

As for the lenses, Fishfofun is right on. The kit lens that comes with it is decent, but you’ll want to get a nicer telephoto (not necessarily 300mm, you’ll be fine with a 200 for a beginner), and maybe a 50mm fixed like I just picked up that’s excellent for a variety of reasons, price being a big one. Cannon makes a 50mm fixed 1.8 for $100 online. Sharp little lens.

As for someone wanting to learn about DSLRs for the first time, you can’t go wrong with either one. Just know that if you choose to upgrade in the future and you go to a different brand completely, you’ll have to get all new lenses too. Just some food for thought.

Good luck with your decision and you really can’t go wrong either way

Nikon D90. Hands down the best camera I’ve ever owned. I have two Nikon lenses and one after-market lens. No problems with any of those. Picture quality is unbelievable and I’ve only tapped about 30% of the potential of this camera. I really don’t think it is possible to take a bad picture with this camera. It’s pricey, but it’s a great camera for the next decade at a minimum.

I am really leaning towards the Canon Rebel T1i 15MP. In comparison tests it comes very close to the Nikon D90(which unfortunately is a little outside my budget right now).
It seems that Canon offers a little more of a collection of lenses than Nikon does.
I am still considering the Nikon D5000 too.

Here are a few pictures taken with the D90 a few weeks ago just to give you some idea of the picture quality. These were taken on full automatic and are not retouched or Photoshopped in any way. These are basic pictures with the D90 and Nikon lenses.

I am pretty sure that the D5000 has the exact same 12.3MP sensor, 11 zone focus area, and ISO range of 200-6400 that is found in the D90. The most notable difference is the lack of the internal focusing motor (meaning some lens are unable to autofocus on the D5000).

quote:
Originally posted by FishFoFun

I am pretty sure that the D5000 has the exact same 12.3MP sensor, 11 zone focus area, and ISO range of 200-6400 that is found in the D90. The most notable difference is the lack of the internal focusing motor (meaning some lens are unable to autofocus on the D5000).


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This is the only downfall I see on the Nikon D5000. It will probably never mean anything for me…but if I spend this kind of money on a camera…I don’t want to be limited in the future.

quote:
Originally posted by Comp Time These were taken on full automatic

Just wait until you learn how to use all the functions on that thing. You think those pictures are good now? Wait! Once you learn how to manipulate the camera to best capture a subject, those pictures get sharper and cleaner and much better looking. I do love the third picture BTW. I wish that scum on the water’s surface wasn’t there, but its a great picture nonetheless.

STFulton1, let us know what you end up getting and keep us posted of your progress.

…because everything is a conspiracy!!!

Thanks for all the information guys! I have done lots and lots of research the last few days…and after convincing my wife to let me go spend some more money…I have decided on the Canon T1i 15MP. I should have it tomorrow, and hope to play around with it this weekend ALOT! Although I have our Fantasy Football live draft Saturday…so it will probably be mostly on Sunday.

I don’t have a boat…so maybe sometime I can catch a ride with someone and we can go shoot some photos on the water.

Thanks again guys!
Scott

A little late but as a photojournalist I always used, and still use, Nikon. Nikon and Canon are both outstanding cameras. Each has it’s quirks but both take great photos as long as the photographer has a clue what to do. The thinkg I always tell people abou tthem is if you already have lenses for one stick with it, unless you can afford to buy new lenses. If you are just starting either will do you fine. A great camera is only better wiht good glass… All my lenses are 2.8 and tack sharp, you just don’t really get that form 5.6 lenses. Unless you are doing commercial wortk where focus is critical those consumer grade lenses will work just fine. Enjoy your canon! They are great cameras but of course Nikon rules!!! :wink:

“Paddle faster boys… I hear banjo music!”
SC Chapter Coordinator- Heroes on the Water
http://www.HeroesOnTheWater.org
Charleston Director- SCKayakfishing.com
Tarpon 160os

Yep kinda like Ford vs. Chevy but Nikon rules!:smiley: Glass Is more Important than anything!

I HAVE SPENT MOST OF MY LIFE FISHING AND WASTED THE REST OF IT!

Nikon D90. don’t know the canons but a quality nikon is amazing. Best camera I have ever owned. Amazing in fact

any suggestions on who would have the best deal on the nikon d90?

pioneer 197 yamaha f150

reel nauti - Amazon has the D90 with 3.5 lens for $899 right now

23Sailfish - If you are not already familiar with Patrick McMillan - check out his TV show and website, lots of good info. for wildlife photographers.

SeaPro 23 WA Yam 225
Key West 17’ Stealth Yam 115
High Tide 15’ Yam 50

quote:
Originally posted by reel nauti

any suggestions on who would have the best deal on the nikon d90?

pioneer 197 yamaha f150


Got mine at Ritz Camera in Mt. P. They matched internet prices and if you have a problem or need it cleaned, you can get it done at a local store.

quote:
Originally posted by 23Sailfish [I wish that scum on the water's surface wasn't there, but its a great picture nonetheless.

I am glad that “scum” (aka hydrilla) is there when I am duck hunting. I hate that “scum” when I am bowfishing.

I just got a Nikon D3000. I’m new to DSLR photography and am still playing around with it, but I like it a lot. It takes great pictures. Great entry level SLR. One downside, the Nikon doesn’t come with a very comprehensive user guide, but, there are several books out there. I bought one from David Busch. It comes in pretty handy if you have limited experience like I do.