Canon or NIkon?

monicarrt · Nov 2, 2013

Im planning on buying a new camera very soon. I have a Canon Rebel T2i right now, and its been a good camera. Any thoughts on whethere a Nikon is "better"? Or should I stick with Canon?

KmH · Nov 2, 2013

The T2i is very capable and may have performance capabilities you have not yet been able to take advantage of.

Currently, Nikon DSLR cameras in general have somewhat better low light perform than Canon cameras.
Otherwise, the differences between the 2 brands are just nuances and photographer skill and knowledge is the major factor that determines image quality.

What do you hope to gain by getting a different camera?

robbins.photo · Nov 2, 2013

monicarrt said:
Im planning on buying a new camera very soon. I have a Canon Rebel T2i right now, and its been a good camera. Any thoughts on whethere a Nikon is "better"? Or should I stick with Canon?

I agree with KmH.. well, mostly. I guess my thought process on this would be, how many lenses/accessories do you currently have for your T2I? If you've already invested in say a telephoto lens or maybe a couple of extra lenses then it would most likely make more sense to stick with Canon since you've already got additional lenses you can use with the same camera body.

However if all you have is the standard kit lens then examining the benefits of another brand, like Nikon, might make a little more sense. The other consideration is budget and available equipment. Depending on your price point the differences in the cameras you can afford might be significant depending on what type of shooting you do the most.

I went with Nikon because in general Nikon cameras tend to have better image quality and dynamic range than a Canon at the same price point when I looked at my budget. So first thing I would do would be to establish a budget, then figure out what types of pictures you'll be taking most. From there I'd start comparing the Canon cameras in that range to the Nikon and see which camera has the best features that are important to you and which will give you more bang for your buck. Another important consideration, what is it that you'd like to do that your T2I seems to struggle with? You should think about what types of shooting situations you find yourself in and what features your new camera should have that the t2i doesn't.

EDL · Nov 2, 2013

It all depends on what you want to do in your photography?

I don't buy the Nikon is better, or the Canon is better argument (in general). Each have their strengths and weaknesses. If one was truly that much better than the other then we'd see that brand totally dominate the market, but that isn't the case.

Many pros out there and you see both brands used extensively.

raventepes · Nov 2, 2013

Do yourself a huge favour and go into a store (a REAL store with a door and open sign) and play with a few cameras in your price point. Best Buy would be sufficient for this (and often have decent sales, too). The trick is, you may absolutely LOVE the specs on a camera, but you could really hate how it feels or operates in your hands, which is an important thing to consider, perhaps maybe even equal to its image quality itself. YOU have to be comfortable with it, otherwise you may not want to use it.

I've used both Nikon and Canon in the past. Both are great. You can't go wrong either way, and hey...you may even find yourself liking Pentax, or decide a mirrorless camera's more your speed. There are some really good ones out there now.

Choice is yours though, but as I said...get into a store where you can play with quite a few options...even play with cameras above your price range because that general feel could very well be your eventual upgrade path in terms of feel and handling. Both Nikon and Canon stay reasonably close to earlier generations.

Tinderbox (UK) · Nov 2, 2013

I want a Nikon body that will take Canon lens

John.

KmH · Nov 2, 2013

IMO, the notion that feel matters is a canard, because of our manual dexterity.

I have used many different brands, models, and formats of hand held cameras and the feel never mattered.

No doubt some adjustment for the varying location of controls and such comes into play, but otherwise 'feel' is not a consideration.

amolitor · Nov 2, 2013

If you stick with Canon you will get warts. Fatal ones. TRUE FACT!

minicoop1985 · Nov 2, 2013

If you have a lot invested with Canon glass, well, I'd say stick with that. What I've seen a lot around here from the members with much more experience than I is that the equipment doesn't make as much of a difference as experience will. Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, and so on, all have their strengths and weaknesses, and suit different people differently.

Dao · Nov 2, 2013

Why do you need a new camera? Are there any limitations of your current setup that stop you from doing what you like to achieve? If you can identify them, it may help you to choose the replacement camera.

robbins.photo · Nov 2, 2013

KmH said:
IMO, the notion that feel matters is a canard, because of our manual dexterity.

I have used many different brands, models, and formats of hand held cameras and the feel never mattered.

No doubt some adjustment for the varying location of controls and such comes into play, but otherwise 'feel' is not a consideration.

Welcome to Crazy Larry's used camera shop! Buy now and we'll through in a free canard with every DSLR! Limited time only, so ACT NOW!!!! Crazy Larry's used cameras.. our prices are so low, they are CRAZY!!!

Lol

robbins.photo · Nov 2, 2013

amolitor said:
If you stick with Canon you will get warts. Fatal ones. TRUE FACT!

See, it's stuff like this that just perpetuates the whole Nikon haters/Canon haters dynamic. OP, if your still reading this you will absolutely not get warts if you stick with Canon.

Hemorrhoids.. on the other hand...

Lol

table1349 · Nov 2, 2013

monicarrt · Nov 2, 2013

Well, I have a couple friends with Nikon and I have Canon. Seems like their picture quality is better than mine. I don't have "BAD" pictures per se. And yes, I have a few extra lenses so I guess you talked me into sticking with Canon. Thanks guys!