Nikon D300 vs Canon EOS 5D?

Nein-reis · Jun 3, 2008

I've been shooting with both of these cameras for a week now. (well D300 for a week, canon 5D for over a year)

And they both live in different words. The D300 is a stronger built and faster camera. The 5D is a full frame monster thats very at home in a studio or controlled light setting. They both do well in higher ISO levels, although the 5D's RAW files are alot nicer in my opinion (maybe its the higher megapixel 12.7)

One thing to remember, the 5D is a picky camera, it likes L glass.... thats about it. So prepare to spend more in lenses with it. The D300 seems pretty happy with any lens attached.

tim.bennett · Jun 3, 2008

Socrates said:
Well...
As far as photography is concerned, you can't go wrong with either brand. However, it's an established fact that owning a Nikon will improve your sex life.

Tim will be looking at switching today ;-)

Seriously though. If your not invested into a pile of glass. The full frame sensor is defo worth looking at. But i would be suprised if you either wouldn't fit your needs. The full frame sensor would probably clinch it for me.

Mystwalker · Jun 3, 2008

Can I vote 5DmkII?
But then the D400 will probably be FF and trump 5DmkII.

Very soon Sony will also get into this with their FF.

More the merrier. Keeps everyone on their toes - consumers are the winner.

Senor Hound · Jun 3, 2008

cszakolczai said:
Owning my D200, the sex life is much improved, and... I can now fly.

LMAO!!! Oh by the way... I can now fly... love it!

To me, both of these cameras are way beyond my level so both would be great. The problem with asking for advice on such an advanced camera is that they are both so capable, you really have to know your personal likes and dislikes whenever deciding, or it won't really matter.

I would probably go with the 5d. I like Nikons, but I have a fetish for full-frame sensors. And people are saying they'll come out with a new 5d. I really find that irrelevant if you're happy with the current model. Then again, it might sting a little when they release the new one a few months afterwards, and you could have bought it for 500 less. But with the discounts Canon is currently offering, and the fact they've released absolutely nothing on the alleged "5D Mk-II," I'd say you have nothing to worry about.

Do realize this is a wonderful conundrum to have. I mean, deciding between two beautiful cameras most people on here would love to be able to afford... Remember to have fun with your decision!

tirediron said:
this is nothing more than the old Ford/Chevy debate; overall, both cameras are very similar

And then the Mopar guy (Sony) shows up, and says his two cents... And everyone else ignores him...

Alfred D. · Jun 3, 2008

Originally Posted by bisp21
Nikon D300 or Canon EOS 5D

What would you choose and why?

Alex_B said:
This is almost impossible to answer, since all of us usually only own one of those cameras, so nobody is really in the position to compare both.

"All of us"? "Nobody"?
Imo you're all too easily dismissing and ignoring the majority of (wannabe) photographers – millions! – that don't have either brand, Alex.
They are much better 'qualified' to comment on the OP's question than a most probably biased owner, like yourself.

Alex_B · Jun 3, 2008

Alfred D. said:
"All of us"? "Nobody"?
Imo you're all too easily dismissing and ignoring the majority of (wannabe) photographers millions! that don't have either brand, Alex.
They are much better 'qualified' to comment on the OP's question than a most probably biased owner, like yourself.

To really judge a camera you have to have used it for a while.

To compare two cameras, you have to have used both of them for quite a while.

Also, this is not about brands but about specific cameras of different brands.

usayit · Jun 3, 2008

Alex_B said:
To really judge a camera you have to have used it for a while.

To compare two cameras, you have to have used both of them for quite a while.

Which is why asking for "unbiased" opinions between the two is almost a hopeless cause... rarely does a single person have that much experience with both the D300 and 5D.

When I think professional Canon bodies, I'm thinking 1d, 1ds, and 5d. The 5D is a bit strange sibling in that it is VERY popular with the professional market and does well. I'm very hesitant to call that camera "prosumer". My 1d MarkII was one of two from a former national geographic photographer who went with a couple 5Ds. I see TONs of wedding photographers using the 5D. I see TONs of journalists using the 5D as well.

Renair · Jun 3, 2008

Ok, well now that the can of worms have been opened here are my two cents. I have used both Canon and Nikon in my time, now exclusively Nikon. Both are excellent camera's and both work well in diferent situations.

What you need to do it rent both for yourself over a week and feel and test the camera's on which your prefer comfortably. No point in going, I own a sh*t hot camera but I hate how it feels in my hands. Also check the different prices on the lens your going to eventually need. Finally, decide for yourself, you will hear lots of pros and cons on each... at the end of the day, your the one going to use it and enjoy it, so might the right decision on your opinion. *cough cough, get a Nikon!*

Village Idiot · Jun 4, 2008

The 5d, hands down. It's a nearly 3 year old camera that still competes with tech that other manufactures are putting out today. It might not have all the features of the newer camera, but you can't beat the FF sensor and the fact that you can shoot at 3200 ISO on a regular basis and not be bothered by noise.

Big Mike · Jun 4, 2008

Just get a 40D instead.

SuziPhoto · Jun 4, 2008

I use the 5D for work in the studio and it does a great job. However, for my personal home studio, I may be getting the D300. To me they are both great cameras but there are a few things that my be less important to others but are deal breakers at least for me...

pro of the 5D is that it comes with software (EOS DPP)that will allow you to hook directly up to the computer and fire from the computer. The con would be that it's more expensive.

Pro of D300 - live view finder! Less costly than 5D. Con would be that they charge you $$$ for the camera capture software.

Bifurcator · Jun 4, 2008

I'd get the Nikon! Why? Because the name just says Awesome, Chick-magnet, ritzy, and was in songs by The Oak Ridge Boys, Paul Simon, The Core, and Dire Straits. Canon sounds like a office printer, or something that projects huge heavy balls at far away enemies, or a set of rules you have to follow in church. Hehe...

But all seriousness aside the 5D was a good camera. Currently I'm about to look into the differences between the D300 and the D3 and figure out which one I want to try. I haven't looked yet but I thought the D3 was a FF CMOS and that the D300 had the same sensor. It sounds like people are saying the D300 isn't a full-frame sensor camera - do I have my wires crossed?