Nikon to Canon.. should I swap?

christine007 · Apr 6, 2014

I typed a huge awesome thread, and it disappeared. So here's the short version: I am a wedding photographer sometimes shooting family portraits, commercial stuff, fashion portraits, but mainly weddings.

I currently own the D700, D800, 24-70 sigma, nikon 70-200 VR II, nikon 50mm 1.8, lens baby composer, SB-910 flash, sigma 105macro.

I want The Canon 5Dmk3, 6D, Canon 24-70 2.8, 70-200 I 2.8, 60mm macro, lensbaby composer, equivalent flash, 35mm sigma Art, 85mm

I am considering: The Nikon D4s.

I know that you cant "really" compare the D4s with the Canon 5Dmk3, but I am

I NEED a replacement for my D700, and can't hold out any longer really, needing a new one within the next 2 weeks (my only proper 2 weeks off this wedding season for me to change)

Am I being ridiculous to even consider selling off /trading in all my equipment for the 5Dmk3? or should I spend an extra bit and buy the D4s? (the difference of losing out due to depreciation, or paying for the D4s isn't as huge as it may seem, spotted a D4s grey import for about £4k from a company I've used before who were ace)

Ive used the 5Dmark3 when studying photography (the equipment room used canon) and I loved it.

The pro's of the canon for me: The ISO, the focus points, the lens options, the affordability, the availability of 2nd hand if needed (in my area, there seems to be more 2nd hand stuff available at reasonable prices in canon make than the nikon make) not that this is a deciding factor.

So basically, 5Dmark3 users.... would you recommend changing over?

The D4s has amazing features, the ISO/battery life/everything else that makes it worth the £5k it's for sale at, is just wonderful... but I am not photographing the winter olympics, I'm photographing weddings. but then, would I "miss" any features/functionality of the D4s? It's just for the price of the D4s buys me 2 canons.. (again, i know they aren't comparable) but in my opinion, for what I'm wanting, Nikon is missing a Canon 5Dmk3 equivalent. The D4 has been used by all my idol wedding photographers, the D4s could only be a bit better.. which is the one Id go for..

This is my 1st ever thread: Please be nice when clobbering me over the head for wanting to change brands

Scatterbrained · Apr 6, 2014

Why not just replace the D700 with a second D800?

Designer · Apr 6, 2014

I've heard it said that the nearest Nikon equivalent is the D800.

table1349 · Apr 6, 2014

Chevy - Ford
Mac - Windows

Frankly, what is it you can't do right now with the camera you have. What will you be able to do that you can't do now if you switch.

Derrel · Apr 6, 2014

D800 is the OBVIOUS answer. You already have all the lenses and accessories needed. You could also buy a PAIR of D610's for LESS THAN the price of a D4 or D4s. Nikon's newish 85/1.8 G is a better lens than Canon's 85/1.8 EF. The Sigma 35/1.4 Art is highly thought of. The D4 seems like overkill in terms of build and weight and size for wedding use.

The 5D-III has that nifty silent mode, which is pretty cool...the D610 also has a so-called silent mode, but it's louder than the 5D-Trey's.

runnah · Apr 6, 2014

Pretty happy with mine so far.

In no particular order

Pros:
Ergonomics
Video
Focus points
ISO
Fps and adaptive buffer.
Image quality
Weather sealing

Cons:
Low mp
Dynamic range is good but not great
Focus points need to be spread out more
Auto focus during video
About $500 too expensive

In summary I'd say why switch? The d800 is pretty damn close when it comes to iq and features.

play18now · Apr 6, 2014

First off, I'm a Canon guy so you know my opinion, but I'm with some of the above posters, why do you feel that you need to switch? Off the top of my head, 5D3/6D has one more stop ISO than the D800/D610, and that's about the only statistical difference I know of between the two systems. Ergonomics and functionality are a little different, and I think the Canon renders skin tones a little better, but that's all fluff and personal preference. Personally I don't have a need for a 36MP camera, and the D610 seams like a bargain for a hell of a camera. You already have lots of money invested in the Nikon system, unless you really have something you dislike about it that would be different in a Canon system, it doesn't make sense to me to switch. Personally I'd put the same money of a D4s ($6500) or for a new system into a D610 ($1900), the Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 ($1900), and maybe the 85 1.4G ($1700). Total of that is $5500, which would leave you with a grand you spend on accessories like battery grips or flashes if you wanted too, all for the same money. Unless you're shooting sports, I don't see the attraction of the D4s besides the ISO.

Overread · Apr 6, 2014

Honestly I wouldn't switch brands for a camera body. They are short term (compared to flash, lighting and glass) and advance very quickly. Furthermore the differences are often quite minor between the brands and the differences are oft closed up with hte next release. Unless you can really identify a key advantage to the whole canon system I would stick with Nikon and build upon what you already have.

ronlane · Apr 6, 2014

I would tend to agree with the others so far. Honestly to me, 2 weeks doesn't seem like a long time to get to know a new system before needing in battle for a wedding. (I'm not a professional and I am sure not a wedding photog).

robbins.photo · Apr 6, 2014

I guess I'd really be curious to find out what it is your current setup lacks and what it is you think switching will do for you.

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JerryLove · Apr 6, 2014

Your motivation is listed as "I NEED a replacement for my D700, and can't hold out any longer really, needing a new one within the next 2 weeks"

You haven't told us what features you need to replace or why the 5DmkIII is the camera to do it.

Based on what little you've said: I'd get a new Nikon rather than switch.

Now... if there's some *other* reason that the current Nikon lineup (D800?) isn't doing what you need... let us know what that is and we might make a different suggestion.

goodguy · Apr 6, 2014

While I think Nikon has some advantage when talking about the crop sensor market I do not think either Nikon or Canon have a huge advantage over each other in the professional market.
Moving from one system to the other will not give you better pictures, its all about you and what is comfortable for you.
If you are itching to move from Nikon to Canon for no logical reason then no one hear can help you, just pull the trigger and do what you feel is right.
If not then find the right body in Nikon camera line up and prevent yourself the hassle of changing from one system to another.

ruifo · Apr 6, 2014

With the lens you have, either get the D4s or another D800...

runnah · Apr 6, 2014

Also a d4s with a 910 is heavy for a wedding, I hope you'd have a shoulder strap.

cowleystjames · Apr 6, 2014

I use a D4s with a SB910, and at my last wedding, Saturday before last my favourite lens was the 24-70f2.8. Maybe heavy but beautifully balanced. And with my D800e with the 85mm f1.4, had pretty much all eventualities covered.
One thing that did arise with the D4s, I was taking less photos with flash, so good is it's low light capability in comparison to its predecessor, a D4, which was also outstanding.
So good is the D4s, that I'm thinking of getting rid of the D800e and getting a second D4s.