Simultaneous use of different types of cameras (Nikon, Olympus, Canon, etc)?

[TheGreatGonzo]

As a new and eager photographer, I purchased an Olympus E620 and outfitted it with several lenses and accessories. I started shooting with it and was very happy with the results. However, I inherited a significant amount of Canon gear shortly thereafter and now I'm shooting a Canon 40D (the Olympus is for sale in the classifieds). Again, very pleased with the results so far. Well, as it turns out, my employer is sending me to a two week photography school. The school is geared to photography specifically as it relates to my career field, but it covers all the basics of digital photography. I'm extremely excited about the school and it turns out I will be sent home with a brand-spanking-new Nikon DSLR (don't know which model yet) as well as a licensed copy of Photoshop (the training course includes learning to use Photoshop) :mrgreen:. The Nikon will belong to my employer, not me, but I will have it with me at all times and be free to use it as I wish. So, that long rambling story leads me to this: I'm just learning the technical aspects of operating the Canon. Is it going to be confusing to switch back and forth from my "personal" Canon to my "work" Nikon? I am just learning the Canon and I know nothing at all about Nikon cameras.
Thanks,
Gonzo
PS - If there is a more appropriate forum to pose this (hopefully not stupid) question, please feel free to let me know.

 

[Derrel]

You should be able to figure out how to run a Nikon camera, since they have excellent ergonomics and control systems.

 

[Big Mike]

The more you learn about 'photography', the better off you'll be.

There are many differences in the way that different brands do certain things, but the basics [shutter speed, aperture & ISO] are all the same.

If you don't know the basics of photography, and instead try to rely on your camera's quirky modes and settings, then it would be a lot harder to go from one brand (or model) to another.

So make sure you read the user's manuals right through a few times and have them on hand when using the cameras.

I teach a course on how to use DSLR cameras, and each class might have two, three or four different brands and several different models within those brands. I clearly see that different brands & models operate in different ways, but 90% of the stuff we teach, is universal to any brand or model. Heck, much of it is still applicable to film cameras.

 

[Overread]

Eh you won't be able to pick it up and just use it (I've tried that and couldn't find any of the controls - all in the wrong places ) but give the manual a read and a few days to get used to the new positions and you should be fine.

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

Thank you for the input. I'm not about to look a gifthorse in the mouth and complain about a free 2-week class and a new Nikon.

 

[Trever1t]

Where do I apply?

 

[John Mc]

You could allways,use your Canon and Keep the Nikon for a back up. Or ask your boss to sell the camera and buy equipment suited to your Brand make. Lenses ect. It's not hard to use two/three camera system's. I've found it gets confusing if your using your canon for 3/4 weeks and then you have to use a Nikon body.

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

You could allways,use your Canon and Keep the Nikon for a back up.

I'll probably conintue to use the Canon for all my personal stuff while using the Nikon for work. If I were using my Canon for work and it were to get damaged or destroyed, I'm stuck with the bill. If the Nikon work camera gets banged up, that would not come out of my pocket.

Or ask your boss to sell the camera and buy equipment suited to your Brand make. Lenses ect.

I wish that were an option, but "issued equipment" is standard across the board. Like I said, though, I'm not about to complain. Free training in photography; a new camera; training in using Photoshop and the software...I have nothing to complain about! :lmao:

I was just curious, having little experience with photography and no experience with Nikon cameras, how challenging it might be to learn both.
Gonzo

 

[KVRNut]

I have to agree with Big Mike 100%.

You'll be getting some good instruction on the Nikon and with that instruction, it'll make understanding and using your Canon a lot easier. You may also find that you'll be able to get the most out of the cameras you use too.

I use more than one camera system quite a lot and have found that it isn't confusing at all once the basics have been learned. A photography hike may find me packing Canon EF or FD, or Bronica, or Pentax, large format cameras, or any other type of camera I feel like using. It's fun using different platforms and photography is never boring.

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

I have to agree with Big Mike 100%.

You'll be getting some good instruction on the Nikon and with that instruction, it'll make understanding and using your Canon a lot easier. You may also find that you'll be able to get the most out of the cameras you use too.

I use more than one camera system quite a lot and have found that it isn't confusing at all once the basics have been learned. A photography hike may find me packing Canon EF or FD, or Bronica, or Pentax, large format cameras, or any other type of camera I feel like using. It's fun using different platforms and photography is never boring.

Thanks! That is exactly what I'm hoping for. I figure it is much better to have too many options than not enough.
Gonzo

 

[Josh66]

I've used a few different brands too...

The only real difference I've ever noticed is how the meter is displayed.

On Canon cameras the top or right side (depending on if it's vertical or horizontal) is overexposure. On Nikon the left side is overexposure.

And then some cameras just have a little +/- thing. My 10s just said "-" if it was underexposed, "+/-" if it was zeroed, and "+" if it was over. My E-300 is the same, but it actually tells you how many stops over or under it is. That would have been nice on the 10s...

The lenses are opposite too - focusing and zooming on Nikon is 'backwards' for me since I'm used to Canon.

 

[PASM]

Is it going to be confusing to switch back and forth from my "personal" Canon to my "work" Nikon? I am just learing the Canon and I know nothing at all about Nikon cameras.

I hope so. It will help you learn what's generic about this type of cameras system.

 

[KmH]

I wish I could have learned the basics of digital photography and how to use Photoshop, all in just 2 weeks.

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

I wish I could have learned the basics of digital photography and how to use Photoshop, all in just 2 weeks.

:lmao:

I certainly don't expect it to be the "be all, end all" of learning to shoot pictures, but it is free (to me), it is professional training, and I end up with a Nikon and Photoshop software. Oh yeah...and I get paid to be there. I would be a fool to turn it down, don't you think?:er:
Gonzo

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

Well, the class was outstanding. I learned an incredible amount (which, I suppose, is not saying much considering I went in with ZERO knowledge and skills). I took over 1200 photos in two weeks (not all of which sucked). It was a really great way to spend a couple of weeks.
Gonzo