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Hrow
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p.1 #1 · A Serious Question


This really is a serious question and is not intended to start a Nikon v. Canon fight. For years I shot with Nikons and switched over to Canon primarily because of their IS lenses. Now I am at the point that I am going to make a move to upgrade my 20D to a 5D or Series 1 body but have seen some very attractive pricing on used Nikon 2Dx’s which has gotten me thinking. It has been a long time since I have been in the Nikon camp and I admit to a great deal of ignorance about the current crop of cameras and how they perform in the real world.

From my perspective, the 2Dx has a noticeable weight advantage and a rational positioning of AF points. However, I don’t know how effective the Nikon AF system is. Nikon also seems to have better ergonomics but one can’t really tell from a few minutes in a camera store. Canon seems to have an edge in noise but I never shoot above 800, so that is not a big concern. Lenses seem to be pretty much equal for the focal range that I use though the new Canon 24-105 IS is very attractive. These are the types of observations that I would find most helpful and if you would be so kind, can you tell me what you have found Nikon’s strong points to be vs. the Canon line and where you think their weak points are?


Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 03:27 AM


Nov 29, 2005 at 12:07 AM
jmcfadden
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p.1 #2 · A Serious Question


a better question is this : What do you Need that th 20D isn't giving you?

The D2x at ISO 800 and below I believe to not have many peers esp with Nikkor glass , but that is beside the point really. I do understand the appeal of a pro body as I have had 3 of them now FWIW , you will not really loose anything if you switch , you have good gear and it will sell easily if you decide to switch.

Sometimes a switch is in order for a jump start of creativity

In talking with friends I trust , the D2x and D2h have more sure focus than any of their competition and esp in low light situations. The glass is a wash , tho in general Nikkors will cost you a bit more than their canon counterpart, each has offerings that are very appealing and each will get the job done nicely. Nikon has a little zoomer called the 24-120 and it has nikons Vibration Reduction system and SWM focussing (think USM). Ergonomics are a personal thing , at least that is what we are supposed to say , but I for one like a little dial to set things like Mirror lock up instead of the canon computer centric approach of endless menu user interface. Nikon I believe simply makes Better Cameras , some would argue they are behind in the Image Quality department and in some areas that is likely true for guys shooting black cats in a coal mine by candle light then the choice is simply get a canon and the fastest glass you can afford and knock you socks off . Be sure to post threads of your cat taken by that candle light and post them for all the world to see while yer at it

I for one moved from canon film to nikon digital and there have been times I too thought of switching , then I pick up one of their cameras and wonder if I could ever have a good feeling about such a crazy looking and feeling camera, it seeems to have none of the sculptural feel and zen of my Nikons , no offense intended to any canon roamers looking into this forum



J

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 03:27 AM


Nov 29, 2005 at 12:21 AM
genghis45
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p.1 #3 · A Serious Question


Correction: D2x.

It won't disappoint you.

Scott

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 03:27 AM


Nov 29, 2005 at 12:24 AM
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p.1 #4 · A Serious Question


I recently switched to Nikon, so I'll give you my perspective. Yes, the D2X is lighter than the Canon 1 series. There are fewer AF points on the Nikon, but they are laid out at the rule of thirds, whereas the 1 series are grouped in the middle. While the Canon's have 45 points, the Nikon has a lot more cross point sensors. I am still getting used to the Cam 2000 on the Nikon, but overall I think it has more options than Canon's. You can set it to all sensors in servo (continous mode), or choose from 2 groups.

The Canon will have better high iso noise hands down. The D2X is usable at 1600 with noise ninja, but not at 3200 IMHO.

Lenses are pretty much equal from 28 to 200 mm. The Nikons are better in the wide, and the Canons have the lead with IS in all the big guns. Nikon does make a couple of lenses Canon doesn't (200 f2.0 VR and 200-400 f4 VR), but the Canon's lead in tilt and shifts.

Ergonomics are all a matter of taste. It is also the reason I switched to Nikon. I much prefer Nikons approach to camera layout, but your mileage may vary. If you switch to a 5D, the layout is pretty much the same, so it shouldn't be an issue for you to get used to. If you are contemplating switching to a 1 series, I would try to find one to rent or borrow to see if you like the ergonomics. It was the deal braker for me, as the 3 button/wheel combo was not to my liking.

In the end, either system is capable of taking better photos than the average photographer is capable of taking. It's all a matter of finding a system you like.

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 03:27 AM


Nov 29, 2005 at 12:36 AM
Hrow
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p.1 #5 · A Serious Question


Oooops, sorry for the typo. One of the reasons for considering a switch is that I heard it was better for dyslectics.

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 03:27 AM


Nov 29, 2005 at 12:39 AM
Pavel
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p.1 #6 · A Serious Question


The Nikon has 9 cross type sensors while the Canon has 7 but they are arranged in a far poorer way on the Canon as well. The 45 sensors are great for tracking but as far as selection of focus points I think the Nikon way wins hands down and if I had a choice I'd go for it based in great part on that.
You have nice lenses though. That may be a better factor than any other to stay with canon. I personally love the 100-400L as I find the push pull much faster and more comfortable to use. I think the weight advantage disappears with one lens. It is only the weight of the battery for heavens sakes and if I put on a 70-200 and take the battery out .... I can't tell the difference.
All and all though if I wasn't in the canon camp already I would probably go with Nikon. Not for any real reason of advantage, just the zen of it. But then you have to deal with these guys in the nikon forum

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 03:27 AM


Nov 29, 2005 at 12:59 AM
rsg_1
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p.1 #7 · A Serious Question


Given the lenses you have and getting comprable Nikkors, it may cost you more. Some things to keep in mind is that the Nikon D200 is about to come out. That will put pressure on the 5D to force it downwards. My guess is that we will see 5D prices near $2500-$2800. In addition, the 1DsMk3 will come out later this spring.

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 03:27 AM


Nov 29, 2005 at 01:33 AM
jmcfadden
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p.1 #8 · A Serious Question


I do not see pressure on the 5D from the D200 at all really , totally different set of shooters/needs , the 20D is a whole different critter and it will see some pressure for sure


J

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 03:27 AM


Nov 29, 2005 at 01:43 AM
Hrow
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p.1 #9 · A Serious Question


This question is really generated by two things...

1. After some tabletop shooting this weekend I have concluded that Canon's AF point location isn't just awkward, it is really stupid. Also, the ridiculous way one has to set the mirror lock-up is very frustrating. After about 10 minutes I was thinking who the hell designed this thing anyway. (All in all, it has been a good camera but when I start thinking about $3-4K for a body then I start to get a little fussier about the stupid stuff.)

2. Some really decent prices on a couple of used D2x's that seemed solid.

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 03:27 AM


Nov 29, 2005 at 01:48 AM
rsg_1
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p.1 #10 · A Serious Question


The 200D, if it offers all that it promises, will put pressure on the Canon lineup of the 20D & 5D and could take away from potential sales. Until Canon replaces the 20D this spring, many people who like performance bodies, but don't like the price of the 5D may get attracted to the 200D. To slow or stop it Canon will drop prices on the 5D.

If you like the solid Nikon bodies, big view finder, better AF points and Nikon flash system, I say switch to Nikon, but within two years all Canon DSLRs will be full frame with the exception of the Rebel series and for me that is reason to stay with Canon since I have decent Canon glass.

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 03:27 AM


Nov 29, 2005 at 03:01 AM
Pavel
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p.1 #11 · A Serious Question


If the reason to stay canon is ff and all the bodies but the reb will be FF - then one look at the fuzzy corners of the 5D is reason enough to change to Nikon in a hurry.



Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 03:27 AM


Nov 29, 2005 at 03:18 AM
rsg_1
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p.1 #12 · A Serious Question


I really think you're overstating the claim of fuzzy corners. On some glass, yes, but on others no. FF is the future.

Nov 29, 2005 at 03:27 AM

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