Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

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mjmetts
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p.1 #1 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

I started seriously taking pictures about five years ago when I saved my money for an Olympus C-3040Z. It was a great camera and I used it until the Digital Rebel came out in late 2003. I got one because at the time it was the only digital SLR I could afford. Early in 2005 I picked up a used 20D as I thought it was all the camera I would need for a while. I was right. It was all the camera I need even now, but Nikon released the D200 and it became an option to me for several reasons. First, I had quite a good offer for my Canon gear. Second, two of my friends shoot Nikon which makes borrowing gear easier. Third, the D200 body really appealed to me.

In early December I sold my Canon gear and hoped to be able to get a D200. I was in the US over Christmas and managed to snag one from B&H when they had them in stock for half an hour. I bought the camera along with the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC lens (My favorite focal length.) I had them in my hands about ten days after I had sold my Canon stuff.

Nikon D200 with Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens. 1/50 second f/1.4 at ISO 800

This image is copyrighted by the owner

The first thing a former Canon user notices about a Nikon is that everything goes the other way. From mounting lenses to changing exposure compensation everything is backwards. The D200 body is without a doubt the finest photographic machine I have used to date. I’ve never held a “pro” body but this feels about as “pro” as I’ll ever need. The ergonomics are amazing and all the important controls are on the outside, not buried in menus. The viewfinder is bigger than anything I’ve used so far (aside from the F100) and I can change anything I need to change during normal shooting without taking my eye away from the viewfinder. This is something I’m not used to, and it’s a welcome change.

The AF is in another league from the 20D. Almost no low-light hunting, very fast, and the AF point selector is very convenient. I love the little touches they threw into this camera. The programmable button on the front is awesome. My normal metering mode is spot because I shoot mostly people and I use the front button to switch to 3D matrix metering on the fly. It’s very handy. I love the four programmable shooting modes as well.

Nikon D200 with Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens. 1/90 second f/1.8 at ISO 400:

This image is copyrighted by the owner

I’ve already used the camera for a senior picture shoot and it did wonderfully I never even really noticed the camera while I was creating and that is the highest compliment I can give a camera. It worked wonderfully and the images needed even less processing than my 20D.

The noise with this camera has not been noticeably worse than the 20D. I don’t shoot detailed tripod tests but in day to day use, I really like the quality of the noise on the D200. The noise looks very film like with almost no chroma noise.

Nikon D200 with Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens. 1/40 second f/1.4 at ISO 1250:

This image is copyrighted by the owner

I’m very impressed with the Sigma lens as well. It’s non-functionality with the AF-ON button hasn’t been an issue so far and Sigma has taken an excellent attitude on fixing the bug. The lens is very sharp even wide open, focuses fast, is built like a tank, and comes with a hood and case. It’s only $379 from Sigma4less.com and it’s the lens I’ll be using from almost everything.

My plan is to build a prime kit consisting of the Sigma, the Nikon 85 1.4 and the Tokina 17 3.5, This will give me a kit with the 35mm equivalents of 24, 50 and 135. I’ve already borrowed the Tokina from a friend and have been very impressed with the results.

Nikon D200 with Tokina 17mm f/3.5 lens. 1/25 second f/3.5 at ISO 1000:

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Overall, I’m not saying that everyone should switch, but I just want to say that Nikon has done a great job with the D200. It blows away the 20D in every respect and will compete more with the 20D’s successor. I hope to stay with this camera for a good long time. Thank you Nikon for an awesome creative tool.

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 02:32 AM

Stripper
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p.1 #2 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

I am a Nikon shooter who uses various Canon bodies from time to time. I like them. I shot part of a wedding with my son's 20D the other day. The files it made were just fine. I guess I could get used to the controls and the menu system, but the low light AF of the 20 is simply terrible. The 1D-II seems to low light AF pretty much as well as my D2 bodies. I have not used a D200, but I am glad to hear that you like it.

Nice pics

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 02:49 AM

deapee
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p.1 #3 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

Once you go black......

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 02:55 AM

MPerdomo
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p.1 #4 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

deapee wrote:
Once you go black......

.....youll be in a wheelchair?

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 03:08 AM

Qwntm
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p.1 #5 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

Stripper wrote:
... I guess I could get used to the controls ...

After 30,000 frames I couldn't. A very poor design. The wheels constantly switch what they do depending upon which mode your in. And you have a 50/50 chance of hitting the right wheel when you press one of the buttons on top. Doesn't sound like a big deal, but after a while it gets really annoying.

Also, I would take a look at the Tokina 12-24 f4 over the 17. I know you want all primes, but the bang for the buck and the performance of the 12-24 is unbeatable.

Great photos!

Edward
www.edwardtmartins.com
www.pbase.com/qwntm (includes D200 preliminary shots.)

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 05:31 AM

controlit
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p.1 #6 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

Great post and I could have written almost the exact observations...This is the reason I am selling all my Canon gear...I used a friends D2X and was immediately more comfortable with the interface...The 20D is a great camera, no doubt but it has never felt 'right' to me...I def loved my Canon lenses and took pictures that I am very saitisfied with...

I am so glad you posted this..makes the wait almost bearable...

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 06:21 AM

grego
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p.1 #7 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

controlit wrote:
Great post and I could have written almost the exact observations...This is the reason I am selling all my Canon gear...I used a friends D2X and was immediately more comfortable with the interface...The 20D is a great camera, no doubt but it has never felt 'right' to me...I def loved my Canon lenses and took pictures that I am very saitisfied with...

I am so glad you posted this..makes the wait almost bearable...

You used a D2X though and comparing that to a much more affordable camera, you will always see differences.

With Canon the layout for their 1 series camera is different and you might like it, you might not. It's all of course up to the particular user, but keep the price levels in mind when comparing any 2 cameras, whether they be Nikon, Canon, Minolta, etc.

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 01:08 PM

mjmetts
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p.1 #8 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

Qwntm wrote:
Stripper wrote:
... I guess I could get used to the controls ...

After 30,000 frames I couldn't. A very poor design. The wheels constantly switch what they do depending upon which mode your in. And you have a 50/50 chance of hitting the right wheel when you press one of the buttons on top. Doesn't sound like a big deal, but after a while it gets really annoying.

Also, I would take a look at the Tokina 12-24 f4 over the 17. I know you want all primes, but the bang for the buck and the performance of the 12-24 is unbeatable.

Great photos!

Edward
www.edwardtmartins.com
www.pbase.com/qwntm (includes D200 preliminary shots.)

I'll check out the 12-24. My only big thing is that a lot of my shooting is indoor and the slower aperture would be somewhat of an issue. I was able to use the 17 indoors in low light without too many issues. I guess it's only a 1/3 stop difference...

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 03:05 PM

mjmetts
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p.1 #9 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

grego wrote:
controlit wrote:
Great post and I could have written almost the exact observations...This is the reason I am selling all my Canon gear...I used a friends D2X and was immediately more comfortable with the interface...The 20D is a great camera, no doubt but it has never felt 'right' to me...I def loved my Canon lenses and took pictures that I am very saitisfied with...

I am so glad you posted this..makes the wait almost bearable...

You used a D2X though and comparing that to a much more affordable camera, you will always see differences.

With Canon the layout for their 1 series camera is different and you might like it, you might not. It's all of course up to the particular user, but keep the price levels in mind when comparing any 2 cameras, whether they be Nikon, Canon, Minolta, etc.

I'm sure the D2X would feel and be better or at least the same in most aspects but it has almost the exact same control interface as the D200 and that's what controlit seemed to like about the camera. Coming from a 20D I definitely found the controls to be much better and more intuitive.

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 03:06 PM

controlit
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p.1 #10 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

Of course I am aware of the price differences between the D2X and the 20D. As mjmetts said, I am only referring to the control interface as my main reason for making the switch..All the other things that are superior to the 20D come as a bonus..but I am sure Canon will soon be coming out with a very comparable camera with a larger LCD, etc.

I doubt they radically change the user interface as many people (most) don't seem to have a problem with it.

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 03:28 PM

markwarta
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p.1 #11 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

Great post,
I started with the N80 at the advice of my brother
moved to the F5
the D100
then the D2X

I have always been happy with Nikon products, and never regretted choosing them.
Their user interface is outstanding, and the new Creative Lighting System is amazing.

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 03:31 PM

rlcramer
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p.1 #12 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

I've made the switch (to and from Nikon) more times than I'd like to count - mostly switching to Canon because of marketing hype, and back to Nikon for useablilty and because I just like Nikon glass sooooo much better than Canon. I've been shooting a D2X for a while now, and at the moment I can't really even dream of a new camera coming out that would be interesting enough for me to switch again. It's hard for me to imagine a tool getting much better. I don't even look at the new models anymore. I guess you could say that for once in a very long time I'm extremely happy with my kit, as I'm sure you will be too.

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 03:36 PM

Tom Conte
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p.1 #13 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

I've noticed some things I like about the user interface of Nikon...

On/off switch around the shutter release

Ability to switch off "hold and twirl"

AF mode switch instead of button+twirl

Ditto for metering mode switch

Great menu system

Much easier to use "multi-controller" (although pressing it down in the center is sometimes a trick

Better VF than Canon for "cropped sensors"

Great (low) shutter lag

Great info in the viewfinder (metering mode, ISO, total shots remaining

Shots remaining stays visible even when the camera is switched off

Programmable "func" button

More beefy and (thankfully) unpainted hot shoe

and some things I don't like...

Not all lenses AF-S, and "screw-driven" lenses are noisy

Sub dial requires either using your middle finger or taking your finger off the shutter and shifting your grip. On Canon, the equivalent dial is behind the shutter button and your grip does not have to shift.

On the D200, the individual focus point doesn't illuminate, the whole VF overlay does (which can be thankfully switched off)

Some Nikkor's do not have the mounting dot visible. For Canon, it's usually raised and you can find it in the dark, it also mounts at 12:00 on the dial and turns clockwise to tighten (ie, like a right hand screw).

Keep on hitting the DOF preview button when I go to put the camera down or pick it up, and there's a solenoid behind it that is rather loudly engaged by this casual button depression

Little caps covering the remote, PC sync terminals that are easily lost

Strap lugs have triangular dangles attached that make synchopated precussive music when you use the camera (I've taken mine off)

No connection for a hand strap on the D2X

Tom

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 04:48 PM

mjmetts
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p.1 #14 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

You bring up some very good points Tom. The Canon lens mounting system really makes more sense to me also.

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 04:56 PM

Doug Quance
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p.1 #15 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

mjmetts wrote:
You bring up some very good points Tom. The Canon lens mounting system really makes more sense to me also.

This may make it easier for you, Mike.

I always hold my camera down when changing lenses. Less chance of dust falling in. Since the camera is facing away, the lens unmounts counter-clockwise... just like a bolt.

I don't have to worry about lining up any marks on the camera and lens, as Nikkor lenses (all the ones I've used, anyway) have a black screw on the mounting side. Hold the lens with the black screw in the 10 o'clock position and shove it in the mount - then turn clockwise (once again - it's clockwise from the back).

Perhaps that will help.

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 05:08 PM

jmcfadden
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p.1 #16 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

I used to use EOS film cameras and the switch to Nikon mount took a while for me to get used to as well , but perhaps a month at most

J

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 05:12 PM

KenBates
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p.1 #17 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

Got to disagree! I have found mid range ($600 or so ) nikon glass to be inferior, in fact I would abandon canon in a minute and just shoot my d1x if I could come close to the performance of my 17-40L in anything less than a $1600 lens! and yes, I have spent countless hours at the camera shop testing inside and out, even bying and returning!
I love my d1x user interface , dislike the 20Ds "reliability" (it seems to suprise me with a changed setting or an error 99 every couple of weeks or so) but cant afford to pay $1600 for an 17-35 when its no better at f4 than my 17-40!

Oh yes, the cheaper canon glass is awful, nikon wins there!

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 06:07 PM

intero
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p.1 #18 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

The 17-40 is the exception to the rule. A great lense at a very reasonable price.
-Tom

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 06:37 PM

andylaiphoto
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p.1 #19 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

The whole lens mount and scroll wheels going the opposite way argument is pointless to me. If you are willing to learn it should take you less than a couple days to get over it. Regardless of which company you are coming from this point shouldn't even be relavent.

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 06:48 PM

Tom Conte
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p.1 #20 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

For some reason, in my long list of +/-, people only latched onto the CW vs CCW lens mount issue. There really are some things that Nikon doesn't do as well, and some things it does much better, and it's not just turn left vs. turn right.

For what it's worth, I'm very happy with the D200 (well, except for that focus illumination thing, that's the most vexing to me, especially after having used a D2X that did individually light the focus-locked AF point).

Tom

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 06:52 PM

jmcfadden
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p.1 #21 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

KenBates wrote:
Got to disagree! I have found mid range ($600 or so ) nikon glass to be inferior, in fact I would abandon canon in a minute and just shoot my d1x if I could come close to the performance of my 17-40L in anything less than a $1600 lens! and yes, I have spent countless hours at the camera shop testing inside and out, even bying and returning!
I love my d1x user interface , dislike the 20Ds "reliability" (it seems to suprise me with a changed setting or an error 99 every couple of weeks or so) but cant afford to pay $1600 for an 17-35 when its no better at f4 than my 17-40!

Oh yes, the cheaper canon glass is awful, nikon wins there!

several 17-35s have been sold this month at 1000-1100 dollars, the best is never cheap. and at a stop faster they have to be more money. A Sigma 15-30 sold here at FM for 190dollars , it had a small Very small scratch on the front coating , there are good deals everywhere and lenses don't have to be new to work perfectly forever

J

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 06:58 PM

intero
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p.1 #22 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

There was a "10" 17-35 at BH this am for $999. Almost bought it just to try it out.
-Tom

Edit: There still is - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productList&A=buyUsed&Q=186250

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 07:04 PM

Kyle Yates
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p.1 #23 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

Cheap glass will "kill" any camera so not a valid comparison.

Nikon and Canon "Cheap" glass with the possible exception of both manufacturers version of the 1.8 50 MM lens is just that ---- cheap and not very good especially on a pro camera.

I agree people might like or dislike the interface / controls on either body but do I really expect people to say sweeping statements like "Canon Glass is horrible".

In addition to the 17-40 mm mentioned previously these Canon Lenses will stack up against any comparable lenses by other makes.

Canon 24 - 70 2.8
Canon IS 70-200 2.8
Canon IS 24-105 (new one)
Canon 400 MM DO (I don't think Nikon even has a DO type lens yet)
Canon 75-300 DO
Canon 300 2.8 IS
Canon 400 / 500 /600 super teles -- Not even sure if Nikon has a 600 Tele.

Canon 85 /135 and 35 mm fast primes

T/S lenses 24 / 90 (No such animal as far as Nikon is concerned)

Now of course Nikon has excellent glass but for people to switch based purely on the glass available --there must IMO be something wrong with their technique.

Nikons flash system was better than Canon's TTL but the new E-TTL seems to have narrowed that particular gap.

Don't get me wrong -- I'm not trying to start one of those stupid "Brand wars" -- but just pointing out that although there are perfectly valid reasons why any photographer would want to switch either way but in general Glass IMO doesn't really seem to be a valid reason.

I've used and LIKE the D2X -- I've also said that for a lot of people the interface is more intuitive than Canon's but any competant shooter these days using EITHER BRAND should be able to get top quality pics even if the workflow will be different in each case.

Happy New Year to everyone and great shooting in 2006. Looking forward to some more of those great train shots I see on the Nikon Forum.

Cheers

-K

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 07:08 PM

Qranc
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p.1 #24 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

EITHER BRAND should be able to get top quality pics even if the workflow will be different in each case.

I can't disagree with much of what you have said Kyle and people will have their own particular reasons for shooting with either. Be it real or just an impression it doesn't matter.

When my best friend decided to finally go DSLR he ended getting the 20D. Fine camera but I just don't like using it. It works for him quite fine. Bottom line when we are out shooting or discussing gear, it's rarely ever Nikon vs Canon. Mostly technique with either gear we have or discussing what we "need" to get next.

We need to realize most of the time, the image is brand ignorant and so are the people that view and appreciate it.

Happy new year.

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 07:25 PM

controlit
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p.1 #25 · Canon to Nikon - My thoughts.

Tom Conte wrote:
For what it's worth, I'm very happy with the D200 (well, except for that focus illumination thing, that's the most vexing to me, especially after having used a D2X that did individually light the focus-locked AF point).

Tom

That's too bad....I loved the focus illumination points on the D2X and was hoping it would be the same on the D200...well...it's always gonna be something..

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 05:31 AM

Dec 31, 2005 at 08:02 PM


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