nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

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Archive 2008 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

pr4photos
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p.1 #1 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

i don't want to get into a war here, i just want voice my feelings from what i have seen and experienced.

i am a happy nikon owner - D300, and have had the Fuji S series before the nikon

i'm a professional press photographer so i get to see a lot of photos from other photographers and have been looking at them all with keen interest.

the conclusion i have come to is that the nikons handle much better than the canons (even the canon owners say so) but the image quality on the canons is much better.
i have recently been comparing photos from various pros using the canon 5d and the 1d series, versus the nikon d3. the result - the canon images have much better resolution and are so much sharper. the D3 images have poor colour and are just don't cut it in the resolution and sharpness stakes. i have yet to see a D3 image that comes close to a 5D image.
i am quite shocked at the difference. i love my nikon, but if i had to start again, i would have to seriously think about the canons.

has anyone else come to this conclusion?

i'd like to know why the canons are better - is it all about the chip?

i'm really not trying to knock nikon, because i am a happy nikon user. but i would like to know why they aren't at least on a par with canon

Nov 14, 2008 at 12:10 PM

Marc Kurth
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p.1 #2 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

pr4photos wrote:
.........................
the conclusion i have come to is that the nikons handle much better than the canons (even the canon owners say so) but the image quality on the canons is much better.

has anyone else come to this conclusion?

After 35+ years of shooting, I can produce stunningly bad or good images with either system. I would suspect that this is true for most people. It comes down to what tools you are most comfortable with.

Marc

Nov 14, 2008 at 01:03 PM

Jack White
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p.1 #3 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

I agree with Marc. Though, I did less post-processing with my past Canon bodies (20D, 5D, 1DMKII, 1DMKIII) possibly due to the weaker AA-filter. I think Nikon bodies nail flash and white balance better there were some Canon + lens combos that I would love to see a similar rendition on Nikon bodies. These are no secrets though for many, we're talking about 85mm f/1.2L. Seems like there was a little more warmth to those L lenses which is appealing to some and can be possibly revisited in PS. As for D3 and D700 images, I think those cameras are producing images that make me forget about going back to another system. I'm a happy Nikon user and there's a butt-load of glass I need to get my hands on. I also want to get a better handle on Capture NX2.

Nov 14, 2008 at 01:21 PM

veroman
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p.1 #4 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

Marc Kurth wrote:
After 35+ years of shooting, I can produce stunningly bad or good images with either system. I would suspect that this is true for most people. It comes down to what tools you are most comfortable with.
Marc

Marc: I've been shooting since 1970 and have always tended to agree with what you say above.

But digital has changed things, and changed things in a major way.

While it remains true that how a camera "handles" is an important factor, it's also true that each and every digital camera has a particular "image signature," much in the same way that high end audio components ... particularly loudspeakers ... have their own "sonic signature." The images produced by my Canon 5D are as different from my Canon 1Ds II images as are my 1Ds II images from an Olympus E-1 I once owned. And all three of those cameras produce images that are dramatically different from my Nikon D2x, which I no longer own.

The problem so many of us face is that, as much as we'd like to, it's prohibitively expensive to try each and every DSLR out there, so we settle on ... and dabble with ... the name brands, eventually choosing and staying with the camera that produces the images that seem most satisfying to our inner eye ... much in the same way we used to choose a particular film ... except dabbling in film choices was much less expensive!

I agree with the OP that the Canons tend to produce crisper images with better color than other cameras. I also think that the Canons are designed and made so that the compromises to image quality that are inherent in ANY of these beasts (including the big Leafs, Mamiyas and Phase Ones) are kept to a minimum and are the least intrusive of any DSLR. As much as I enjoyed my Nikon D2x (it's a great camera), the compromises in its design often stood out like a sore thumb and sometimes got in the way of the best possible image. My Canons ... particularly my 1Ds II ... rarely if ever gets in my way. It really makes high quality picture taking easier, as does my 5D. I also prefer the handling of the Canons over the Nikons. Maybe because I'm left handed.

- Steve

Nov 14, 2008 at 01:40 PM

Justin Huffman
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p.1 #5 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

I recognize this is an opinion based thread but do you have any samples to lend to your opinion? I agree 5D files are amazing, so much so Ive often considered picking one up to try for myself.

Nov 14, 2008 at 01:50 PM

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p.1 #6 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

I work on a magazine and get digital files all the time, often with the EXIF intact. I believe Canons DO have an edge in IQ and a good 5D image is slightly nicer than the much more expensive but in most regards supirior D3. Of course, you never get 16mp or 21mp Nikon files.

That's said, I'm talking pretty slight differences here, nothing a reader could notice for the most part. You can do top class work on either system.

What's also interesting is that even those charging top dollar for freelance work don't always have the latest and greatest. 40Ds, D200s, are just as likely to show up as 1Ds II/III or D3 images - even the odd fresh D100 or 20D image appears. Puts prosumer forum-lust into perspective.

Nov 14, 2008 at 02:09 PM

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p.1 #7 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

I'd also like to see some samples. I own and shoot with both Nikon and Canon gear, and with the appropriate post-processing I can't tell the difference.

Nov 14, 2008 at 02:09 PM

BenV
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p.1 #8 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

from what I've seen the arguement "Canon produces better quality photos" is just a crutch some people use to justify why they shoot with Canon. I have yet to see the 40D (or 50D) produce images that look better than the D300. The D700 images are much cleaner than the 5D, the only reason the 5D appears sharper is b/c of the AA filter. Take it off the d700 and now we can compare apples to apples. Anywho, it doesn't matter what you use, as long as the end result is something you like. I myself am thinking of picking up a used 5D. At the prices they are now, its a bargain! And Canon glass is generally less costly than Nikons.
Hmm, interesting, if i wanted to use a "crutch" like Canon produces better quality photos, I guess I can now say "Canon makes cheaper products." Its not right or wrong, its just a way to justify what you shoot.

Nov 14, 2008 at 02:18 PM

martines34
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p.1 #9 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

From an amateurs point of view I think it goes to the glass used by a competent photographer whether it be Canon vs Nikon or visa versa.

At one point in time Nikon will be superior to Canon because of the technological competition and then three months later it will be Canon. And on it goes.

Give me the glass first then let's talk about the bodies.

Nov 14, 2008 at 02:30 PM

trenchmonkey
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p.1 #10 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

yet to see a D3 image that comes close to a 5D image.
Lame thread of the year...you're a Pro

5D AF doesn't get this quacker.
Spend some time with the D300 manual, there are settings to be tweaked but
the IQ is outstanding. I shoot both disciplines, so no fanboy either way.

Great glass and a competent shooter yields great results shooting C or N.

2012 © trenchmonkey

NIKON D3 400 mm f/4.0 1/640 sec 400 ISO +0.3 EV

Nov 14, 2008 at 02:42 PM

veroman
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p.1 #11 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

trenchmonkey wrote:
lame thread of the year...you're a Pro

Nov 14, 2008 at 02:58 PM

pr4photos
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p.1 #12 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

it isn't a lame thread. i was saying what i have seen from various pro's using both nikon and canon. maybe the canon produces better images straight out of the camera. i haven't used a canon, so i don't know from first hand. what i have seen is what pro's have been sending in to pr companies and magazines.
i have great glass and i know how to shoot, and i know that the canon images have the edge over my d300 (looking at 100% crops)

Nov 14, 2008 at 03:03 PM

Steve Carlton
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p.1 #13 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

If the difference is in the AA filter, shouldn't the Nikon images just require a little sharpening to be equivalent in that regard?

Nov 14, 2008 at 03:13 PM

Jammy Straub
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p.1 #14 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

From Diglloyd @ http://diglloyd.com/diglloyd/2008-04-blog.html#20080406SheerMagic
--------------
Sheer magic

I commented yesterday on the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, and after shooting the Nikon D3 later that day after the 1DsM3, my perceptions have only been reinforced further. The D3 offers, by far, the best image quality ever seen in a DSLR. Its images have a dimensionality, smoothness and transparency that simply isn’t there with the 21MP Canon EOS 1DsM3 (though Canon’s 10.1MP EOS 1DM3 is a lot closer, a camera I recommend for those sticking with Canon).
--------------
{end quote}

Obviously not everyone is seeing the same things you are.

Nov 14, 2008 at 03:20 PM

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p.1 #15 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

I think this thread could turn quite ugly.

Using both systems quite extensively each and every week I would say that depending on the setting and the glass and which of the many camera models you choose it's in the end all a draw. I can get very fine stuff straight out of the camera either way. Given a few moments in PS I can blur any differences to the point that I personally could not pick if it came from A or B.

People have preferences. They shouldn't have to justify, quantify, or defend. If you like A versus B or vice versa use it, shoot away and have fun. These Canon versus Nikon wars just take a lot of time and don't, in this man's opinion, make any difference.

Nov 14, 2008 at 03:23 PM

trenchmonkey
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p.1 #16 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

veroman wrote:
trenchmonkey wrote:
lame thread of the year...you're a Pro

5D AF doesn't get this quacker

No, but the 1Ds II or 1D III does. If AF speed and AF accuracy are requirements, the 5D is definitely the wrong camera. Even the 1D Mark 1 will way outperform the 5D in this area. Right tool for the job is what's important ...

If you're gonna quote me, kindly include the OP's statement. I don't care to be taken out of context.
yet to see a D3 image that comes close to a 5D image.

Nov 14, 2008 at 03:25 PM

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p.1 #17 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

I think Monkey is perhaps reacting to the fact that this thread has offered nothing to talk about.

"I am a pro and I have this nebulous impression that Canon offers better IQ than Nikon" of course "I don't own and haven't used a Canon."

What is anybody supposed to say? Are you looking at JPEGs out of camera or JPEGs from raw? Which lenses are being compared. Are you looking at IS lenses vs. VR lenses. Etc, etc....

DPreview found that the jpegs coming out of the 5D are sharper compared to the D3 due to higher default settings. Their comments regarding raw -

"It's obvious from a close examination of the RAW output that the 5D has a weaker anti alias filter so produces marginally finer resolution and better 'per pixel' sharpness than the D3 at lower ISO settings, but to be honest once you've added a bit more sharpening to the D3 files (which they take very well) the difference is minimal"

These point have been discussed quite a lot when the D3 came out. I would think that professionals would be aware of this and compensating for it in the post processing.

Nov 14, 2008 at 03:31 PM

josh paris
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p.1 #18 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

Yawn!

Nov 14, 2008 at 03:39 PM

James R
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p.1 #19 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

davenfl wrote:
I think this thread could turn quite ugly.

Using both systems quite extensively each and every week I would say that depending on the setting and the glass and which of the many camera models you choose it's in the end all a draw. I can get very fine stuff straight out of the camera either way. Given a few moments in PS I can blur any differences to the point that I personally could not pick if it came from A or B.

People have preferences. They shouldn't have to justify, quantify, or defend. If you like A versus B or vice versa use it, shoot away and have fun. These Canon versus Nikon wars just take a lot of time and don't, in this man's opinion, make any difference.

+1 This thread is similar to those that dominated both C and N forums over a year ago when the D3 was released. I don't understand the purpose of the thread, but, its results are predictable.

Nov 14, 2008 at 03:39 PM

Avi B
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p.1 #20 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

this thread =

Nov 14, 2008 at 03:42 PM

Zachs
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p.1 #21 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

Lock this thread mods...this can only cause people with inferiority complexes to get angry. That and I think this thread is stupid.

Nov 14, 2008 at 03:51 PM

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p.1 #22 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

I'm with Marc on this one. I started with the original Canon D30, moving up to a 1D and also owned a 10D, 20D as well. I had a great collection of L glass and enjoyed it very much with great results. Consider I typically shot weddings, people and landscape photography....not fast moving objects or sports. I found the color and overall quality of of images exemplary. I never bothered with a 5D. I happened to switch over to Nikon when the D200 came out. it was by NO means a "noise free" camera, nor did it possess the smooth noiseless images I felt I got with my 20D, BUT I did consider it a superior tool as far as layout and execution. I also later had a D40x for travel purposes.

One thing I CAN say without reservation. I consider Nikkor glass superior in it's lack of CA and corner sharpness. It took MANY copies of several of the L glass to find this and was a hassle. The Canon 24-70 f2.8 is a POS AFAIAC compared to the wonderful Nikkor version in that focal range. I feel my 50mm f1.4D is superior to their 1.4 50mm as well. I feel Canon's 70-200 f2.8IS and 100-400IS were indispensable for me when I had them and I miss them. Otherwise you can pretty much keep Canon glass

I stepped up to the D300 and feel it was a distinct step above what Canon was doing as well. Apparently so did the marketplace as Nikon gained a HUGE chunk of the market with that premier along with the D3. Until Nikon showed the could step up to the plate with a high ISO performer they had a tough time against the IQ of what Canon was offering....I'll admit that. Now with my D700 I no longer even look longingly at what they provide. It is that Canon glass that scares me away more than anything, not so much their bodies. I'm sure the 5DMkII will be a huge boost for them, but I seriously doubt it will dissuade D700 owners from their lair. I'm happy I have some winning combination in body and lens. I'm good for quite a while now.........

Nov 14, 2008 at 04:06 PM

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p.1 #23 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

I think most of what is being "discussed" here is totally irrelevant to the average shooter. I have a Canon Rebel XT and was not too happy with some of the results I got. But I found out by trial and error that there are so many bloody settings "in camera" to play with that I eventually got what I wanted out of the XT with minimum post processing. I also noticed some differences in my lenses. The 18/55 kit lens is a good walking around lens and for shooting a little farther off the 28/105 is also nice and the Kenko 1.4X teleconverter extends it a little farther. I had, and sold, a 70/300 IS because I was not doing the kind of shooting that required that long a lens. I also added a Quantaray 50 prime to the lineup for light box shooting. I was told that the Quantaray is a crap lens but if that is true I must have gotten one of the few good ones. And it is built more solidly and operates more smoothly than my Canon 28/105.

With all that said; I have come to the conclusion that for the best results from your camera you have to do two things. First you have to decide what you want to do with the camera and pick the system and lenses accordingly. Also don't forget budget. Second; you have to learn to use the camera you chose in the most effective manner. Even cheap (by todays standards) point and shoot cameras have more internal settings than most everyday shooters will take the time to learn to use. So if you have chosen one of the mid to high end DSLRs you will have a menu for setting things even some so called pro shooters don't fully understand.

I would venture to guess that less than 10% of the people who lurk and/or post here could give you an accurate description of how to use every single setting and adjustment available "in camera". I am an engineer and considered an Alpha Geek by most who know me and I know I could stand to learn more about my XT.

Then after you have your camera and lens setup you have to consider whether or not you want to do minimum or maximum post processing and which program you want to do it with. This is a whole other mine field of choices to consider as well as a potentially expensive one.

From what I have seen here from shooters who use all the different pro and semi pro equipment and software most of the "arguments" over which brand to use is nothing more than elitist pi**ing matches over what is essentially nothing. All the different gear can produce stunning results in the right hands and bad results in the wrong hands. What is more important than what brand gear you shoot is which you are more comfortable with and how well you learn to use it.

Nov 14, 2008 at 05:17 PM

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p.1 #24 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

Maybe you should spend a few minutes and learn to set up your camera. I see images from both brands of camera all the time...the only difference I see is in the shooter.

Nov 14, 2008 at 05:47 PM

Chris Langer
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p.1 #25 · nikon vs canon (from a nikon owner)

I am student at RIT and started shooting 3 years ago so I will tell you my thoughts on this issue...

First off, I went to the camera store to buy my first DSLR and I knew NOTHING about the cameras. It was solely based on some specs and most of all the feel of the camera. I felt the Canon's system is lightyears away from what Nikon has now. The Nikon fits so nicely in my hands and the menus and buttons are placed so nicely. So my first purchase was based solely on what felt "good".

Now here I am, with a D300 and I have used most if not all the high Nikon bodies and even some Canon cameras. I have shot so many various subjects to keep myself on my feet and try to shoot everything. For sports before the D300, I was using the schools Canon 30D and really liked the results. That all changed when I grabbed the 70-200 VR and used the D300 with it. The image quality was nothing like the 30D. Of course this is something subjective and to each his own on this.

But overall, the professionals I inspire to be like care about gear but not to this extent. I really feel this place is getting slightly ridiculous on these flaming wars between the brands. I am not going to school to be your average local highschool yearbook/senior photographer professional but rather a professional who works in NYC and from what I have seen, it really doesn't bother them too much what they shoot. They want to convey to their client a solution to the problem and if there solution is a Hasselblad camera or Nikon camera, who cares. As long as the client is happy then the job gets done.

We are seeing lots of movers towards Nikon which I am very happy for but seriously, to each his own reasons. I will continue to use Canon systems but if it takes me 4 seconds to get an option on a Canon and 1 second on the Nikon, then what could have I missed shooting? I really enjoy a camera that works flawlessly and works for me. I also enjoy Nikons Capture NX2 and see myself sitting less in front of the computer and doing more of what I enjoy.... SHOOTING!

Technology will always get better but if you need to justify your photography by going back and forth then do it. There will always be the people in the field of photography who just buy stuff to just to "have" and brag about then there are people who actually go out and use it.

These are my observations so far and who knows what will happen in the future.

Chris

Nov 14, 2008 at 05:50 PM


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