Hmmm...I've always MUCH preferred Nikons handling and overall ease of use to Canon (even acknowledging that that is somewhat tainted by the fact it is what I'm used to, I have some background in Usability/User-Centered Design.) Frankly, neither company is setting records for great easy of use, though. They evolve very slowly vs. really leverage new technology. But whatever.
If Nikon never announces a D300s replacement, I'd have to look around. I'd probably stick with Nikon though. My guess is I'd wind up with a D800 or D800e.
Because I (note to fanboys: personal choice here) can't stand the Canon ergonomics and tactile feel.
However, if were starting over, I will be buying used. Nikon's service is not worth, to me, the extra cost of buying new. I will take my chances with buying used from trusted sources. I've found a good independent service center that will maintain my system. If it gets to the point that they (located in Canada) can't source Nikon parts, I will reconsider my brand choices. The positive side of buying used, if done judiciously, is that I can sell with little loss of value.
I made the switch to Nikon based on the compatibility of a lot of older lenses with the modern DSLRs and because of the ergonomics and focusing systems of the FX DSLRs (d800,d700). I still keep my old Canon lenses and 5d2 nearby if I feel like using them, but Nikon has really grown on me...the price is right, too.
Nikon....started with Canon in 1968 with the FTb. Went on to get the EF and A1 and all of the great glass. Really loved the EF. When Canon went from the FD to EOS mounting system all of my investment in Canon went down the drain. Took it all to a local shop and traded for Nikon 8008 and Nikon glass and have never looked back. Thankfully I saw the handwriting on the wall and traded within a few months of the EOS announcement so I did salvage some of the investment.
At the moment I'm mostly satisfied with my gear, just waiting for a D400 to complement my D800E.
I voted Sony as their current options appeal very much to me. Bodies A77 / A99 with some very nice Zeiss (AF) glass.
I'm addicted to manual focus glass, and there is no equivalent to the NIKKOR AI/AI-s glass for any other modern system at the same price points, so for me it's Nikon all the way. I also prefer the ergonomics on the Nikon side.
I picked Nikon originally because of its legendary glass. I read a lot of reviews when I was first getting into SLR photography -- and a lot of folks had high praise for Nikon lenses.
The only thing that made me think twice is Nikon service and the reports from lensrentals showing an average 26 days to repair a Nikon product with the highest average cost. With Canon taking an average of 6 days it really makes you think.
Just posted this in the Canon forum, and thought I would share it here too..
"I know I am now primarily a Nikon shooter, but…
I shot Canon for 5+ years and loved the files compared at that time. Then came the D3 and I went back (came from Nikon initially) to Nikon.
However, recently Sony have been coming on strong… very strong IMO.
If I were with a clean slate now, Sony would be the top pick. The a99 and its peers are compelling in nearly every way. Their sensors are better than anything I have seen from anyone else at this time. Their AF systems are very good and faster than most other systems in most conditions. They offer Zeiss glass with a look that Canon and Nikon really don't quite measure up against (IMO). The translucent mirror tech., will be something that gets better and better, and affords a level of shooting that can only be described as instant compared to the Canon and Nikon contemporaries. They work hard to bring new ideas to play faster than either Canon or Nikon. So, that is what I imagine would be the direction I would take if starting over.
Sorry if that is not what the consensus is, but that's what I believe would be the best of all worlds. "
Looks like most of us are happy with Nikon, 74% right now. I'm happy too.
I think David is right, though. Sony's been pushing the envelope about a billion times harder than Nikon or especially Canon (are they serious with the 5D 3?!)
But I voted mirrorless for lens options. Right now they're all flimsy toys sized for young children (tested the NEX-7 and EM-5 last weekend, had to press buttons with my fingernails), but it's only a matter of time before someone builds a weather-sealed FF35 mirrorless big enough for adult hands.
Oct 23, 2012 at 12:39 PM
Andre Labonte Offline • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
I just picked up my first Nikon DSLR yesterday - a barely used D700. I picked up my first Nikon SLR in May of this year; a barely used F5. Prior to that, it was all Canon.
One thing I do like about Canon is that I can mount many alt lenses on them. When I had my 1Ds, I had Mamiya, Pentax, Olympus Zuikos, etc to be able to use. WIth Nikon, not so much. However with that said, I like the layout better with Nikon. The D700 fells light years better in build quality than a 5D2.
One thing I will say is that my 1Ds endured alot. Might be coincidence - and I suspect it is, but my F5 won't power on after using it this past weekend. It was in light rain. The LCD shows how many frames I have shot through, but just won't power on. I suspect it is just a bad power switch. No corrosion or any signs of water breaching into the body at all. It was made in 1998 after all. Hope it is an easy $60 fix...
I personally prefer Nikon. The body selection for me does everything I need. The price at which a D3 can be acquired is staggering. The ergonomics just work for me, they always feel very comfortable, well build and easy to use. The lens selection could use some updating (*cough* I'm looking at your 300 f/4 *cough*), but mostly what Nikon offers I really enjoy. The 14-24 is stellar, the new 28G and 85G are great values IMO. I love my primes, and the only non-nikon lens I own atm is the Sigma 150.
philipj wrote:
I'm addicted to manual focus glass, and there is no equivalent to the NIKKOR AI/AI-s glass for any other modern system at the same price points, so for me it's Nikon all the way. I also prefer the ergonomics on the Nikon side.
Up until the last year or so, I had 0 interest in other cameras. I loved using my d300 and d700. But, Nikon's recent behavior has left a bad taste in my mouth. At this point, if I lost all of my gear, I honestly don't know which brand I'd choose. I'd wait to see what happened with the TOL DX/APS-C cameras, because I want to continue using both DX and FX in tandem. So, I didn't vote in the poll.
It's amazing how walking around with a DSLR attracts attention and inevitably a conversation. People ask me all the time, should I buy this or that. Well guess what? I can't tell you how many people over the past 6-12 months I've told to buy Nikon and not even think about Canon.
Canon has giving the BIG F-U to its (previously) loyal customers and now I am having fun giving them the big F-U. I am a semi-pro photographer who gets pretty decent exposure here in the DC area. In fact, I'll be doing a little bit with Foto Week DC. I've spent close to $20K (not much) on Canon equipment over the years, and I can't wait to recommend Nikon to even more people. F-U Canon!
Wow! Sounds like both N & C need to send their managers to a good customer service clinic.... Picking the lesser of 2 evils is usually a political choice, not a consumer choice.
Kerry Pierce wrote:
Wow! Sounds like both N & C need to send their managers to a good customer service clinic.... Picking the lesser of 2 evils is usually a political choice, not a consumer choice.
