DSLR camera: Nikon or Canon?

Question

So I'm looking into buying a DSLR camera and I can't make up which brand to go with. Nikon or Canon?

What's the difference? Which one is better?

Anything would be helpful:)

Answer 1

They are both extremely good companies. The only way you can really choose is if one brand has some specific feature or lens that you want. You should probably make your choice by going to a store and holding whichever models you are interested in. Whichever brands ergonomics you prefer is almost certainly the company you should choose as they are both so good and about even right now.  

Answer 2

I've only used a Nikon, but I've heard that they're both very good cameras.  I don't know that I would say one is better than the other.

Answer 3

Both are equally good. If you ask 10 persons, 5 will say Canon and the other 5 will say Nikon.

The matter is which one you like better, in term of image quality, easy of use as well as accessories choices.

I find that Canon's image is a touch softer and the skid colour is a touch warmer compare to Nikon, which is what I like.

Answer 4

Until the Nikon D3 came along (and now the D700), Canon and Nikon both had their strong points and depending upon your shooting style, subject or client base and familiarity with the two different metering systems, the two companies in the professional arena, were neck and neck (Nikon's D40 in the entry level camera division really took off in Japan and that has spread into the US.  It is considered a "sleeper" because while its specifications seem to be modest, they perform well whether the shooter is new to shooting fully adjustable cameras or an advanced amateur moving from a 35 mm SLR into digital).

With the D3's introduction, many of the sports and editorial shooters are moving over to Nikon ... mostly due to its incredible performance at high ISO's ... this has a lot to do with the very large size of the individual pixels resulting in very low noise at those high ISO's.  Lately, some of the shooters of the Mark III (version "S") have been having issues with inconsistencies between bodies when it comes to colour shifts from one camera to another (as well as buttons falling off their backs).  Obviously when you spend $8,000 for a camera body, you would expect it to be consistent in its performance and sturdy enough to take the riggers with a professional shooter behind the viewfinder

NPS has been aggressively promoting the D3, which has been called the "Best Nikon Ever Built" and this includes shooters who up until now, have been using Canon's.

http://www.nikonpro.com/about_nps.php

Answer 5

they are both the top brands. i think it comes down to how much your willing to spend and what you get (features, ect.) for your money

Answer 6

Casio is better then both.

Answer 7

I have used both extensively, but I do favour Nikon because I have found them to be more durable: my cameras have been used in many difficult places.  There have been reports of mirror failures in Canons lately, where the mirror return mechanism fails.  I am not sure how common this really is.

Nikon lenses are also generally better, and there is a vastly wider range available.  Nikon batteries also sen to last better in the field too.

When it comes to operation, there is little to choose as both brands work easily once you are familiar with the controls.

Software is not a issue: use Photoshop rather than the proprietory software that comes with either camera.

Answer 8

HI Elvis,

Asking us should not be the factor for making up your mind.  Both are good.  Both are popular.  The Canon people will recommend Canon.  The Nikon people love their Nikons.

You really need to go shopping and look at each one.  You will find one over the other will fit better in your hands.   You will like the looks and features of one better than the other.   You can ask specific questions of the sales clerk and then decide which is going home with you.  

I would not want to suggest the camera I use and then you not be happy with it.  It is your decision and besides... camera shopping is lots of fun.

Good Luck.

Thanks for reading.  :))