If you’ve seen me on DTownTV or read my blog for very long, you know I’m a Nikon shooter and my main camera these days is a D7000. I love my 70-200 f/2.8VR as much as anyone can love a lens. I think Nikon has done a brilliant job with their DSLR lineup and I have no problems recommending Nikon. At the same time, I have zero problems recommending Canon DSLRs and lenses. So what’s the deal and why do I love Canon gear?
Nikon gear is better because of competition with Canon. Notice I didn’t say Nikon gear is better than Canon gear? Just that it’s better because of Canon. And I think the reverse is true as well. Canon builds awesome lenses and DSLRs because Nikon is formidable competition.
So which one is really better?
Truthfully, they each have their strengths. These days it seems that Nikon’s high ISO, low noise performance on most of their newest high-end bodies is industry-leading. It also seems that Canon has better video capabilities on more bodies than Nikon’s lineup. But as a DSLR still shooter I realize that Nikon and Canon camera bodies and lenses in a particular price range are surprisingly similar in performance and quality. If one has an edge over the other, it’s usually very slight. And with the speed of new inventions and product releases, neither manufacturer stays too far ahead (or behind) for very long at all.
There’s a reason you almost never hear about a photographer who has invested a lot into gear, jumping ship to the other platform. That’s because once you’ve invested in some good glass, there aren’t very many compelling reasons to go to the other side of the aisle. You get used to where your controls are and what things are called in menus, you get used to the performance of various lenses, and the slight tech advantages of the opposite platform just aren’t ever big enough or long-lasting enough to make a difference.
But there’s an obvious choice for newbies
Obviously though, if you’re starting from scratch you should invest in Nikon… that is if that’s what your friends have. If your friends have Canon, you should invest in Canon. Both have similar options for bodies, lenses and accessories. So you should buy what your friends have because that way you can ask them for help and possibly even borrow the occasional lens.
For the record, I’m a Nikon shooter and I love my Nikon gear! And I completely respect any Canon shooter’s similar statement about their gear. Canon and Nikon are both excellent DSLR platforms and you won’t be disappointed. Both have great support communities. And both have their raving fans who will tell me why I’m crazy to even mention the other guys in the same sentence.