Hello all you Canon users, I am a Nikon user that has never had the opportunity to use a Canon. I hear people switching to Canon and I would like to know if you have switched to Canon WHY? I currently have a Nikon D90 I love it, but then again I haven't used much else. I don't want to be missing out.
If you love your Nikon, then you're probably not missing much. As far as the cameras themselves go, the main differences are in marketing and ergonomics, meaning the layout of the controls on the body.
There are more differences in accessories and lenses. Canon has a broader array of lenses, but both brands offer a wide enough variety for the vast majority of applications.
The most unique lens that Nikon doesn't offer an analog for is Canon's mpx65mm macro; it's a highly specialized lens, so it isn't very common.
In general the limitations on image quality (sharpness, color rendition, distortion) relate more to the lens than to the camera, and the quality of the final image has a lot more to do with the person behind the camera than with the rest of the system combined.
In other words, unless you have a specific need that Nikon can't meet for you, then there's not much reason to switch.
I do not believe that any one camera is going to improve your photography. The camera is a tool. A carpenter uses a hammer, a photographer uses a camera. The carpenter may own several hammers in different sizes and weights and he will use the one that is most comfortable in his hand and will get the job done best. A photographer should do the same thing with his camera(s).
I personally shoot Canon. Have since the mid 70's when I bought my first AE-1. I looked at a lot of cameras. I liked the Nikons, they were heavier and felt more substantial. But I went with Canon because the cameras fit my hand better. I have short fingers and the Canon bodies are just more comfortable.
If you find a camera that is comfortable in your hand and you can reach all of the controls without having to use your other hand you will have a tool that will get the job done for you. You want to be paying attention to what you are shooting, not your camera. Brand isn't really that important. Find a camera that fits your hand, that you are comfortable with, and get the best glass you can afford for it, then start shooting.
Well said.
I have a feeling that most of the people who switch from one brand to another are doing it for the sake of buying new toys, not to meet a need. A lot of people who are frustrated with the quality of their images blame their gear, but that's rarely the where the problem lies.
If you're going to invest in anything, invest in good lenses that help you do what you want to do. However, rather than just running out and buying high-end lenses, make sure that you figure out what you actually need; are you trying to capture wildlife, and need more reach? Or do you prefer to do macros, and need to get closer? How about landscapes, if you're constantly running into the depth of field limits, you might be better off investing in a wide-angle tilt/shift lens. instead.
Either way you go, definitely save some money for a good tripod and ballhead. Don't rush into that one, make sure that you find the right balance between weight (i.e. load capacity) and portability, and rather than getting a cheap tripod, save until you can afford the right tripod.
Thanks to both of you Extremely helpful and comforting to hear.
Hey Justin....I am a Canon 50D user....I also have a sweet little Nikon Coolpix 8000 that rocked while I was snorkling in Curacao this summer. It was great for 720p HD video and 15 megs of underwater beauty. I like both brands (Nikon did have a more 'meaty' feeling) but I am most familiar with the Canon because I started out with the Rebel several years ago. I have spoken to many pros and once you get past the "Nikon/Canon is the ONLY camera" attitude they often deflate and admit that there is really only two things that you really need to worry about when choosing between them: how does it feel in your hand and are you comfortable with the layout/settings/features. They generally admit that they are both quality (but still competing) cameras. Some pros just can't get past their competitive nature though....it's really too bad because many times when we shut things out, we miss out. :o)
As my father always taught me, there's chocalate and vanilla ice cream. Some people like one, some the other, but in the end, it's all still good ice cream :) Fits for the Canon / Nikon argument as well. (I am a Canon enthusiast personally, it feels better in my hands).