Tag Archives: canon vs nikon

Canon 6D Vs. Nikon D600 – Which Camera is Best?

In the past couple of months, it would seem that the battle between Canon vs. Nikon was at rest, until they both released a new camera, and added more fuel to the fire. Within the space of a few days, they both released very similar cameras, at almost exactly the same price, trying to take over the same market.

But which camera is best, the Canon 6D, or the Nikon D600?

These new cameras have accessed a new area in DSLR’s, with low-cost, full-frame cameras for the semi-pro / advanced amateur market. It’s a very exciting camera, because the Canon is $1400 cheaper than the Canon EOS 5D MkIII, and the Nikon is $900 cheaper than the Nikon D800.

You can see more about these cameras here:

	Canon EOS 6D	Winner	Nikon D600
Megapixels	20.9 Megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor	Nikon	24.2 Megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor
Processor	DiG!C 5+	Draw	Expeed 3
ISO	100-102,400	Canon	100 - 25,600
Memory Type	1 SD Slot	Nikon	2 SD Slots
Focus Points	11 points	Nikon	39 points
Frames Per Second	4.7 fps	Nikon	5.5 fps
Viewfinder Coverage	97%	Nikon	100%
Screen Size	3.2″	Draw	3.2″
Liveview	Yes	Draw	Yes
Min Shutter Speed	30 sec	Draw	30 sec
Max Shutter Speed	1/8000 sec	Canon	1/4000 sec
Wi-Fi	Yes	Canon	Optional
Video	Full HD Movie	Draw	Full HD Movie
Connectivity	USB 2, Mini-HDMI, Mic Input, Wireless, Remote Terminal	Draw	USB 2, Mini-HDMI, Mic Input, Remote Terminal, Wireless
Battery Type	Lithium-Ion	Draw	Lithium-Ion
Quiet Shutter Mode	Yes	Draw	Yes
Built-in Flash	No	Nikon	Yes
Battery Life	980	Canon	900
Multiple Exposures	Yes	Draw	Yes
HDR Mode	Yes	Draw	Yes
Shutter Life	100,000 Actuations	Nikon	150,000 Actuations
Price	$2,100	Draw	$2,100

Now, which is best?

Well, if we count all the points out, we find that Canon wins four times, Nikon wins 7 times, and the rest are all draws. But this isn’t exactly conclusive, because not everything is equal.

For example, I care more about the ISO of the Canon, than the pop-up flash of the Nikon. But I care more about the focus points of the Nikon, than the battery life of the Canon.

So the decision is really up to you, which do you prefer? If you’re buying your first camera, and you’re trying to work out which one to go for, then this information is really useful to you, but chances are that you’re not spending $2100 on your first camera, with no lens.

If you’re a Nikon user, stick with Nikon, and if you’re a Canon user, stick with Canon. They’re both great cameras, and have opened up a really interesting price range in digital photography. I’m interested to see what both brands do next.

One this I will say is that I’m excited by the Wi-Fi and GPS functions of the Canon. What features do you like? Leave a comment below, letting me know.

Which DSLR Camera Should I Buy? – The Answer!

I often lurk around photography forums, and a common question that comes up by people who aren’t regulars is ‘which camera should I buy?’. It’s somewhat tiresome, and the answers are almost always the same. It starts off with a battle between Canon and Nikon, and then a good look at the price range. I have my own views on how to solve this problem, so here it is…

Canon or Nikon?

All the Pentax, Sony, and Sigma lovers out there might not like my view on this, but here it is. Buy Canon or Nikon. That’s not to say that the other brands aren’t any good, because they are, it’s just that Canon and Nikon give you more options (huge range of lenses and flashes for example). Now we’ve got that out of the way, lets have a look at which one you should buy. Disclaimer: I use Canon (not that it matters).

I have two very important questions for you to ask yourself:

Which brand do your friends mostly use?
Which feels best in your hands, and seems the most intuitive to use?

Follow up these questions with some more to help you narrow it down:

Do you want to be able to record HD Video?
What is your price range?

These questions may not be the ones you were expecting, and that’s because people get caught up in technical specifications, such as ‘hmm, the screen comes out in this camera’, or ‘yeah, but this camera has more megapixels’. It’s all nonsense.

The truth of the matter is that Canon and Nikon are constantly trying to outdo each other, so if one brand is better than the other, it doesn’t stay way for long. The difference is negligible; the advantages are in areas that most people seem to ignore.

Which brand do your friends mostly use? This is probably the most important factor which will affect which camera you buy. If all your friends use Nikon, then there’s a good chance that they will lend you their lenses and flashes, and also help you to learn how to use your camera. Camera manuals seem to have gotten worse, so to be able to have a friend who can show you how to switch modes, and change things like ISO, will really come in handy.

Which camera feels best? Pick up the camera. Whether it’s in the store, your friend’s cameras, or something you’ve loaned before, one of the brands will feel better. I personally find Canon much easier to use than Nikon, but that’s down to me. I also like how it feels in my hands. If I’m going to be using it for hours on end, this is really important.

When you take into HD video recording in to consideration too, then that will determine the age of your camera, but I usually recommend newer camera though because they have better processors and features.

Finally there’s the price range. Here’s how I break it down.

Entry Level

Canon EOS Rebel T3 (1100D) – $479.00

The Canon T3, also known as the 1100D, has a 12.2 MP sensor, which might seem to be a lot by modern day standards, but I assure you, it will do just fine. You might be thinking about getting older, higher range cameras, which isn’t a bad idea, but the entry level range is a good place to start as you will have the latest technology at a good price.

This camera is just over a year old, and I doubt it will be replaced for another year or so, but if you’re willing to spend a little bit more cash, then the next level up would be a better choice.

I’m not going to ramble on about tech specs, you can see all of that by clicking on the link above, but I will note that this is a pretty basic camera. It’s very small, and the camera only shoots at up to 3 fps. It does record HD video too though, but only at 720p.

Versus

Nikon D3200 – $646.95

This is still the entry level range so there’s not too many bells and whistles, but I’m sure you’re wondering what justifies an extra $160. Well to start, there’s twice as many megapixels at 24.2, which is good, because the more the merrier in the lower range, but chances are that most people won’t really need them. For printing the photos, to say, 10*15 inches, there’s not going to be a massive difference.

Another advantage that the Nikon has over the Canon is that is records HD video in full 1080p, which would definitely account for the increase in price. There is also a couple more autofocus points (which I’ve never really had a need for), and it also shoots at 4 fps.

Mid-Range Consumer

Canon EOS Rebel T3i (600D) – $799

This is the next step up in the range for Canon, and it’s a very popular range indeed. I actually had the XTi (400D) myself, and it’s a range that I trust. About once a year they update the camera, and the next version will be the T4i, or the 650D. They make the cameras better each time, and add new features like a fold out screen, or live-view in the past, and if you’re looking to get started on a camera which is going to last then this is a good place to start. I owned my 400D for over three years before upgrading. This Canon camera costs $50 more than its Nikon counterpart, but it does come with two extra megapixels, at 18MP, but that’s probably where the advantages stop. It shoots at 3.7fps, which is slightly slower than Nikon’s 4fps. On on the plus side, unlike the 1100D, this camera records full HD movies at 1080p.

Versus

Nikon D5100 – $749

The Nikon is a very good camera for the price. It has slightly less megapixels than the Canon, at just 16, but I assure you, that’s more than enough. Like the Canon, it also has a fold-out screen, which can be tilted, and shoots full HD video. It’s also cheaper. A feature you may find useful is the built-in HDR mode, but I couldn’t say how good this is. Canon have just included similar technology in their Canon EOS 5D MkIII, so it’s certainly technology to look out for. There’s also the ability to apply different effects to your photos in the camera, but that’s not something I think you should be playing with if you want to learn and improve your photography.

Advanced Consumer

Canon EOS 7D – $1,799

This is a high end consumer camera, which is where you start to see some real improvements from some of the cheaper cameras on this list. For starters, the 7D shoots at 8 frames per second (fps), is weather sealed, has 100% viewfinder coverage, shoots at speeds of up to 1/8000 of a second, has 19 cross-type focus points, and of course, records full HD video. It’s also lighter, has considerably shorter shutter lag than the Nikon below, and two more megapixels at 18MP. On the down side though, it is a lot more more expensive, with very little justification for it. It’s a good camera, but is it better than the Nikon?

Versus

Nikon D7000 – $1,499

The Canon has some good specs, but I think for the price, the Nikon comes out on top. It does have two less megapixels, and only shoots at 6 frames per second (who cares?), but it wins on most specifications. The image quality is better, a better dynamic range, and less noise at higher ISO’s. The battery life is also better, slightly lighter, a better boost ISO, and has room for two memory cards. Oh and it’s $300 cheaper. The Nikon does also offer 100% coverage with the viewfinder, a strong magnesium alloy body, and good weather sealing, just like the Canon 7D above. Both excellent cameras, but the price does win it for the Nikon – other than that, there’s not much in it.

Versus

Canon EOS 60D – $1,199

When you start to get into the higher range of cameras with Canon and Nikon, the lines between the models start to blur, and the prices start to separate. I didn’t want to leave the Canon 60D out of the mix though as it’s a very good camera for the price. The screen flips out and has a higher resolution than the Nikon above, and it also boasts more megapixels at 18MP, rather than 16MP. The 60D is a good camera, but in areas such as ISO noise, image quality, color depth, weather sealing and dynamic range, the Nikon does come out on top. Still though, it’s $300 cheaper so should be considered.

A Personal Note.

If you’re looking to buy a camera, but can’t decide which one is for you, I recommend buying the best one you can afford. Time and time again, I’ve made the mistake of buying a lesser version of something that I’ve wanted, in an effort to save money, but it almost always results in me buying twice, rather than getting it right the first time.

If you’re looking for higher end cameras, then the ones that are getting the most talk at the moment are the Nikon D800 and the Canon EOS 5D MkIII. They’re not out just yet, but click on that link to see a full comparison. I will be revisiting this topic in the future with other ranges of cameras, so click like below to keep informed.

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Canon EOS 5D Mark III Vs. Nikon D800 – Which Is Best?

It’s been Canon EOS 5D MkIII fever over here for the past few days, and with the age old argument of Canon Vs. Nikon ever-present, I thought it was about time we put them up against each other for a head to head battle. I’ve compared all the key details below, and using only facts, not opinion, I’ve listed which one comes out on top.

My question to you is, which one will you be buying? Leave a comment below or on Facebook and join in on the discussion.

Check out more details about each camera here:

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Vs. Nikon D800

	Canon EOS 5D Mark III	Winner	Nikon D800
Megapixels	22.3 Megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor	Nikon	36.3 Megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor
Processor	DiG!C 5+	Draw	Expeed 3
ISO	100-25600 (expandable to 102400)	Canon	100 - 6400 (expandable to 50 - 25600)
Memory Type	Compact Flash, SD	Draw	Compact Flash, SD
Focus Points	61 points	Canon	51 points
Frames Per Second	6fps	Canon	4fps in FX format, 6fps in DX
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	Draw	100%
Screen Size	3.2″	Draw	3.2″
Liveview	Yes	Draw	Yes
Min Shutter Speed	30 sec	Draw	30 sec
Max Shutter Speed	1/8000 sec	Draw	1/8000 sec
Self Timer	10 sec, 2 sec	Nikon	2 - 20 sec
Metering Modes	Evaluative, Centre-weighted, Spot, Partial	Canon	Matrix, Centre-weighted, Spot
Video	Full HD Movie	Draw	Full HD Movie
Connectivity	USB 2, HDMI, Mic Input, Wireless Remote (optional)	Draw	USB 3, HDMI, Mic Input, 10-Pin Remote Terminal
Battery Type	Lithium-Ion	Draw	Lithium-Ion
File Formats	AVI, RAW, H.264, MOV, MPEG-4	Draw	RAW, TIFF, JPEG, MPEG-4, H.264
Dimensions	152 x 116 x 76mm	Draw	146 x 123 x 82 mm
Quiet Shutter Mode	Yes	Draw	Yes
AF Assist	Optional	Nikon	Yes
Built-in Flash	No	Nikon	Yes
Battery Life	950	Canon	850
Multiple Exposures	Yes, up to 9	Canon	No
HDR Mode	Yes	Draw	No
Shutter Life	150,000 Actuations	Nikon	200,000 Actuations
Time-lapse Support	No	Nikon	Yes
Comparative Playback	Yes	Canon	No
Price	$3,499	Nikon	$2,999

Here’s the facts: Canon wins 7, Nikon wins 7, and there’s 14 draws. Pretty evenly matched, but which factors matter the most to you? And why is Canon $500 more expensive?

Nikon’s higher megapixels count is more important to me than Canon’s comparative playback, but Canon’s ISO range is more important to me than Nikon’s built in flash, so it really comes down to personal preference. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

The Great Debate: Canon Vs. Nikon

Introduction

Back in the golden age of film photography, there were plenty of brands from which you could choose some awesome cameras, so this debate was a lot less prominent. Now we’re in the age of digital photography, the two biggest players in the game are Canon and Nikon, but the question is, if you’re a beginner photographer and you’re going to buy one of them, which one do you go for?

Before I go any further, it’s important to note that I’m not saying that the other brands such as Sony, Samsung, Pentax etc. are no good, because you can get just as good photos with them, it’s just that there is a lot more choice when you choose Canon or Nikon. Also, as a disclaimer, I should tell you that I shoot with a Canon, not that it really matters though.

Compatibility Canon Vs. Nikon

One of the biggest reasons that Canon and Nikon are more popular than the other brands is because of their compatibility with much older equipment. Canon’s EOS range goes back to 1987 and Nikon’s F mount range of lenses go all the way back until 1959. That means that you can take any EOS or F lens and stick them on your camera and they’re going to work just fine. The main difference between the two though is the autofocus; all of the EOS lenses will autofocus, but only the Nikon AF-S lenses will autofocus with Nikon. This means that if you want your Nikon lens to autofocus (and you probably do), then you need to choose an AF-S lens, which narrows your choices slightly.

Nikon decided to remove the autofocus motor from their entry level cameras, in an effort to keep them more lightweight, compact and cheaper. Currently, the Nikon D40, D40X, D60, D3000, D3100, D5000, and D5100 don’t include motors. Canon on the other hand have always had the autofocus motors in the lenses and not the bodies, so this isn’t a problem for Canon users. The lenses over the past 25 years are enough to keep most photographers satisfied, but if you know of any much older lenses that you simply must have on your camera, then Nikon is the way to go.

I’ve recently upgraded a couple of my lenses to Canon’s L-Series of lenses, and the jump in quality if hugely noticeable, not least in the autofocus. They both use ultrasonic motors which are exceptionally fast and accurate, and provide me with excellent results each time. Older lenses use older motors, which are less reliable and perform worse, so if you are looking to buy them, make sure you can test them out first.

If you’re aware of the crop factor, then you may be interested to know that Canon’s sensors are actually a little bit smaller in their entry level bodies, which means that there is more of a crop. The crop factor is 1.6 rather then 1.5, which means that if you put a 50mm lens on a crop body, you’re going to be seeing the equivalent of 80mm, rather then 75mm. It’s not a huge difference, but it may be something you want to consider if you buy a lot of full frame lenses.

Performance

You may think that this is biggest factor for comparison of all, but the overall performance of Canon and Nikon is so good that it would be a ridiculous idea to generalise each manufacturer to try and decide which is best. The best thing to do if you’re most interested in the performance of a camera, is to compare key factors such as autofocus, noise, megapixels, photos per second, and perhaps even weight. There are areas that Canon stands out where Nikon doesn’t and vise versa. For example, I really don’t like Canon’s auto white balance, but I think their lenses are some of the best around. I think that the Nikon menu system is really poorly set out, but their cameras seem to handle noise very well. It all comes down to the camera in your price range, as Canon and Nikon are constantly in an effort to outdo each other.

Usability

In my opinion, one of the most important factors to consider when buying a new camera, is the usability. How does it feel in your hand? What’s it like to shoot with? How easy can you navigate the menu? All these questions are answered when you pick up the camera, and they usually outweigh all the other reasons for buying a camera for me. When I picked up my first Canon, it just felt right. You shouldn’t be swayed by the style of the little red detail on a Nikon, or the big grey lenses from Canon, you should see what works for you and stick with it. It’s not often people switch between brands, but when they do, it’s usually down to the usability, because any good photographer knows that they can produce excellent results with basic gear.

Which Brand is Right for You

I encourage you to go to the camera shop with a budget of how much you want to spend and look at the cameras in that price range. Don’t look at the specs to begin with, just pick up the camera and see how easy they are to use and what the results are like. My Canon has a really good screen so it’s much easier to review the images, but some of my friends who shoot with Nikons have horrible screens in comparison. All these small details will add up to make a big difference in your decision. Your first camera purchase is really something that should be done in a shop and not online.

A lot of people who get into photography tend to do so because their friends have DSLR’s and they want to produce the same sorts of results. Your friends will no doubt have some influence on your decision and try to convince you to buy their brand, and that’s not actually a bad idea. Buying the same brand camera as a friend means that you can share lenses and flashes, so that when you want to go out and take photos together, you end up having twice as much equipment at your disposal, and you can lend each other stuff all the time. They will also be able to help you learn how to use your camera. One of my close friends bought a Nikon and was asking me how to take some of the photos that I’d taken, and although I could tell him how I did it, I couldn’t walk him through it on his camera as I didn’t know how to use it.

Finally think about what you eventually want to do with your camera and where you want it to take you. A friend of mine owned a really good Nikon D300, but ended up selling all of his gear and buying Canon instead, all because he wanted to upgrade to full frame. The price for a Nikon full frame DSLR (D700) was only a few hundred dollars more than the Canon (5D), but it was only 12 megapixels, compared to 21 with Canon. He needed a lot more megapixels than that because it was important to the type of photos he was going to take, and if he were to stick with Nikon, it would have cost him a lot more money.

When you’ve taken in all the factors that I’ve listed in this post, it’s clear that there’s no real winner, it all comes down to a matter of personal taste.

The Great Debate: Canon Vs. Nikon

I’m sure I’ve missed something, and this sort of topic is usually a great source of arguments, so if you have something you’d like to contribute, either leave a comment at the bottom or come over to our Facebook page.