I apologize if this has done before but I couln't find a similar thread to this. I see people tend to choose 2 main companies for their camera: Nikon or Canon. Which do you use,do you think is better in some aspect and why?
I use Canon. Is it better or worse than Nikon? I would think they are very similar, i.e., whichever you use you'll be happy with the results. However, Canon has a better range of lenses than Nikon, particularly in the longer lenses.
I work at a photo lab, we do not sell cameras, but customers sometimes ask for advice on a camera to buy. What I tell them is that it is almost impossible to buy a bad camera today. The most important factor (in my opinion) is to get one that feels comfortable to you. I mean this both in terms of how it feels in your hand (body design) as well as overall layout of buttons and options. If we are talking SLR cameras, Canon has a more intuitive and user friendly layout in my opinion. I teach a basic camera class at the lab and sometimes finding the settings on a Nikon camera is a nightmare. In terms of quality, they are all good. Some prefer Nikon because they say it has a wider dynamic range than Canon. As mentioned by Jackwow, many like Canon because they have the largest selection of lenses available.
I used Nikon back in the film days, apart from a Canon MC which was the smallest 35mm camera available at the time, and was happy with my Nikon and lenses. Entering the digital age I went for Canon, but I don't remember why (possibly the lenses) and I've been very happy with that choice. Something to think about though is the difference between the two in their Image Stabilisation - many of Canons lenses have IS, but some don't and are therefore cheaper. None of Nikon's lenses have IS because the stabilisation mechanism is built into the camera body itself (someone correct me if I'm wrong on this, please). Which seems to me to be a far more sensible option. Hix
Nikon and Canon have the same approach to Image Stabilization, its in the lens. Sony and Pentax use in camera systems. I'm a Canon user and have been for many years. I'm sure I could happily use Nikon. To me they are at the same level of image and build quality, certainly if you go for the serious kit within their ranges rather than the consumer oriented stuff. You can't go wrong with either IMHO.
I don't think anyone could look at a photo and tell whether it was taken with a Canon, a Nikon or virtually any other camera. But it is a big decision to make, because once you have bought a camera body and a couple of lenses you are effectively locked into the system you have chosen and so changing your mind could be very expensive. I used to use the Olympus OM system for film, but I switched to digital 10 years ago before the Olympus 4/3 system was introduced, so I had to start from scratch and make the big choice. In those days I did a lot of aquarium photography and I chose Nikon because its flash control system was much more sophisticated and flexible than the Canon system (at that time). I have never regretted that choice, but I haven't taken a photo with flash for years Alan
@HIX - NigeW is correct, Nikon uses lens based stabilization just like Canon. Nikon calls it VR (Vibration Reduction), Canon calls it IS (Image Stabilization). If you buy an after market lens, Sigma calls it OS (Optical Stablization) and Tamron calls it VC (Vibration Compensation). As NigeW pointed out, Pentax is the one that has always had it built into the bodies.
