Considering switching to Nikon

[TriGGy]

I'm already comfortable with the Canon system, and while I would like to learn how to operate Nikon cameras, getting rid of all my Canon stuff just because I perceive Nikon as having better MP's, etc, is counter intuitive. Same as for people who want to switch to Canon. Know your weapon

 

[AdamJ]

Don't forget this...

...and of course this.

 

[bbasiaga]

If DR is your primary concern, go Nikon. If you are going to stay with Canon and get a 5DIII, I doubt you'll find a more versatile body in existance. I can't really say my composition, creativity, etc are better with the MKIII (just like they wouldn't be better if I got a D800), but I can say that there are a whole bunch of shots I couldn't get on my older bodies that I can get on the new one because of its low light ability, and that between the focus system and higher frame rate than older FF bodies, this one camera easily does the job of my two older ones (5d and 40D).

Spec sheets are deceiving. Its easy to make the grass look greener on paper. My guess is a lot of people who switch systems either way will find, after all their horse trading, that the end result isn't that much different. There are a few people who do so with good reason and really take advantage of the true differences in the system (like maybe tilt-shift availability, supertelephoto availablity for canon, or the few people who really NEED the extra DR of Nikon). And there are a few people who will do so and pull up every shadow 4 stops just because they can, and be happy. The rest...will be just where they were when they started.

-Brian

 

[sdsr]

Since you don't say why you're thinking of switching, don't describe the Canon equipment you own, don't say whether you've considered and ruled out an upgrade within Canon, and don't say what you can afford, I don't think it's possible to answer your question. I would suggest, though, that if you're really serious about switching, you should rent for a week the Nikon body you're considering, along with one or more of Nikon's better lenses in the range(s) you use the most and see if you prefer the experience and results. If you're also considering upgrading within Canon, do the same thing in addition to renting Nikon equipment and compare the Nikon vs Canon you own vs Canon upgrade. Depending on what you shoot and how, the differences could range from non-existent through trivial to important, and not necessarily in the ways you hope or expect.

 

[V8Beast]

At the risk of repeating what has already been said a gazillion times, both systems are highly capable if used for the purpose of creating art. If you want to use your gear as tools to create art, there's no point in switching systems.

However, as bizarre as it seems to me, some people genuinely enjoy testing the technical limitations of their hardware for the sole purpose of testing the technical limitations of their hardware. Intentionally underexposing an image to see how much shadow detail a sensor captures, or blowing up an image 100% that will never be printed at 100%, just to see how much detail the sensor captures, seems to be the rage these days. It's taken me a long time to accept this, but some people enjoy this aspect of photography more than they enjoy creating beautiful images with their gear. And you know what? There's nothing wrong with that. It's none of my business how people choose to spend their money, even if what they do with their expensive camera gear seems silly to me. If you're one of those guys, by all means switch to Nikon and be done with it. The D800 trumps anything Canon offers in terms of DR and resolution - and even their crop bodies have extremely capable sensors - so if that's what's important to you, Nikon is the way to go.

 

[And-Rew]

I would like to have a serious discussion. I am not going switch in haste, I am justing thinking about this issues. So please, no flames, etc. Well thought out comments are welcomed.

Anything else?

Yes, what actually is the purpose of the thread?

• We know nothing about what you photograph
• We know nothing about your future intentions with photography
  • We know nothing about what kit you already have
  • We know nothing about you photographic abilities or knowledge

So - from the title, you talk about switching to Nikon and want an informed discussion - but you give us only the usual facts presented in any of these types of discussions.

You can not have an informed discussion without a decent premise - and so far, you have not given us one.

 

[ishdakuteb]

canon, nikon or any other dslr cameras all outcome good images with post process... if you cannot have a good image, do not complain about your camera. for example: yervant zanazanian is still using his canon 20d for his wedding photography and it is still perfect after post process. so, get to know your camera and get around with it... and keep in mind that everything has its own limitations, no exception rule imo....

however, congrat. on your new camera

note: this comments come from a dslr newbie...

 

[picturesbyme]

Don't forget this...

Haha...
That's just a built in TS feature/effect and the LCD clearly shows that Nikon's field is greener

Of course Canon has it's problems too, however this reminds me... This thread became pretty one sided too...
Interesting, because the One who wanted to start (a never heard before) conversation about switching to Nikon haven't said a word yet.. (although was probably reading based on the activity log...)

I switched a couple times before and I can confidently say there is no perfect system. One might suit a person better but the "other" brand eventually leapfrog over yours and then suddenly everything gets greener over there... Like the others said, go rent first.

 

[friedmud]

Just bought a D600 today (with just the 50mm f/1.8G so far). Sold my 7D and 70-200 f/4L IS to pay for it.

As some of you know I recently rented it and just LOVED the IQ at low ISO.

My hobby is Landscapes... so it is just a perfect fit for me.

I've started with the 50mm because I haven't decided on my workhorse lens yet. I'm leaning toward the 24-70 f/2.8G. I liked it when I rented it.

I took thousands upon thousands of great photos with Canon gear... but ultimately the low ISO IQ of the D600 and the ability to go full-frame for a reasonable price (the 6D is a non-starter... too many missing features) brought me over.

My advice: If you're unhappy with IQ on the Canon side... do the switch. I can't think of any other reason to really switch. If the IQ is fine for you on Canon and you have something invested, I would just stay there... you'll really get great photos out of either system if your technique is good.

 

[tnargs]

yes, where is RGF? So much for starting a thread with the words "I want a serious discussion". :-X

As for friedmud, congratulations on your purchase mate, I hope you have great pleasure in this great hobby with your new kit. ;D

However, looking at your reasons, you had better be prepared to switch straight back to Canon again the day their products match your needs better -- which could get expensive. And you have just walked away from the best lens kit in the land -- which can easily affect one's photo IQ.

My advice: if you are unhappy with IQ on the Canon side... try Sony! At least they make their own senors, so their product is fully integrated like Canon. And they have a range of AF Zeiss lenses to appreciate. But be prepared for your hobby investment to start spiralling.

Canon is still the best long term investment in terms of total system value and results, looking beyond the short-term leap-frogging of individual camera releases.

 

[Simba]

yes, where is RGF? So much for starting a thread with the words "I want a serious discussion". :-X

As for friedmud, congratulations on your purchase mate, I hope you have great pleasure in this great hobby with your new kit. ;D

However, looking at your reasons, you had better be prepared to switch straight back to Canon again the day their products match your needs better -- which could get expensive. And you have just walked away from the best lens kit in the land -- which can easily affect one's photo IQ.

My advice: if you are unhappy with IQ on the Canon side... try Sony! At least they make their own senors, so their product is fully integrated like Canon. And they have a range of AF Zeiss lenses to appreciate. But be prepared for your hobby investment to start spiralling.

Canon is still the best long term investment in terms of total system value and results, looking beyond the short-term leap-frogging of individual camera releases.

You can easily find parts which are made from different vendors in a device, such as PC, iPhone, or car. Nikon uses some sensors designed by Sony and some designed by themselves but manufactured by Sony. I use both Canon and Nikon, and I would say they have their own strength and weaknesses but they are comparable. However, I can't say Canon is the best long term investment, especially they really raised the price for the new pro bodies and lenses this year, but retailers significantly drop the prices, such 5d3, and sell them on eBay at big discount probably due to overstock or demand/supply issues. We are not married to a brand. Choose the equipment that fits your needs.

 

[hippoeater]

I actually just sold and switched systems.

I had a Canon 5DMK3 and I just converted to a Nikon D600, 50mm 1.2 ai-s and 28mm 2.8 ai-s.

There are certain things I am loving and hating so far. It's change and there is always growing pains with change.

I would say I prefer the 5DMK3 body - I don't believe however that Nikon was aiming to compete in build quality or styling with the 5D.

I think the Menu system for Canon is easier to navigate and use quickly - tho I'm sure Nikon users would say the same about their system vs. Canon. It's one of those things that will make sense in time - I think it's like trying to adopt a different language and you're trying to figure out what words mean what and remember it that way, so it becomes confusing.

I'm loving the picture quality I'm getting out of the D600 so far. Colors are amazing straight out of the camera and the images are unbelievably contrasty and sharp - extremely sharp.

I'm also loving the two lenses I picked up as well - tho that's a more personal choice - I love manual focus and these two are built like Zeiss - that old world metal feeling that just feels good in your hands.

Overall it was an easy decision for me to switch - my dad owns a D700 and every major lens that Nikon makes. It makes it easy for me to share without having to invest a ton of money.

Overall I'm pretty smitten with the D600, I miss certain aspects of the MK3 but it's an excellent switch.

Not sure how much that helps you, but that's where I'm at right now with switching over.

 

[Tayvin]

Why not just use both brands?

 

[hippoeater]

lol because it's not possible for everyone to afford to commit to the costs of two high end pro dslr bodies and lens systems?

 

[carlc]

Hey RGF (OP), why don't you spend some money on becoming a better photographer and not chasing gear. I am getting tired of people coming on CR to worship Nikon and degrade Canon. Why don't you post some of your recent photos and we will be able to advise you better. My bet is your problems are not with your camera and lenses. Now get off the computer and study more and go practice what you have just learned. Then you can justify better equipment.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

The D800 trumps anything Canon offers in terms of DR and resolution - and even their crop bodies have extremely capable sensors - so if that's what's important to you, Nikon is the way to go.

One thing to consider though, is that a body is only a small part of the investment you will be making, and it will be outdated in 3 years or so.
So study the lenses and make a list of what you will want. You may find that You will have to settle for less capable lenses at a higher price.
Then, there is service. Nikon is notorious for the lack of service. If your equipment dies, you may have to use a backup for a month or two.
So, look at the whole package before you leap, it might be a perfect match, or a expensive mistake, depending on what you want to photograph.

 

[tnargs]

... I am getting tired of people coming on CR to worship Nikon and degrade Canon. ...

Yes, exactly! Just Nikon-off, you guys.

Come here to help people learn and grow as photographers using their Canon gear.

 

[tnargs]

...I'm loving the picture quality I'm getting out of the D600 so far. Colors are amazing straight out of the camera and the images are unbelievably contrasty and sharp - extremely sharp....

So you are shooting in jpeg?

 

[Chosenbydestiny]

No need to write a note saying that you're considering it, if you really wanted to jump you would have done it already.

 

[akclimber]

I currently shoot with a 5D2, 5D3 & D800E.

First & foremost, at ISO 100 & 200 the image quality of the D800E blows the Canons out of the water - plain & simple. DR and detail are stunning. If you shoot a lot at these low ISOs you can't get better than the D800E's sensor. At those low ISOs, in a high DR scene, a shot that only needs one exposure with the D800 might very well need 2 with the Canon to capture clean shadows. At ISOs 400-800 the DR and IQ are generally about equal with the exception of more details for the D800E. At above ISO 800 the 5D3 starts to pull ahead in DR and maybe noise but I find the noise of the D800E files easier to deal with.

As for AF, I agree with others that the 5D3 has an edge.

As for ergonomics/shooting comfort overall I prefer Canon but not by much. The one design feature the D800E has that's inexplicably missing in the 5D series is a built-in viewfinder curtain. What is Canon thinking? And why neither cam has a flip out, tilting LCD screen is a real mystery.

Oh, and Canons liveview is way, way better than Nikon's.

As for build quality, the 5d3 is better. Same too for shutter noise/feel.

As for frame rate, I kinda like the D800 option of using a 1.2 crop to get 5-6 fps (resulting in a 24MP file) but it takes practice to mentally switch from a full frame POV to a smaller crop.

As for lenses, I've seen a lot of 24-105 vs 24-120 talk in the thread with folks saying the 24-105 is a lot better. I don't agree. I have & love them both for their usability and IQ and find them comparable. As for overall lens line-up, I prefer Canon for its amazing TSE lenses and L quality mid zooms like the 70-300 and 100-400 and 70-200 f/4 IS (but it looks like Nikon is about to announce its own 70-200 f/4 VR). On the wide end, Nikon has the wildly good 14-24 and useful 16-35 f/4 VR. I've rented a 14-24 to use on my 5D2 and wow, it's nice. I opted for a Zeiss 21 f/2.8 for the D800E but am still considering the 14-24 or 16-35 VR since I really like AF and handheld stuff.

As others have pointed out, your choice of body has everything to do with how you shoot and what you enjoy shooting. For ISO 100-200 use, the D800 smokes Canon for image quality and it's about equal up to ISO 800. The 5D3 might be a slightly better general use DSLR but not by much and only if you use higher ISOs and need a little better fullframe frame rate or slightly better low light AF.

If you can, rent one and find out for yourself how it'll work for your needs.

Good luck!

Oh, and BTW, my D800E does unfortunately have the left side AF problem (still need to send it in for repair). But on the other hand, my 5D3 exhibits wild light leak thru the viewfinder when I'm using liveview (really bad - not using the annoying/stupid external curtain isn't an option). Sigh, nothing's perfect.