You born Canon or did you switch?

[n1as]

Most of us are Canon users, but I wonder if we started that way? How many of you have switch systems? When? Why?

I started with Nikon (decades ago) and switched to Canon weeks ago. I switched for better sports performance and lower overall (i.e. lens) costs.

My stuff in the late 70's was Nikon F with 24, 50, 135 lenses. I went to a Nikkormat FTn and eventually sold it all, remaining cameraless until last spring.

I got back into it with a Nikon D40. It's great but lacks for sports which is what I'm doing mostly, so I bit the bullet and bought into Canon.

40D, 70-200 f/4, 10-22, 50 & 85 primes.

- Keith -

[Mum2J&M]

Nikon FG to learn on in the 80s
Canon XT in 2005
Nikon D80 in 2006
Canon 30D in 2007
Hopefully Canon 5D within this lifetime
Possibly using Nikon D200 if I get a studio job

How's that for turnaround? LOL.

[kevin_c]

Started with a Russian 35mm Zorki rangefinder
Went over to Canon SLR's (AV-1, A1, F1)
Went 'autofocus' with a Minolta 5000i (Pile of ....)
Then went to the 'dark side' with a Nikon F80 then F100
Swapped to Canon with my 20D

[CyberDyneSystems]

Before Digital, I was Pentax 35mm SLR, before DSLR I was Olympus Digital,..
Canon 10D was my first DSLR though.

[salexande867]

Canon since early 80's. Went Sony digital and Canon film for a while, but when my AE-1 was destroyed a few years ago, I went Canon digital as the replacement.

[Pete]

Zenit 12XP

[bishop13]

Learned on a Canon A620 and graduated to my XTi :D

[rdricks]

I am a Minolta film guy. Used various Minolta cameras and lenses. My last was the Minolta Maxxum 9 - still haven't found another camera that feels as good to me as that one.

I decided to go digital shortly after Minolta sold their camera division to Sony. Simply put, Sony will not be willing to compete with the professional level gear that Canon and Nikon have. So I grudgingly switched. Checked out both Canon and Nikon system. Canon felt better in my hand, so that is what I use for digital. I am happy with Canon and will stick with them. I still have not convinced myself to sell my Minolta gear though. :)


-Ryan

[shannyD]

i jumped boat from nikon film camera to canon digital. i saw the light. :)

[John_B]

n1as,
For SLR's I started with 35mm film Pentax ESII (70's - 80's), then moved to Minolta X-700's (80's - 90's), then gave Canon Elan II & IIe a try (90's - 97) and went back to Minolta X-700's (97 - 2002).
Then DSLR"S came about and I grabbed a Canon 10D, then a 5D and now a 40D (2002 - 2007).
Canon has been successful for me with DSLR's :)

[gjl711]

Just SLRs or all cameras. If only SLRs, the Canon A1 was my first and I still have that one. In there was a Pentax, a Minolta, and a Nikon all of which were work cameras and I really don’t remember model numbers. If you toss in all cameras my list would be very long.

[Tandem]

Was Canon even around when I started? I think I had a Flintstones camera with the little monkey inside. And an intstamatic with the magicube flash and pyrotechnic detonators. Then polaroids and a Pentax SLR. My first digital was an Olympus. Since then I've been with Canon.

[Wile_E]

I used many different brands until I went the SLR route and decided on Canon because of the better lens selection.

[n1as]

OP here,

Great, but y'all (well not all y'all, just most y'all) have missed a key part. Why did you switch? What attracted you to Canon?

Inquiring minds and all that ...

- Keith -

[bieber]

I almost bought a noink for the price, but ended up finding a good price and going with the EOS 20D for my first (and only, thus far) SLR.

[Citizensmith]

Konica rangefinder back in the 80s. Switched to Canon in the 90s and stuck with it. Now I'm too invested in it to ever want to switch.

The switch was made for me by being given a Canon 1000 FNS for my 18th.

[bwolford]

Started with an Olympus OM-10FC (for full control). A nice little film camera. I still have it in my closet. Haven't touched it in 20 years. I switched to Canon for all the wrong reasons and a few good ones (availability of options - both canon and 3rd party).

Generally, I've been happy with my Canon decision and see no reason to brand hop for latest technology. The more I use my camera the more I realize it's me that needs upgrading.

[Michael]

My first digital was a small Sony P&S. Ever since I have been a Canon man.

S2IS
30D
5D

I'm staying with Canon, I love it!

[Riff Raff]

Olympus C-3030 P&S -> Olympus C-5050 P&S with external flash -> Canon Digital Rebel XTi

I'd been following Canon's DSLR developments since the D30 came out and had never seen anything about Nikon that would change my mind in favor of them instead. Pretty much every development I was excited about was from Canon.

[SkipD]

I still have my two Nikon F's with the lenses and accessories I bought in 1967, along with my Mamiya C-33 twin-lens reflex. I just haven't used any of that stuff in a while... :p

[Tumak]

Argus C3 (the original brick) first 35mm, Ricoh Kmount Solar Camera, ME Super, K1000. Then Canon via D60 due to AF Lenses and digital.

[elysium]

Canon born and bred.

Went through two previous Canons.

- Canon EOS 650
- Canon EOS 850
- Canon EOS 400D (current)

I would like to stick with a Canon in the future due to glass which generally is exchanged between family members and Nikon gear tends to be a tad bit more expensive but it seems Nikon's are getting better reviews these days.

[SuzyView]

Canon AE-1 Program
Canon F-1
Canon Rebel G
Canon 10D
Canon EOS 3
Canon 20D
Canon 5D
Canon 1DsMkIII (DREAMER!) ;)

[jayak]

Canon Rebel K2 (film SLR)
Canon Elan 7e (film SLR)
Pentax ist DL (DSLR)
Canon 40D (DSLR)

I liked canon, but when I got the pentax I just felt like it was a better camera than the low end canon for what I did....especially since all of the k mount lens choices you have with the pentax..... When I was ready to step up I felt that the 40D and K10 were light years apart....it was good to be back with canon.... I really miss my Elan....

[Tumak]

I really miss my Elan....


Yeah, I still got my Elan, buggered up the on camera flash when I repaired the master dial or what ever that is. There are things I like about it better than my 7e. (auto focus in dark, for instance)

[cowpix]

1975: Started with a Nikon FM for fun.
1978: Got serious and bought Hasselblads, used those for 24 years.
199?: Bought a Canon A2E for fun.
2002: Canon D60
2005: Canon 5D
2007: Canon 1D MKIII

[SHULTSIE!!!]

I used to run off(back in high school) with the yearbook crew's cameras, which were Canons... similar to the K2/T2. I was about to buy a Canon Rebel Ti when I saw the Canon Digital Rebel, which was running close to a grand. I decided to hold off to buy a Digital SLR after that. It took me 4 years to buy my first DSLR... My girlfriends parents bought me my first Digital Camera - an HP M307, 3 years ago. While I was in the UK, I bought a Cosina C1s. This got me started on understanding f-stops and aperture. I finally bought my XT 16 months ago... about 4 years after I saw the 300D... I think it was the 300D.

[FlyingPhotog]

All the gear I've owned (as opposed to borrowing Dad's Argus or Minolta back in the day...) has been Canon.

Started with an AE-1 -> T70 -> T90s (x2) -> and now a 20D and 5D...

[dekalbSTEEL]

1987- Canon T-50, pawned for cash shortly thereafter
1991- Bought original EOS Rebel bought with first wife
1997- traded ex-wife EOS Rebel for Microwave oven shortly after divorce
1999- Bought EOS Rebel X
2002- Bought EOS Elan on Ebay, traded Rebel X for used 50mm f1.8 mkI
2006- Thumb wheel breaks off Elan, find another one on Ebay for $39
2007- Bought 300d used on Ebay for $325 with kit lens
2008- 300d soon to crap out, now what?

[SHULTSIE!!!]

40D?

[Tixeon]

1 Minolta SRT in the middle 60's
2 Mamiya C330F Twin Lens Refleses - 1970
3 Mamiya RB67 Pro-S's - Early 70's
2 Hasselblad FCW's - 1980 & 1983
1 Minolta X series - about 1995
1 Canon G2 - 2002
1 Canon G3 - 2003
1 Canon 10D - 2004
1 Canon 5D - 2006

From the G2 onward, the Canons seem to be the most intuitive to operate & the quality of the images is great. I still have all the Canon cameras from the G2 to date.

[GizmoGarage]

I started off with my Father's old Ricoh Rangefinder and Rolliflex twin lens reflex cameras in the 1960's. I purchased my first 35mm SLR camera system in the early 1980's (Minolta). In the mid-1990's I made the switch to Canon EOS with my purchase of a first generation Elan. The original Drebel allowed me to enter the digital SLR world in 2003. Since then, I have upgraded to an XTi and more recently to a 40D.

[Lord_Malone]

I guess I was born Canon since my parents originally passed down their old Canon AE-1 to me. My first high-end digital camera was a Canon PowerShot Pro1 I got after my Canon PowerShot s200 died on me. I considered going Nikon during my initial entry into digital SLR photography, but had always eyed the 10D as well. But then the 20D was released and it was all over from there...

[JVolz]

Started with Minolta in the mid 80's. (SRT-201 then X-700)

I switched to Canon in about '92, and had an original Elan, then an A2E, then an EOS 3.

Went Canon digital in 2003.

[Jon Foster]

I started with a Canon AL-1 in the early 80's and moved to the 300D a few years ago to "test" the waters.

Jon.

[Mike R]

I started with a Canon AE-1 and when I wanted to move up to auto focus, I switched to a Minolta 7xi. I came back to Canon when I went digital (Digital Rebel) and I'm here to stay, now with a 40D

[Geo]

I fall in love with digital 6 year ago with Sony DSC-F717 5mgpix. even now I keep it, 1 years ago with canon 30D and 10 month ago with Nikon D200, I will tell the true, I fell more comfortable with my canon 30D.

[Apollo11]

The first 35mm camera I ever used was my sister's Fujica. I learned a lot on that, basically all self-taught. In the 80's I bought a used Canon AE1 Program, which I later traded for a Pentax ESII, a member of the Spotmatic family. I still have this camera.

At around the same time, I picked up a used AT1, which is still my all-time favorite manual Canon body, for pure ease of use with its matching needles and great meter. Another great Canon I've owned is the classic F1, with Power Winder F. Phenomenal camera, too, one the all-time greats.

Now, jump to about 1993. At this time I made my first EOS purchase, with the original Elan. I spent weeks going over the spec sheets between mainly Canon and Nikon, but also looked at Pentax AF cameras, as I loved the ESII. I read a ton of brocures and reviews on all the different cameras in magazines I once subscribed too, mainly Popular Photography & Peterson's Photographic.

I placed my order for the Elan, mainly due to its apparent ease of layout and ergonomic design. The lenses, even in this early stage of AF, were somewhat better rounded with more selections back then, if I remember correctly. I'll never forget the excitement of receiving that camera. It was about $400 back then. From that Elan, I have since owned and Elan IIE, A2E, EOS 3 (short term), 1NRS (still own) and finally the 30D.

I am thrilled that I sided with Canon way back then. It has proven to be a wise choice. Over the same timeframe I've had opportunity to shoot a couple Nikons, including the current D80, and I am still glad I stuck with Canon. In my opinion, they are light years ahead in intuitiveness of controls and ergonomics of body. Keep it up, Canon!!

[johncockburn]

Started of with Minolta learning the basics.
Moved to Canon FD, A-1, F-1
Had a long time with Nikon when things got serioues - F3, FM, F801, F90x, F4s (still one of THE very best cameras ever made)
Along with the Nikons I was also shooting a Bronica ETRSi set up for stock images, another great camera.

Then the move to digital, I hired the Canon and Nikon pro bodies for a weekend and carried out a side by side test. In the real world, not much in it. The Nikon was easier to use out of the box and handled well. The Canon had to be used hand in hand with the instructions for the first few hours. In the end the Canon made it as the images were ever so slightly better to my eye. Sold everything I had and made the switch, invested in a couple of 1 series digital bodies and more L glass than I could afford!! Never looked back....but I do still miss my F4s and I bough a 20 odd year old OM10 and 50mm last week. Well you have to respect tradition!!

John

[Familiaphoto]

My father gave me a Canon TX manual 35mm when I was 12. I was hooked ever since and have owned nothing but Canon since...going on 32 years now. I had considered switching to Nikon several times but could never do it, they just feel foreign in my hands.

[Tom W]

In terms of SLR's, Canon since the late 70's. I've had other cameras - Olympus, Kodak, Argus, etc, but none were SLR. My DSLR's are all Canon also. They've never done me wrong so I see no reason to change (well, that Nikon D3 is tempting).

[djeuch]

I am a Minolta film guy. Used various Minolta cameras and lenses. My last was the Minolta Maxxum 9 - still haven't found another camera that feels as good to me as that one.

I decided to go digital shortly after Minolta sold their camera division to Sony. Simply put, Sony will not be willing to compete with the professional level gear that Canon and Nikon have. So I grudgingly switched. Checked out both Canon and Nikon system. Canon felt better in my hand, so that is what I use for digital. I am happy with Canon and will stick with them. I still have not convinced myself to sell my Minolta gear though. :)


-Ryan


Similar story here.

Started with a Minolta XE-7. Has auto-exposure control, and the exposure control is completely analog, so it will shoot with "in-between" stops too which is a neat feature. I still have this camera and it still has a 50mm f/1.4 lens attached!

Stepped up to a Minolta 7xi with a Sigma 28-70 f/2.8 lens and external (remotely controlled too) flash. What a wonderful combination! I got awesome photographs, and for its time, there was no faster auto-focus camera out there. This was to be my last film camera, though. Sold it 3 years ago on ebay. I still miss it some times, though.

In-between was a Fuji FinePix 4900Z sort-of-P&S... Bought it in 2000 as I was thinking I'd switch to digital. Kept my Minolta 7xi until 2004 for the "really important pictures". The FinePix didn't do a half-bad job for digital of the time, but I did miss the control my 7xi gave me.

Decided to go full DSLR this past summer. Narrowed the field between the Nikon D200 and Canon 30D. I'll admit, I was leaning heavily towards the D200... then everything changed with the D300 and 40D announcements. VERY big decision for me, because with no investment in glass, I could go to either camp without an "already owned lens penalty" if I wanted to switch.

Literally hundreds of hours of research, and I decided on one primary factor..... glass. Canon's got better glass, and the 40D is an outstanding camera, especially for the price, so that's where I landed.

In the last two months, I've bought all the gear listed in my signature!

[Mark_Cohran]

Started out with Canon in 1978 (or around there) and all my 35mm SLRs and DSLRs have been Canon. Of course, I have other cameras such as a Mamiya MF system and a couple of Olympus P&S's, but I've always been a Canon guy.

Mark

[Cybnew]

First SLR was an AE-1 (still use it when I feel like using film) so I stuck with them...I am loyal through and through

[ajayclicks]

I started with a Nikon Film SLR- F55 ( also known as N55). That was sometime in 2002.

I was contemplating switching to a digital system in 2005, but the D70 BGLOD issue happened there was no response on that from Nikon. India was largely a grey market, and many users had to pay quite a bit to the authorised service provider.

In 2006, Canon started pricing the 350D aggresively, matching the grey market prices and offering a 2 yrs warranty. I switched to Canon.

My faith in Canon got reinforced a few months back when my powershot A85 (>3 yrs old) conked off, and they replaced the ccd free of cost as there was an advisory on ccd issued at their end (sticky on this in the powershot section of POTN also).

Cheers
Ajay

[dicktay]

(1) Dad's Kodak box brownie - mid 1950's
(2) Dad's Voightlander Bessa II- late 1950's - early 1960's
(3) Kodak Retinetta 1a - my first 35mm film camera 1961/2?
(4) Pentax SV SLR - 1964? -
(5) Penatx Spotmatic (2) Mid 1960's I think.
(6) Mamiya twin lens reflex - late 1960's.
(7) Canon EOS 1000 SLR - 1991? - My first Canon Camera.
(8) Fuji 9500 - Early 2006? - My first digital camera
(9) Canon 350D (Rebel XT) - Mid 2006 - It felt good to be back!
(10) Canon 40D - about a month ago.

[GTriever]

(1) Several brands of the ol' film point & shoots
(2) Canon T50 (my first SLR)
(3)Toshiba 4300 (my first digital P&S)
(4) Nikon Coolpix 4500 (my foray into "digiscoping")
(5)Casio Exilim EX-S880 (the wife's current P&S)
(6) Canon Digital Rebel XT (my current camera system)

I still have the T50, 4300, and 4500. Everything but the T50 still sees use, depending on the situation.

[Geelong]

NIkon film camera - but when I was in Singapore the Canon 300D with 2 lenses, card tripod and battery grip was less than the Nikon body, so I switched camps. Several lenses and a couple of L series and I don't think I will be changing! Let's face it - its the lenses you own that makes the decision for you.

[airfrogusmc]

Canon 1976--86 then Hasselblad till 01 now Canon. Still had Canon but the Blads were getting the majority of the work.

[muscleflex]

CANON all the way from the very beginning!!! :-)
Canon F1 ae (or something like that - used to be my mom's!)
Canon Eos 10
Canon Eos 30 (replacement for camera above when it got stolen)

Canon 20D
Canon 1D MKIII

[René Damkot]

Let's see.... Started with a Practica LTL-3. Then a B200
Then used a Minolta SRT-1 and XD-5 IIRC. (not mine)
Then Nikon: EM, FG*, F301, F801s. Also shot with a F2, F3, F90x and F4s.

Then I switched to Canon, cause IMO the F4 was nice, the F5 wasn't.

Canon: Eos 1n*, Eos 5* and Eos 10*
Then digital: Eos 10D, Eos 1DMk2*

Still have the camera's marked *

[anmoldagreat]

i actually started with a sony compact pos
then found my love for photography and needed to make the switch to dslr

i was just starting to work at kits camera when a associate purchase program came up and the xti was cheaper than the d70s so i went for the xti... Thank GOD.

[notapro]

Before digital, I was a Pentax SLR user. My Point and Shoot is still a fuji. Daughter's camera is Fisher-Price. We're an open-minded family.

[JWright]

In 41 years, I've had many different cameras. Several of the manufacturers of the cameras I owned aren't even in business anymore.

I started with a Miranda GT in 1966, bought a Mamiya 1000DTL in 1968 and used that until I was given a Minolta X-700 in the early 1980's. When I decided to go to an autofocus system in 1999, I knew it was going to be a major change, because Minolta changed their lens mount with the Maxxum cameras. I decided on Canon because the price point was lower than Nikon and, at the time I switched, Canon was the only one offering IS lenses. When the time came to switch to a DSLR, I was already heavily invested in Canon so it was only logical I remain with them.

Mixed in with all of this there were a few oddballs I was given over the years, and my very first digital was an Olympus D600L.

You can see many of the cameras I've owned (and still have) in this gallery... (http://johnwright.smugmug.com/gallery/795041#41922967)

[BestVisuals]

I had a Canon film camera, had one zoom lens, so I decided to go with Canon digital SLRs. I wish I had a better reason (scientific, photographic...) but I don't. I'm indifferent between Nikon (better flash exposures) and Canon (slightly better glass).

[bajaiman]

My dad bought me a Nikon FG with 50mm back in early 90 so that I could play around with it…. Played it for a few months then totally forgot about it until back in 2000. Then bought myself a Nikon F100 and a few other lenses along with simple studio lights setup. Played around with it for about 1.5 years then lost interest again…

In 2004 I bought a Nikon D70. I used it now and again until I was fed up with the metering and thought to myself its time to upgrade. Looking at Nikon D200 but then D300 was just around the corner. From what I heard with so much demand I reckoned its going to take about 6 months to get my hands on it and I didn't think I could wait that long. So I looked at Canon and bought a 40D 1 month ago, bought a few lenses and now I've sold all my Nikon gears.

Factors that made me got the Canon:
* Price. It would cost me AU$2400 to get D300 body. I bought my 40D body for about AU$1100 ish after selling the 17-85mm kit lens. D300 maybe better but I don’t think its two times better than 40D. With my skills 40D is waaayyy more than enough. The only thing that I wish 40D has is the high res screen.
* More lenses choices and the price of Canon lenses are generally cheaper compared to Nikon.
* A lot of Canon lenses have IS which don’t cost an arm and a leg.
* Most of Canon bodies and lenses are still ‘MADE IN JAPAN’.

Do I have any regrets?.... not at this point tho, altho theres one thing I wish is that Canon would make a lens like Nikon's 18-200mm AFS VR...

[NC_Photo]

i jumped boat from nikon film camera to canon digital. i saw the light. :)

Ditto!

Actually, I didn't have a whole lot of digital knowledge until college. I went to college for a degree in photography and until we reached the middle of the program, we were still shooting film. When we reached the semester where we started using all digital, most every student went with Canon. We all kind of learned together...lol.

I work for a studio that is all Nikon. I listen to them bitch all.day.long about Canon and how supperior NIkon is to Canon. :rolleyes:

[Glenn NK]

Olympus (rangefinder) - 1962 to late 1962

Pentax S (manual SLR) - 1962 to 1978

Pentax SV (clip on meter, manual focus, auto diaphragm) - 1964 to 1980

Canon A-1 ( TTL, manual focus, auto diaphragm) - 1980 to 2006

Canon 30D - 2006 to present

Who the hell is Nikon?

[fireman93514]

I started with an old Yashica A twin lens reflex. This was way back in the 60's when I was the yearbook photographer in high school. My first slr was a Fujica st801. Then I went to a a medium format Kowa 6. Bofre going to Europe in 2001 I bought my first Canon Rebel 2000. I switched to Digital after missing a closeup of a california condor while reloading film. I bought the Rebel xt. Now I have a 30D.

[eddarr]

I just didn't know any better. Found a good deal for an xti to get started and got lucky.

[penagate]

I don't consider myself a Canon person, just someone who happens to have a Canon SLR. It's too limiting to be wedded to certain flavours of technology.

My parents had a Nikon film SLR which was the first camera I used.
The first camera I owned was a Kyocera digital point-and-shoot.
I liked the convenience of digital, but missed the 'real camera' feel of the SLR, so I got a 400D. The viewfinder is abysmal, though, so I guess I haven't quite nailed the 'real camera' feel yet.

[Jon, The Elder]

It just struck me as odd, how these 'nostalgia' based questions keep popping up.

In another few years, this question will be so remote in meaning.

"What kind of buggy and breed of horse did you have, before your first car"?

[Karl C]

1982 - Canon AE-1 Program; used it for 15 years

2005 - Canon 20D (sold it)

Earlier 2007 - Canon 20D (again), later upgraded to 30D. Also purchased an A-1 for B&W work.

Present...all of it going buh-bye.

[JWright]

It just struck me as odd, how these 'nostalgia' based questions keep popping up.

In another few years, this question will be so remote in meaning.

"What kind of buggy and breed of horse did you have, before your first car"?

Lots of baby boomers here? :lol:

[gary88]

My first camera was a film point and shoot Pentax.

After that I got a Sony handycam that could take stills, which became my main camera.

Next I got a sony DSC-P150 point and shoot which served me for about 3 years while I earned my photography "chops"

Soon I wanted to be more creative with my photos (barely any manual controls on the P150), and wanted an increase in quality. So In May of 2007 I bought my Canon Rebel XTi w/ kit lens.

Now I don't have any plans to ever stop using Canon cameras/lenses/flashes :D

[LightUser]

Born and raised Canon except for my first camera, Kodak 126 camera.

[Croasdail]

Lets see...It all started with a cheap Kodak Instamatic in Paris... then a Pentax k1000 while in LA... then Olympus OM10 in San Francisco.... then converted to minoltaism with the xg-7, later the xd-11 when I was a ski bumm, converted to canonism in 1986 (with whom I still am wed... we moved from film to digital together)... had a fling with a cheap Hassey ( I keep her around for weekend entertainment), got tantalized by my extra-canonian affair and dabbled in Nikonism with a D200 - found out the dark side could be quit fun (if the d200 isn't as evil as said... I wonder how sexy the d300 will be) so I sent the d200 off packing and am due to have my first encounter with a little d300 when I get back from Chicago. I am just waiting on the 5d to have offspring... would love to see what 5d the second is like. I am basically a camera dog... what ever comes my way, I will use.

[bbulldog]

Nope i had a east German camera first, cant remember the name.
Then had a
PETRI TTL
Canon AE-1 - still got
Sony Mavica - saved on diskettes
Yaschica
Canon S1 IS - sold it
Canon EOS 400D - still got
Canon IXUS 65 - still got for when i go to parties etc.

But now have about 50 old Kodak cameras all pre 1960.:D So if anyone has any old (before 1960) Kodak camera's that need a new home :lol:

[n1as]

OP here.

Here's what I find interesting. If I'm reading all the replies correctly, most of us were not born Canon, but came to Canon from one of the "off" brands. Most are listing brands like Pentax, Minolta, Olympus, etc. as where we started. Most have only limited experience, if any, with Nikon stuff.

There is also a common theme with those who did switch from Nikon to Canon - price of lenses.

What I expected to see but didn't was a bunch of folks who were Nikon users in the film days how have gone to Canon in these digital times. Maybe most of them have stayed with Nikon?

Fortunately for us Canon owners, Canons aren't nearly as bad as Nikon owners say they are. Neither are Nikons are bad as Canon owners claim.

- Keith -

[djeuch]

OP here.

...

Fortunately for us Canon owners, Canons aren't nearly as bad as Nikon owners say they are. Neither are Nikons are bad as Canon owners claim.

- Keith -

This isn't because I bought a Canon, but one thing I factored in as well, although not as heavily as glass selection and high ISO performance was the online presence attitude of the "average" Nikon and Canon user. On the average on other forums, I found that IN GENERAL there were more "Nikon is better than Canon, period, and you're stupid to think otherwise" than the other way around.

There's hundreds of both people in both directions, but percentage-wise, I've found that Canon's got less attitude... at least that was my observation PRIOR to purchasing any equipment from either manufacturer.

I'm happy with my choice!

[GilesGuthrie]

Born Canon.

I had an IXUS APS camera for a while, then lost it. When I bought my EOS 50e, I knew I was making a commitment in terms of lenses, but the Canon felt right to me. Duly, it was. It made the decision to stay with Canon for dSLR easier, although I did feel that it was the more compelling path as well.

[thekid24]

born artist that bought the first brand he heard of (when it came to picking a DSLR).

I had various brands of P&S

[Peter Pawinski]

I've been Nikon (still think the F5 is the most awesome film SLR ever made), but currently I'm on the hump. I've got the 5D, 24-70 f/2.8L, 20mm f/2.8, and 85 f/1.8. Oh, and a 580EXII. I was just about to fully make the jump and get the Mark III, but the AF issues scared me off. Now Nikon's got this red hot D3 about to come out, so I'm thinking of shooting the D3 and the 5D. That way, I don't have to get rid of all my Nikon glass. Plus I have the 85 f/1.4 for the Nikon and I would LOVE to put that on a full frame.

So that's where I'm at. I also have two D200s, a D1, and had a D70 I simply gave away. Right now, I shoot about 80% with my Canon, and only use the Nikons for the reach of the 80-200. I switched because of low-light image quality. I can't stand the D200s at anything above 640ISO and even then... 3200 on the 5D looks about as good as 800 on the D200. The only problem I have with Canon IQ and the 5D in particular is the banded noise, as opposed to Nikon's more Gaussian/film-like noise.

I much prefer the layout and handling of Nikon cameras. The one Canon design concept I LOVE is the control wheel. Makes for reviewing images a snap.

Another weird thing: I used to always think the autofocus on the D200 was much better and faster than the 5D, but I swear I have far fewer soft images since shooting the 5D. The 5D certainly has more problems in low light (without assist), but when it's on, it's on.

So I'll take whatever tool helps me do the best job I can.

[Crossfire]

Canon born and bred. The blood in my veins is the same colour as the ring around most of my lenses...

[SoaringUSAEagle]

Canon born and bred. The blood in my veins is the same colour as the ring around most of my lenses...

Same here and am extremely happy :)

[Wazza]

family and friends had various SLRs and automatic film cameras - the latest I used was the Olympus IS200

Then my friends 1.3 megapixel digital P&S

Then I started, once I was earning money
Sony V1 - 5 megapixel - 2004
20D - January 2005
5D - June 2007... And sold July 2007
1DIII - June 2007

[Solaria]

Started out with a Kodak 110 when I was about 4 years old.

Switched to Canon AE-1 when I was 7-8 ish.

Been Canon ever since.

[AB8ND]

Born Canon, first was an FX bought in the PX in Phu Bai Vietnam, along with it I also bought a 35mm and 135mm both Canon FL lenses. Wanted a Leica like the my Aunt used, but in a letter she told me to get an SLR and the Canon was a good choice. Then She went out and traded in her 2 Leicas for a couple of Nikons. When I got home we had great fun with the which is better thing.

Jack

[TTk]

Born Nikon had 25 years changed to Canon this year.

[NathanJK]

I learned on an AE-1, then got an Elan IIE...then went digital with a 10D and it was all history from there! I definitely was "born canon."

[DigitalMan]

My first 35mm was a Russian made Zenit B in 1970. Quite a few assorted film cameras after that.

First digital in 1999 was a Sony Mavica 91 used 3.5 inch floppies. Still remember taking pictures at the Ocean City Maryland car show carring a box of 100 floppies, I got approx. 2 shots to a floppy. The good old days!

In order of use:

Olympus E10 ..sold
Nikon D1x ..sold
Nikon D100 ... still have broken

Was at this point when the service I received from Nikon on the broken D100 that I decided to try Canon. Never looked back!

Canon 10D .. sold
Canon 20D .. sold
Canon 5D .. sold
Canon XTi .. backup
Canon 40D .. current main

Currently use a Sony H5 for flower shots and a Sony R1 when I don't want to PP. Also have a Canon SD800 that I carry all the time. But have a Canon G9 on order to take it's place.

[Trainboy]

I'm a Canon man through and through, and have been since I realized that there's more than 1 type of camera out there. Which is pretty funny, since I've never actually owned one...

[Dream Merchant]

Exposed to the Kodak 126 'box' camera when I was a young un

Saw various Yashicas (135 and tlr 120s - they were popular in the late 60s and early 70s), Canons, Olympus randefinders growing up

Owned a few 110s

First try on a 'serious' camera was with my oldest brother's Yashica Electro 35 rangefinder at 11

First experience on an SLR was with a Vivitar all manual at 13

First SLR was a Pentax MX at about 14

Went on to Nikon FE2, FM2, used a friend's F3 for awhile but gave up on Nikon entirely because of the uber supreme superiority attitide of the local agent and have yet to ever go back to Nikon, Canon F1-n, Olympus OM-4ti, Bronica SQ-A, Mamiya 645sumtink, Bronica ETRSi and a had a host of other 'buy used and cheap to abuse then throw-away' OM1s, 2s, Canon AE-1P, A-1 etc.

Highlight of my life was the Canon F-1n (first real 'pro' system with the motor drive and such), and using a Toyo 4"x5" and a Linhoff field cam (that one was all wood and brass IIRC).

Gave up photography for ages, then re-started with a made in Malaysia Nikon compact 135, and much much later went on to digital with a Canon 10D when it was already discontinued. Am still using the 10D quite happily till today.

Interestingly, while I've been through a host of medium formats which back then costed quite a tidy sun, I've never owned a classic 'to die for' 70/80-200/210 f/2.8 zoom till I had the 10D.

Was never rich or well to do, but basically saved and scrimped all along.

[MusicallySilent]

Yashica FX-7 (film manual)
Sony 3mp 500 dollar huge camera (around 2000-2002, big huge thing because they didn't compress components
Sony 7mp ultra compact
Canon S3IS (currently used)
Canon XTi/400D or 450D/500D (next camera)

[samnz]

Minolta SRT
" x300
" x700
" 7xi
" Dynax9

[PhotosGuy]

Nikons for film 40 years ago. Canon for digital. Used the best so I only had to sweat the big stuff!








I still use some Nikkors on the Canon. ;)

[RudyN]

My first good camera was a Nikkormat FTn w/50mm lens which I still have. Had a Nikon Fe2 with 3 leses. Sold the Fe2 and lenses, added some money to what I got and bought a Canon XT w/the 18-55 kit lens and the 75-300 zoom. Will upgrade as things go along depending on the type of photography I do. I am leaning towards wildlife and Astrophotography.

[Bushplane Ken]

The first 35mm camera I purchased was an Olympus OM-1 with a 50mm f/1.8 lens in May of 1978. I also purchased a Vivitar 75-205mm zoom and life was great. Along the way I added a used OM-2 and a few more lens including a Tamron 300mm SP as I had realized that 205mm just wasn't long enough for airshows. I eventually picked up a OM-2n.

I used this setup throught the 80's and the 90's until 2006 when my Wife and I decided to go on an Alaskan cruise. So about 6 or 7 months before the cruise I made the decision to go digital and from the day I purchased my Rebel XT my film equipment has been retired.

[Lester Wareham]

I started with Canon FD back in about 1980. It was some time after they dropped the FD standard and switched to EOS/EF before I found out about this, I was well pissed with them and decided to go with Nikon if I ever wanted to upgrade.

Beside the 35mm stuff I had some cheap secondhand MF cameras and a little Richo rangefinder I used to call my "poor mans Leica". ;)

Spin forward to 2005. OK DSLRs are now good enough and cheap enough to switch to digital, obviously all my FD lenses are no good and I am still pissed at Canon. I have been keeping an eye on them through since the 1Ds Mk I came out.

Start researching, initial scan says Nikon or Canon.

Go into shop handle the cameras after pre reading both manuals off line. Both nice, Nikon perhaps have the edge, Canon has a really crappy lens with it (the EF-S kit lens). None of the kit, Nikon or Canon, feels very solid compared to the FD kit.

Go home, more research. Nikon lens base is large and complex with different sorts of lens interface not all working 100% on all bodies, the impression I gained rather different from the 100% backwards compatibility advertised.

Compare technology. Canon sensors seem better, lower noise, they control the technology (as a technologist I know how key this is), they have a clear commitment to full frame sensors. Looking closer the Canon lens lineup is simpler with minimal compatibility issues, feature like IS seem cheaper and more available than VR. I like it that Canon make MTF charts available for their lenses, I found this useful to judge the relative cost-benefit of lens choices.

I realise that the EF mount is by far the best solution. I realise the crappy kit lens I see is not indicative of all Canon kit. As a keen macro man the MP-E 65mm macrophoto and MT-24EX blows me away.

OK Canon I forgive you. I realise that mount change was a brave and bold step.

[buzzyrabbit]

Mamiya film up to last February then bought the 400D. 5Dmk2 next year.

[uglytuna]

I started with Canon AE-1 in high school and later purchased one and then when the EOS line came out I bought a EOS 650 wich I still have .Then I went digital and have a 20D so yes always and forever Canon.....

[thomascanty]

Film: I started with an Argus C3 and a Kodak Brownie. From there I bounced around through many different brand names of P&S and rangefinders. My first SLR was a Canon Rebel 2000.

Digital: Started with a Casio QV-30 (or was it a QV-10?), moved on to a Sony Mavica then quickly from there to a Ricoh RDC-4200. Then, I went through a few Olympus cameras. My first DSLR was a Canon 10D.

[stevieboy378]

Started off in the early 70's with a Polaroid instant - the type that spewed out a photo with a peel off plastic film on it - I can remember having to count to 30 before peeling it apart to see the photo.

Next was a Kodak 126 and a tiny Kodak 110.

Once I started earning money ( early 80's ) I got an Olympus trip, then my first SLR - a Chinon CM3

I used the Chinon until Digital hit the shops, when I got a Kodak DC240 - boasting a massive 1.2 megapixels !

Upgraded to a Nikon 5 Meg P&S ( can't remember the model number ) which was good enough, until I saw a Canon DSLR in a local camera shop, and bought it there and then . . ..

[ssidiv3r]

I might have taken a few shots (on vacation or w/e) with the families' Olympus p&s, but other than that it's just been my digital Rebel XT

[Wilt]

OP here.

Here's what I find interesting. If I'm reading all the replies correctly, most of us were not born Canon, but came to Canon from one of the "off" brands. Most are listing brands like Pentax, Minolta, Olympus, etc. as where we started. Most have only limited experience, if any, with Nikon stuff.

There is also a common theme with those who did switch from Nikon to Canon - price of lenses.

What I expected to see but didn't was a bunch of folks who were Nikon users in the film days how have gone to Canon in these digital times. Maybe most of them have stayed with Nikon?

Fortunately for us Canon owners, Canons aren't nearly as bad as Nikon owners say they are. Neither are Nikons are bad as Canon owners claim.

- Keith -

Personal history...
Fujica P&S
Beseler Topcon Auto 100 (still have, but it is retired)
Olympus OM1 (sold), then OM-1n (still have), then OM-4 (still have)
medium format Bronica ETRS (sold), then ETRSi (still have)
large format Horseman LS (still have)
variety of Olympus film P&S (still have)
brief stint the Canon 620 and hated it (sold)
Canon G2 digital P&S (still have)
Canon 20D dLSR (still have)

I know a large number of people who were faithful Nikon film camera users with extensive lens collections; a significant number of them have defected to Canon dSLR, while others have been holding out and hoping for a very long time (but not buying) Nikon dSLR. Now the new digital Nikons looks reasonable and their hopes are up.

[kennys350d]

@ 16: canon rebel, then 10d
@ 17: xt
@ 18: nothing? wth!
@ 19: 20d

[rabbs]

Started with Ricoh KR-10 then the Kodak 7590 and now an 400d (best move I ever made)

[canonrebel]

Started with a Praktica L2 in 1978 then when the bug bit switched to Canon and have had an AE1 program, A1, EOS600, and now a Rebel xt, next purchase will be a 40d.

[delhi]

Started with Agfamatic. Then progressed to some Olympus and Minolta P&S.... then Canon EOS 35mm and it's been Canon ever since.

[sfaust]

First was a Topcon SLR in the late 70's, then Exacta SLR, then I got a Canon AE-1. About 5 years later, I went with a Nikon FG and progressed up the latter and owned an FA, F3, N8008, N90, F4, and digital with a D70. I then switched to a Canon 1Ds because of the full frame and image quality, and now own a 1DII and 1DSII. Once the bugs are worked out of the 1DsIII, I'll upgrade to two of those (main and backup).

[OL9245]

I was Nikon with film until 2003
What made me change was the 10D body, which was the first good DSLR I could afford as an amateur.
I defintely screwed to Canon when they issued the 5D body, which I'm using professionally.

We by lenses for a lifetime, and digital bodies for 5 years or less.
in one sense, we should consider the lens line first.
on the othet hand, in the past years, IQ had increased much more because of new bodies rather than new lenses. So, chosing a brand because they build the body you need makes sense.

[mspringfield]

Started with Kodak P&S as a kid. In my teens I had an Olympus OM-1 (wish I still had it) and a Yashica with a motor drive.

Later moved to a Pentax PZ-20 and a PZ-1p (a damned fine camera at the time) because I couldn't afford a Nikon.

When I went digital I started with Nikon P&S and then in 2000 I moved to DSLRs. I had my choice of a new Canon D30 or a used Nikon D1 for the same price. I chose the Nikon. I went through the D1, D1x (still my fav in terms of color) and then the D2h.

In the spring of 05 my SUV was broken into and about 80% of my gear was stolen. At that time more of my friends were shooting the 1D than were shooting Nikon so I took the opportunity to make the switch so we could all pool our gear. I bought a 1DMkII which I still use today.

Michael

[Mike Hoyer]

I had various film point and shoots back in the day, but my first digital camera was a Fuji A204, then upgraded to a Fuji S5000. No real preference, just cheap and I'd seen other people use them.

First DSLR was a Nikon D100 which was my dads, so cheaper to buy! Stuck with Nikons for a couple of years before switching to Canon for work.

[neil85]

as far as SLR/DSLR go i was born canon. my mom has an older canon 35mm film camera and then a 20D and i was her guinea pig growing up and then i developed the desire to photograph.


as far as P&S my first was a sony as i was a poor high school kid and the sony was nice & cheap haha

[amironsi]

i am born a canon and i am proud of it...
hope to keep shooting

[EORI]

Started with the AE1 and a 50mm f/1.8 lens back in 1977. Have stayed true to Canon ever since.

[Maureen Souza]

other than the Kodak Instamatic I had as a kid, I have always used Canon cameras.

[Kadath]

Nikon until the D-Rebel announced. Saved up for that and the 20D was announced, went with the 20D and been collecting lenses since. Still have all my Nikon stuff and am seriously considering adding a D300 to tide me over to the 5D replacement.

[Michael1116]

Canon....
Since my grad gift of an A1 w/ 50mm f/1.8, 135mm f/3.5 and a 2x convertor.

Shot the A1 all through the raising of my 3 kids (couldn't afford anything more), then onto digital with a D60, then my new 40D.

Still have all three.

[GORDO]

Had a minolta XGM for years then one day like an idiot after not using it for a while,broke the thing.Missed so many pictures of my daughter growing up that i had to go and buy a camera right now.That was about 8-10 years ago.Bought an elan 7 because at the time the 20d was close to $1800cdn.Then i got an eos3 and now 20D AND I practice,practise,practise to constantly improve.GORDO

[daleftw]

I used to have a Fuji S5000. Went to Canon for the upgrade to DSLR because of the range of lenses and somewhat for the aftermarket support although being on these forums has swayed me towards buying all Canon gear.

[oaktree]

My SLR history started with a Miranda Sensorex during the 70's, than a Pentax Super Program during the 80's. I retired these SLR and went to film P&S mid 90's. I finally went digital with a Kodak P&S about 5 years. Jan 2007, our son visited with his Rebel XT and I was hooked to DSLR. Went with Canon so we could share lenses. If he had a D80, I'm sure I would have a D200 with all Nikon lenses right now.

[Elphaba]

Film wise, I have had my hands on various brands, over the years... being a casual shooter, I didn't pay attention to what the camera could do for me, other than take a picture. Fast-foward: my first jump into the digital world was with a Sony Mavica that used floppies and had only .35 Mpixels. LoL Paid a load of money for it and thought it was awesome, at the time. From there I used other P&S digital cameras from a couple of other camera makers, before finally settling down with Canon. Satisfied with my Canon P&S experience, I jumped into the DSLR world with the original Digital Rebel. There has been no looking back, since... love my Canon gear.

[ChrisR]

Canon AE1
Canon T90
Canon EOS 300
Fuljifilm S7000 (or something similar)
Canon 10D
Canon 1D MkII

Whats next? I really dont know - I'm happy with what I have. I'd think about the 1Ds MkII if the price ever falls to a reasonable level.

[kuanyu]

Canon AE1 (still use it today)
Canon XTi

[midget]

nikon FM2 -> 30d -> 40d

[Lightstream]

Film point and shoot
Canon Ixus (first generation)
Canon Powershot S40
350D
.......the rest is history (insert whole raft of Canon DSLRs here)

Then I decided to go old skewl retro and bought a Canon A-1. It's similar to the AE-1 but adds Aperture Priority which I use a lot. I could have had any film camera I wanted from the vast selection on ebay so I went with an open mind. Canon's decision to abandon the FD system paid dividends in both bringing them into the autofocus/electronic/IS/USM age, but ALSO contributed to making the FD system the cheapest film SLR system available on the secondary market since there was very little demand for them! Where else can you nail a nFD 28mm f/2.8 for $24?

That's sorta why I chose to stick with an A-1 even though I could have had virtually anything else. I was not going to be particularly brand loyal but things worked out this way. I'd been looking at a Nikon system as well. I have nothing against them other than the fact that I am heavily invested in my EOS system and very comfortable with it and see no reason to switch. But for film where I have no compatibility requirements - it's all open. Heck, it almost ended up being a Pentax 645.

Then I added an Elan 7NE so I could use all my nice EF glass with a 'film back'.

[Grentz]

Used my moms Minolta Film SLR for awhile, then used a few cheap Point and Shoot Cameras, and finally moved to the Canon 300D SLR.

So I guess I was pretty much Canon from the start of my own SLR journey ;)

[Phiberglass]

Canon

[jmpsmash]

1980's : my dad's Leica M4 & Minolta CLE with a few Leica lenses
1991 : Nikon FM2 with just one lens
1998 : Nikon N70 with a few primes
2004 : Nikon D70
2006 : NIkon D200
2007 : Canon 1Dmk3

[popepaul]

I started with various Kodak non-35mm film cameras and Polaroid cameras. First 35mm was a Canon FTb. My first autofocus camera was a Minolta. When I got more serious, I moved to Nikon, with a F3 HP and an N90s. My medium format was a Hasselblad and my 4x5 was Sinar. Eighteen moths ago, I switched from film to digital and purchased a Canon 30D. Within six months, I will add a 40D, and maybe a 5D or its replacement depending on cost. My 30D will go to my daughter once I have two cameras. I plan to get back into wedding photography, so I need two bodies, but still need something like the 40D for sports. It would be great as the second camera for weddings.

I switched to Canon, because I do a lot of sports photography and Canon is better positioned in the sports/action field.

I still miss my Nikon’s, but I also love my Canon.

[jaybird]

I started on an old knock-off camera from a second-hand store. It had a nikon mount and was full manual, not even AF. The exposure meter was a small dial with a red "finger" in it. When it pointed straight up, it was "properly exposed". Pretty simple really. Once day my gear got stolen and I didn't think about photography for a long time. Then, before leaving to Argentina I splurged and bought myself a Canon Rebel (film version) that came with a kit lens and I bought a 75-300. From that point I have just kept with Canon.

[Slack3r]

Myself:

1) Canon SureShot (35MM0
2) Canon A70
3) Canon A430
4) Canon Rebel XTi

[Tim S]

Canon only, since 1989 (analog of course!).

[Bootlegger0173]

Switched to Canon when I went digital.

A85
S3IS
350D
400D

[kelstar]

I had Vivitar and Olympus film cameras. But since I switched to digital, I've only used Canon.

[butcha27]

I didn't shoot Canon film, I used a Pentax back then, my first P&S digital was a Fuji Finepix S5000 and it's still going great guns somewhere in my family, they all want it! But I started with the 10D and have a 400D and looking to get a 40D next. I have too much Canon glass to change now!

[Chet]

Started with a Kodak Handle Polaroid camera. (Think it may have only taken 2 ok snaps)

Graduated to a Canon 7e film.

Have had a couple cheap point and shoot digitals. Kodak makes a poor low end digital camera that appeals to the masses. I'll never understand, it was a gift!

Bought a Canon A410, cheap but took decent pictures.

Stepped up to a Canon Rebel XTi.

Always craving MORE!:)

[per aspera]

1) Fuji S7000
2) Digital Rebel + 50/1.8
3) 20D
4) 10D
5) 20D
6) 30D + 20D
going on to
7) 5D + 4x5 film

p.s. this is 2 years time and I'm addicted to L way worse! :lol:

[Asleep]

Canon SD 230
Canon IXY Digital 55
Canon XTi
I like my friend's D80 but I don't defect.

[Medic85]

Started with Canon and don't have any plans to switch.

[Time Thief]

Miranda G
Canon EOS 630
Various BS digital crap
Canon 7NE
Canon 30D
Canon 10D as backup/ then sold
Canon 20D as new backup
Waiting on the new 5DmkII

[Ridebmx]

i started with a canon powershot A60 my brother bought, sold to my mom, and i used it from time to time.

my ex gf used to work for a photography place, using nikon cameras, i was going to get a nikon, but the canon 350D had a better feel and i liked it better, plus ive always liked canon, so i went with it

[LuckyStar08]

Someone gave me my first SLR. It was a Canon Rebel G 35MM. Until then I'd only used point & shoots. I became instantly hooked and have been a loyal Canon shooter ever since. I know have a Canon Elan 7N/Canon EOS 10D/Canon EOS 40D (I had a Rebel Xti but sold it 3 months after I bought it; I didn't like it at all.)

[Goincarcrazy]

My first ever camera was a $20 Bell and Howell from K-mart when I was about 7, I then moved up to the Canon ELPH film camera when I was around 13.

Getting into the digital years I bought a 4.1MP HP Digital camera (which I managed to take my favorite photo on: http://fc02.deviantart.com/fs31/i/2008/186/9/7/Sunrise_In_Alaska_by_NC_Photography.jpg) Since I go to races a lot, I wanted something with a bit more zoom so I managed to scrounge some money to get a Canon S3 IS. That worked for a while but I wanted better IQ. Recently as I've jot gotten out of college and have a little more free money, I just purchased the XSi.

So I guess to answer the question, I'm more or less a Canon man considering 3 of 5 cameras were Canons.

[mattograph]

Started Yashika in 1978. Was Pentax by 1980. Became Canon 1999.

Why? Eye Control Focus.

[dle42]

My father and granduncle both used A-1's.
When my father's A-1 broke, we went digital and bought a Powershot G5.
And that became an XT. And now that's a 20D.

[Double Negative]

I started with a positively ancient Kodak camera, then moved up to 35mm with a Voigtlander RF, and finally decided to go SLR. At the time, the most ground-breaking and interesting camera was the A-1 - and that's what I went with. I looked briefly at the Elan several years later but never bit from the EOS apple, sticking with the A-1 until finally taking the digital plunge with the D30 in 2001 (it was the first affordable DSLR and by chance was a Canon). I didn't have a huge investment in glass, but liked the Canon experience thus far and I upgraded to the 1D2N in 2006. Now I'm up to my ass in EF lenses... So it looks like I'm a Canon user for any forseeable future.

That's not to say I'm not intrigrued by Nikon's offerings; I most certainly am. I may pick up a body and 50mm lens to dabble with, but I have zero interest in switching as Nikon doesn't offer the primes I want. But I do believe in trying out a decent Nikon body just to kick the tires, so to speak.

[Persephone]

For film, I used my Mom's Minolta (during Photo 1 class in hgih school).

I've tossed around a few companies in digital P&S, first with a Kyocera Finecam until that broke down, then a Canon, and currently a Nikon.

When I moved to the DSLR, though, I picked Canon. Forum members here said that Canon was better for low-light conditions. I'm going to also assume that Canon's larger line of xxD cameras made for cheaper prices when I was scouting for a 20D, though I'm not sure.

[AdamC]

I had a couple of cheapy P&S when I was kid (no idea what brand, that was 30 years ago.) Lost interest until I bought a Canon A60 around 2003. Upgraded to a 400D Christmas 2006 - I chose Canon because I loved my A60 and a good mate had a 350D.

[fxk]

Leica rangefinder fan from way back - Canon is first DSLR. I may have gone with the Epson RD1 had it been available at the time, and been affordable. Of course, I'm still not "happy" with 1.6 sensors, in general. I doubt, though, that I'd buy a FF Leica rangefinder in the future - though I do lust after the idea - and have four nice "M" lenses to start with. Maybe a nice RD1s and I'll live with the 1.6. Great travel camera for size and flexibility -

Canon is my main beast, chosen over Nikon strictly based on ergonomics. With the investment in lenses, flash, remotes, etc. I have, I cannot imagine a situation where I would change, from an economic standpoint. And the satisfaction I have with my current Canon body and lenses, I can't think of a plausible reason to switch.

Were someone to offer an even trade of a Nikon D3 and comparable lenses, etc. for my Canon 1dm2n and lenses, I'd have to consider it. Fat chance of that happening. And I doubt I'd change. Comfort in the familiar.

In the meantime, Nikon is dead to me, as is Pentax, Sony, Phase One, Maymia, Hassleblad, etc. Even my beloved Leica.

What any of them can do, can only drive Canon to be better in the future - whenever I plan to replace my current body.

Nikon ahead? Yawn...

[yogestee]

Originally a Nikon film shooter.. I went over to Canon when the newspaper I worked for went to Canon from Nikon film cameras when the newspaper went digital.. In 1999 if I remember correctly we bought 12 Canon D2000 kits,,,probably the worse DSLR Canon ever made... At that time Nikon didn't have anything we thought suitable..

I bought a 350D in '05 when my boss wouldn't allow me to take my issued gear out of the country..

I still love Nikon..If I had the money I would change to Nikon..

[Bruce_B]

When I was born my dad was shooting with a Canon FTb, so I guess I was born Canon ;)

I've had some Olympus and Pentax P&S's over the years, but only Canon SLR.

[CountryBoy]

I bought a Canon p&s and like it so much, i bought the XT. I did compare it with a Nikon, but my mind was already made up. The salesman did try to steer me towards Nikon, so I jut went home and ordered from B&H.

[DStanic]

Canon S200 was my second P&S, and I loved it very much. Great camera for being 2mp! My next one was a Sony H5, which took nice pictures but I had problems with it- should have bought the S3 IS at the time! Oh well.. I decided that Canon was the way to go for DSLRs due to the good luck I had with my S200, my wedding photogs used 20/30/40Ds, and i read that Canon has the best lens selection. Nikon bodies seemed overpriced compared to 30D (new at the time) but that was not in my budget anyways. And playing with the cameras in the store Canons seemed to feel the best in my hands and have the least-confusing buttons/menu system. I definatly want to get another body as some point, aiming for a 30D..

[jonnythan]

I've never owned a non-Canon camera.

An Elph S200 was my first. Then I got an A75, then an A530, now a Rebel XT + SD1000.

[DocFrankenstein]

I switched to nikon film from canon digital. Their cameras are much better overall, I think.

I also have a bunch of other cameras - they're all tools, and I just pick whichever fits my mood at the time.

[kevEOS]

This thread is very interesting. I like hearing what others have used in the past. I will definitely make a return to film in the future. Won't be anytime soon. More for fun. Probably just to 35mm.

Minolta X370

Mamiya RZ67 Pro II

Canon 30D

[MtnDawg]

I started with Minolta. My mother teaches photography and graphic design, and always has/still does shoot with Minolta gear. My first slr was a Minolta X-700, and I eventually got a Maxxum. (forget which model) But when the other big brands were coming out with digital bodies for their lenses, and Minolta wasn't, I switched to Canon. I had a Canon P&S digital and loved it, so I decided to invest in Canon equipment. I started with an EOS 7E, I was still shooting mostly film, even with the digital P&S, but eventually got a digital body (30D) and haven't looked back. I suppose the 7E would be a good backup if I ever need it. (Oh, I ended up turning my Maxxum over to my mother, but I kept the X-700 and the few lenses I have with it, though it hasn't fired a frame in years. Maybe I should go dust it off...)

Bri

[i love snowboarding]

First film camera was a cheapo 110 that came with a "My First Photography Book" type of book. Then I used a cheapo 35mm from the local drugstore. After that, my dad's Minolta 35mm. At some point, made a sweet pinhole camera out of a shoebox in highschool physics class.

Digital cameras have all been Canons:
1) PowerShot S400 - retired
2) IXY Digital 60 (a.k.a. PowerShot SD450 in the U.S.) - retired
3) PowerShot SD870 IS - hands-down my favorite P&S so far
4) 40D - my first dSLR