Why did you choose to shoot Canon?

[TaDa]

I did a search, and the last thread about this was from March 2005. Considering how much technology has changed in the last couple years, I'm curious as to why "YOU" specifically chose to go with Canon.

I'll go first.

When I first was evaluating dSLRs, I was really considering the Nikon D60, but chose to go with the Rebel XT because from everything I had read, buy glass over a body, and from spending 2 hours at B&H, I thought that the Nikon lenses were too expensive compared to Canon. I also then started looking online and seeing a very very healthy second-hand market for Canon lenses where there wasn't nearly the same volume of used Nikkor lenses.

[bakerbranded]

My honest reason was because I found this forum before a nikon forum, and because a few friends used canon. Now that I had researched I had a lot of the same ideas as you and found I love the great selection of glass that canon produces, along with there bodies.

[steved110]

I was already a Canon Eos user long before DSLRs were anything more than very expensive rarities.

I chose a Canon Eos 100 ( the original Elan) as my first AF SLR - before that I had a knock-off version of a Pentax K1000 and this camera was the first one I bought with my own money when I had my first proper job.

At the time the real AF choices were Canon or Minolta. Nikon AF systems were in their infancy, and Nikon users frowned most heavily at this irrelevant frippery 'autofocus.' Real men focused by hand, and with eagle eye and steady nerve, not by electronics. AF was for women and children. And so on.

I cannot remember why I went for Canon over Minolta - i'm the kind of guy who would have bought a Betamax, truth to tell. I consider myself lucky, and as i was already invested in Eos lenses it was no contest, I stuck with eos DSLRs. I didn't know at the time that I had consumer glass. But the good folk at POTN sorted that one for me.

[20droger]

We move up to DSLRs from a Nikon Coolpix 5700 near-DSLR camera.

We considered Nikon, Canon, and Pentax. Realizing that we were going to marry into a system, we put in several days of intensive research. We decided to go with a 20D and the Canon system because of the lineup of lenses, and the features and low-noise characteristics of the body.

We have never regretted it, and have never once looked back.

We later found this forum, which has only helped to prove that we made the right choice.

[Woodja]

I was between a D40 I think it was and the XT and obviously went with the XT. I knew if I started taking it seriously I would be shooting on CF cards and slower Nikons all run on SD. I also knew that there is a Canon headquarters not too far from me (Cherry Hill) so if I had any issues I could go right to them. And I guess last and most certainly not least has the selection of glass compared to nikon.

I wont lie thought I really hope Canon can step up their game soon I feel like we're falling behind especially in Noise/Grain reduction. Word on the street is we'll see some goodies in September..... Fingers Crossed everyone!

[neil85]

honestly. My mom got me into photography and i used her gear which was Canon then she upgraded to a 20D from film and i used the 20D.

When i finally got around to ordering my own gear i knew & liked canon so i went to BHphotovideo and ordered my 30D ... since then ive spent a few more grand with them haha

[Colorblinded]

At the time I was camera shopping for my first modern SLR I had been shooting with older Nikon equipment but didn't have much invested (it was my father's and he never used it much). I looked at the options and felt the EOS 3 had the best balance of features and performance in the price range I was interested in. They also had better focusing technologies in the lenses I was initially interested in although of course at that point I had no idea I'd be interested in taking advantage of their f4 L lenses for their smaller size and weight and TS-E lenses.

[scotteisenphotography]

I started with canon because I was giving a Rebel XTi as a gift with some glass. Never had a reason to switch and look where I am now...

[John_B]

TaDa,
When I got my first DSLR (Canon 10D) it was because Canon had the lowest ISO/ASA of 100 where the other brands had it lowest of ISO 200. After using ISO/ASA 64 and 100 in my film days this was important to me.

Now I stick with Canon because as you can see in my signature I have some $$$$ invested in great Canon glass ;) I am also very happy with my Canon cameras and haven't seen enough of an improvement in others (for me) to change brands... Yet! :)

[Fade2]

Well the truth is :

I was looking for a digital camera back in 2002-2003 and found a great deal on a Canon G3.

Needed a flash so I bought the 420EX.
Fast forward a couple years when the G3 just wasn't good enuff anymore lol:D and I bought my first Digital SLR.

Got the Canon 20d only because I already had a Canon Flash!
Been a Canon Man every since!

And that's my moment in Canon History!

[440roadrunner]

I wanted to get into photography without buying film, and found that I could shoot some old lenses on my Canon, not so much on Nikon. Ironicallly, I can't use any of my old Minolta / Rokkar lenses, and of course you can't use old Canon FL/FD lenses, either.

Ironically, now I find that my health has degressed to the point that I actually CANNOT use some of the old manual lenses, because of focuse and shake issues.

It's I.S., for me!!

"NO Nikon for you", says the soup ****

[yogestee]

I've been a Nikon film camera user since the mid 70's.. In 1999 the newspaper I worked for went to Canon Digital,, bought 12 Canon D2000 kits,, worse camera Canon made.. Later went to 1Ds..

If the newspaper went to Nikon digital I would be using Nikons now..

[Trainboy]

I don't know why, but I've always been a Canon fanboy. Years ago, I'd dream of an EOS to Pentax K mount adaptor so I could smack a big white 400mm on my K-1000.
...Then I realized how silly that was.
I just didn't see as much Nikon around, I guess.

[theflyingkiwi]

well when it came time for me to look at buying a slr camera, there was only one maker that created a good product, and that is canon

I moved up from the canon G4 to the Canon 10D when it came out. it's a great camera even today.

At the time the nikon camera didn't produce the same results that the 10D, I even knew someone that switched from the nikon equipment to the 20D when it came out.

[Tapeman]

Switched from Minolta 35 mm film to Canon around 1990. Elan & 630 bodies then, 1vHS was my last film body. No more film for me.

[condyk]

I was pretty happy with my Sigma SA-5 film camera which had great reviews when I bought it, but decided to go digital and the D70 Nikon when I got back from a couple of years travelling in 2001. Preferred it over the 300D in looks and handling but the 300D was cheaper by quite a way so I went that route. No special reason, just price. I always preferred Nikon handling and still do, but noise had been an issue until recently. I have been pretty happy with the Canon stuff but now Nikon has the noise sorted well ...

[20droger]

...but now Nikon has the noise sorted well ...
...well, almost.

[Simoli]

Had a Canon film a long time ago. Quit due to the expense of the film developing. Ten years ago bought a Nikon P&S which made it to last fall. Decided a DSLR was the next step and started the search. Settled on either the D40x or 40D. Went looking for support forums and found this place so I bought the Canon. I believe I made the right choice.

[nwa2]

First dSLR was a 350d, which at the time was the market leader for entry level dSLRs'. Upgraded to 40d last year, if I had not already had a bunch of lenses I might have considered a Nikon D300, but the 40d is far less expensive and I think would still have won on value for money.

[Amamba]

Mainly because I had a film Rebel that was very good, and the reviews seemed to give Canon XTi a slight edge over Nikon D60. Also the availability / cost of glass, and the fact that Canon provided a free RAW editor. In all honesty if I had a chance to try both cameras before buying I'd probably go with Nikon, they seem to have better exposure / contrast / autofocus in auto modes and higher quality entry-level lenses. Probably not an issue to pros but a big deal for an amateur. Also the Nikkor 18-200 VR is an amazing lens. Of course had I gone with Nikon I'd probably be bitching about something else right now ;)

[txduggan]

Because I could afford a Digital Rebel ;)

I drooled over the Nikon D1x....

Still have 2 Nikon Coolpix (995/4500) that I still use for astrophotography from time to time...

Tom D

[Trainboy]

Had a Canon film a long time ago. Quit due to the expense of the film developing. Ten years ago bought a Nikon P&S which made it to last fall. Decided a DSLR was the next step and started the search. Settled on either the D40x or 40D. Went looking for support forums and found this place so I bought the Canon. I believe I made the right choice.
You should change believe to know, I'd take almost any DSLR over the D40!

[thescottandrew]

my science teacher shot with canon and got me hooked.

[GregSteer]

Quite simply that at the time the Canon 350D was the best around for my budget. Did short (ie one evenings worth) bit of research before buying into the L lenses and commiting myself to the Canon route.

[andrepaul]

My first two P&S were Canon, I guess I was initially drawn to the brand because they seemed to appeal to me more, good marketing strategy perhaps. When my second P&S, an A80 which I still carry in my DSLR bag, had some issues with the LCD, I called Canon customer service about it.

They paid shipping both ways, had it fixed for free even though the warranty had expire like a year and half prior. This was just something I really appreciated.

I'm not qualified to compare their customer service to any other brands but this is something i think they're good with, at least from my experience. So naturally my first SLR was Canon. . .and I think I'll always be a loyalist.

But I think its a combination of customer service, bang for buck products and great marketing strategies.

[lukeap69]

400D was on promo with 2 kit lens with battery grip and 2GB CF. Few months later all part of this promotional kit are sold. :)

Now I own a 40D and couldn't be happier.

[DigitalSpecialist]

I came back to Canon, because I was a Canon Film shooter for years. Grew up with a father who preferred that I shoot Nikon. But, this is my life and I am spending MY money not his. I will say if he were alive today, he would be using Digital for sure, Dad really loved technology!

[valdore]

For me it was a brand awareneness thing - I was more familiar with Canon than Nikon or any others. My first SLR, digital or film, was my Rebel XT, then I got my 5D last year.

I will give Nikon credit though for great design and aesthetics, but I'm a Canon dude.

[Wazza]

I had a Sony V1 - 5 megapixel point and shoot...

And my best mate bought a 300D, and then signed up for this forum in July 2004... I kept viewing, getting addicted to the Canon product.
Finally signed up in November and bought a 20D in January when I "broke" my point and shoot. :p

[smcclelland]

I'm curious as to why "YOU" specifically chose to go with Canon.

I had money to spare and didn't have to justify my spending to a wife :lol: My how times change...

[20droger]

I gave the reasons we went to Canon for a DSLR way back in post #4.

A quick history of our digital cameras is as follows:

[1995] Early Casio: less than VGA resolution, but one of the best for under $1000 (barely).

[1997] Sony Mavica: VGA resoultion and storage on a floppy disk. Wound up doing such a good job (for the time) that the Arizona Department of Corrections (for whom my wife worked) purchased several for recording prisoner identification marks and temporay id badges for work details.

[2000] Sony Cybershot: with 2MP resolution and a good 400mm+ zoom lens, our first birding camera. Actually quite good.

[2002] Nikon CoolPix 5700: very good 6MP camera for the $$$, but very, very poor manual focus system (had to reset for each shot).

[2004] Casio Exilim: 8mp, good camera overall, but terrible for our purposes (birding), bad choice on my part. We got it as a pocket-sized backup to the Nikon, and sold it for a song in about 6 mos (along with aux wide-angle & telephoto lenses).

[2005] Canon EOS 20D: excellent 8.2MP camera (now our second-body camera).

[2008] Canon EOS 30D: another, even better 8.2MP camera (our primary camera).

[rklepper]

My Dad gave me my first camera when I was young and it was a Canon. Take good photos so I always figured why change.

[TomTomTuning]

Funny story, my co-worker showed me this site that had an Unbelievable price on a Canon 40D. Started to look into the camera and found out it was really nice. I was set on buying one until i found out the site was a scam.

2 months later i had enough saved up to buy it, and its been an on going addiction.

I got my 40D late December, early January

[saravrose]

I went looking for a new/better camera about four years ago and found the Canon Pro 1 and when I wanted to upgrade to a DSLR I was already familiar with Canon, and I found this forum. So I went for the Xt..

[elysium]

I did a search, and the last thread about this was from March 2005. Considering how much technology has changed in the last couple years, I'm curious as to why "YOU" specifically chose to go with Canon.

I'll go first.

When I first was evaluating dSLRs, I was really considering the Nikon D60, but chose to go with the Rebel XT because from everything I had read, buy glass over a body, and from spending 2 hours at B&H, I thought that the Nikon lenses were too expensive compared to Canon. I also then started looking online and seeing a very very healthy second-hand market for Canon lenses where there wasn't nearly the same volume of used Nikkor lenses.
My reason was most of my family have shot Canon over the years and stood by them. I have always been comfortable using them and their glass to match. Whilst I do not know them inside out like others, I have that reassurance that I am buying technology which is proven through and through.

I could say the same about Nikon but it has not been something my family have used until recently.

[thomascanty]

Around 2000ish I decided to get serious about photography again after shooting with a couple digitals cameras for a while (Casio QV-10, Ricoh RDC-4200 and Olympus C-3000Z). I decided to go back to film, and I didn't really care about brand loyalty, so I just opened the Sunday paper one weekend, looked for the latest Samy's Camera ad, and found a good sale price on a Rebel 2000 with a couple Tamron lenses, so I bought it. I learned fairly quickly that the lenses were very low quality, so I soon ended up buying a Canon 28-135 and 75-300.

As far as digital goes, I was starting to build up some brand loyalty there, and stuck with Olympus for a while longer, and I still have one I shoot with just as often as anything else. But, when I decided to get a digital SLR, the choice was easy since I already had some Canon EF lenses. I bought the 10D as soon as it was available.

So, for P&S or higher end compact digitals, I tend to prefer Olympus. But, for my DSLRs and lenses, I buy only Canon.

[20droger]

Funny story, my co-worker showed me this site that had an Unbelievable price on a Canon 40D. Started to look into the camera and found out it was really nice. I was set on buying one until i found out the site was a scam.

2 months later i had enough saved up to buy it, and its been an on going addiction.

I got my 40D late December, early January
Sounds like you had a merry Christmas / happy Hanukkah / joyful Kwanza / celebratory Solstice / pleasant Holiday-of-Your-Choice!

[Photo Ross]

I got Canon because the guy at the store said it was better.

[Zepher]

I chose Canon because they make the best glass. I started out in Video Production, recording out in the field, as well as in the studio doing shows and whatnot. All of the Sony cameras we used had Canon glass, and the lenses were excellent.

[Woolburr]

I liked the feel and the operation of Canon gear 35 years ago...nothing has changed. I don't like the way Noinks feel in my hands. The controls just don't work the way I would expect or want them to and the coating on the bodies just feels creepy. Hell...I am still regretting buying a Chevy because the cruise control is so screwy...Ford cruise is on a whole different level. Amazing how little things can make a difference.

[20droger]

Amen to that, Woolburr! It's the little things that make operating something like a car (or a camera) a joy or a chore.

An' that, Mr. Man, is why they makes choc'lit! Not everbody likes vaniller!

[Woolburr]

Amen to that, Woolburr! It's the little things that make operating something like a car (or a camera) a joy or a chore.

An' that, Mr. Man, is why they makes choc'lit! Not everbody likes vaniller!

I seem to recall something being said about that being one of the main reasons Baskin-Robbins enjoys their level of success.

[CyberDyneSystems]

It's been asked a lot more recently than 2005, but I'm always ready to repeat myself on this one;

There was a thread a few months back where I went into greater detail, but I can't find that one .. :lol:

I'll try to be breif but...

For any venture in which I am going to be doing a long term investment with significant capital, I like to be sure that my dollar is being used to it's best advantage not only for me personally, but in total.

I want to buy from vendors that I feel are "worthy" of my loyalty..

And for something with as much $$ value attached as Camera equipment or Automobiles etc.. I want to only support a companies that give something back as well.

Canon has an EXTENSIVE record of Philanthropy, and more specifically a very strong presence in supporting Wildlife funds both directly and indirectly via support for educating people on the issues through grants to PBS and programming geared towards Wildlife and Nature.

This to me is the most important reason.. as long a the equipment remains relatively on par,. this will have a larger impact on my than who has the most spiffy piece of gear this week.
Fortunately Canon also tends to be the one with the most spiffy bit of kit most weeks in the last 10 years..


Watch "Nature" or any of a number of other fantastic educational programs on PBS. Discovery etc..

"Partial Funding for this program was provided by Canon.
See the World in Canon Color, " etc...

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/sponsors.html
I shoot Canon and Drive Toyota :)

See also
http://www.google.com/search?imgsz=xxlarge&hl=en&q=Canon+Philanthropy&btnG=Search


http://www.google.com/search?imgsz=xxlarge&hl=en&q=Canon+philanthropy&btnG=Search

the Google search I have above is "Canon Philanthropy" and the results go on for pages,..

Now try "Nikon Philanthropy" and see that none of the results you get are pertinent..

Noink has been around as long as Canon and used to be in the lead re: Camera sales in the film days, and yet, they give next to nothing back. All the Noink Programs we see are geared towards there own marketing, (Nikon School or how to train new Noink customers, etc..)

Noink is actually on my Boycott list for there total indifference to these issues.

I'd ask everyone that reads this to consider such thing in all there capital investments. Let your dollars support the companies that do good work, let your purchases also be your votes of support for them to KEEP doing good work.

[20droger]

Amen.

[BillsBayou]

I was 17 and my father bought me an AE-1. We had a darkroom and did our own prints. I've been in the Canon camp ever since.

[AngryCorgi]

The Canon bodies felt better in my hands (at least DSLR-wise) than the nikon, pentax, olympus, etc., etc....

Plus, the software interface makes more sense too. Seems, at least to my mind, more intuitive to the way I think than most others, especially Nikon. When I pick up a Nikon non-pro body at a store and try to operate anything on it, the menus make no sense to me. I could pick up and shoot an XT from the word "go" without any reading of operational manuals.

Based on that, Canon because I hate reading! ;)

[darosk]

My dad's influence. When I was a kid - he had quite a few of the older EOS's. Guess I was born and bred on Canon.

[TaDa]

It's been asked a lot more recently than 2005, but I'm always ready to repeat myself on this one;




Watch "Nature" or any of a number of other fantastic educational programs on PBS. Discovery etc..

"Partial Funding for this program was provided by Canon.
See the World in Canon Color, " etc...

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/sponsors.html
I shoot Canon and Drive Toyota :)

See also
http://www.google.com/search?imgsz=xxlarge&hl=en&q=Canon+Philanthropy&btnG=Search


http://www.google.com/search?imgsz=xxlarge&hl=en&q=Canon+philanthropy&btnG=Search

the Google search I have above is "Canon Philanthropy" and the results go on for pages,..

Now try "Nikon Philanthropy" and see that none of the results you get are pertinent..

Noink has been around as long as Canon and used to be in the lead re: Camera sales in the film days, and yet, they give next to nothing back. All the Noink Programs we see are geared towards there own marketing, (Nikon School or how to train new Noink customers, etc..)

Noink is actually on my Boycott list for there total indifference to these issues.

I'd ask everyone that reads this to consider such thing in all there capital investments. Let your dollars support the companies that do good work, let your purchases also be your votes of support for them to KEEP doing good work.

Hrm, I wonder if this will help me convince the wife into letting me buy the 300mm 2.8 IS. "Honey, think of all the good to the world that this purchase will do"

[loanrangie]

I got my first SLR in late 1991 and it was a choice between a pentax P30T (i think) and an EOS1000F, loved the EOS right away so then a succession of EOS camera's - 650,620, 10. Also Yashicamat, Mamiya C220,C330 and then i was looking for a solid replacement for the 10 and a mate offered me his 30D just as i received a company service bonus that payed for it :).

[thekid24]

Back in 06 I went with my sister to WalMart to look for a new camera for her.
While she was browsing I walked over to the DSLRs and at the time all they had for display was a Xt. No Nikons, they had all sold out.

I played with the Xt a lil and remember telling my sister that I want a camera that makes this noise, as I pressed down the shutter button.

So initially the shutter sound was what appealed to me at the time. and started my interest in DSLRs.

But truth be told I know Im good enough to shoot with any brand, it just so happend the first brand I picked up was a Canon.

This was all before I knew about B&H, the local camera joints, Adorama, and this place.

[jaybird]

I used to have an old full-manual camera which would accept Nikkor lenses. It wasn't a Nikon camera, but it would accept the lenses. That got stolen and I went years without a camera. Right before I left for a three-year stint in Argentina I looked at buying a new camera. The Nikons were priced into the same range as the Elan IIs, which was a little more than Iwanted to spend. I bought a Rebel film body and a 75-300mm lens. I've used Canon ever since.

[fubarhouse]

I chose Canon because of the lenses, and the look and feel of the bodies, Nikon bodies just don't feel natural in my hands. I never really liked the look of Nikon's either, I figured I wanted something that will last me the rest of my life, I chose Canon, so I'll hopefully only ever have to upgrade bodies.

I'm very happy with my choice of Canon, uber-high quality lenses that are affordable and effecive. Nikon seems like a bit too overboard with prices and ratings. Lens varieties are the main thing, and Canon were best suited to my needs.

[taylor2nd]

i was a fuji prosumer camera use from the s3100 up to the s5200 then i decided to go dslr and i checked and realize fuji didn't really offer much. there f5 is actually a nikon d200 body branded fuji. After that disappointment i did a bit of research and based on the price a rebel xt was the right thing for me

[ISO Boz]

It is what my husband had and I lifted it.:razz:

[Lonnie]

Canon's marketing over the years. If Nikon has aired even 20% of the television and print ads, I haven't noticed them. I especially remember the Agassi rebel campaigns of years ago. So, when I thought of SLR's, I'd think of Canon.

[Woolburr]

It is what my husband had and I lifted it.:razz:

Sweet..:rolleyes:..Remind me to keep my gear securely locked up when you are around!

[aj3]

I find this is a very fitting thread for my first post as a new member of this forum...
Its official... I am a Canon Man. 30D to be exact and the real reasons are:

1. Canon really impressed me with their camera ergonomics. I did months of research on general SLR, then more between Nikon and Canon only to find that if I compare and contrast these two brands I soon realize that its a give and take, Coke or Pepsi, Ford or Chevy, world. Finally I chose specifically based on 2 things... the thumb wheel and the easy scrollable menu.

2. Minor note.. Their marketing got me.

BTW.. give, Coke, and Chevy.

[JimAskew]

I went through a series of P&Ss always looking to upgrade. I ended up with a G-5 that I was very happy with. I found POTN while searching on G-5 information....joined in August 2005 and the rest is history. Best Google hit I ever made :)

[Lowner]

I switched to a Canon Eos-3 from a Nikon FE manual film camera. I did this purely because I wanted the 45 eye-controlled AF system. Now Canon seem to have dumped it, If Nikon came out with a similar system, I'd be there like a shot. I think it's highly unlikely of course, so Canon are safe for the moment.

The switch from Nikon to Canon, plus manual to AF, was the biggest culture shock I've ever had. It took me ages to get comfortable with the 3.

[SteveBrown]

I myself chose Canon for 2 reasons, one was that I was more familiar to the workings of a canon since I had a elan IIe. I liked the ergonomics of the canon, next would be availability of used equipment on here and also FM.

I looked at the Nikons, and I did like them, I may one day go to the dark side, but I just think you can get more "stuff" for Canon over the other brands.

[HuskyKMA]

I used a Rebel XT high school journalism. I had a 35mm Rebel T2. I like the lens lineup better. And I have a Canon compact. So it just seemed right to get a Canon DSLR.

[fWord]

Back in 2002 I made the transition from complete tyro to newbie (hmm...not much difference there) with a Canon PowerShot A40. By the time it hit mid-year of 2005 I was hooked on photography and wanted a DSLR.

As you may surmise, 2005 was still back in the day when Canon's 20D and 350D ruled the roost in terms of image quality and feature set...these were generally great all-rounder cameras. At this time the offerings from other manufacturers were also attractive but not as much as Canon. The choice was pretty simple.

These days I have both a Canon system and a Fuji S5 setup, which is really a Nikon D200 with a special sensor. Both cameras work nicely together, one mostly for landscapes and travel, and the other for portraits or wedding photography. Canon is obviously still one of the brands that deserves to be at the top of the list of anyone looking to get their first DSLR, but unlike the days of 2005 I think they are no longer a 'no-brainer' choice.

Those with the budget for example, have to choose between a 5D MKII, a D700 and even Sony's excellent (if albeit pricier) A900. And when looking at the absolute lowest tier of DSLRs, Canon still has the slight edge but Pentax has very low-priced and attractive offerings as well.

[Sfordphoto]

it came before sony and nikon in the alphabet, and i was lazy when browsing the seller's website, whose products were listed in alphabetical order.

[fWord]

it came before sony and nikon in the alphabet, and i was lazy when browsing the seller's website, whose products were listed in alphabetical order.

Damn...Sony should have scrapped their brand name and turned their cameras into straight-out 'Alpha's! :D

[tkbslc]

I bought my first SLR last fall, and I agonized quite a bit. I just felt like for my small budget, Canon had the best features and lens choices. I was really close to getting Sony, but I felt the ISO 1600 performance and budget lens choices lacking. Olympus E-520 was my favorite camera as far and features, controls, and ergonimics, but then again, ISO perf, lens choice and Af performance let me down. THe Nikons in my price range have no AF motors and the Pentaxes were impossible to buy locally, which I wanted to do.

[karrera]

My first SLR was a Minolta SRT101 - I was a crewman on an IMSA race car running in the RS series (small sedan support races for the big boys) and we were down at Daytona for the 24 hour race weekend. Shortly before the big race started a couple of us crew dogs thought it would be a good idea to watch the start of the race from the photographers stand at the exit of the pits so grabbed my Minolta and off we went. One of the other guys had a Nikon F and we all went up to the top of the three story tower to enjoy the proceedings.About ten minutes before the race started a security guy came up the stairs and looked around then chased everyone off the tower who didn't have a "professional looking" camera. The Minolta didn't make the cut.

Shortly after that Canon introduced the AE-1 and I bought the first black body AE-1 that the local camera store had. About two years later I moved up to the first of three Canon F-1's (one of the best film cameras ever made) and I've been shooting Canon ever since. I just thought the Nikon F's were a little clunky at the time and by the time they built anything I wanted I had too much invested in Canon FD lenses to switch.

At the time I made the switch to digital Canon was clearly the leader even if I didn't have almost 30 years experience with the brand so it was no contest. I've recently acquired my dream camera - a 1DsMkII so now all I have to do is build up my lens collection.

I sold off most of my FD equipment to buy my 20D but I kept my original F-1 and my favorite 35mm F2.0 lens - that camera stays loaded with B&W now for when I'm in the mood to shoot the old fashioned way.

[fWord]

I sold off most of my FD equipment to buy my 20D but I kept my original F-1 and my favorite 35mm F2.0 lens - that camera stays loaded with B&W now for when I'm in the mood to shoot the old fashioned way.

Not long ago I got my hands on a nice, clean example of the New F-1 with AE prism, then sold it shortly after to raise funds to build my digital setup. Should never have sold that camera, because I can't get it anywhere near that price now. Those that appreciate old school stuff really love this camera.

There's different versions of the 35/2, from what I've read. Is there one with the concave front element that's said to be really good for B&W (a result of aging change turning the front element into a built-in yellow filter)?

[darosk]

Our family's always been Canon. My dad shot Canon, all my brothers shoot Canon - it just runs in the family.

[OldA1]

Back in the 1980's I chose the Canon T90 for it's features and it felt good in my hand. It was my main camera and I added the A-1 and AE-1P as backup bodies doing weddings. In 2005, I got a Nikon D200 for christmas which got upgraded to the Fuji s5pro in early 2006. I was lucky enough to be one of the first people to hold a Canon 1D Mark III and it felt like it was made for me - so, I sold off all my Nikon gear, bought the L glass and a Canon 5D and hooked up with a Canon shooting friend to team up and make money so I could eventually get the M3. I now have the M3 :) and am resisting the temptation to add the L primes to my L zoom collection.

Peace
Mark

[xarqi]

Lenses.

[fteter]

+1 on the lenses.

[Shamir]

My Uncle told me to get a canon when i knew nothing about this..

[DAMphyne]

It's what my Boss used, I wanted to use her lenses.
I guess lenses are the answer for me.

[Q-Man]

Just joined recently. I use Nikon gear currently but will be switching over because of the lenses. Nikon has nothing like the 400mm 5.6 and there's no way I can afford one of their faster 400's.

[S.Horton]

Long ago, my brother had an AE-1 and when I used it I thought it was great.

When I went to check for digital, Canon was the clear leader and the lenses were cheaper, so.....

[Master-9]

Good question

[alt4852]

Not long ago I got my hands on a nice, clean example of the New F-1 with AE prism, then sold it shortly after to raise funds to build my digital setup. Should never have sold that camera, because I can't get it anywhere near that price now. Those that appreciate old school stuff really love this camera.

I love my F-1 to death. I've been trying to pick up a 24mm f/2 but I might go for the 35mm if you guys pile up enough accolades. I just need something wider than 50mm right now.

As for Canon, I chose it because I'm very familiar with their system. Starting from point and shoots, I've had an Xs (film), AT-1, F-1, 40D, and now hopefully a 5D. Aside from familiarity, I was also drawn to the prime line up which I'm working my way towards. Nikon simply doesn't have an answer for the 24L, 35L, 50L, or 85L.

[midnight_rider]

primes that are cheap, fast and sharp as hell.
But actually I just bought one cause the person at Circuit City told me to.
In all honesty Canon has been around for a long time and has always held a very good reputation for being the best. Having 70% of the market really helps you find used gear at unbeatable prices and quite often as well. They also have more stuff than anyone. Although Nikon has made quite a bang last year and this year I could not be swayed be 1.5 years on top when they have been down for many, many, many years to Canon engineers. It is a personal choice and all the brands do the same thing except sony which just sucks.
.

[breal101]

In 2003 I bought my first digital SLR, a Kodak DCS 760 to go with all the Nikon lenses I already owned. It was a 1.3 crop sensor in a Nikon F5 body and I hated the crop sensor, loved the body. In 2006 I decided to go FF, Nikon didn't make one so my choice was Canon. So glad I did, Nikon came too late to the FF game for me.

[RDKirk]

The Canon F1 was a bit cheaper than the Nikon F-2 and it had a better meter than the F-2 (Canon's electronic prowess has always been better than Nikon's). The Canon lens mount and motor drive were also mechanically superior.

[damnnit]

Dad has a Nikon film body so I bought a Nikon D60. Looked for new lens and most are not compatible with D40, D40x, and D60 (besides AF-S) so I sold it and wanted to try new brand. Went to Canon 40D right away and was amazed at how much quicker it was. Canon consumer/prosumer bodies can handle EF and EF-S, Nikon lower end bodies cant handle AF, only AF-S (for auto focus) so I'm sticking with Canon. I can't afford the higher end bodies and the higher end lens for Nikon when I'm just a hobbyist.

[bacchanal]

Until a couple years ago Nikon marketing and users swore that there was no need for a 35mm DSLR...so I chose Canon. That and the Canon CMOS sensors were better at the time.

[Dusty]

Why Canons?
For us it's a family tradition dating back to 1861.
My great great grandfather used to shoot cannons in the Civil War.

:cool:

[sol95]

my wife works for canon

you can't go past staff discounts! :)

[jsinon]

I have a co-worker that uses Canon for his paint ball photography business and a co-worker of my wife's that uses Canon for astrophotograpy. Two people who's brains I could pick, simple. I did have an AE-1 back in the 80's that I liked, but that didn't rally factor into it.

[kellieprinzel]

I got hooked an canon in 2003 when I took a photography course in ninth grade. I bought a rebel GII and after seeing my darkroom photos I knew this was my calling. I then started getting into film photography especially after my boyfriend bought me a canon FTb. Killer camera. I use it all the time. Then I decided to jump over to digital and I bought a simple point and shoot canon powershot now I have the XSi. I would have bought a much nicer one but I don't have that kind of cash yet. Someday though!

[fireplug]

It was the only thing Best Buy had in Stock and I wanted a new camera... :P

But seriously I like the way a canon feels in my hands, especially the 40D. It's perfect in weight and size. But I also shoot Pentax 35mm film but that's for another forum. ;)

[GC2]

My first canon was the SD700 P&S I got 3 years ago. Love that camera and only bought canon since. SD870, S5, TX1, HF10, XSi, and my next camera will be the X1i!

[MGW172]

Because Dell had a coupon for 25% off cameras and lenses back in 2003 and I think they only carried Canon at the time. I got a 20D and kit lens for about $1000, which was a steal back then.

[crayzie418]

I chose Canon because of this forum...lol.

[umphotography]

nuff saidbw!

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Images/Other/2008-Canon-EF-Lens-Collection.jpg

[infinite012]

Got a Canon because my my dad is a Canon fanboy at heart. The only cameras he has ever bought for the rest of my family and his own use have always been Canons. He has a Canon 35mm FD mount camera with a couple of lenses, a slew of Canon P&S, and pretty much told me to buy a Canon DSLR.

My uncle uses Nikons and Hassleblads.

[Jethro790]

I bought Canon because I had like 4 powershots before the DSLR's and the menu was super easy for me to figure out. Also, my brother in law and step father had Canon gear and I could borrow lenses.

[mikeymike]

when i started canon seemed the best, my first camea was a fuji, 4 months later my first SLR was a 300D and if i rember right it was the only one for less than $1k ..... now i stay with canon because they have been really good to me, i have not had one of the problems with my 300D, 20D, 40D, or my 5Dmkii that some others have had. my 300D still works just like the day i got it. so i am pretty much sold for life

[DDWD10]

Everything seemed better integrated, simpler to understand and the variety is unmatched! There is such an abundance of new and old lenses to choose from at reasonable prices.

[gjl711]

Well, that's hard to answer. How far back do I need to go? I first choose Kodak when I was 10 years old. It was a Kodak Instamatic 104. Great little camera. Had a few others as well, Agfa, Leica, and a few others. When I got married I picked up a Canon A1. I really wanted the Nikon but they were just too expensive. Canon seemed to offer a better price/performance product.

Had a bunch of different bodies through the years then a few years back wanted to switch over to digital. The only product that was affordable at that time was the Canon 5D. Had no other choice really. Just stuck with Canon ever since as they seem to put out a very good product for a reasonable cost.

[Lisa]

I got mine because a friend recommended it (I love the photos she'd taken)

I just realized the other day that I am actually a member of the "dark side" in a non camera way, I have a Nikon rifle scope :p, which I can almost see in the dark with when I get the urge to go hunting.

[Seven Ocean]

+2 on the lenses. Ever since I've started having an interest in photography and looking through different forums (around 2004), I've always heard that Canon has a lot more lens choices than Nikon, so I ended up with a Rebel 300D. Funny thing is, my father believes only in Nikon.

[guntoter]

Now we are going WAY BACK, but I owned a Canon model FX in 1969. Then when I wanted to get into DSLR a friend of mine who is a full time photographer told me to go with Canon. I took his word for it, and I am glad I did.

I think that Nikon makes great cameras, and may even surpass canon on the release of certain models (until canon releases their next one). However, as someone posted, Lenses, Lenses, Lenses.

[anorphirith]

ease of resell, and their entry dslr were better

[gjl711]

+2 on the lenses. Ever since I've started having an interest in photography and looking through different forums (around 2004), I've always heard that Canon has a lot more lens choices than Nikon, so I ended up with a Rebel 300D. Funny thing is, my father believes only in Nikon. Because dad remembers when Canon lenses were only so so and Nikor glass was king.

[jblaschke]

Legacy glass. The Wife had a 35mm Rebel from her college days, and a handful of lenses to go with it. Simple economics. Plus, my folks had an AE-1 when I was growing up, so I was most familiar with Canon.

If it wasn't for that legacy glass, though, I'd likely have gone Nikon. A very good photographer I know is all about Nikon, and I'm sure his influence would've won out.

[nobodyspecial]

My dad shot Canon and passed it on to me and I just kept with Canon. Plus my friend shoots Canon so I can borrow his stuff and vice versa.

[nphsbuckeye]

Saying I "shoot people with my Canon" is much cooler than saying I "shoot people with my Nikon."

[S-S]

my first new slr camera (had secondhand ones before that but very ancient) was canon, based on the advice of a camera shop owner
when i bought dslr 8 years later i already had canon lenses and the brand was market leader so decided to stay with it

im not sorry... but im not one of those fanboys either

[SteveBrown]

Saying I "shoot people with my Canon" is much cooler than saying I "shoot people with my Nikon."
LOLbw!

[kolok]

Q: Why did you choose Canon over the other brands?

A - Lens selection/quality/price (or any combination/ratio thereof).

[gjl711]

Saying I "shoot people with my Canon" is much cooler than saying I "shoot people with my Nikon."
Good point. :)

[Calicajun]

I'm shooting with a Canon because it was what I found sitting under the Christmas tree. Asked for the Sony A700 but the wife said I really wanted the Canon, so she had my Mom buy it for a Christmas gift and I don't return Mom's gifts.

[Doublea17]

I picked up the 40D and it felt good in my hands compared to the Nikon I picked up so I went with the 40D I was starting from scratch so I no idea about either company. I do remember that the sales man said that Canon had more lenses and were a bit cheaper in price and starting from scratch "cheaper" did sound better but now I know also better quality at a better price not "cheaper".

[Bumgardnern]

I switched from Nikon to Canon when I started working as a full time pro. The news paper that I started freelancing for had a lens locker full of Canon gear that they let me borrow. I also made several friends when I first started and they all also shot Canon. Also Canon lenses tend to be cheaper than their Nikon counterparts.

[kellieprinzel]

Saying I "shoot people with my Canon" is much cooler than saying I "shoot people with my Nikon."

HAHAHAH, definitely my favorite reason on this thread. You rule for that :D

[By-tor]

My son gave it to me for X-mas this past year.. Then I went lens shopping..

[cooltouch]

I bought a Canon AE-1 in 1983 because it was a camera I was familiar with -- my parents owned one. A few months later, believing that a camera with more bells and whistles was a better camera, I bought a Canon A-1, used it a lot, but as I learned more about photography, I became more and more disenchanted with both of my A-series Canons.

Found a clean, used FTb at a local camera store, after reading about it in Modern Photography, picked it up, along with a 35mm f/2.5 FL lens. What a revelation that old FTb was! I loved it with a passion that I never felt for the A-series Canons. About a year later, I bought my first Canon F-1, and about a year after that, I bought another one. Eventually acquired motor drives for both F-1s, along wth an accessory Speed Finder, lots of other goodies, and a growing complement of FD glass.

A few years later, I bought my wife an EOS Rebel 35mm and a few lenses, to give her something easy and convenient to shoot with. I ended up using it more than she did, however. It was a neat little camera. Eventually, it wore out, and we replaced it with an Elan IIe.

By this time, I already owned a P&S digicam, and was using it for more and more photo situations, but was disgusted with its shutter lag. That camera was on its last legs by this past Christmas. My wife came through for me, though, and returned the favor, buying me my first DSLR, a Canon of course. It's been a hoot using an SLR again. Funny thing -- it's given me the urge to start shooting film again, which I've been doing now for the first time in years.

Best,

Michael

[dafriz]

CMOS, ergonomics and most of all, glass prices!

[mikekelley]

Got a rebel 2000, shot that for a while, then got a canon dslr!

[5x5 photography]

My mother was a professional photographer for a number of years and she used Canon as her walk around cameras.

I also have a few friends that had SLR and they were all Canons.

[JWright]

When I switched over to an auto-focus film system (from Minolta manual focus) in 1999, I chose Canon because I could get more camera for my money and Canon was the only manufacturer with stabilized lenses. In 2002, I purchased my first DSLR and it was only logical I choose Canon because I was already heavily invested in lenses and other accessories. The rest is history...

[zelseman]

Mom shot canon, uncle shot canon, all the local pros shot canon. And this fantastic forum had a few canon shooters when i signed up...:p

[Lazuka]

Liked the feel of the 1d series bodies, and the menu system is really fast..and of course the primes are amazing.

[Marloon]

back in 2007, canon lead the noise department. but now in 2009/2010.. i dont really know anymore...

i kinda wished that i went to the dark side ONLY because i can use their lenses for the Canon 5D II and 35mm adapter video kits... lol

[Lazuka]

back in 2007, canon lead the noise department. but now in 2009/2010.. i dont really know anymore...

i kinda wished that i went to the dark side ONLY because i can use their lenses for the Canon 5D II and 35mm adapter video kits... lol

d3 is a really nice body, was using one in the studio tonite, but i won't be tempted by the dark side. ;P

[JudgeDanny]

Couple of reasons....

- Dad had the AE-1 that i learned how to shoot on.
- Liked the powershot that I had and wanted to get back to the SLR.
- Had a Nikon p&s that i had a bunch of problems.
- Fell in love with the 6.5 fps of the 40D

[Josh_30]

When buying a new dSLR, coming from Minolta SLR's in the past I first looked at Sony's offerings but was less than pleased with what I found. After that, it was simply a matter of writing down the features I needed/wanted and comparing the cameras that fell into that range of features. It ended up being 40D vs D300, and the 40D won b/c it felt more comfortable in my hand and had all the features of the D300 (that I cared about) at a much better price. That, plus I looked at the selection of available lenses and accessories and felt more comfortable with the Canon lineup.

[les_au]

bought a small 35 mm film canon about 14 years ago and updated to a G5. i went looking for a dslr after reasonable amout of time owning the G5. walking into the local harvey norman store. on sale was a nikon d40, canon 1000d, canon 450d and a 40d. could only afford the 1000d. so thats what i own. plus i had bought a 430ex flash so it seemed crazy to give away a pretty good flash that cost me a quid at the time

[nordstern1]

my reasons...

-the XTi/400D was the most affordable at the time (2006) i bought my 1st DSLR
-where im from, Canon has better after-sales service
-more affordable lenses compared to Nikon
-more extensive lens line-up specially primes

[nuffi]

I bought Canon instead of any of the competitors primarily because of their lenses: the quality, range and price make it difficult to choose anything else. If I had to explain further it might pique one's curiosity because I think that Nikon are clearly ahead of the pack when it comes to dSLR cameras atm. If I could have afforded any camera body going around I would have gone with a Nikon d3x. I couldn't stretch that far, and I think until Nikon update their d700 the 5d Mark II is the best camera at that price point.

[walrus127]

I owned a Olympus 35mm and found it was not easy to find lens or other accessories. When I considered digital I talked to a pro in my area and his opinion was that Nikon was the king of film and Canon was better in the digital world. So I went with Canon and have loved it so far.

[laurent]

service....

[Maureen Souza]

When I was a young gal, the Canon Sure Shot was just out and I bought one. I have owned about 10 Canon cameras since then and never thought of getting anything else.

[JP16]

I used my fathers A-1 10 yrs ago was a brilliant camera, now it sits in a cupboard growing mould in the body :'(

I was hooked onto canons after using it :)

[Ianfp]

I chose Canon when the 20D came out. I much preferred the magnesium body to the alternative plastic bodies. My choice may have been different if Nikon had a metal bodied camera at the time?

[Sean]

Easy, the lenses.

Price, Selection and Quality. Bar-non some of the best glass you can stick on the front of your camera.

[lucas107]

I chose Canon because i stumbled this site and from this site learned a lot about dslr's and figured it would be easiest to just stick with what i have learned. also i checked the prices and canon seems to be cheaper for high end lenses and even the low ends are a bit cheaper then the nikons which is really what pushed me to canon.

[Terrywoodenpic]

When it comes down to it it is a question of price.
Canon are good bang for the buck...
However if money were no object Nikon have higher quality cameras and lenses but they cost a great deal more item to item for only a smallish practical gain.

If you must have the ultimate over the widest range of items Nikon is the way to go.

For sheer quality Zeiss lenses are probably the state of the art leaders but what can you use them on.?

[Omlyn]

I read all the DPReview reviews for entry level DSLRs and went to the after christmas sale with the intent of getting the heavily discounted Olympus. They were all sold. I toyed with the Sony alpha200 and was nearly ready to pull the trigger (even with some concern about the reported noise at moderate ISO) due to price. Then the guy pulls out the XS kit and says "This is my last one $440 and its yours" (Canadian). I couldn't say no to that and have been very happy with the choice. I would like a 50D though :)

[HoosierJoe]

I chose Canon because I am a redneck rebel.

Way back yonder in High School, in the mid 70's. There was the great Nikon vs Canon debate in our photography classes. Nikon always got the nod as the cream of the crop. The snob kids who didn't have to work for their money got Nikons from mommy and daddy. Kids like me bagged groceries and cut grass and bought Canon and Minolta. I had the money to get a Nikon but wouldn't, the salesman tried hard to sell me one but I chose a Canon Ae-1.

When I went digital it was to Canon because I knew the brand was reliable.

Now I'm going back in the trailer and have a PBR!

[overclock]

I got into Canon because back in January 2005 there was a rebate going on the Digital Rebel. I didn't even know there were other DSLRs out there.

[oldvultureface]

Now I'm going back in the trailer and have a PBR!

:).

I enjoyed my feature laden A20 for several years so I naturally bought a 50D as a backup.

http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww357/oldvultureface/IMG_2103.jpg

[Jon_Doh]

Years ago when I first got into photography, in the film days, it was a matter of money. I really wanted a Nikon 8080, but it cost more than I could afford so I settled on the Canon Elan. When I was moving up to a better camera my choices again were the Nikon N90 and the Canon A2. I really liked the way the Nikon felt, how good its metering was and how fast it autofocused. But getting the Canon meant keeping compatibility with my lenses and with the money saved, adding accessories.

When it came time to go digital I was starting over because my lenses were so old they would not work on the newer digital bodies. The d200 was out and Popular Photography said it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. I considered it but was turned off by all the knobs, dials and wheels. It was just too awkward to use. The Canon 30D was a piece of cake to operate and had similar controls to my old A2. So I stayed in the Canon world. I've since moved up to the 1d Mark III and find it and extremely easy camera to operate. There are things I like about the Nikons - their flash system, metering system, even the Nikon colors for example, but I hate trying to use one. They simply frustrate me. Not only is everything backwards, but there is just too much to remember - hold this down with one finger while pushing a button and spinning a wheel at the same time. Who in the world thought up that awkward dial on the front grip?

Last summer I was with a group of photographers from a local photo club and we were shooting a sun rise from a mountain. It was dark and we began shooting when the sun began peeking over the mountain top. I noticed a D3 user struggling to make some changes on his camera in the dark, while I could make mine while I was looking through the viewfinder. Ease of use and just enough features in the feature set are reasons I chose and stay with Canon. If a camera is too difficult to use then you're not going to be as apt to go out and take pictures. Photography is fun, using your camera should be fun and not a frustrating experience.

[thatkatmat]

I chose to switch to Canon because of their glass, superior high ISO noise control and the fact that they had FF. Obviously at that time, Nikon didn't have much for me in those departments. I'd probably be shooting Nikon now if all the latest products they've been pumping out were available. But, I'm happy with my kit.

[johneo]

I chose Canon because when I decided to get a little more serious about my photography and get a digital SLR, the Canon 10D was THE camera to get.

Never regreted going with Canon and still use my 10D side by side with my 5D's ... it is that good!

[Jared Byer]

When I was in High School the journalism department had just bought a Rebel X. I used it some. When I graduated High School I was given a camera - it was the Rebel G (1998 ). I really liked that camera. A few years later I picked up an Elan IIe it a great price and I loved that camera (I still think that camera has the best ergonomics of any camera I ever used and I still miss the eye control focus). By the time I decided to go digital I had a handfull of canon lenses. By sticking with canon I was able to get the Rebel XT body cheaper than I could a kit, plus at the time it didn't seem like anyone had a DSLR anywhere near the price that could keep up with the XT. The XT has been a great camera for me. Now that it is time to upgrade again (Really looking at getting a 50D but might go cheaper and get a 40D) I have even better canon lenses.

[Canonswhitelensesrule]

See my username. :lol:

[Grimes]

Had a bunch of friends who had Canon point and shoots, and I had a Rebel2000 as well. Service was always great in the off chance something went wrong as well.

[Lazuka]

See my username. :lol:

for a forum name?

:p

[simplymono]

I moved to Canon from Nikon due to price of pro lenses being cheaper. Will move back to Nikon when I can afford it though

[bbbig]

I decided to go Canon, as my first digital camera was a PowerShot SD400, and I just loved its image quality and color. I never thought digital images (at such low resolution) could look that good, even when printed. So, I figured I should go with another Canon as it's more likely to give me the image quality I desired. I bought the 30D as I was looking for a "non-plastic" body, with a budget of around $1000.

I also picked up a 24-70L, because I also thought I should spend about $1k on the lens. Looking back, I didn't really know much about how good of a lens that was, or any clue on crop factor, other lenses, etc. Just got lucked out I guess. I also read I should get a flash for indoor bounce photos, so I got a 430EX at the same time too.

I was very happy with that setup for about a year, then as I learned more about other lenses and cameras, I decided to go full-frame. I too was waiting for 5Dmk2 for the longest time, but gave up and decided to get a 1DsMk2 used instead, then sold my 30D. I picked up a few more lenses since, a 530EX II, etc. and been very happy with this setup so far.

I most likely not to switch to Nikon or anything else, unless Canon abandons EF mount some day (and I'm sure it will!). I'll probably give this camera to my kids... although their camera phone will probably take better pictures by then. :)

[Lazuka]

I moved to Canon from Nikon due to price of pro lenses being cheaper. Will move back to Nikon when I can afford it though

haha i like that you said that and what your sig says.

[Canonswhitelensesrule]

for a forum name?

:p

Well it is a predominately CANON site, and who knows, maybe a high ranking canon rep or bigwig might be lurking one of these days, and see my username, and be flattered that I think so highly of their WHITE lenses and let me have my choice of one (or more) for free. :lol: