Made in...

[srsuser]

Does it really matter where a camera or lens is made in?
I noticed a lot of Nikon cameras and lens are made in china and thailand, while MOST of Canon lens, even the cheap kit lens are made in Japan.

I had an argument with my Dad that it does not matter, because they still have quality control whether its in China or Thailand, etc. He said it still matters a lot and that he can trust Japanese electronics a lot more than Chinese.

What do you guys think?

[seaside]

It is my understanding that Canon engineers and manufactures all their camera components. The optical engineers work right there with the software and design engineers. They make their own sensors as well. None of it is commissioned out to a vendor. This is one reason I like Canon. The software Canon ships out with thier cameras is all in-house too. Sony makes the sensors used in Nikon's cameras. Not sure about now but Nikon did also have a vendor for thier software.

Coming from a fortune 100 company I know how this is a big benefit to a company and its products. Nikon's first digital cameras had high noise levels and nikon users were having to run thier images thru a noiseware program. Well those sensors were actually a Sony product.

This is why I stick with Canon.

[srsuser]

I can't make up my mind between Nikon and Canon. :(

Both have positives and negatives.

[gjl711]

I can't make up my mind between Nikon and Canon. :(

Both have positives and negatives.These days the decission is much harder. Nikon has the edge in bodies at least from the D300 on up and including the D90, and flashes, but Canon has the edge with lenses, especially the long ones. Look at the whole system. Try to envision what your needs will be 2, 5, 8 years down the road.

For me the selling point was Canons lens lineup and at the time I jumped to SLR, Nikon was a distant second in IQ especially at the higher ISOs.

[srsuser]

Well I don't think I'm going to be really serious with photography. I am positive its not going to be my career. I just really enjoy doing it as a hobby. I just shoot people, cars, nature, basically anything that I find interesting.

I think it has come down the Nikon D90 and the Canon 40D.

[20droger]

Does it really matter where a camera or lens is made in?
I noticed a lot of Nikon cameras and lens are made in china and thailand, while MOST of Canon lens, even the cheap kit lens are made in Japan.

I had an argument with my Dad that it does not matter, because they still have quality control whether its in China or Thailand, etc. He said it still matters a lot and that he can trust Japanese electronics a lot more than Chinese.

What do you guys think?

I think it does matter, very much. While companies in Japan are not perfect (who is?), they are famous for their devotion to quality control. This cannot be said of some other countries in the Far East, who are infamous for flagrantly violating trade agreements and international contracts to save a few fen.

I wonder how much lead is in the paint on Nikon cases....

[Grimes]

I think it does matter, very much. While companies in Japan are not perfect (who is?), they are famous for their devotion to quality control. This cannot be said of some other countries in the Far East, who are infamous for flagrantly violating trade agreements and international contracts to save a few fen.

I wonder how much lead is in the paint on Nikon cases....


I agree, "in theory" where something is made should not matter as long as the QC is there. But in reality it does matter.

The Japanese have long been famous for having pride in their work, and for getting things done right. It will show up somewhere :)

[gjl711]

...The Japanese have long been famous for having pride in their work, and for getting things done right. It will show up somewhere :) This has been an interesting discussion, but I might point out that Canon's QA/QC of late has been quite tarnished and not something I would point to if someone was looking for a example of a good program. Now maybe if it was assembled elsewhere it could be worse as oversight becomes an important component and the opportunity to mess up becomes greater the more disconnected and remote manufacturing becomes, but right now Canon's program is not all that great.

[seaside]

This has been an interesting discussion, but I might point out that Canon's QA/QC of late has been quite tarnished

This is somewhat true. However, my guess is the intense competition in the digital camera industry creates an environment where msitakes can happen. This is not an excuse but reality. If you look at most all the camera manufacturers they all are having or have had some real bloopers. Each have had peaks and valleys regarding quality control. Hopefully they will all get a better handle on it in the future.