Why did you choose Canon over Nikon?

[fotoworx]

Why did you choose Canon over Nikon?

I personally liked the color combo of the Canon line up and the pretty red rings sold me.

;)

[johnj2803]

because the entry level nikons have no in body focus motors! :D (was looking for an entry level cam)

[midnight_rider]

I started with Canon because of there reputation. At the time Nikon still had the CCD sensors that were worse than film as far as noise is concerned so that also helped me choose canon.
After a while with Canon the D700 started to give me the grass is greener syndrome. ( its not BTW) So I jumped ship and went over to the darkside. Yet here I sit with a 40D and some more Canon glass.
The canon cameras to me just feel more natural and easier to navigate. However I may have a different stance on that if I started out with a Nikon. Then the Canon would probably feel strange to me.

If I were just starting out today and I was going to get my first DSLR camera, I honestly do not know which brand I would choose. Nikon, Canon and ( surprisingly) Sony have some very close competition going on. Canon does have the best line of current AF glass. For the MF glass lovers Nikon is the best choice. The old AI/AI-s lenses mount right up.

[20droger]

Buy one of these (http://haodascreen.com/Nikon.aspx) then use all the Nikon AI glass you wish.

[blackshadow]

When I made the move from 35mm (Olympus) to digital in 2005 I was looking for a camera that had good low light performance as I knew I needed it. My research showed that Canon smoked Nikon in that area at the time so I went with Canon and have now built up a nice selection of lenses and accessories that I'm very happy with; I get good results so I'm pretty much locked in with Canon now. If I was starting from scratch today I'd probably buy Nikon.

[midnight_rider]

Buy one of these (http://haodascreen.com/Nikon.aspx) then use all the Nikon AI glass you wish.
That looks really cool. Alot better than the EF to FD adapter that I own.
I wish they would have included a front shot of that.

[MHO]

White lenses and red lines ;)

But honestly, the Canon range even considering the 3rd party lenses and stuff is far more complete than Nikon's. I find Nikon's user interface hard to operate!

[Todd Lambert]

Because Canon is for people who Can - Nikon is for people who, uhm... Nik.

[Robert16]

I tried it 'cos everyone else was doin' it;)
No really, a friend had canon gear and I figured we could borrow each others lenses. It was that simple. I'm glad I went with canon...best forum ever:D

[Jim G]

At the time the 20D kicked the booty of the D70 or whatever the Nikon offering was at the time re: high ISO noise and since I was mostly doing live music stuff I desperately needed a clean ISO 1600... and got it. I can still print out a 8x12 of a high ISO shot from the 20D and it'll look beautiful.

Playing field seems to have levelled in that regard now, though... so who knows what I might have gone had I got into it today :D

[beeng]

Every nikon user I had met up to the point of buying my first camera was a self-proclaimed "expert" (aka a big douche). Really for me, it came down to how the community/sales people treated me as an amateur.

[MDJAK]

Every nikon user I had met up to the point of buying my first camera was a self-proclaimed "expert" (aka a big douche). Really for me, it came down to how the community/sales people treated me as an amateur.

Amen. :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[mathogre]

Why did you choose Canon over Nikon?

Price.

[neilwood32]

My mate had a 400d so i reckoned if i was nice to him i could borrow lenses off him.

I did buy it , i was kind to him and i have managed to borrow the lenses (I even gave him them back when i was finished!)

[snyderman]

For a lot of years I've owned nothing but Canon gear so I'm familiar with the menu systems which are shared among different products. And as much as we hear about service and build quality, all gear that says Canon on it has been high-quality and very reliable producing good results.

OTOH, family members have not been so lucky with gear from other manufacturers. Many times I believe it's a case of I take care of my gear and the others might be a little more loose with care of their gear.

I'm like the dad who's always had good luck with Chevy, so that's what he buys. For me, it's Fender guitars and Canon camera gear!

dave

[engsetr1]

Lens selection and Canon repair is practically around the corner if I have an issue.

[Electric Shepherd]

Ergonomics. Picked up the 450D and 40D [might have been a 60D, I can't quite remember] and simply preferred the handling of the Canon.

[rklepper]

My first camera was a Canon. It was a gift and I have used Canon ever since.

[S7000]

I'm not really sure. I started studying graphic design and we needed an SLR. It was my 21st, I did some quick research and Nikon really didn't stand out. It was at the time the 400D was just released, so I guess there was a lot of Canon hype at the time. I'm very happy with the Canon though, Nikon's are a nightmare to use! :lol:

[Bob_A]

Why did you choose Canon over Nikon?

Price.

I traded in my Olympus OM-1 gear for an EOS Elan II instead of going Nikon based on price. I went with a Canon DSLR at the end of 2004 because they had the best sensor technology at the time and because I already had Canon EOS gear.

[mbellot]

Why did you choose Canon over Nikon?


Because I hate Aston Kutcher.

Smart ass punk.

[samueli]

It's sentimental for me.

I did start with the original 300D rebel as a newb, but with my low investment in glass I had seriously pondered switching over the years. My reason for staying is that a previous girlfriend bought me my 50mm 1.4 one Christmas. She has since passed away, so the 50mm means lot's to me and I like to use it that much more.

[beeng]

Because I hate Aston Kutcher.

Smart ass punk.
Ahahah, good reason :)

[nphsbuckeye]

I like tennis.

[The_Rural_Juror]

I didn't chose it. It chose me.
Destiny?



:p

[MR do little]

I never did, and most likely never will.

[RDKirk]

Why did you choose Canon over Nikon?

I personally liked the color combo of the Canon line up and the pretty red rings sold me.

;)

The F-1 looked more badazz than the F2.

[JWright]

Two reasons I chose Canon in 1999: Price and IS...

I could get two Canon film cameras for the price of one Nikon and at the time Nikon didn't have any VR lenses. The 100-400 was what sold me on Canon.

When the digital revolution started, I was already heavily invested in Canon EF-mount lenses, so it was only logical to continue on with them.

[Digital_zen]

It was what was offered in a barter. I plan to use both Canon and Nikon someday.
Now if I can just get this money tree seed to grow,...I've been watering it for 20 years!

[bric-a-brac]

I love that big damn control wheel on the back. and nice lenses are more affordable.

here's one that probably hasn't arisen yet: I shoot professionally, and my network of peers all shoot canon as well. When **** hits the fan or need for a piece of unique equipment arises that *someone* has, it's nice to know your friends have you covered.

it's a lot harder to borrow another camera body, a flash, or a specialty lens if your mates are all shooting canon and you got your ugly mug in noink country. ;)

[Here and There]

The first digital camera I bought in 2002 was a Sony cybershot (wonderful little brick shaped camera, heh). After it died I bought a Canon A157 and was impressed enough that I stuck with Canon. When I made the jump to the DSLR world, I briefly considered Nikon, but I felt more comfortable with Canon and the price was better so I stayed with Canon.

[Persephone]

Price.

Canon has had stronger and more frequent product cycles, so by the time I entered the DSLR market in 2008, I had a good used market to buy from. The 20D was a fantastic camera, and much more affordable than the D200.

[gcflora]

I like the sound that Canon makes when I say it aloud. I don't like Nikon when I say it aloud.

[gcflora]

Just for reference, I pronounce Canon kay-no-en. I pronounce Nikon as nee-kay-oh-en.

[mike_d]

I like the sound that Canon makes when I say it aloud. I don't like Nikon when I say it aloud.

How do you Aussies say it? I've heard Brits pronounce it NICKon while we Americans favor (or favour :p) Nigh (like night)-kon.

I went with Canon because that's what my friends with DSLRs had and Canon's lens lineup looked deeper.

[gcflora]

How do you Aussies say it? I've heard Brits pronounce it NICKon while we Americans favor (or favour :p) Nigh (like night)-kon.

I went with Canon because that's what my friends with DSLRs had and Canon's lens lineup looked deeper.

In all honesty (ignore my pronunciation post above :) ) everyone I know (in Australia) pronounces it Nick-On.

[darosk]

'C' comes before 'N' in the alphabet.

[Sports_Dude]

I had a canon rebel (film) camera with accessories. When I moved to a DSLR, I didn't want to waste the accesories from the film camera (flash, lens, etc..)

[mick w]

My first digital camera was a Canon PowerShot and it was a great camera. Loved it so much that moved up to a DSLR and stuck with the brand.

My PowerShot recently died because I was an idiot and dropped it. I'm very heartbroken...I took thousands of pictures with that thing including trips to England, Italy and the birth of my third child. It's weird how I grew so attached to a little hunk of metal and glass. :cry:

[Markitos]

I started with Nikon, then switched to Canon for the wider selection of fast primes, lenses with IS, and selection (more f/4 zooms, etc.) I also switched because the 5D and several of the lenses I wanted were on summer rebate, making the switch an almost even trade. I wanted to get into FF, and I knew the D700 was around the corner, but Canon was the cheapest way for me to get there.

Now that I'm here, I'm pretty happy with the choice and don't see any really compelling reason to switch back.

:shrug:

[yogestee]

Why did you choose Canon over Nikon?



I didn't chose Canon,,it was chosen for me :mad:

[Calicajun]

Because my 40D was free, was planning on going with Sony but free was good.

[GwagDesigns]

My dad had a ton of Canon gear so he pretty much grew me up with it. My first ever camera was also a powershot. I was contemplating switching to Nikon for a while, but I think the 7D cured that :D

[dkim3202]

My dad was into Canon and I still have his old AE-1. Funny thing was the first SLR he bought for me was a Nikon n4004s back in high school. My first two P&S were Sony Cybershots so it seemed natural for me to get into their Alpha line. Earlier this year I decided to switch to either Canon or Nikon. Sony's lens selection wasn't doing it for me. It came down between the 50D and the D300. I chose Canon because their lens lineup seemed so much more extensive and I loved how the 50D fit in my hands.

[DStanic]

1. At the time i bought my XTi/400D, (this was when the 30D was still on the shelves) Canon was spanking the NIkons for high ISO performance

2. The Xti (and even 30D that I played with in the store) seemed less confusing to use then the D40 or D80. I really really liked the feel of the 30D and knew I would eventually want one (and I got one ;))

3. Other people I knew (like my wedding photographers) were shooting Canon and I was impressed with their results.

[frostyeel]

I took a black and white film photography at my high school last year. My dad's F1 was broken, but he still had 4 lenses for it so I bought an AE-1 on ebay and used that setup throughout the class. When switching to digital I just decided to stick with Canon.

[Sorarse]

My first Canon was an AE1 which I bought at a time when I was doing a lot of motorsport photography, and I wanted a camera that gave me shutter priority. Most other cameras at the time were aperture priority.

I've been with Canon ever since.

[ozziepuppy]

I have a Nikon film SLR and I really liked it when I used to use it, so I really wanted to go with Nikon when I was looking for a new camera to replace my old Olympus 5 MP digital camera. I came extremely close to going with Nikon instead of Canon. Circuit City (still in business at the time) had a Nikon D40 with 2 lenses in a kit for $599 total (they had two of the kits left and it was a "manager's special.") I ALMOST bought it.

However, I went back home to do some more research prior to going back and purchasing it and several things swayed me toward Canon: (a) the lack of in-body motor in the D40 --> limitations in lenses that could be used with it; (b) the Nikon website was messed up so I did not have direct access to their "propaganda" (which I am sure would have been very persuasive, as Canon's was), plus I figured that it showed a lack of responsibility on Nikon's part to have a website with a bunch of features that did not work [hey, the reasons don't have to be rational!]; and (c) the many extremely positive reviews of the Canon cameras.

So I ended up going with Canon. It was close, though, and if I had been just a bit more impulsive and picked up that kit I would now be in the Nikon camp.

Recently, I was looking at some photos of my kids that I took when they were very young--they were taken with that Nikon film SLR, and they are absolutely beautiful. That was about 20 years ago though. I don't do my own developing and I am hooked on digital now.

Although I still have a soft spot in my heart for Nikon I am very happy with my Canon gear. And now I am so used to it that when I look at the Nikon DSLR's they seem ergonomically inappropriate (though I am really sure it is just a matter of what one is used to using).

[alabama1980]

Because I found POTN before I found a decent Nikon forum. I call it fate....:)

Actually, I just took myself down the an electronics store and played with both brands. Canon just felt good to me.

[Heap64]

My first camera was the Canon A1. I loved that camera. Still have it, but it has a battery drain issue. Finally joined the digital age with an XTi. I finally feel like I can use a little more and I'm looking forward to the 7d.

[GRD]

I like the looks of the word...........Canon.

I like the color.........Red.

I like the sound of the word.........Canon.

:)

[SwitchBlade]

I tried the various options in my budget at a camera shop and the Canon felt better in my hands and the button layout felt the most natural.

I was coming from a Minolta point and shoot so had very little knowledge about the SLR world.

[gkarris]

The best P&S as far as IQ I've had was a Canon.

I ended up with an Olympus dSLR because of price, but started taking pics in higher ISO and the LPS rents only Nikon and Canon Lenses. I got a smoking deal on a 20D and love it.

I bought a used Nikon D70 from the same LPS and tried it out, and all the pics were massively underexposed. I couldn't get the settings right, not to mention get rid of the dust on the censor (I returned it). I never had a problem with my Canon or Olympus dSLR's.

[bohdank]

When I chose Canon, last spring, it was because of Canon's reputation for lower noise and the 70-200 f4IS.

My initial motivation to go to a dSLR was I was tired of the noise in my images using my Sony 707.

[Tumeg]

I chose it because the D40 had\has some weird restrictions, as to lenses, (I can't remember what they are\were), also because there is a Canon service center within 15 minutes of my home... Always a bonus...

[photoguy6405]

Salesman.

At the time I was not "into" photography. My Minolta had died and I wanted a replacement. Told the salesman what I wanted to do and let him guide me. I had no clue as to the then-current state of the industry and who was good and who was not.

They sold both Canon and Nikon and he steered me toward Canon. He could have gone the other way and I would not have known the difference.

I have no regrets.

[Jon Foster]

My dad started me out with a Canon AL-1 in 1982. It still works just as good today as it did out of the box on the first day. I've been happy with all my Canon purchases. Why would I change?

Jon.

[Roy Mathers]

I really can't remember, as it was too many years ago (in the days of film).

[Cam97]

Had been a nikon film camera guy most of my life, but when i took the leap into the digital world i ended up liking the Canon bodies, just have a better feel, and i always knew they had great optics.

[20droger]

When we moved up from a DSLR-like P&S, which was a Nikon CoolPix 5700, I realized that we would be committing to a system. Therefore, I did extensive research, and came to several conclusions:

Canon has a better range of lenses by far.

Canon has bodies that are far more ergonomically friendly.

Canon has bodies that are more universal (witness the lens compatibility problems with the D40).

Nikon has better flash units (much better, in fact).

AND, (and this was the clincher) Canon folk are friendlier and more helpful, both at the corporate level and as owners/users. (I invite you to compare this forum with Nikonians).

I won't support a company that tries to make me feel they are doing me a favor by letting me use their product. Nikon's attitude made sure we went with Canon.

[Saxi]

I liked the menu system and the controls of Canon, I wasn't a big fan out Nikon's system when I looked at it. Found the menu and interface confusing.

[Gipetto]

Like a few others have already said: ergonomics. I have large hands and the grips on the Nikons are smaller than those on the Canons and I don't feel like I can get a good grip on them. That's pretty much the entire reason right there.

Its the same reason I will always have a battery pack/motor-drive on a field camera.

[Jon Foster]

AND, (and this was the clincher) Canon folk are friendlier and more helpful, both at the corporate level and as owners/users. (I invite you to compare this forum with Nikonians).

I won't support a company that tries to make me feel they are doing me a favor by letting me use their product. Nikon's attitude made sure we went with Canon.

Ouch. That's got to be the worst kind of press a company could ever want. I wonder if they will ever change that practice? Ya gotta take care of your customers. No customers, no more business....

Jon.

[yogestee]

Ouch. That's got to be the worst kind of press a company could ever want. I wonder if they will ever change that practice? Ya gotta take care of your customers. No customers, no more business....

Jon.

Jon,, but many companies are more concerned with keeping their share holders happy than their customers..

[radiohead]

Ouch. That's got to be the worst kind of press a company could ever want. I wonder if they will ever change that practice? Ya gotta take care of your customers. No customers, no more business....

Jon.

It's also one person's opinion and not one that matches my experience of either company.

[20droger]

Absolutely it's one person's opinion. This thread, by its very nature, asks for personal opinions. It does not ask for "fact."

My opinion in the Canon vs. Nikon issue is based upon my personal experience with both Canon and Nikon, nothing more and nothing less. I'm absolutely sure that others have different experiences, and different opinions.

Whether anyone uses Canon, Nikon, or any other brand is completely irrelevant. They should just go out and have fun.

[Roy Mathers]

Absolutely right Roger.

[radiohead]

I was referring to:

'Ouch. That's got to be the worst kind of press a company could ever want. I wonder if they will ever change that practice?'

Rather than Roger per se. My point being that drawing that sort of conclusion from a single comment is dangerous, as it would be from mine.

[chopperdave]

I did some research and at the time, with the money I had, the best combo I could afford was the 300D with the kit lens and a 70-200mm f4.

If the best set up I had the money for would have been a Nikon, i would have bought a Nikon.

Oh, and I guess you could also say "I can't afford to shoot with hasselblads" could be an answer too.

[oaktree]

Because our son bought a Rebel XT in 2006, so I thought if I also go with Canon we can share lenses. If he didn't buy anything, we'd probably have gone with Nikon since my wife used Nikons at work.

[yogestee]

Because our son bought a Rebel XT in 2006, so I thought if I also go with Canon we can share lenses. If he didn't buy anything, we'd probably have gone with Nikon since my wife used Nikons at work.

My story is similar to yours oaktree.. After decades of Nikon usage, the newspaper I worked for went over to Canon digital in 2000.. I bought a 350D to take overseas with me in 2005 because my boss wouldn't allow me to take my issued 20D, which was my back up camera, out of the country.. I chose Canon because I had access to some really topshelf L series lenses and other Canon stuff..

If the newspaper stayed with Nikon I'd be shooting with Nikon today.. Since 1975 I've owned nine Nikons and still have four of them.. I've had such a good run out of Nikon..

[cgatto]

My girlfriend bought my Canon for me, and I've since invested in the system. It was chance I was born into the Canon family :)

[oaktree]

Adding to post #70: Because of the way I chose Canon, I have no emotional/psychological attachment to Canon, only a financial attachment. So, I don't get riled up in Canon versus Nikon debates.

[Invertalon]

I have always used Canon cameras (multiple P&S's) before entering the SLR world. I loved the interface and quality with each Canon I had, so I naturally stuck with them.

Girlfriend used to use Nikon but has made the switch with her last two cameras :)

[Kaigler]

My university used Canons and the school I taught at also used Canons - so Canon was a natural choice because thats what I had used and it just felt right in my hands.

[photoguy6405]

Jon,, but many companies are more concerned with keeping their share holders happy than their customers..
True, but to me this is shortsighted because the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive. But yeah, often companies tend to look only as far ahead as the next quarter.


Canon has bodies that are more universal (witness the lens compatibility problems with the D40).

AND, (and this was the clincher) Canon folk are friendlier and more helpful, both at the corporate level and as owners/users. (I invite you to compare this forum with Nikonians).
These two reasons are why, in hindsight and knowing what I know now, I am happy with Canon over Nikon.

Nikon won't repair grey market stuff. I have never bought grey market new. Not for any particular reason, just haven't. But I do buy used quite often, and if I inadvertently buy grey market used I don't want to be given any crap about it if I need to get it fixed or serviced someday.

[Roy Mathers]

There are two things I love about this thread. The first is that people are comparing the two brands without any bickering, arguing or specious arguments. The second is that posters actually use the word Nikon and don't resort to the silly custom, so common on other threads, of putting Noink or N*kon, or somesuch.:)

[radiohead]

They will repair it - they won't cover it under warranty. Big difference and the same as all the other manufacturers.

[radiohead]

There are two things I love about this thread. The first is that people are comparing the two brands without any bickering, arguing or specious arguments. The second is that posters actually use the word Nikon and don't resort to the silly custom, so common on other threads, of putting Noink or N*kon, or somesuch.:)

And long may that continue Roy!

[Roy Mathers]

Are you anywhere near Chilbolton Guy?

[keileo]

i choose Canon because my first point and shoot was a canon, and i loved it...and seeing those white lenses at sporting events did it for me

[radiohead]

Near Andover? I'm about 20 miles away....

[Roy Mathers]

Near Andover? I'm about 20 miles away....


The reason I ask is that I've got some good friends who live in Chilbolton. It's a very pretty village.

[radiohead]

It's lovely out there. I'm shooting a wedding just round the corner in Sutton Scotney next month.

[Roy Mathers]

I wish you well - you should have some nice locations for the pics (and the weather forecast is good!)

[IUnknown]

I'm investing in Canon with the 7D. The main reason was because flickr shows more users with canon. So I figured larger market share, more money for R&D. Nikon appealed to me more at first though, and I really liked the D300 for what I was looking for in a camera.

[Razeus]

The lenses are more sicker.
The bodies are built for my hands.

[ozziepuppy]

Near Andover? I'm about 20 miles away....

Actually I live in Andover. Andover in the colonies, that is. . .;)

[gh patriot]

white lenses

[yuribox]

Wanted a full frame body and Nikon at the time only had brand new D700 and D3. 5D looked and sounded good for the price. So, made move from Pentax.

[yogestee]

One thing I've noticed living in Asia is that I see many more Nikons than Canons.. Even with the tourists,,more Nikons than Canons..

[friz]

I couldn't make up my mind.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f184/frizz1/P1020801.jpg

[siriusdogstar]

Rebel low price and better performance

[Seamaster007]

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/funny-pictures-kitten-shoe-loled.jpg
Nice!!

[Gideon]

Loved the Ergonomics, the menus are user-friendly and low noise on high ISO...

[dle42]

Family bought a Powershot G5 over a Coolpix 5400 years ago. When I got the 580EX for the Canon, that pretty much solidified me into Canon.

[Southswede]

I'm investing in Canon with the 7D. The main reason was because flickr shows more users with canon. So I figured larger market share, more money for R&D. Nikon appealed to me more at first though, and I really liked the D300 for what I was looking for in a camera.

The 7D will be the Canon answer to the D300.

[chadgeek]

My first SLR was a Canon EOS film body, but when digital SLR's came out I went to Nikon because of the name recognition and my family had used Nikon's in the 70's. I still shoot Nikon because I am heavily invested in lenses (and I have no complaints) but if I had to do it all over again today, I would probably steer toward Canon. All in all, I think at a certain price point it really doesn't matter what you choose. I usually buy a new P&S every year and it's always a Canon.

I'm just happy to have found this Canon forum :)

[awo425]

moved to Canon after 10 years of using Pentax system (yeah, there are other DSLR companies in this universe, besides Canon and Nikon), cause I wanted FF and Canon 70-200 2.8 L, and nice ISO3200
I still keep my Pentax gear, well, some of it, and use it occasionally.
Checked out Nikon D700, but found it was too heavy and bulky for my taste.