Make a switch to Canon?

[srsuser]

hello canon people, need some advice.

my first DSLR that i just recently bought is a Nikon D200 and the 50mm f1.8 prime lens. I've been shooting for only a couple weeks. the only thing I REALLY hate about this camera is its noise at higher iso. it really ticks me off. even at iso 800 the images have very noticeable noise.

my question to you guys is should i switch to Canon? i know their cmos sensors are good at higher iso even in their entry level cameras.

i was thinking maybe "downgrading" to an XSi or maybe a 40D, 50D, etc.

i know nothing about Canon so what would you guys recommend?

I know if I want to be serious about photography it would be better to switch to Canon because of their lenses but I don't know if its worth it now.

any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks.

[TheHoff]

You can stay with Nikon if you like the files below ISO 400 and the camera controls and interface. You just need to go with one of their current generation bodies; the previous ones have always been known to be noisy.

[srsuser]

I considered the new generation bodies such as the D90. But wouldn't it be better if I got a cheaper Canon such as an XSi and good lens because if I begin to get serious with photography, I would probably still end up with Canon because of their Lens. And if I make the switch a lot later, I would end up losing money.

[nik.hisham]

Hi,

Logically, if you haven't invested in any expensive Nikon lenses or other accessories, then you have little or nothing to lose by going canon.

Perhaps you can rent one first for a weekend, and see if you like it. Then decide.

Just my $0.02

Cheers

[neilwood32]

Originally Posted by nik.hisham

Hi,

Logically, if you haven't invested in any expensive Nikon lenses or other accessories, then you have little or nothing to lose by going canon.

Perhaps you can rent one first for a weekend, and see if you like it. Then decide.

Just my $0.02

Cheers

Renting is a good idea. Other than that, see if you can find a friend with the body you are looking at and give it a try.

Despite what certain people say there isnt a great deal between Nikon and Canon. Nikon is better at some things, Canon at others. If you are serious about your photography, then think for a while which system suits your needs best (bodies come and go but lenses are a longer term commitment)

So find what suits your needs and go for it.

[PhotosGuy]

i was thinking maybe "downgrading" to an XSi or maybe a 40D, 50D, etc.

Depends on your budget, doesn't it? The xxD series is pretty good at ISO 3200:
Barbara Payton at the Carrick House Concert 11/23/08

[sgogula]

Me and my friend went to shoot skiing last year and my pictures with ISO 1600 were far better than his pictures with ISO 800 in terms of noise.

He has D200 and I used my rebel Xti.

He now regrets buying D200. I heard Nikon improved the ISO performance from D300 onwards.

[Ook]

Hello, I haven't handled a D200 personally, but given that you've been on it for only two weeks, I'd suggest that perhaps you aren't nailing the exposure on your higher-iso photos. If you have to increase the brightness in post-production, it amplifies the noise.

Not saying that it's necessarily user error, but plenty of people use and have used the D200. I just don't think it's likely that someone outgrows its noise performance in 2 weeks.

[srsuser]

I think the exposures are fine since I'm mostly shooting in aperture priority.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by srsuser

I think the exposures are fine since I'm mostly shooting in aperture priority.

Don't be too sure - Av can and will get exposures "wrong" - it all depends on what you are trying to achieve. Like Ook said, pushing up the exposure in post processing increases the noise.
The previous suggestion of hiring a canon camera to try is a good one.

[René Damkot]

Originally Posted by TheHoff

the camera controls and interface

Biggest (and most important) difference between Canon and Nikon IMO.

[DStanic]

I agree the camera controls and interface will be an important role. If you aren't comfortable using the camera, then nothing else matters. I started off with Canon, cause from the beginning I personally found them easier to use than Nikons (just from playing in the stores). The D200 is a decent camera and should be able to get good shots at ISO800, perhaps you aren't nailing the exposure 100%. Having said that, my XTi is great at ISO800 even when I don't get perfect exposure, and ISO1600 is pretty good when I get a perfect exposure.

For Canons I think 40Ds are the way to go- you can get them for less then $700 used or refurbished nowdays.

[srsuser]

Originally Posted by René Damkot

Biggest (and most important) difference between Canon and Nikon IMO.

I love the Nikon menus and buttons a LOT more than Canons.

I can still get used to canon though, menu won't really matter to me.

[René Damkot]

Forget about Menu. You don't need that often. I'm talking about layout of the controls and what buttons need how many pushes / turns to access an often used function...

Switch metering or AF mode- or point for instance.

I have a very hard time with the position of the front dial on the Nikon camera's. Which is a pity, because some other points I actually prefer...

[TheHoff]

Originally Posted by René Damkot

Forget about Menu. You don't need that often. I'm talking about layout of the controls and what buttons need how many pushes / turns to access an often used function...

Switch metering or AF mode- or point for instance.

I have a very hard time with the position of the front dial on the Nikon camera's. Which is a pity, because some other points I actually prefer...

Yup, I also wish they would move it to the top of the grip instead of the front, like a trigger.