Canon vs Nikon?

It's not so much about the camera body, but the lenses. I find that with the amount I am willing to pay, I can get better VALUE buying Canon glass. In other words, Canon has a nice "mid range" lens lineup that is really quite good, but won't totally break the bank. There are a couple macro lenses that fit into this catagory, as well lenses such as the 85.1.8, the 24-105, and a number of others.
 
It's not so much about the camera body, but the lenses. I find that with the amount I am willing to pay, I can get better VALUE buying Canon glass. In other words, Canon has a nice "mid range" lens lineup that is really quite good, but won't totally break the bank. There are a couple macro lenses that fit into this catagory, as well lenses such as the 85.1.8, the 24-105, and a number of others.

So should I just go with the canon T6I? And then get a nicer lens.
 
I don't think you need to necessarily spend crazy on good lenses. I've been seeing a lot of awesome shots here taken with a tamron 90mm macro lens. Not the most expensive lens on the market. Usually you see a lot of people recommending them here. I don't have this lens but I have taken notice of it because of high praises from fellow reefers
 
I have a Nikon D7000. I had managed to convince myself that the Canon takes better pictures under blues. After about a year of practicing, I learned that the Nikon does just fine. It's all in how you set up the shot. My favorite lens is a Tokina 100mm macro, which has mounts for Canon, or Nikon.

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Today's cameras, even the point/shoot variety can take excellent photos. I own two cameras. A nikon DSLR and an Olympus OMD-EM-1 mirrorless. The OLY is small, has fast lenses with fixed aperture just like the big-guys. I use it to shoot underwater (diving) -

I got 'hooked' on Nikon because it was the first 'real' camera I ever purchased (actually a Nikonos V) and it's really about what your personal comfort with the camera in your hand, the menus, and if you have any lenses - that constitute an investment. (i think any of us wouldn't be able to tell what camera was used to take photos, providing the photographer knew what they were doing and that the lens was the same focal length, aperture and overall quality).

I guess it all comes down to what you want to do with the camera (overall) and what your budget is.
 
I have a Nikon D7000. I had managed to convince myself that the Canon takes better pictures under blues. After about a year of practicing, I learned that the Nikon does just fine. It's all in how you set up the shot. My favorite lens is a Tokina 100mm macro, which has mounts for Canon, or Nikon.

Master 31.jpg


DSC_6329-2.jpg


DSC_6054-1 TLR Rainbow Mille $299.jpg


DSC_6094-2.jpg
Sweet baby Jesus! That rainbow mille... *drool*
 
I picked Nikon because I liked the interface on the camera better. The canon felt like they just ported over the interface from a point and shoot. Nikon felt like the menu made logical sense.

I'm still fairly green on the photography side of reefing but I can already confirm what other have said. The glass is the key. I was always annoyed with my Nikon when trying to take macro shots of my tank. Then I got a good macro lens vs using the kit lens and I was instantly blown away by the quality of the images.

One point for Nikon and the higher lens price. Many of the lenses for Nikon that are higher cost are more expensive because they are made for the F frame professional cameras vs the hobbyist DX (full vs half frame dslrs) while the higher cost is unfortunate. If you upgrade to a full frame camera. You wouldn't have to reinvest in new lenses. This may be true for some canon lenses as well. Not sure.
 
I'm a wildlife photographer and here's my two cents... I've shot just about everything, and the bottom line is you will be fine with either Sony, Nikon or Cannon. It really comes down to want you want to shoot.

Nikon and Sony are both using Sony sensors and they are fantastic! The Sony DSLRs in my opinion just don't have the same lens options that I need at this point as Nikon and Canon.

I shoot Canon.... The lenses especially at focal lengths of 500 and 600 mm are amazing!

Almost any modern DSLR and quality lens has the ability to give you award winning images.... A great DSLR, and a GREAT lens, can do it under poor conditions.

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Canon EOS- 1DX --- EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM

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100 mm macro Canon 5D
 
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For the average consumer, there's no real difference between nikon and canon in terms of optics or camera performance. There may be some very fine points that only really demanding pro's could debate. However, I will say that for reef keeping photography, Canon has better built in white balance. Nikon has a very hard time handling the intense blue LED's. I have used both and canon did much better if you're planning on using pics straight off the camera. Nikon requires extensive work in post-production to correct the white balance. I now use Fujifilm exclusively, but have not used it for reef photography yet (because I'm currently tankless).
 
Canon 70D all day, I just got mine in the mail today but the image quality blows away my Nikon.. I mean seriously blows it away!
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I have been shooting since the early '70s and much of the time underwater. Regardless of what entry level camera body you buy, if you get to enjoy photography it will not be your last camera purchase. I agree with those that recommend shopping for the best lenses that fit your needs and growing from there. However getting into the hobby also includes post processing software and image storage. Most of the great images posted here did not just come out of the camera.
For the record, I shoot with Nikon but mostly because I am now captive to my lenses. (sbysshe.smugmug.com)
If you can find a reasonable camera store and handle different cameras and navigate their menus; one may feel more comfortable and intuitive. After your purchase find a good reference second party manual. Look up Rocky Nook and see if they have a book for your camera. They can be a great help with learning how to get the most out of your camera.
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%
  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%
  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%
  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%
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