Canon technology/lenses superior than Nikon?

[leight]

Hey guys,

I have my heart set on Nikon. I have no idea why, I don't even own a dslr. I own a Fujifilm FinePix S9500. Anyway, I'm looking to upgrade, just because I really really want a dslr. I'm looking at either the Canon 40D *upgrade of 30D, not yet released* or a Nikon D80.

Now the D80 would probably be more my style. A bit cheaper. However this is not a reason to select the brand. I know once I buy a Nikon, I'd have to stick with Nikon forever.

My mate can't stop raving about how good Canon is.

The Canon CMOS chip is far superior to the Sony CCD that Nikon uses
The Canon lenses are far superior to Nikon
The Canon is superior in low light with faster lenses and less noise at a high ISO




Now you are Nikon folk, and I don't know why but I can't get my mind off Nikon. This for me is a good sign. I was a PC fella until I saw the iMac. I couldn't get my mind off it, just the way that apple design everything is magic. This, to me, is I suppose why I am liking Nikon, the look and design of it. Just because, not necessarily a technology thing.

Now that isn't REALLY a good reason to buy a dslr. I am most likely to update later on in life to a better dslr, the same brand because I will have lenses. The question I post to you is which do you believe would be the best brand to go for, as far as the future is concerned?

Thanks,

- leighton

[edit] If canon is actually superior, it surely wouldn't be by THAT much would it? If so, then I'd be right to go with Nikon, just because if I bought a Canon, I'd still be thinking about Nikon. They just look & feel right *I imagine feel, haven't held one yet*. But they're bulkier... which I like. I've held a 350D and feels just a tad small.

[Saralonde]

As you can see, I'm a Canon user and I think they make a great product, but so does Nikon. I really don't think you could go wrong either way. It comes down to a personal choice, even if that personal choice is more a "gut feeling" than rational by the book rules.
Since the 40D isn't out yet, here is a side by side comparison of the 30D and the D80. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos30d%2Cnikon_d80&show=all

[leight]

Yeah that's what I'm thinking. They're both giants of the Camera world, so there can't be THAT much of a difference between them. Gut feeling for me is Nikon :)

Thanks for your help!

- leighton

[wulf]

Sites like dpreview.com, which Saralonde linked to are great; that one, in particular, does extremely detailed reviews with plenty of demo shots. With the quality available in the marketplace, the main deciding factors are often taste and availability (with cost entering in to some extent).

However, if you can get your hands on the cameras you are interested in before purchasing, that is a big bonus. I find that my Nikon D40 fits my hands very well; I've done a little shooting with a friend's Canon EOS 400D and found it heavier, smaller and much harder to hold comfortably.

The lock in to a particular set of lenses and accessories is also worth considering. Another friend has the Nikon D50 (which I had held and liked before my purchase); being able to borrow lenses and filters was another strong incentive towards the Nikon camp. If your mate who is a Canon nut is also loaded with gear, deeply generous and likely to be around for a while, that might be a factor in your decision, if you like the quality of Canon pictures as much as you like the quality of Nikon ones.

Wulf

[leight]

Oh thanks wulf :) Haha no he doesn't even own a camera! None of them do, except for one who just has the kit lenses for the 350d...

I can't wait to get this little beauty :) Time to search for the cheapest price now!
Thanks :)

- leighton