The Debate...

[bookloveraz]

I know there are many other discussions on the Nikon vs. Canon debate already posted here, and I just finished reading a few of them, but I don't feel like anyone has been very helpful. It seems to me that everyone just says "Go with ____" because that's what they use, but most of the time there aren't very good reasons to back up why they think it's better than the other brand.

My camera died a couple weeks ago, and I'm going to want to buy a new one soon. (It was a Canon Powershot S1 IS) When I buy I'm going to upgrade to a DSLR, and this will have to last me for years and years... I know it partially depends on opinion, but as I don't have access to either brand right now I can't depend on that...

Please give me some reasons why you chose which brand you did!

[BuddhaPi]

as opposed to debating I suggest you head to the camera store, pick up feel each model, check out the dials and buttons, which is more comfy for you? nikon/canaon both great products, ultimately it's going to come down what works best for you and your situation..I wonder if my friend Eric will chime in here???

[bookloveraz]

Originally Posted by BuddhaPi

as opposed to debating I suggest you head to the camera store, pick up feel each model, check out the dials and buttons, which is more comfy for you?

That's a great idea, thanks. I live in a really small town though, and we don't have an actual camera store, but would Walmart/Target have anything worth examining? Not to buy, but just to "get the feel of"

[autofocus]

We shoot with both Nikon and Canon, so I'm not biased one way or the other. Here are some things to consider:
1) Both brands are very good, obviously
2) Canon offers their high end lenses for less money than Nikon (typically)
3) For action / sports photography, I believe Nikon with it's focus tracking has a bit of an edge. (although the Canon 7D with additional focus points has made some gains in that regard)
4) Canon may have a slight edge for portrait and landscape work
5) I prefer Nikon when it comes to the ease of making changes on the fly
6) If it's within your budget, either the new Nikon D7000 or the Canon 60D would be very good choices. The Canon 7D also, if you can spend more $$
7) I personally would go with Canon on their Rebel series over Nikon's mid/lower end series where you could have issues with limited autofocus lens options.

I guess you have to decide what's in your budget, and the type of photography you are most interested in...Hope this helps.

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by bookloveraz

That's a great idea, thanks. I live in a really small town though, and we don't have an actual camera store, but would Walmart/Target have anything worth examining? Not to buy, but just to "get the feel of"

Probably not, but do you have a Costco nearby?...or a Ritz Camera?

[bookloveraz]

Originally Posted by autofocus

Probably not, but do you have a Costco nearby?...or a Ritz Camera?

I'm not sure... I'll look around. Thanks for all your help! I'll be keeping it in mind. I'd give you a 5 star rating. :-)

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by bookloveraz

I'm not sure... I'll look around. Thanks for all your help! I'll be keeping it in mind. I'd give you a 5 star rating. :-)

...aww shucks, happy to help

[vomviersen]

Originally Posted by bookloveraz

That's a great idea, thanks. I live in a really small town though, and we don't have an actual camera store, but would Walmart/Target have anything worth examining? Not to buy, but just to "get the feel of"

My neighborhood Target usually does have the entry level Canons and Nikons in stock. Just took a quick look to give an example - they have Canon EOS Rebel T2i and T3i, Nikon D3000, D3100, and D5100 in stock now, so at least a selection to compare the brands. I live in a big city though so your experience may differ.

autofocus's suggestion of Costco is good, or else Sam's Club. I know it is old technology but I was super happy with a very low price last year on a Canon Rebel XS kit with 2 lenses (18-55 and 75-300) from Sam's. I didn't want to spend a lot in case I didn't like it, and I do like having two different lenses to learn with. I have a much better idea now of what I need to improve upon as opposed to improving the equipment. Guess what, it's me that needs most of the improvement first anyway

[bookloveraz]

Originally Posted by vomviersen

My neighborhood Target usually does have the entry level Canons and Nikons in stock. Just took a quick look to give an example - they have Canon EOS Rebel T2i and T3i, Nikon D3000, D3100, and D5100 in stock now, so at least a selection to compare the brands. I live in a big city though so your experience may differ.

autofocus's suggestion of Costco is good, or else Sam's Club. I know it is old technology but I was super happy with a very low price last year on a Canon Rebel XS kit with 2 lenses (18-55 and 75-300) from Sam's. I didn't want to spend a lot in case I didn't like it, and I do like having two different lenses to learn with. I have a much better idea now of what I need to improve upon as opposed to improving the equipment. Guess what, it's me that needs most of the improvement first anyway

Okay, thanks! I'll check out Target next time I'm out and about.

Yeah, I need a bunch of improvement too.... :-p

[OsmosisStudios]

You've been reading the wrong threads.