Canon v. Nikon question

[AlphaBjerke]

Hello all. I am trying to help out my cousin who really wants to get a DSLR. Of course, he is considering a Nikon or a Canon. I was wondering, not being a user of either brand, if there is anything to consider as far as the prices of the lenses, both new and used. I am assuming that the selection would be similar for both, but is there a discernable difference in cost? I know that they both use in-lens vibration reduction as opposed to in body, but other than that?

Thanks!

[candleman]

nikon is on average 20% more expensive than Canon
BUT. they give a 5 year warranty, and Canon only gives 1 year.

Canon does have a wider selection of lenses to choose from tho'

[dcclark]

Depends on what you're looking at. Nikon's low end bodies are competitive with, or cheaper than, comparable Canons.

Lenswise, no big deal. There are technical details, but basically they all work fine.

Realistically, the only considerations for a new DSLR user (one without any old lenses or whatnot) is which camera feels best in your hand, and has the fetaures you want.

[candleman]

dont forget that lower end Nkon bodies dont have a built in focus motor, meaning any lens that is non AF-S will not auto-focus.

i dont know how canon stuff works. i'm fairly confident that "USM" lenses have built in ultrasonic motors.. which is the equivalent of Nikons "AF-S"

basically.if you want to buy old glass.. make sure you have a Nikon D80/D90 or newer...
again, i dont really know how the Canon stuff works.

[AlphaBjerke]

Thanks, Candleman, I didn't know this and I will definitely consider this!

[candleman]

no problem

Originally Posted by candleman

basically.if you want to buy old glass.. make sure you have a Nikon D80/D90 or newer...
.

bit of a mistake there, not "newer" but "higher"
higher up the food chain.
meaning D300, D700 etc etc.

a D5000, D60, D40 wont have a built in motor

[LoveDSLR]

Canon bodies are like the entry level Nikon bodies (no focusing motor in body). That is why all Canon AF lenses have build-in focusing motors.

[RexK_Cozumel]

If you go with canon remember that any EF-S lenses you get will not be able to be used on a full frame canon. Just something to think about if you ever plan on upgrading to full frame...

Also Nikon's AF system is a little better than Canon's so that might be a factor for you depending on what you are shooting. And Nikon's high ISO performance is better as well. Canon does have a larger selection of lenses than Nikon.

[DarumaBlue]

Always seemed to me that today's DSLR market is so competitive that any newbie could do wonderfully with whichever brand they choose. I've never really heard of any of Canon's and Nikon's bodies being reviled by enough people to warrant concern.

[AlphaBjerke]

Originally Posted by RexK_Cozumel

If you go with canon remember that any EF-S lenses you get will not be able to be used on a full frame canon. Just something to think about if you ever plan on upgrading to full frame...

Also Nikon's AF system is a little better than Canon's so that might be a factor for you depending on what you are shooting. And Nikon's high ISO performance is better as well. Canon does have a larger selection of lenses than Nikon.

Interesting. In what way is the Nikon AF system better? Easier to use? More accurate? Do you have a link that examines this in depth?