Nikon vs. Canon for entry-level DSLR cameras?
This is my first time purchasing a DSLR. I have a somewhat low budget. I have been browsing the canon line for a few weeks, researching. Today I decided on the Canon EOS Rebel T1i as my final choice. I had thought Canon was the best choice for me as far as entry-level DSLRs go, because I had read somewhere that Canons have the most beginner-friendly interface. I had also heard that additional Nikon lenses, flashes, etc. are more expensive and are not always universal to their body models. But I have seen many comparisons of Nikons vs. Canons, and realized that I should probably look into Nikons at least a little before making my purchase. What I really don’t want is to buy a camera and then become too frustrated or confused with its controls to use it to its full potential. This camera is going to be for casual use, nothing fancy. Just to take my pictures and have them look nice, maybe some creative photography, make good quality YouTube videos. So, to anyone with experience in the SLR market: Are Canons easier to use or figure out than Nikons? And to someone with a lower budget, would Canon be a better choice as far as further upgrade costs go? And if I were to look into Nikons, what would be some cameras equivalent to the T1i in the same price range? I am so new to this and would really appreciate the help!
I guess I could also consider throwing Sony into the mix… I hadn’t really looked into that one, but how does it compare with the other two as far as the points I already mentioned?
Tagged with: best choice • body models • cameras • canon • canon eos • Canon EOS Rebel • canons • creative photography • dslr • eos rebel • final choice • interface • low budget • nikon lenses • nikons • nothing fancy • sony
Filed under: Best Entry Level DSLR
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I don’t know who you are listening to, but all my Nikon DSLR camera interfaces are pretty simple to figure out. I have actually heard the other way around, where canon is the harder to figure out.
all Nikon speedlite flashes are compatible with all Nikon DSLRs
all Nikon F (pretty much all lenses made since 1957) lenses are compatible and can be used with all Nikon DSLRs. (with few exceptions, such as the large, incredibly rare and expensive 13mm f/5.6). However, since tons has changed in the way of the lenses, such as metering, autofocus, and aperture control, some features may not be available.
Nikon and Canon lenses are very comparable from built quality, price, and performance. However, I do believe that Canon lenses are a tad cheaper than the Nikon counterparts. For example, the 24-70mm from each company, the Canon is hundreds of dollars cheaper
now as what to look at, the D3100 is probably the one you would want from Nikon.
From canon, instead of the T1i, look at the T2i.
what is nice about the D3100 is that it has a guide mode, which helps novice photographers learn their camera while shooting.
as for sony, no.
Generally speaking – Canon VS Nikon
Both brands are fantastic – brand loyalty attests to that. Every Canon owner will tell you to buy Canon, every Nikon owner will tell you to buy Nikon. That alone tells you that they are both doing it right, being able to keep their customers happy.
Both companies are very similar, but each have a few little details that are slightly better than the other.
Really, it comes down to personal preference. Narrow it down to a couple of models, then go to a store where you can hold them both.
Think about friends and family – if you can borrow someone’s lenses and/or learn from their experience, it may be worth going with their brand.
You won’t go wrong with either one (says the Canon girl who loves her Canons
Whichever one you decide to buy, you will "grow into" that camera, so the camera is the least of your (purchasing) worries. Always keep in mind that buying good lenses is more important than your choice of body and be aware that you will have MANY other expenses as well, such as flash, tripod, spare battery, bag, etc etc etc.
Make sure to do a LOT of learning and research before you spend money on a DSLR – if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing, you’ll most likely regret many of your purchasing decisions a few months later.
Then once you have it, do loads more learning so you make the most out of your lovely new gear – no point having a great camera sitting on "Auto".
Both are very good cameras. But I prefer Nikon D3100 as it is less expensive than Canon and it has a guide mode for the beginners which will help you to learn photography so it is very easy to handle compared to Canon. I went through hundreds of videos in youtube and noted that Nikon is very good for a beginner.
Nikon D3100 is the best entry level DSLR. I bought it yesterday after 3-4 months research and i’m pretty happy with my purchase. It is very light. And I’m really surprised with the 1080p Video quality.
You can do a comparison from the below link.
It’s too much to give you all the details in this one answer. I will tell you that any person looking at getting a new dSLR, at the entry level, coming up from point and shoots needs to know, it’s not a Coke and Pepsi world anymore.
We are in a digital world, not film and Canon and Nikon no longer are the two giants they once were. For dSLRs it’s a three horse race, Sony Alpha is now a brand to consider. I shoot Sony alpha and I remember just 5 years ago when people would laugh and make comments about Sony not being a ‘real’ camera maker.
Now, other camera companies depend on Sony, and have to change their entire line-up and strategy because of Sony. For many years, Nikon has been using Sony image sensors in all their dSLRs from the top to the bottom. All those years that Canon and Nikon were making film cameras, Sony was making digital image sensors for virtually every camera brand you have ever heard of from cheap consumer cameras to TV studios and movie sets.
I use a Sony Alpha dSLR but I know they aren’t always the best choice. Here are a few things to know since you haven’t pulled the trigger yet. All three take a great photo, shoot nice looking video and make an overall nice product.
But there are differences. Canon has fallen behind in the image sensor dept. Take a look at every Canon dSLR from the entry level to the very expensive 7D (via DXOmark). The image sensor scores are OK for 600 bucks, not so much for 1800 bucks. That’s my main gripe with them, otherwise I have no issues with Canon at the present. They need to step up their game in this area big time. Their image sensors don’t shine until you hit the 5D mark 2.
Nikon, my main issue with them is that they don’t include a auto focus motor in their entry level cameras like the d40, d3000, 3100, 5100 etc. Not all lenses have motors, join the two and you have a manual focus-only lens.
Nikon and Sony are pulling away from Canon in the image sensor dept with superior Sony image sensors. Sony has other issues, but some advantages. They made a huge mistake in my opinion with the new a65 a77. They use image sensors with 24 megapixels, it’s fine in good light, but in low light the noise is bad, even as low as ISO 1600 it’s too noisy.
But the cheaper versions like the a35, and a55, along with the 65 and 77 can do things no other dSLR can do at any price. No other dSLR type camera can shoot video with fast auto focus. Canon and Nikon only have slow contrast detection for auto focus. So shooting fast moving sports can be almost impossible. Sony can also shoot more frames per second when compared to other cameras in their price range.
And all the lenses attached to Sony Alphas are anti shake. Sony has anti shake built into the sensor so every lens is stable. Canon and Nikon do it in the lens, and only some lenses are anti shake. On a Sony every prime lens is stable, Canon and Nikon don’t offer anti shake primes at all. you can also use any auto focus Minolta lens on a Sony alpha.
bottom line, don’t buy into anyone blowing smoke up your rear telling you that this or that brand is the best. It’s total garbage. I shoot with a Sony A700 and I waited 4 years for a semi-pro body that shot video. When it got here (the A77) I was totally let down. Sony went with the marketing hype that 24 megapixels would get them. It worked, the camera is really popular and selling a lot for being the third player. Actually the Sony NEX line is what’s selling like hot cakes.
Now Canon and Nikon have to answer. Nikon answered with the 1 series, and it’s a giant flop with enthusiast shooters. Now Canon says they will enter the game, either way they’ve lost 2 years worth of sales to Sony.
Do your research on all three, read all the reviews, focus on the features you will actually use, look at what glass costs. If you go Canon, the T2i is probably the bang for the buck deal. One last thing, I think the control thing is overrated a bit, regardless of brand. Last time I checked, every dSLR has the shutter button in the same place. good luck.