Canon vs Nikon DSLR cameras

Anyone who's read a photography magazine of late, would notice there seems to be an ongoing battle between Canon vs Nikon digital SLR cameras. Both multi-billion dollar companies have been developing very high quality products over may decades. As it seems, one year Canon will gain the edge in the digital SLR camera market, then the next Nikon will forge ahead!

Which is better, Canon or Nikon DSLR cameras?

This is a question I'm asked by beginners time and time again. Usually I answer, saying neither is better than the other. Those who point you to one or the other, are often biased and base their recommendations on their own personal preference. Of course if you ask a Canon photographer, they'll say buy a Canon DSLR, and vice versa.

Personally I shoot with Canon, where as my partner enjoys Nikon. Why?

When I first started photography, the local camera store only dealt with Canon digital SLR equipment. So I purchased a Canon 400D and a couple of good quality lenses to boot! Over the next year or so I continued to buy Canon camera gear. When it was time to upgrade, I found as long as I continued to buy Canon DSLRs, there was no reason to repurchase new lenses.

My partner, as much as he loved carrying around my tripod, also became interested in photography. By this time, a different camera store had Nikon D60 on sale, cheaper than any other entry level cameras at the time. Hence, he started his photography with a Nikon.

As with most photographers, we continued with the brand we first gained trust in and became familiar with. Hence, if you're yet to purchase your first digital SLR, now is the time to make your choice, Canon or Nikon?

Having had experience with both Canon and Nikon, I can honestly say there is very little difference between the two cameras. The image quality of both brands is exceptional.

In terms of features, it's often that close to a tie it doesn't matter! As I said earlier, they tend to leap frog each other. One will out do the other, then next you hear, the company behind will bring out a new SLR to counteract it. This competition is always great for photographers :)

Personally, I find on entry level DSLRs, Canon places all the main settings and knobs around the LCD screen where they are easily found. Whereas Nikon requires photographers to take a couple more steps when changing settings. However, when it comes to settings, it really comes down to what you get used to. It's up to you, to know your camera!

So how do you decide ... surely there has to be some difference?

As a family with experience in both brands, the main difference seems to come down to lenses.

The first point in question, the price! After studying prices on Amazon, it seems Canon offers cheaper lenses than Nikon (on average, for similiar quality). While there is very little difference when it comes to general purpose lenses, you do see a jump in price when looking for professional glass. For example, Canon L 17-40mm is $382 cheaper than Nikon counterpart 16-35mm f/4G AF-S. Or the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM is $200 cheaper than the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S.

Canon at this stage seems to have a larger choice to suit all budgets and needs, from EF-S lenses, DO lenses, professional L range, as well as a variety of general purpose lenses.

Having said that, for consumer grade lenses, especially general purpose lens, Nikon's image quality surpasses Canon. You only have to read comments on Flickr message forums to realise that photographers who purchase a Nikon entry level DSLR are more happy with the lens packaged with their kits, than Canon counterparts. In other words, if you are looking to purchase a kit that couples a good camera with a good learning lens that you won't be looking at replacing any time soon, then Nikon is the way to go.

In summary

Who should choose Nikon (generally speaking) - Those wanting a starter kit that includes a camera body + 1 or 2 good lenses that they won't need to upgrade any time soon. Photographers after great general purpose lenses (quality vs value).

Who should choose Canon - Great for professionals or serious amateurs. Canon offers a wider range of lenses down the track to suit a variety of budgets. At the professional level, they are generally cheaper than Nikon lenses. That's not to say it will always be the case.

Note: Professionals often own both Canon and Nikon over their careers for many different reasons.