Canon vs. Nikon: which is better?
Do you choose Canon? or Nikon? The rivalry has existed since the dawn of SLRs, and ranks in the top rivalries like that of Apple vs. Microsoft, The Redsox vs. Yankees, or Coke vs. Pepsi. Which line is better? The real answer, is neither. Each brand has it's strengths and weaknesses, yes, but which should you buy?
Really, both are great; especially if you're only a beginner. You want to make sure it feels right though, since any future lens purchases must be compatible. That is, unless you can afford to switch. But what are the differences? I'm not even going to begin talking about picture quality, because really, if there is a difference, you won't notice it with the human eye (that also comes down to various factors like lenses, and model types).
Here are some examples of how these two brands differ:
Touchscreen & Variable Angles
Some Canon cameras have both a variable-angle screen combined with a touchscreen - this comes in handy when you need to take awkwardly angled shots. Nikon offers variable-angle screens as well, but has not yet unveiled the combined technologies. This can be a very useful feature if you need it.
No Anti-Aliasing
The Nikon D800E, and some other Nikon models don't have the standard anti-aliasing filter that is built into cameras. What this does is it eliminates the automatic "softening" of photos that will sometimes appear in photos with heavily repeating patterns, like a striped shirt, resulting in an even sharper image. Some Canon models have a variation of these filters that allow more infrared light, which make them great for night photography. It's about preference here.
Video
Nikon was the first brand to unveil HD video capability, with the D90. But Canon soon after released its version. Both brands are capable of producing extremely good video, but Canon has developed lenses specifically for the purpose of shooting video.
Handling
It's all about what feels right in your hands. Canon and Nikon use different names for the same things, they place buttons in different places, and the zoom and dials work opposite each other. Again, preference. Both brands produce a high quality end-product.
The real question you should be asking yourself is: DX, or FX camera? But that's a post for another day. Both Paul and Lauren use Canon, while Allie shoots with Nikon. So good news: our newest instructor will be able to cover the bases for our Nikon users! (Thanks to Marcus Hawkin's article: Canon vs Nikon: the DSLR comparison you’ve been waiting for)
