Nikon or Canon. So, you decided you want to get into photography but you ask yourself what camera should I buy? Nikon or Canon? Unsure of what camera to purchase? No worries! Let me share some tips that could help ease your process before you go and purchase your camera. As a photographer on Long Island, I was also undecided on which camera I should purchase. I love the quality Canon cameras bring to its pictures, but I also like the easier usability Nikon cameras possess. Ultimately, I decided to buy a Nikon. But that isn’t important! What’s important is that I can help you make your purchase. 

History

Let’s review the history behind these two juggernauts.

Canon and Nikon have been around as the staple brands for cameras for decades. They are usually the first things that come to mind when you think about a DSLR. I am not here to disregard other brands such as Samsung or Sony and mirrorless cameras, they are good too! But for this article, both Canon and Nikon dominate the DSLR market. 

Canon, originally known as Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory, was launched in the year 1933 in Tokyo where it began to sell its first camera, the Kwanon. A year later, in 1934, they began to trademark their name that we know today as Canon. 

Canon usually has been the “first” when it comes to features, such as creating the first camera with flash, or the first camera with a video mode. It wasn’t until 1987 when Canon released their EOS line. The first of the single-lens-reflex cameras. Canon also sells several products such as printers, calculators, and even x-ray equipment. 

Nikon is much older than Canon as they had recently celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017. But Nikon didn’t begin producing cameras until 1948, more than a decade after Canon started. 

Originally, Nikon only produce and sold lenses known as Nikkor Lenses, a line of lenses made for Nikon F-mounts also known as Nikon F that we still use today. They even produce and sold lenses for Canon cameras!! 

Nikon also produces cameras for several professional sectors such as NASA and healthcare. 

Camera Series

For Canon, the most basic camera series for beginners starts with the Rebel Series. The higher-end DSLR cameras have a single-digit number followed by a D, for example the Canon EOS-5D Mark IV, while cameras with two-digit numbers are less advanced.  The lower the number, the more advanced.

Nikon currently has their D6 as their flagship camera, marketed for professional uses, while the rest of the Full-Frame DSLRs have a three-digit number such as Nikon D750 or its recent model the D780. Crop-sensors use a 4-digit number, with the D3000 being the most basic, D5000 for beginners, and D7000 for more advanced users. (I currently own a D7200). I will talk about mirrorless at a later article. 

Image Quality

Personally, when it comes to quality photography, you can’t tell the difference between the two brands. Some people may see a difference while others don’t. For me, I prefer Canon’s shallow depth of field for more close-ups or portraits because they get a lot of detail out of the subjects. Whereas Nikon, I prefer the colors and the dynamic range on its cameras.

It’s truly up to your taste and liking. Some people would purchase a Canon first then switch to Nikon, and vice versa. Just keep in mind, the equipment doesn’t make you a good photographer. Who matters is the person behind the equipment. Also, how you retouch your images after can make a difference between a decent shot to a it-belongs-on-the-magazine.

Video

If you are planning to do videography, let me be the first to tell you that Nikon* DSLR sucks! Yes, I said it. Okay… not totally but it’s video capabilities are alright. If you’re looking to do maybe the occasional drive down on the highway by the beach for a beach-themed YouTube video, then it gets the job done but other than that, eh. 

Canon usually has been the go-to when it comes to videos. So, if you are looking to produce video content, then Canon maybe the right choice for you! 

*Keep in mind, with recent developments in mirrorless cameras, Nikon has stepped up their game when it comes to video capability.

Design

Red for Canon and yellow for Nikon, the two most obvious traits that differentiates the two brands. But holding both cameras at the same time well have you thinking, which one is right for me? Canon cameras, in my opinion, are bulkier and heavy but have a good grip. Nikon, on the other hand, have a similar design but their button placements are different (and better). 

Some, if not all Canon cameras require you to go into the screen to adjust the lighting for Manual mode, whereas Nikon Cameras can adjust the lighting right in the viewfinder using one of its buttons for either F-Stop and shutter speed (my Nikon D7200 requires me to go into the screen to adjust the ISO). 

But just like image quality, the design is totally up to the user’s taste. 

Lenses

Since both companies have been around for so long, they both produce their own line of high-quality lenses to choose from. It just depends on what type of lenses you are looking for because one brand may have a lens that the other doesn’t. They also tend to be a lot more expensive depending on the type of lens you are looking for. If that’s the case, you can take a look at other brands that produces lens such as Sigma. Their lenses pack a punch and usually are more affordable. 

Prices

Let’s face it, they both are quite expensive. Neither brand is more “affordable” than the other. It is entirely up to you on what camera you are looking to purchase and what you’re willing to spend. 

Entry-level cameras are the most affordable, such as the Nikon D3500 or the Canon EOS Rebel T7i /EOS 800D, with prices ranging from $400 to $700. For full-frame cameras, their price tags can reach over $3000. 

So, who is the winner, and what made me purchase my camera?

Let’s keep it real, they are both GREAT brands. So, the answer to who is the winner is not a definite one. There are several reasons why some of us are Nikon shooters and others are Canon. 

For example, maybe your friends always had Canon cameras and you wanted one as well, or you were taught to use a Nikon camera and you stuck to it ever since. 

At the end of the day, the people who view your pictures won’t care about what camera you used. Who matters is the person behind the camera.

I chose Nikon for its simple usability, design, and affordable price. I will admit however, I didn’t know that I made a small mistake on the type of Nikon camera I purchased. We will get into that on the next article on Crop-Censor Vs Full Frame. Nonetheless, I still love my camera and It was one of the best purchases I made.

What camera will you choose? Let me know in the comments below! If you liked this article, don’t hesitate to share with your friends and family. Follow me on Instagram @capturedbyrigo.