Arghh! Canon vs Nikon (7D vs D300/s)

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grum

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Graham
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I love my GF1, but I have a reasonable budget that I could spend on a nice DSLR. I have been getting some paid work, and for a few reasons I have been considering getting a DSLR in addition.

1) Faster AF/less shutter lag
2) Better high ISO performance
3) More lenses available, especially wide and long options
4) People take you more seriously as a photographer :)
5) I like shiny new toys

While I kind of like the idea of full frame - I'm not sure if it's worth it for me (I don't plan on shooting weddings!), and the cost of buying decent FF lenses seems pretty high. So I think I've pretty much narrowed it down to something along the lines of a Canon 7D or a Nikon D300(s) - but I really can't make my mind up. Have had a play with both - I think maybe I preferred the handling on the Nikon, but I like the movie mode on the 7D. Also no live histogram on the Nikon is a bit lame.

As far as I can see high ISO performance seems to be fairly similar.

Also it seems like maybe equivalent Canon lenses are slightly cheaper/more available s/h than Nikon? Sorry for the annoying thread but does anyone have any sensible thoughts on this? :help:

Oh and in terms of what I shoot - paid stuff is often gigs or events/festivals etc (but not events as in flogging pictures to individuals). But I like shooting landscapes/wildlife/people too.

Or maybe it doesn't really matter and either one would be great and I should stop agonising! :)
 
Both are very good cameras... how important is the video for you? I had my D90 for over a year and never used it, if you will not use it, I would go with a second hand D300. Both cameras are much of a muchness, depends on personal preference.

D300 has more focus points which may help, I would try both in a shop and see what feels best.
 
Canon owners are going to tell you to get a 7d and Nikon owners the D300/s, buy the one that feels most comfortable to use. No point in there being more bells and whistles on something if you don't like the way it handles and therefore don't use it....
 
canon make good f4 lenses that are pro grade and way cheaper the the 2.8 equivalents, the 7d is a newer and better body than the d300 (buy it new as a few early ones were all screwy)

Both are viable systems, use the one that feels right in the hand
 
Flash In The Pan said:
Canon owners are going to tell you to get a 7d and Nikon owners the D300/s, buy the one that feels most comfortable to use. No point in there being more bells and whistles on something if you don't like the way it handles and therefore don't use it....
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:agree:
 
Thanks folks.

I dunno about video - I have done bits with the GF1 - I really like the idea of doing more (and there is the potential for getting paid to do that too), but I would also need to get a new 'puter to do any serious editing. :)

Both felt right in my hand! Think I marginally prefer the positioning of the control dials on the Nikon I suppose. I like the speed of the 7D with no grip and shooting 14 bit RAW files though.

Anyone spent serious time using both?
 
Remember video mode on a DSLR is a totally different kettle of fish to what other things give you...

Forget the video, shoot some stills to see what you get. Take you flash card down Jessops and take a few shots out the window or in the street through the door. Take em home and see what you think of them.

I could tell you my opinion but its up to you!
 
I have used both and they are both great cameras.
For me Canon lenses are cheaper and on a par with the more expensive Nikons.
I think a Nikon camera offers more functions and custom set ups, but the Canon is easier to use both deliver great images.
I think it must depend on where you will be going next, if you intend to go FF in the future then the question has to be Canon or Nikon?
 
I meant to add, when you do your back to back shop test, don't let them kid you with sticking expensive glass you can't afford on it... use the closest to whatever it is you are going to be able to buy - for example don't look at things like a 70-200 2.8 unless you are going to be able to afford those 2k lenses from either...
 
I doubt he'll be testing in the shop. He'll be playing with my D300s when we get together later today, and I know he has access to a 7D to play with too.

And, you don't know what lenses he can or can't afford or justify. :)
 
No I don't know, but what I do know is that everyone has a limit and if you can only afford a 200 quid consumer kit lens then looking at top end pro glass is a false comparison :thumbs:
 
If you can only afford/justify a £200 lens, then buy a D5000 and spend the £600-700 you save on better glass, don't buy a D300s. :)
 
Thanks for your thoughts everyone. Due to an upcoming inheritance thing - I could go and buy a brand new D3s or 1D and a load of fancy glass, but i don't want to be wasteful (and the missus would kill me!). I am thinking of maybe a grand on a body and another grand or so on lens or lenses for the time being.

BTW - what's the deal with Canon lenses and full frame/crop - are there specific lenses for each? I know with Nikon there are FX and DX lenses and some people would say that it's daft to mix them up. I take it the same is true with Canon? Just thinking of potential future full frame upgrade.
 
grum said:
BTW - what's the deal with Canon lenses and full frame/crop - are there specific lenses for each? I know with Nikon there are FX and DX lenses and some people would say that it's daft to mix them up. I take it the same is true with Canon? Just thinking of potential future full frame upgrade.
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Yes, everyone (including Sigma, Tamron, Tokina etc) make "digital crop" specific lenses. In the case of Canon, they not only are different glass, but the mount is different too. EF-S mount lenses are for 1.6 crop bodies only (note I say 1.6 crop - the 1D series are 1.3 crop and EF-S don't fit them either)
 
I had the same question, canon or nikon etc with the ability to buy both.
I went with nikon in the end... and i have a d300 coming to me.
I bought it on the basis of the extra features it would give me.

Im not bothered about how a camera 'feels' ive never really understood that advise from people.
If im given a tool to work with, i practice with that tool until im comfortable working with it.

I dont think ive ever bought a camera because it was comfortable... going back to the old film days most the the cameras were bulky metal rectangles but you just got on a learnt to use them.

Personally i would buy on which camera suits your needs more.
 
grum said:
Thanks for your thoughts everyone. Due to an upcoming inheritance thing - I could go and buy a brand new D3s or 1D and a load of fancy glass, but i don't want to be wasteful (and the missus would kill me!). I am thinking of maybe a grand on a body and another grand or so on lens or lenses for the time being.

BTW - what's the deal with Canon lenses and full frame/crop - are there specific lenses for each? I know with Nikon there are FX and DX lenses and some people would say that it's daft to mix them up. I take it the same is true with Canon? Just thinking of potential future full frame upgrade.
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As Darren said, try the cameras for yourself. I shoot a Nikon D300, but you need to make sure you get what is right for you..

I would do the following if I was in your situation.

1st. Sit down and work out if a specific area of photography interests you. IE Macro, people, motorsport etc.
this will help with lens choises and will stop you making expensive mistakes..

You would probably be better off going with something like the D300s over a D3s too for now..

Lenses like the 10.5mm fisheye,50mm G F1.4, 85mm F1.4, 105 F2.8 Macro, 14-24.. 24-70mm, 70-200mm will cost a small fortune but will serve you well for years. Obviously this can be adjusted to suit what you will be shooting...

2nd. Look again at the final choice of above equipment, with a clear head..

Think about whether you need lighting or flashguns, if you plan on doing strobist stuff with Nikon SB-800s (only secondhand now) or the SB-900 will allow you to use Nikon Creative lighting, which is very useful.

Or you could budget in something like the Lencarta Safari etc for more power..


Lots to think about, but hopefully some sort of help, in moving in the right direction..
 
evilonion said:
I dont think ive ever bought a camera because it was comfortable...
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Some cameras are just awkward to hold, and not as intuitive to change settings on the fly. Personally, I'd rather just be able to change settings as I go and not have to think about it rather than waste time sifting through menus and miss the shot.

Different people find different things intuitive or more "natural" to perform.
 
I bought the Nikon D70 over a Canon 350D because my knuckles scraped the lens on the small 350D body/grip. :shrug: The D70 just felt perfect. :D So trying out holding the cameras can make a difference. ;)

Having used Nikon for awhile, I find the two position power switch on the XXD series particularly confusing (why Canon? :shrug:) whenever I have to use them, and the menu layout is confusing as well once you're used to something different. :bang:

Whether you'd be able to pick up any user interface issues from a brief play in a shop is another thing, but you could see if it feels comfortable in the hand. If the camera is uncomfortable and/or a bad experience to use, you're more likely not to use it as much imho. ;) :)
 
Grum,

I know you're on the Singletrack forum too, do you take a lot of MTB pics? The AF on the D300s is fantastic, and I like the focus mode selector switch over the button and dial approach on the 7D. I understand the Nikon speedlight set up is better too, but I've not got into the depths of it.

Having said that, the 7D is higher resolution which may be a consideration. Just a thought.

For the record I'm using Olympus at the moment, not particularly biased in the Nikon/Canon debate.
 
Thanks people - just to reiterate though, I have handled both cameras a reasonable amount ;)

Hi vchaney - I do take quite a few pics when out riding, but I think I will stick with the GF1 for that mostly.

I would like to try taking some mtb action stuff with off camera flashes etc though. I suspect the Nikon AF would be better for the low light gig photography as well.

Though I really like taking landscapes too and the extra resolution of the 7D would be nice for making big prints (and for wildlife which I quite like too). :lol:
 
Hi Graham, its a tough decision when you are looking to spend a reasonable amount of money on a camera and lens/lenses. There was a magazine comparison on these 2 cameras a few months ago and the differences between the two were minimal, with the canon 7D winning by a gnats whisker mainly due to it's newer technolgy. Therefore I think it really comes down to which one you find easiest to use and the most intuitive as they are both fantastic cameras and will meet you photography needs.
 
grum said:
Thanks for your thoughts everyone. Due to an upcoming inheritance thing - I could go and buy a brand new D3s or 1D and a load of fancy glass, but i don't want to be wasteful (and the missus would kill me!)...
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LCE in Exeter have a D3s in the window now - if you don't want one could you buy it for me, please? :)




Pretty-please? :D
 
I am a Nikon user (currently with a D3) and have tried out both cameras. Despite my familiarity with the nikon system i actually preferred the Canon 7D over the d300s (but then I used be a canon boy, so maybe its my true calling)

In the end its up to you and I guarantee that you will love either one as they are both decent bits of kit.
 
grum said:
BTW - what's the deal with Canon lenses and full frame/crop - are there specific lenses for each? I know with Nikon there are FX and DX lenses and some people would say that it's daft to mix them up. I take it the same is true with Canon? Just thinking of potential future full frame upgrade.
Click to expand...

I believe the EF and EFS mounts will fit the 7D, however if you went full frame with a 5d or 5dII only the EF lenses would fit.
 
Cheers Samuel. I'm leaning towards the 7D at the moment I have to say. Going to have another play with both though before I make up my mind. I reckon I would be happy with either.
 
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