Canon to Nikon switch or something else?

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Ferj

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Since I started photography I've always used Canon. I currently use 2x Canon 40D with 50mm & 85mm prices & yongnuo off camera flash.

I primarily shoot portraits out on location & I've been considering switching to Nikon or an alternative system based on a budget of what I can get for my existing gear.

I would consider a single camera initially & I love wide aperture lenses so has anyone got any recommendations? Maybe Fuji, pentax or Sony have something I'm unaware of, suggestions & help greatly appreciated!
 
I was considering Nikon due to the off camera flash capabilities. In my mind I was thinking that the money I get for 2 bodies would get me 1 better one and it seemed a good opportunity to review what was available.
 
Ferj said:
I was considering Nikon due to the off camera flash capabilities. In my mind I was thinking that the money I get for 2 bodies would get me 1 better one and it seemed a good opportunity to review what was available.
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Are Nikon still ahead of Canon in that department? I know they used to be a few years ago, but my impression was that Canon had basically caught up now.
 
I made the switch from Canon to Nikon recently and haven't looked back. In terms of overall image quality there's very little between Canon and Nikon. I'd say that the AF on the 5DMKIII I owned was better than that of the D800 I switched to but the Nikon sensor has better shadow recovery. Some things seem odd after the switch but it's nothing that causes a problem.

Go with what feels right for you. :)
 
Ferj said:
Since I started photography I've always used Canon. I currently use 2x Canon 40D with 50mm & 85mm prices & yongnuo off camera flash.

I primarily shoot portraits out on location & I've been considering switching to Nikon or an alternative system based on a budget of what I can get for my existing gear.

I would consider a single camera initially & I love wide aperture lenses so has anyone got any recommendations? Maybe Fuji, pentax or Sony have something I'm unaware of, suggestions & help greatly appreciated!
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Personally I would stick with what you have.

You won't get a Nikon 50 or 85 for equivalent prices or less than your Canon ones and at best you are looking at £400 for both of your 40D bodies. You won't get more than a used D300 (or a very well used D300s) for that if you really want to do this on a cost neutral basis. I doubt you'll get anything better in a Sony or Pentax and the only thing you might be able to do is to chop it all in for a M4/3 system but your depth of field will suffer if nothing else..

If you wanted to get something like a D800 which would give you something substantially more than your 40D's and were planning to invest I could see you making a case for it but it seems to be change for change's sake IMVHO.
 
Meonshore that's exactly what I was looking for, thanks. I didn't know how it compared. Although I would love to invest more I can't at the moment, so as there's going to be no additional or real world benefit to swopping at this time - we can consider my question answered!
 
Ferj said:
Meonshore that's exactly what I was looking for, thanks. I didn't know how it compared. Although I would love to invest more I can't at the moment so as there's going to be no additional or real world benefit to swopping at the we can consider my question answered!
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Well don't just take my opinion for it....... you might be worth hearing from people who have gone to M4/3, I have a mirrorless Nikon V1 but it is very much a take anywhere camera and not one I use in anger in preference to my DSLRs it is also a much smaller sensor than an M4/3.

But having switched from Canon to Nikon when there was an issue with my bodies I wouldn't have switched from the current bodies now, or would switch back unless there was something that was really failing on my existing system - the only people that win are the people who buy your old kit and those who sell you your new stuff....
 
I'm not wanting to go down the 4/3 route really. I'm just looking at options. I've been happy with my 40D set up & get some lovely images but always like to know what alternatives there are :-)
 
The only thing I'd look at is FF. 5D MAYBE. both your 40Ds wouldn't pay for a 5Di. Maybe just. So i would look at lighting first before changing
 
I switched from Canon to Nikon about 4-5 years ago, basically when Nikon caught up on ISO performance and the D700 came out. I prefer the usability and the zero problems with mis-focus lens copies (in my experience), something I suffered with Canon several times (yes, I had multiple L lenses so know good gear and how to test it). But there is no difference worth the worry between the two brands and, in fact, on my last safari I went with a 1D Mk II N and 100-400 IS L and enjoyed it a great deal. I wouldn't really go back to Canon unless there was a compelling reason to do so, but it's just preference rather than anything tangible about the gear. If you fancy a change then go for it. The 40D is a good body but getting long in the tooth, so I'd way rather have say a SH D300s Nikon for similar money you'd get for the 2 40D's.

Another thing to consider might be trying to find some older Nikon MF or Zeiss MF lenses. The quality can be amazing. I've had new and older Zeiss and just awesome. Also worth considering a SH Voitlander 58mm. They pop up now and again and lovely brand - similar to Zeiss IQ wise but much less money and less well know so pick up a bargain! This class of lens is almost too good for portraits as captures every single blemish, but once you've had it hard to go back.
 
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what about a 2nd hand or 60D. the sensor would be a decent upgrade from your 40D's buy the layout familiar and all of your present kit and caboodle fully compatible.?
 
The old Nikon better than Canon flash issue became moot once radio TTL became available, since then you could argue that Canon has just been ahead.

However it's more moot because ETTL flash is only a small part of flash usage. So if the issue is the sensor, the question is; What are your options:

Nikon FF or crop with new flashes, and 2 replacement lenses
Canon FF and a 135mm f/2
Canon crop and no other lenses
So as Matt says, a 60d or 70d will get you improvement in almost every direction for the least cost, A 5dII will get you improved IQ but to maintain your lens lineup you'll also need a 135mm.
If you go Nikon, you have everything to replace. Which is certainly do-able but on a cost / benefit analysis I'd suggest it's a waste.
 
Thanks Phil for taking the time to go through the options looks like it might be the 60/70D option!!! Seems to make the most sense :)
 
Used 7D prices seem to have come down a fair bit as well recently. I haven't used a 70D but did prefer the handling to a 60D when i tried both (before buying the 7D).
 
Ferj said:
I was considering Nikon due to the off camera flash capabilities.
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As Phil says; as far as I'm aware, Canon are ahead when it comes to off camera flash capabilities.

Canon's 'portrait' primes are hard to go past as well. Without paying too much attention to Nikon - I can't see them offering me anything worth swapping to, when Canon have the 85 f/1.2 and 135 f/2.

Swapping systems can be costly, and will be a hassle. Only do it if you really know the grass is much greener over the fence.
 
40D are ok but a more recent full frame camera would blow them away in quality.
85mm is a good lens, but you don't say what 50mm you have, nor what flash models you have.
Sorry but it rather sounds like you're trying to do something on the cheap and blaming the capabilities of the kit you have.

Yongnuo have some good ettl flash slaves now, or a more modern body and canon flash guns would allow you to use ettl. Another possibility would be a portable studio lighting kit.

It's a bit hard to recommend as you don't mention the problems you are having, but I don't think selling your current kit and buying another brand would actually give you any better results.
 
I,m shooting with Nikon and Canon Dslrs and to be honest I would stick with your primes, and get a more up to date camera body a newer 60D or 70D should offer you far more than a s/h 5Dc.
Low iso on 5D is fine but I'm extremely disappointed with noise in shots taken at iso 400.
And you already have flash that works well for you.
 
If its off camera flash thats important to you theres no need to switch, there are loads of Canon options! I've got a set of wireless Yongnuo transceivers (full ETTL) that work a dream.
 
I have never liked Nikon lenses, mainly because of build quality and focus issues in the past, canon have a bigger range of lenses so I switched to canon I have never missed Nikon and doubt if I ever will
 
meonshore said:
Personally I would stick with what you have.

You won't get a Nikon 50 or 85 for equivalent prices or less than your Canon ones ...
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That's what I was thinking.
Getting rid of your two primes would be like shooting yourself in the foot : and how long before you are as good at using a new system's lenses?

Buy a cheap NEW Canon body and see if the sensors and colours etc are up to par with your 40D ... it won't cost much to find out.
 
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