Considering Swapping To Nikon...

The23rdman

The23rdman

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My 350D has developed a fault meaning it doesn't work in low temperatures. Rather than pay nearly what it's worth to fix I'm going to buy another body. My initial thoughts are to buy a used 40D as this is possibly the best body I can afford right now...

Unless, I swap over to Nikon. Why? Well, I've read lots about Canon's customer service and I'm not overly impressed with the fault that occurs a lot, it seems, with the shutter contact getting dirty. Seems like a design fault to me and Canon charge the earth to fix it.

So, do I sell my nifty fifty and 10-22mm (the only lens I own that're dedicated Canon) and 350D as it is and swap over to Nikon? I'm looking at a D200 or 300.
 
If it were me id stay with canon, ive just upgraded from a 400d to a 40d and its awesome, i managed to pick up a mint 40d and 17-85mm IS lens for £550, with only 2100 clicks....:thumbs:
:canon:
 
It's about money as well, really. I picked up my 10-22mm for a song (£320) so will make a few quid that can go towards the switch. I guess the sensible thing to do is go and have a play with both cameras (or something near).

Mike, I'm not sure about the metering. Rings a bell though.
 
I think its fair to say that the Nikon owners will generally say yes, the canonites, no. There are plenty of threads round here about people that have done it, and some with considerably more kit than you currently have [based on yor canon only stuff] There are a few that have gone back, or gone the other way.

The best advise I can offer, sitting firmly on the fence here, is go and try out the Nikons, if you haven't already, and see if you are comfortable with them. Perhaps even hire one for a day before splashing out on buying. As you point out, you dont have too much to lose by changing at the moment, but it would still be an expensive mistake if it wasn't right for you. As always, buy the best you can afford, D200 is an excellent camera, the D300 is even better [I have had both] but even the D90 has to be worth a look at, depending on your budget.

In terms of customer service, I imagine you will read as many 'bad' experiences of Nikon as you will Canon, simply because people only ever broadcast their problems, you rarely hear the good experiences unless you ask.

Ultimately, its totally up to you, I would just say dont buy anything, either another Canon or a Nikon unless you are completely sure its what you want to do ;)
 
I'm pretty sure that your Siggy 18-50 won't fit on a Nikon, but in saying that all your Tamron lenses will and with better fuctionality than on a Canon body assuming you use an AIS adapter.

The main thing to think about is that what will you replace your 10-22mm and 18-50mm with and how much more that will cost you?

Both the 40D and the D200/D300 are great cameras, if I was starting out now I would probably go with the Nikon D300 from those mentioned, although in your position I would probably stick with Canon!
 
Yv said:
I think its fair to say that the Nikon owners will generally say yes, the canonites, no. There are plenty of threads round here about people that have done it, and some with considerably more kit than you currently have [based on yor canon only stuff] There are a few that have gone back, or gone the other way.

The best advise I can offer, sitting firmly on the fence here, is go and try out the Nikons, if you haven't already, and see if you are comfortable with them. Perhaps even hire one for a day before splashing out on buying. As you point out, you dont have too much to lose by changing at the moment, but it would still be an expensive mistake if it wasn't right for you. As always, buy the best you can afford, D200 is an excellent camera, the D300 is even better [I have had both] but even the D90 has to be worth a look at, depending on your budget.

In terms of customer service, I imagine you will read as many 'bad' experiences of Nikon as you will Canon, simply because people only ever broadcast their problems, you rarely hear the good experiences unless you ask.

Ultimately, its totally up to you, I would just say dont buy anything, either another Canon or a Nikon unless you are completely sure its what you want to do ;)
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Excellent advice, thank you.

EdBray said:
I'm pretty sure that your Siggy 18-50 won't fit on a Nikon, but in saying that all your Tamron lenses will and with better fuctionality than on a Canon body assuming you use an AIS adapter.

The main thing to think about is that what will you replace your 10-22mm and 18-50mm with and how much more that will cost you?

Both the 40D and the D200/D300 are great cameras, if I was starting out now I would probably go with the Nikon D300 from those mentioned, although in your position I would probably stick with Canon!
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Ed, the 18-50mm isn't mine - it's on semi-permanent loan, but it's also broken. I'm planning a Tamron 17-55mm f2.8 in the future to replace it so it's no skin whether I use it or not.
 
I've just made the switch. The first thing you'll find is that nothing is where it "should" be, The menus are all different, the Nikon glass is more expensive, but I have to say I'm impressed at the moment.
 
dod said:
I've just made the switch. The first thing you'll find is that nothing is where it "should" be, The menus are all different, the Nikon glass is more expensive, but I have to say I'm impressed at the moment.
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That's true about the glass, yes. Mmm, there's also a mint 40D on the bay right now...
 
The23rdman said:
Excellent advice, thank you.



Ed, the 18-50mm isn't mine - it's on semi-permanent loan, but it's also broken. I'm planning a Tamron 17-55mm f2.8 in the future to replace it so it's no skin whether I use it or not.
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Well in that case I would say it's a no brainer, D300 all the way! Just because all your Tammies will work much easier. With what you get from your 10-22 EFs you could get an 11-16 f2.8 Tokina and have some spare cash to put to your 17-55 Tamron too!
 
I have been hummin and ahhin over this for some time..but have decided to stay with Canon,too much Canon glass :(..But i think if i was just starting out i would probably go Nikon..just my thoughts..:thumbs:
 
Okay, looking at price on eBay there's no way I can afford a D300 especially when I can pick up a mint 40D for half the price. So how does the D200 compare?
 
Actually, forget that. The D200 doesn't have liveview, does it?
 
The23rdman said:
Actually, forget that. The D200 doesn't have liveview, does it?
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Thats right - it was designed before the lunatics took over the asylum ;)

The D200 is a superb camera, especially for landscape work (superior to the D300 due to its proper base ISO 100, and cleaner skies)
 
puddleduck said:
Thats right - it was designed before the lunatics took over the asylum ;)

The D200 is a superb camera, especially for landscape work (superior to the D300 due to its proper base ISO 100, and cleaner skies)
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I had it in my head that I needed liveview for my manual lenses, but remember I've sorted my focusing issues now. T'was my diopter. D200's are very cheap too.
 
Okay, how about high iso performance? D200 or 40D?
 
The23rdman said:
I had it in my head that I needed liveview for my manual lenses, but remember I've sorted my focusing issues now. T'was my diopter. D200's are very cheap too.
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The D200 will give you focus confirmation with AI-S lenses, and full metering too.
 
Mmm, food for thought. Thanks everyone.
 
D200 doesnt do high ISO very well, ok upto 800, then gets very patchy....however, I refer you back to my D90 comment, liveview and good high ISO performance, but with a lower price tag than the D300. Can't comment on 40D, just don't know.

Like I say, dont jump into buying any of them just yet ;)
 
I'm not keen on buying another consumer camera, Yv. I want something a bit sturdier now. :)
 
I would say if no budget restraints go for D300 if money is a consideration the D200 is an excellent camera and can be bought at a reasonable price with low clicks.
As you are in Leeds you could keep an eye on Dales used equipment, I have found them to be outstanding and you also get a warrenty.
 
Yv said:
**jumps off fence**

Then splash out, get a D300, its brilliant :lol:
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I'd love to, but there isn't anything there to splash with. ;)

Goneforagasper said:
I would say if no budget restraints go for D300 if money is a consideration the D200 is an excellent camera and can be bought at a reasonable price with low clicks.
As you are in Leeds you could keep an eye on Dales used equipment, I have found them to be outstanding and you also get a warrenty.
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Will do, ta. :thumbs:
 
The23rdman said:
Okay, how about high iso performance? D200 or 40D?
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40D better than D200.

D90 is a very good bet as Yv says.

In the end, you will see improvment with either range moving up from a 350D.

I looked at changing earlier this year and decided not too and invested in extra Canon glass with the money I was considering using to fund the swap. For me, it was the right choice. But each to their own.
 
yes

The23rdman said:
My 350D has developed a fault meaning it doesn't work in low temperatures. Rather than pay nearly what it's worth to fix I'm going to buy another body. My initial thoughts are to buy a used 40D as this is possibly the best body I can afford right now...

Unless, I swap over to Nikon. Why? Well, I've read lots about Canon's customer service and I'm not overly impressed with the fault that occurs a lot, it seems, with the shutter contact getting dirty. Seems like a design fault to me and Canon charge the earth to fix it.

So, do I sell my nifty fifty and 10-22mm (the only lens I own that're dedicated Canon) and 350D as it is and swap over to Nikon? I'm looking at a D200 or 300.
Click to expand...
 
I have to say that changing to Nikon because of some alleged design fault with Canon is the worst reason I've heard for a while. Never heard of the problem either.

Nothing against Nikon, 50/50 with Canon if you ask me with various pros and cons on both sides. Go for it if that's what you want and it adds up financially (which it probably won't). But not on the basis of reliability or service.

Check the availability and cost of the lenses you might want before you jump - Canon is much stronger in some areas.
 
A few years ago i upgraded from a Canon 350d to a 30d.

Considering Swapping To Nikon...
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I'm of the same mind at present.

Although my opinion is, if you cant afford a Nikon d90/d300 buy a Canon 40d
 
I have moved to Nikon because I want a bigger screen and a more robust camera. Not that there is anything wrong with Canon, but a Nikon came up with all I need in my price range. Unless you can say for definite there is an issue (and not hearsay) then it's not a sound basis to change. Lenses are a big issue too - I am getting more and more scared the more I look at prices - but I expected that.

What I am saying is that so far, I've not read anything here that would justify *me* changing at all.

Arthur
 
If you are happy with your lenses then I would go for a 40D or if you can stretch to it, a 50D.
If you want to start again from scratch and change to Nikon then fair enough.
You would find that a 40D / 50D is a good upgrade from a 350D.
I agree with HoppyUK in respect that it's 50/50 with Canon and Nikon.
Like most things it's swings and roundabouts.
 
The shutter issue is a real one. Trust me, I've been searching for a home fix for over a week online and have come up with plenty cases.

As it is though I've decided to stay with Canon based on all your advice. :)
 
Nikon D300S Now with a FREE SB900 flash worth £319:clap: - If you wanted a flash you are in Now is the time to Leave the dark side and come into the light flooded world of Nikon ownership.

That means the D300s is going for 795.00:thumbs:

Since I have now read the blurb on it - it is only the D300s - I bought a D300 so I did not qualify:thumbsdown:

Still a great deal now though for you:nikon:
 
The23rdman said:
As it is though I've decided to stay with Canon based on all your advice. :)
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Phew, another one swayed away from the darkside.
My mission continues :D
 
The23rdman said:
The shutter issue is a real one. Trust me, I've been searching for a home fix for over a week online and have come up with plenty cases.

As it is though I've decided to stay with Canon based on all your advice. :)
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You mean, trust the internet! :eek:

You can prove anything with google. Nikon lenses are better than Canon. Canon IS is great, Nikon VR is rubbish. Old Nikon lenses work 100% on new cameras. All Canons have got dodgy shutters... :shrug:

I don't believe any of that is true!
 
Richard, where did I say all Canons have dodgy shutters? It IS an issue. How big an issue is really the gray area.

As it is I'm staying with Canon because I like my lenses (especially the 10-22mm) and the 40D prpbably has the best high ISO performance in the price range I can afford.
 
The23rdman said:
Richard, where did I say all Canons have dodgy shutters? It IS an issue. How big an issue is really the gray area.

As it is I'm staying with Canon because I like my lenses (especially the 10-22mm) and the 40D prpbably has the best high ISO performance in the price range I can afford.
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I didn't say that either, just using it as an example of how unreliable the internet can be. I have a 350D, I would hazzard a guess that it is the single biggest selling DSLR of all time, and I have never heard of this issue and if it was a common problem Canon would have fixed it or else have their service centres overrun with faulty cameras.

It is also the only reason you have given for wanting to change to Nikon.
 
Fair enough, it's not worth arguing over. :DI think we've had a communication breakdown here, Richard. Yes, it was my only reason, and you're right, it wasn't a good enough one. I did say I was considering the change, not that it was a cert. I wanted to weigh up the pros and cons and it makes sense to stay with Canon. I had my knickers in a twist from all the stories I'd read, but you're right that there's no particular reason why they should be more unreliable.
 
LASTOLITE said:
Nikon D300S Now with a FREE SB900 flash worth £319:clap: - If you wanted a flash you are in Now is the time to Leave the dark side and come into the light flooded world of Nikon ownership.

That means the D300s is going for 795.00:thumbs:

Since I have now read the blurb on it - it is only the D300s - I bought a D300 so I did not qualify:thumbsdown:

Still a great deal now though for you:nikon:
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Can anyone tell me if his is still on offer?

I can't find any promotional info about it..
 
Canon 1D mk2 looks very tempting now, and they are robust pro cameras with accurate focusing. 10-22 would have to go in that case, but 17-40 should be available for similar price.
But if you want to go Nikon do it now, or else you will soon find yourself with too much Canon gear to swap. Realistically I am now stuck with Canon forever regardless.
 
daugirdas said:
Canon 1D mk2 looks very tempting now, and they are robust pro cameras with accurate focusing. 10-22 would have to go in that case, but 17-40 should be available for similar price.
But if you want to go Nikon do it now, or else you will soon find yourself with too much Canon gear to swap. Realistically I am now stuck with Canon forever regardless.
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Nope, can be adapted very easily!
 
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