[liljj323]

i have seen many canon vs nikon arguments on this forum, and they all tend to end up the same way, around the end of the thread people just start saying things like 'nikon is better because i like it more' or 'canon is the way to go...'

basically i am starting this thread to partly help me decide between a 30d or a d200.

for all of you who want to start bashing the other company than your liking... dont. i only want to see positive comments on either side i.e. I have heard that nikon flash units seem to give better results...

[Dave]

Well I'll start by saying both cameras are excellent & most photographers will find both cameras can more than meet their needs for the years ahead.

I believe it comes down more to personal taste & how the camera feels in your hand. I was considering various Canon models vs Nikon last year & on holding the various cameras I came to the decision the D200 felt right for me...... so I bought that model.

The big expense is going to come with your lenses & once again both make excellent lenses, in addition to the likes of Sigma, Tamron etc. Here though I personally believe you get more for your money with Canon lenses, with some of the "L" lenses offering great value for money. In addition there is a bigger second hand market for Canon, so you have more choice.

So in summary ,down to personal taste

[liljj323]

i like the physical controls on the outside of the d200 and i am more familiar w/ the nikon menus, but i am certain that i could get used to the canon as well.

the nikon feels right bet its a lot more than the 30d, but that might just be that the d300 isnt for sale yet.

as of right now price will be the determining factor...

[Soupdragon]

I bought a D200 because it better suited my style of photography.
I can tell you why I went for Nikon as opposed to Canon, but it must be borne in mind that the plus points may not be important to others.
Anyway, with the diplomatic pony out of the way the Nikon has:

Built in intervalometer.
Built in strobe flash (using the pop up)
Mirror lockup without going to a custom menu.
Clearer menu system.
In-camera help (saves looking at the book)
An on/off switch you can operate with the camera at your eye.

And a couple of dozen other things.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by liljj323

as of right now price will be the determining factor...

What about then Nikon D80 then.... majority of D200 function & cheaper than Canon 30D ?

[P-E]

I've owned both Nikon D100, D2H & D2Hs & Canon 1DMKII & 20D........for me there is nothing really in it when it comes to taking pictures (imo).

[Markulous]

Sigma

[Dabhand16]

I'm throwing my hat into Dave's ring. I think the most important thing is how the camera feels to hold, and how easy is it to operate the controls?

Both makes will give exellent results, as can be seen by the pictures posted here.

If you have a particular requirement, or a subject you are going to photograph more than any other, it makes sense to lean toward the camera that will best suit your needs.

[silkstone]

Canon and Nikon play leapfrog, trying to outdo each other in the technical and PR stakes, but at the end of the day they're both very good.

I have a 30D (which of course has now been superseded by the 40D) and I'm happy with it, but I'd probably be happy with a D200 or D300. I've had Canons since 1981 so there has always been an incentive to stick with the brand so I can use existing lenses and accessories. That's the real issue - you're not buying a camera, you're buying a system.

I would say that Canon lenses etc are generally easier to find - Nikon can be in short supply when they release something new - and there's a slightly wider range of third-party accessories. On the other hand, you could argue that Nikon lenses are worth waiting for.

Try a 30D/40D against a D200/D300 in a shop and see which feels best to you. There are quite a few improvements in the latest models, so I would chose between the 40D and the D300 unless money is really tight.

[brian wright22]

First of all have you any bits already that will fit the current generation of Canon or Nikon DSLR's?.If not then then its all down to your requirements of camera size and handling ,positioning of buttons,menu access, range of lens and cost. Both will be as reliable to one another and take pictures that only you will make good or poor!!.Both cameras are neutral in this respect.
Considering the two you have mentioned they both are superb but the cost of the 30D now if that is your main criteria is the one by about -£200.
I hope this helps. Brian

[Charlotte]

Yep, I agree it's really down to personal preference, and the only way you will get to know yours is by handling a few models from each of Canon's + Nikon's range. Plan to spend an afternoon in a shop (e.g. Jessops - the larger stores have a good range) and don't be shy to try them all!

I personally feel obliged to stick with Nikon, purely because I've already invested in Nikon lenses for my D50, being my first DSLR. So it's important to make the choice between Canon and Nikon at the outset!

I get the overall impression that Canon is the more expensive route to go, but this could just be with the top-of-the-range models i.e. Canon's highest-spec DSLR is higher-spec'd and thus more expensive than Nikon's highest-spec DSLR. Whether this principle follows with lower spec'd models as well, or indeed lenses - which will be your main concern, after buying the actual camera - I can't say. However, this aspect (of expense) is worth being investigated before you make any decisions.

So, in short, I'd suggest you do two things:
1) Handle some from each side for yourself.
2) Investigate costs, particularly lenses, which will determine your future expenses as you add lenses to your collection.

(As for arguments against one or the other, I always take these with a pinch of salt, as they are mostly meant in fun But by mentioning that you wanted none of that here, you've succeeded in getting just the sensible comments that will help you, so it was a good point to make in your initial post )

[Les Meehan]

Alternatively, buy a 5x4 and be a real photographer!

[Charlotte]

Originally Posted by Les Meehan

Alternatively, buy a 5x4 and be a real photographer!

You have one for sale on the cheap, then?

[Soupdragon]

Originally Posted by Les Meehan

Alternatively, buy a 5x4 and be a real photographer!

Given the chance I'd go back to it.
The cameras are reasonably priced but, a few years back I sold my enlarger and my LF processing tanks.
I dread to think how much it would be to get that lot back again.
Having said that, I could shoot velvia and then scan the transparencies in.