Canon vs Nikon the debate
One of the debates that have plagued the photography world is the useless debate: Canon vs Nikon.
Now understand, when I first started photography this question was VERY important for me. I had started a quest to get the best images I could and early on, that quest involved finding out what some of my mentors used as their work was who I wanted to emulate. I had a discussion with mentor and friend David Hickey and he took a moment to express to me his feelings; “WHO GIVES A F*%K!!!?” Hickey went on to explain to me that he could shoot with anything and get a great image. I pressed him and he ended up telling me he was using then, a Canon 1D mark II. I asked WHY he wasn’t using a 1Ds Mark II? Hickey said it was too slow for how he shot. Technology waits for him, not the other way around.
I was floored! How dare he say the camera doesn’t matter? Did he not know Canon and Nikon was in a fierce battle for ultimate supremacy? That there could be only one? That I HAD to have the best camera? As it worked out, I had a Canon EOS Digital Rebel 300d and cheap 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 kit lens and used that. I was confused and floored so I went out and purchased a Nikon D100 and thus my confusion increased. Armed with both cameras, I was confused as Nikon didn’t go to ISO100 but Canon did. That automatically made Canon better, right? Right..not really.
Over the years I’ve learned many things; Nikon’s ISO200 is the same quality as Canon’s ISo100. That they both take photos. They both are only as good as the person who is using them. They both are expensive toys that cause useless debates! I’ve used Canon and Nikon both for 12 years and have switched between bodies. I have no preference between the bodies. Sure there’s a learning curve between the menus, but this curve exists when you go from “prosumer” to “pro” body of both manufactures.
Here is a series of photos that I’ve taken over the years. Some with Nikon, others with Canon. Can you tell which one was which? Bet you can’t. The best way to see which camera is best for you is to rent a body or go to a camera store and play with the body and test the menus. Bring your lens and put it on the body and see how it stacks up. Don’t let your best friends, buddy’s pro tell you what to get. When you buy a body, you’re married to it for a while. Make this a happy marriage.
