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Nikon or Canon DSLR?
Gear

When shopping for your first camera you may be wondering do I get a Nikon or Canon DSLR?

I remember trying to figure out the same thing and ended up just buying what my sister had.

Instead of doing this, I have a few pieces of advice to help you figure out if you should get a Nikon or Canon DSLR.

By following these quick tips, you can easily figure out which is a better fit for you.

I’m answering your questions in a video Q & A series. Today’s question is:
I am in need of a new camera. I have narrowed it down to Nikon or Canon DSLR. Do you have any thoughts on either or both cameras? Any pros or cons on either brand?

15 Comments
  • Julie
    January 15, 2016 at 5:16 PM

    I have always used Canon because that is what type of SLR my Dad had. Love them!

    • January 25, 2016 at 4:57 PM

      My dad had a Canon SLR as well :) In fact, I have it now. Great camera!

  • Tia
    January 20, 2016 at 6:54 PM

    I have always used Nikon because the interface was very easy for me to catch onto. However, I do like Canon as well. I’ve used Canon a couple of times and was very impressed with the image quality. I think Canon is definitely better on fashion photography and some portraiture. All together, both companies have impressive selections of cameras and equipment!

    -Tia

  • Dennis
    January 21, 2016 at 2:08 PM

    Well I shot Minolta years ago and now shoot Canon. Both are great but I lean towards the Canon.

  • PeterStudden
    January 21, 2016 at 7:17 PM

    I chose Canon after my son brought a Canon bridge back from his around the world trip many years ago. I
    ‘looked after it’ for the best part of a year. I was hooked

    Some time later after some serious saving, I went to look at a Canon EOS 1100 which was on offer. I refused it, the screen did not swing out. I need the mobile screen as I am not able to ‘get down’ or even ‘up’ for some photos. I was told that the EOS 1200 had the same offer and it had the screen I needed. The rest is history.

    The instruction book was a little daunting to say the least, but having studied the basics, it was a case of ‘get down and stuck in’. Now two (or is it more) years on, I am still learning, but feel quite comfortable with it

    I think the only improvements I could make to the camera will be to buy better lenses. The kit lenses do a good enough job, but there is always room for improvement.

  • Sally - My Custard Pie
    January 22, 2016 at 1:33 AM

    It would have been nice to hear which model(s) of Nikon you use in this video. I’m thinking of upgrading my Nikon D5000 and not sure what to buy next.

    • January 25, 2016 at 4:55 PM

      Hey Sally, It’s hard for me to tell someone which model to buy next. I’m a huge believer that you shouldn’t upgrade until you know what you current camera can’t do that a new camera can do. Once you know what it is about your camera that you find restricting then you know exactly what to look for in a new camera. Combine that knowledge with your budget and you should be able to find your new camera no problem :)

  • mary
    January 26, 2016 at 2:36 PM

    Nikon is my preference, and I have been a Nikon user from the start. Their lenses are great and bodies solid. I started with a D90, then moved to D700 and now have a D800. I also shoot with an F6 as well as an FM2N, and can use all the old Nikon lenses on my newer bodies. I have attempted to use Canon before and the dials/buttons don’t seem as intuitive, and there is a plastic feel to the bodies and lenses I’ve handled. The colors are rich and true on my D800, auto white balance is very accurate, and the resolution is just right.

  • Cecilia
    January 28, 2016 at 2:17 PM

    I have a Canon eos t3i rebel and I find it great. The only thing I find uncomfortable is the dial for filming (I think they solved this in the upgraded models)

  • Mario de Réland/Purely.Simply.Photography.
    February 13, 2016 at 2:00 AM

    I have been a Canon user for many many years and it is the brand I recommend to anyone who asks me. I did buy my wife a Nikon a couple of years ago and it is actually in my Lowepro bag. I do agree with you Courtney. All your suggestions are to the point and worth considering Thank you..

  • Katie
    February 16, 2016 at 1:55 PM

    I have been pondering this exact question since I got my Nikon a few years back. There really is a Canon and a Nikon school isn’t there! I really like my Nikon D3300 but now I need to work with a lens with a lower aperture and I’m not sure if many are compatible with my camera? Any idea gratefully received!
    Thanks
    Katie
    http://www.lovefrenchstyle.com

    • March 8, 2016 at 1:30 PM

      A lot of people love either 50mm 1.8G or the 35mm 1.8 Have fun shopping :)

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