Canon and Nikon are undoubtedly the biggest camera brands in the world. Today, they are best-known for their digital single lens reflex cameras (DSLRs) as they were the first camera brands to make the move from analogue to digital. Not surprisingly, they are constantly competing with each other for the No. 1 position in the DSLR market.
Because they are always launching new cameras it’s almost impossible to assess which is the better brand. The picture is complicated further by the fact that their DSLR cameras often look similar, at first sight. However, each have their own pros and cons. DLSR cameras aimed at consumers fall into three categories; entry-level, intermediate and prosumer.
Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras have the following advantages and disadvantages:
1. Entry-level cameras, aimed at beginners, keep functionality to a minimum to avoid overwhelming the user. The Canon Rebel T3 1100 and the Nikon D3100 are examples of entry-level cameras. Both cameras are similar in many respects and both produce high quality images.
A key difference between them, though, is lens compatibility. The Nikon D3100 is not completely backwards compatibility. For example, autofocus is not supported on all Nikon AF lenses unlike the Canon Rebel T3, which is compatible with all Canon lenses. Does it matter? Well, if you’re likely to want a specialty lens in the future, the D3100 has fewer options.
Whereas the Canon Rebel T3 gives you the opportunity to purchase any Canon lenses or a wide-range of cheaper 3rd party lenses.
2. Intermediate Cameras are the next step up from entry-level cameras and are aimed at people who already have some experience of using a DSLR camera. In this category, you will find the Canon T3i 600D and the Nikon D5100.
An initial comparison between the two again reveals that there is a significant difference between the lenses. The D5100 does not have a focus motor and therefore the 11-point autofocus will not work on older Nikon lenses. On the other hand the Canon T3i is not constrained in this way and will work with all Canon lenses.
3. Prosumer Cameras. The term “prosumer” is a contraction of the words “professional” and “consumer” and not surprisingly, cameras in this category are aimed at advanced amateur photographers. A key difference with prosumer DSLR cameras is their speed. Most digital SLR camera can capture up to 3 images per second whereas prosumer cameras can capture up to 5 images per second. Examples of prosumer cameras are the Canon 60D and the Nikon D7000.
The Canon 60D has lots of features that will enable you to capture stunning images. The Nikon D7000, too, enables you to easily capture great images, particularly in low light conditions with its “Creative Lighting System”. This system gives photographers unprecedented levels of accuracy, automation and control when illuminating the subject. To achieve this with a Canon prosumer digital SLR camera you will need to purchase additional equipment.
When it comes to deciding which brand to go for when choosing a digital slr camera it’s not simple but I hope this article will help make your decision a little easier.