Nikon and Canon DSLR - which is popular in India?

[AMITNOIDA]

I want to upgrade my photographic gear from Sony DSC H3 p&s to DSLR. I like the size and solid feel of DSLR in my hand. The camera will be mainly used for :
- Landscape
- Street photography
- Low light / night photography
- Portrait
- Abstract
- Macro

Among the DSLR brands, two most important in India are Nikon and Canon. Other brands like Olympus etc. are not so popular - may be due to lack of support & service issue here.

Whatever, I found among my friends & relatives, maximum of them prefer Nikon DSLR. Any specific reason? Is it service, performance, price of lenses or what?

I know, there are many photography enthusiasts in our Forum. I like to get their comments and opinions.

Regards

Amit

 

[Nikhil]

Canon was ahead earlier but in the past 5-10 years Nikon has surged ahead for some reason. For me it has been the fact that my local dealer has switched to Nikon in a big way and although he also offers Canon the first preference is Nikon. Its probably a successful marketing campaign but it has definitely caught Canon on its heels. The Nikon product range is top notch as well - very comprehensive range of after market lenses as well which is important in the DSLR segment.

Between the two you really can't go wrong. Pick the brand with which you get the best local support. Having said that the official warranty by both companies are very limited only covering for manufacturing defects. Local support from a good dealer is very important.

What you should also know is that you can get very good VFM in the used market. So if you are not sure - buy used usually one or two models off the latest models and you will do very well. Once you know your way around you can make a better choice.

 

[IndianEars]

Check Out This Thread :

http://www.hifivision.com/general-lounge/39953-entry-level-dslr-buy-2.html

The Nikon vs Canon debate has been adequately ventilated ( even though the thread title is for a non DSLR.

 

[adder]

Well i bought a Sony SLT but if i a had a choice between canon and nikon ,i would go with nikon.
Since from the launch of the D90 their APS-C camera have been overall ahead of canon and lately the sensor performance of canon APS-C cameras is lagging behind Nikon,Sony,Pentax etc.

Canon essentially is using the same old 550D sensor in their new cameras including 700D .
Where as Nikon is using Sony and toshiba sensors which are way ahead of the canon in all parameters.

The canon Rebel cameras again are not ergonomically as good as the nikon cameras atleast in my hands and appear more flimsy.

The other reason why i like Nikon is that my first camera was a nikon as was my first SLR(film).

But in the end i choose a Sony A57 SLT which ticked all the right boxes and overall a better camera then what the competition offered at that time.Had there been the Nikon D5200 when i bought the SLT,i could have bought the nikon but after using the SLT i can't go back to a camera which has a OVF and which uses CDAF in live view.

 

[AMITNOIDA]

Thanks Nikhil and Adder for sharing that Nikon surged ahead of Canon in last few years and the sensor in Nikon camera are better than Canon camera.

Thanks Indianears for sharing a very lively thread on the subject.

I am in dilemma between Nikon D7000 and Canon EOS 60D. Checked both the cameras in my hand. I find 60D better fitted in my hand and has better contour and control buttons are well laid out. Its LCD screen is better than Nikon and it can be tilted. It is a very imporntant issue to me because of my inability to quickly sit and squat while taking photographs due to knee problem.

But D7000 has better low light performance specially at higher ISO.

Both the cameras are good and have their admirers. My heart says D7000 but my brain says 60D due to better feeling in my hand and tilted LCD screen.

What I have found that equivalent lenses of Nikon are cheaper than Canon.Example Canon EF 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 IS USM costs around 57k, whereas Nikkor AF-s VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF ED costs around 29k, so from lenses cost point of view Nikon may be better choice over Canon.

For D7000 the probable lenses are 18-105 mm kit lens + 35 mm f 1.8G + 70-300 mm f 4-5.6G tele photo lens
For 60D the lenses are 18-55 kit lens + EF-S 55-250 mm f 4-5.6 IS + 50 mm f 1.8.

If I finally decide for 60D, will it be a bad decision considering its capability and performance in low light situations?

Or, will it be wise to go for Nikon D7000 for its better sensor even it does not have tilted screen?

 

[Record Player]

Why don't you look at the Canon 7D. The Canon 7D has significant upgrades over all of its predecessors including the 60D. Its a top of the line model and most sort after these days.

 

[Nikhil]

Amit, I personally rate low light performance very high. Many times we find ourselves trying to take pictures at parties or get togethers where you have low light situations. We also find ourselves trying to take those pictures without flash etc.

 

[AMITNOIDA]

The opinion so far in this thread is in favour of Nikon.

I have read in photo.net regarding D7000:
'It is a very sophisticated device. I have pushed nearly 10,000 exposures through it and still feel very much on the beginning of the learning curve. Don't expect to pick it up and shoot immediately and get all of the benefits of the platform. This is a jump in technology and requires substantial learning.'

The above statement is getting me nervous. Is it really so difficult and complicated?

Shall I have to join any tutorial course to understand the camera to workable level?

 

[Nikhil]

A course in photography would be recommended if you are looking to shoot manually.
For me, I just use Auto focus 99% of the time! Don't worry you will be fine.

 

[Shivam]

Choose Nikon / Canon based on the availability of lenses, accessories and support in your area. Sometimes if you have friends who use one of these brands then it makes sense to stick to the same brand since you will be able to share various lenses. Both brands are equally good.

Regardless of the brand which you use, the final results always depend on the photographer and not on the camera alone.

I use Nikon since I had many old lenses for Nikon mount which I wanted to keep on using. My wife opted for Nikon since she had the opportunity of borrowing my lenses.

 

[vktarun]

Hi,

following pointers may be useful in deciding Canon Vs Nikon.

1. Crop factor in Nikon is 1.5 whereas Canon has 1.6.
2. Nikon camera & accessories are more easily available in grey market, therefore professionals prefer it.
3. there is slight difference in white balance. canon is a bit warm whereas nikon is cool. however in both the cases it can be tweaked to your preference.
4. I personally prefer Canon over Nikon.

Regards,

Vipin.

 

[udaykhan]

What I have found that equivalent lenses of Nikon are cheaper than Canon.Example Canon EF 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 IS USM costs around 57k, whereas Nikkor AF-s VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF ED costs around 29k, so from lenses cost point of view Nikon may be better choice over Canon.

This is because Nikons use sensor based optical image stabilization so lenses don't need to incorporate IS. Canons use lens based OIS so the IS is done in the lenses. In other words you are paying for OIS for each lens you buy.

 

[Record Player]

Amit - A couple of questions. Were you comfortable with the Sony DSC H3 in terms of its operational features. Also, did you use the manual options for shooting? You have mentioned the type of photography you would like to explore. However, I understand this is not going to be your profession. You don't really need to get into so much of detail.

I'mm a hobby wildlife photographer meself. I can say I have advanced to the semi professional category now but not an expert. I still use a Canon 40D which is quite an old model but a highly recommended body. Gives me excellent shots with my set of prime and zoom lenses. I never attended any courses but had friends give me a few on the job tips and I did a lot of self reading from the net (loads available).

Get acquainted on the basics of photography and apply your learning on field. From there is its learning and improvement in time to come.

So IMHO, pick a decent Canon or Nikon DSLR. Both are highly recommended and see how it goes. If need be later, attend a course if you need to.

I've recommended to most of my friends who are entering the DSLR world to start with entry level SLRs.

Cheers and hope you settle down with a choice.

 

[AMITNOIDA]

I'mm a hobby wildlife photographer meself. I can say I have advanced to the semi professional category now but not an expert. I still use a Canon 40D which is quite an old model but a highly recommended body. Gives me excellent shots with my set of prime and zoom lenses. I never attended any courses but had friends give me a few on the job tips and I did a lot of self reading from the net (loads available).

Hi Recordplayer,
Thanks for your valuable suggestion. I will settle with my decision by this weekend. I am reading a lot from the net regarding review and practical experiences of various users of 3-4 shortlisted models e.g. Nikon D5100, D90, D7000 and Canon 60D. I am open for used camera also. Checked a few from Olx. Is it advisable to purchase used gears from Olx or similar site?

BTW, what prime and zoom lenses do you have and frequently use? If you can suggest few good lenses to start with and their strengths and performances, it would be very nice.
Thanks

 

[adder]

This is because Nikons use sensor based optical image stabilization so lenses don't need to incorporate IS. Canons use lens based OIS so the IS is done in the lenses. In other words you are paying for OIS for each lens you buy.

Nikon doesn't have sensor based stabilization .Only Sony and olympus offers that so every lens you put in the camera gets stabilized.

All nikon and canon cameras have to rely on the In lens stabilization.

@Amit
Nikon lens where expensive then canon .But now its just that canon has jacked up the price from the last few years.People were complaining about Sony lenses being expensive now they look like a bargain.:lol:

 

[AMITNOIDA]

Just going through the pictures taken in Fujifilm X-E1 camera available in net. The low light and indoor photos are so life-like and sharp. The colours are briliantly true and does not get heightened at all. No yellowish colouration, which I noticed in Nikon photos. Specially the close up photos of various food dishes by X-E1 are top notch. It can be a backup camera, because the landscapes are not that much vivid like Canon/ Nikon. But for indoor photography, X-E1 must be a good camera. Fuji 35mm f/1.4 is a really nice and sharp lens and can be a very good companion with X-E1.

Hmm.. let me not divert to the backup camera, when I am yet to decide on the main SLR camera. I am limiting myself between Nikon and Canon only. Lens cost-wise Nikon is a better deal. The Nikon Kit lenses are also not bad, specially the kit lens with D7000.

 

[adder]

Why not just go mirrorless? It can do everything a DSLR can do,some even focus and track as fast as DSLR*.

 

[shubham garg]

I think it it would be useful to take a look on some factors like sales, products demand and much more to decide for yourself which you think is better for photography purpose. Well i personally go for Canon.

 

[Record Player]

Hi Recordplayer,
Thanks for your valuable suggestion. I will settle with my decision by this weekend. I am reading a lot from the net regarding review and practical experiences of various users of 3-4 shortlisted models e.g. Nikon D5100, D90, D7000 and Canon 60D. I am open for used camera also. Checked a few from Olx. Is it advisable to purchase used gears from Olx or similar site?

BTW, what prime and zoom lenses do you have and frequently use? If you can suggest few good lenses to start with and their strengths and performances, it would be very nice.
Thanks

Your welcome Amit. Used is also a good idea, however picking one from a known person is a better and safe choice. Spread the word amongst your friends and see if you can get a sparingly used DLSR body with prefrably very few clicks. You get softwares to check the number a clicks taken. You do get genuine sellers on Olx as well but have a experienced person with you to have a look.

The lenses I use are primarily for wildlife. I use the Canon 100-400mm IS USM, 300mm IS USM and the 400mm IS USM Lens with 1.4x TC being used as well.

For your type of photography, I suggest a decent aperture wide angle lens to start with.

Let me know how it goes. We can look at lens options once you decide on the body and make.

Cheers...

 

[AMITNOIDA]

As planned, finalisation of the DSLR model has been done today evening. It is Canon 60D. Tomorrow I will purchase. As a sweet surprise, Canon has reduced the 60D price by approx. 6k yesterday. The body will cost around 48K (although there would be some scope for a bit bargaining).

Now, the next task is to select the lenses.

For our probable tour to Kashmir in June end, I plan to pick up the following three lenses along with the body:

1) 18-55 kit lens
2) EF-S 55-250 mm f/4-5.6 IS
3) EF 50 mm f/1.8 II

The total package cost would come around 76-77 k including body.

Here I need your advise and suggestion. Are my selection sensible, or should I select something else? If the cost goes up, I may opt for purchase of lenses in EMIs.

Regards

Amit