Anyone switch from Nikon to Canon?

[jimmy88]

Hi all, for those who have shifted from being a Canon user to Nikon, can you spare a few minutes to tell me the advantages (or disadvantages) of Nikon DSLRs.

I have a Canon 450D and considering shifting to Nikon D300.

Thanks in advance for your time.

Jimmy

[Lucian]

Some pointers are
- ergonomics (subjective)
- better metering and flash system
- better Autofocus
- lens (this is either a pro or a con depending on your lens requirement)

And others which I'll leave for the rest to fill you in.

One impt advice though, is to be sure you are switching for the right reason.
If you are just blindly chasing specs, then what will happen when Canon comes out with a better camera (specs wise)? Will you switch again?

If you're sure of your reason (or somehow your just desires a Nikon)... then switch w/o regrets~

[G-man]

Jimmy88 I was in the exact same boat as you a couple of months back.

I switched cos I started with Nikon, have a number of Nikon lenses at my disposal which I still love to bits and cannot let go of and more importantly, I realised how much I still love the feel of Nikon.

My reasons for switching:

1. Use back my old lenses which are still in tip top condition
2. Prefer the ergonomics of a Nikon
3. Prefer the flash system offered by Nikon

No other reasons. I've switched and either camp have have helped me capture lots of happy memories. I just prefer Nikon over Canon on the whole.

[Redsun]

i was a 1DMKII user
reason i switched was because my bro uses Nikon as well
and also when i do shoots,my cheapo china trigger cant fire off my off board flash at times
it got so fustrating that i switch to PW.but these things are expensive and you got to hang them on your flash/light stand

So i decided to switch to Nikon because of its wireless flash system aka CLS
and its been a breeze firing my flash

[milanplay]

Once you handle the D300... you will know the difference! The handling is really different compare to Canon. One of the advantage is it will give you more confidence to shoot.

[musicpls]

Originally Posted by jimmy88 Hi all, for those who have shifted from being a Canon user to Nikon, can you spare a few minutes to tell me the advantages (or disadvantages) of Nikon DSLRs. I have a Canon 450D and considering shifting to Nikon D300. Thanks in advance for your time. Jimmy

Personally i think it's all about preference than advantages. Both system can achieve any photo intend you have.

Both have a good array of lenses, price is as competitive.

End of the day, it's how comfortable are you with the system you want to invest in.

The ergonomics, the users interface, the look and feel (i like very black camera!).

It's only fair if you compare 50D vs D300, play around with my friends 40D and my D700... end of the day, i feel both is as good as it can produce what i intended to capture except i have to struggle with the interface of Canon, not because it not good but i am unfamiliar with.

If you have not invested too much on a Canon system and have a way to recur back some money, than no harm to try out the Nikon system but don't expect it to improve the way you will be taking photos. As many say... the key lies in the people behind the lens.

My 2cts worth

[Benosaurous]

i would say, buying any better camera will not improve your photos literally, it just gives you more options to shoot, but to capture the right moment with the right techniques it is really with the user.

ask yourself, what is missing with your 450D that makes you feels like changing a new camera, or even, a new camp. 450D is a very good entry level camera, if you feel that your photos isnt nice because it is an entry camera, then i suggest you to stay put and learn to make full use of that camera.

I am also a 450D to D300 transition user, here are my experiences.

The reasons why i took so long to consider changing

1.) I love canon colors, especially human skin tones.

2.) L Lenses are affordable and amazing

3.) Very high and active resale market (consider i sold all my items within 5 days)

4.) You will lose plenty of money due to reselling, especially if you buy 1st hand stuff.

The reasons why initiately that makes me change,

1.) The C flash system disappoint me, TTL is extremely not accurate, wireless flash feature requires a hefty sum of money and not to mention line of sight is poor.

2.) The marketting of C, i can see you wont expect to have a pro cropped body ever produce as they will never cut in their 1Ds.

After changing, things from dark side that surpises me.

1.) The CLS is really amazing, flash never disappoints me, though slow sync backlighting can be improved.

2.) Ergonomics is really fantastic, the grip, the buttons, and curves of body. Now i can quickly access alot of functions without going into menu.

3.) You dont need to upgrade a camera due to some mistakes made from dark side, the patches genuinely fix alot of problems, like the recent d300 patch fixes auto white balance problem.

4.) 51 af points prove very important especially when you are shooting large aperature lens, F2.8 and below, where a slight movement of object when you are recomposing your photo will cause focus shift, and your photo goes out of focus. With 51 points, you can select any spot you wish to focus and no more recomposing due to the limited 9 points in lower end bodies.

5.) 3D contrast tracking is extremely accurate, very good for action photography combine with 6-8fps.

Cons of Dark side

1. Lenses are generally 20% more expensive than C.
2. AF is slightly slower (~0.1 secs) comparing the pro lenses. (24-70 on my 450D vs 24-70 on D300)
3. Limited number of digital lenses to choose from (but huge number of old lenses collection usable)
4. Lower megapixels (doesnt affect me)

Thats my experience with the both sides

[jimmy88]

Thank you all for your comments. Its a big investment to switch camp and like some of you said, losing money when I sell my canon lenses, cos I bgt all my stuff first hand.

Thanks.

Jimmy

[Cheesecake]

Originally Posted by Redsun i was a 1DMKII user reason i switched was because my bro uses Nikon as well and also when i do shoots,my cheapo china trigger cant fire off my off board flash at times it got so fustrating that i switch to PW.but these things are expensive and you got to hang them on your flash/light stand So i decided to switch to Nikon because of its wireless flash system aka CLS and its been a breeze firing my flash

waaa redsun uses nikon. best decision ever. welcome to CLS.

[Redsun]

Originally Posted by Cheesecake waaa redsun uses nikon. best decision ever. welcome to CLS.

lol yes CLS is good and very easy to use!!

[Cheesecake]

Originally Posted by Redsun lol yes CLS is good and very easy to use!!

bingo. glad u enjoy using CLS. keep it up! huat ah!!

[Silver Auto]

I am Canon user previously, after long discussion at CS, finally i bought my D300 at MS last night. What i can said

WORTH TO MONEY

If you still hesitate where/which to go, study though forum/internet, thne go to try it and feel it D300, surely you will like it deeply.

go luck man!!!

[IForYou]

im switching to nikon as well...
but not a d300 body, but a d200 body...
the sensor is not nikon's though... lol

[Cheesecake]

Originally Posted by IForYou im switching to nikon as well... but not a d300 body, but a d200 body... the sensor is not nikon's though... lol

i think Nikon buy their sensors from Sony and modify them.

tas has been the case... for a no. of bodies except D2H, if i'm not wrong.

[IForYou]

Originally Posted by Cheesecake i think Nikon buy their sensors from Sony and modify them. tas has been the case... for a no. of bodies except D2H, if i'm not wrong.

ah! actually
im going S5 pro...

but you are right!
the past they were using sony's CCDs
not now though with their own cmos sensors

[chris667198]

Originally Posted by Redsun lol yes CLS is good and very easy to use!!

You really like to switch here and there.. lots of money...
Canon to Pentax to Canon to Nikon. Welcome to the dark side.....

[jhs2669]

Huh... having same confusion to change system?

Current use 40D, everything is great except focus(shapness) & vivid color.(Flash as well)
I daubt coz i'm using Sigma lens the picture look soft.
I'll try it canon lens again b4 i make decision.

[lunas]

Originally Posted by chris667198 You really like to switch here and there.. lots of money... Canon to Pentax to Canon to Nikon. Welcome to the dark side.....

Yea, like kenna "change parade"

[nakedtoes]

Originally Posted by IForYou im switching to nikon as well... but not a d300 body, but a d200 body... the sensor is not nikon's though... lol

S5 Pro... very very good choice... I love my S5 pro .. how i wish i can sleep with it everynight

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by IForYou im switching to nikon as well... but not a d300 body, but a d200 body... the sensor is not nikon's though... lol

If you don't foresee yourself using non-CPU lenses, I think D90 is a better buy than D200.