14 April 2012

Canon vs Nikon? Which Camera to Buy?


Susan Brannon
Entry Level Camera's

For starters, I use the Nikon.  Why?  Through the years, I have seen tons of images from friends, online, at exhibitions and after a while I noticed that the quality of images that I liked and choices of lens's was from a Nikon.  In the end, that is all that I purchase.  The newer Digital camera's have a nice feature that you can interchange the lens (of certain type) from a Nikon or a Canon

So, who am I go write an article on a Canon vs Nikon camera?  Well, in my work, I have had many clients in my workshops that have Canon's and I have had to become familiar with them.  Don't get me wrong here, they are nice camera's and take wonderful images.  I think that in the end, it really depends on your "style" and taste. 

Both the digital SRL Nikon and Canon cameras are "user friendly" easy to navigate and quick with the shutter speeds.  I have noticed that each type of Nikon or Canon, has a different interface.  It sounds like I am talking about computer's and software, which in reality, that is what these digital camera's are.  So, if you are not tech savvy, trying to decide on what camera to use can be a bit challenging. 

If you walk into a real camera store, you know the ones that only sell cameras and the equipment that go with them, not the Targets or other retail stores, the salesperson will sound like me.  He or she will gear you towards the camera of their choice.  This is why I say that it is a matter of taste, in the end.

Okay, so in reference to my last article, "Photography: Getting Started: What Camera to Buy?"  I will go into some more detail.  I don't want to overwhelm a new photographer, so I like to make things as simple as possible.  Nikon and Canon are always in competition with each other, when one company comes out with a new camera, the other company announces a camera that is competitive.

What a Nikon D3100 offers:        What a Canon T3 (1100D) offers:
cost: $550                                                $500
Megapixels:  12.2                                     14.2
Stabilization: In lens                               In lens
Memory Card: SD/SDHC/SDXC           SD/SHC/SDXC
Max. Shutter Speed:  1/4000                    1/4000
Max. Photo Capture:  3 per sec.                3 per sec.
ISO Range:  100 to 6400                        100 to 12800
Movie Modes:  Quicktime MOV               H.264
              1280 x 720p(30fps)                   1920x1080p; 1280 x 720; 640x424
LCD:  Static 2.7in                                  Static 3in
Viewfinder: Pentamirror (95%)               Pentamirror (95%)
Autofocus:  9 point                                 11 point
Face Detect AF: No                               Yes
Sensor Dimensions: 22.2 x 14.8              23.6 x 15.7
                   (1.6x crop)                         (1.5x crop)
HDMI Port: Yes                                   Yes
Live View:  Yes                                      Yes
Built in Flash: Yes                                Yes
Compatible Lenses: All Canon EF        Nikon AF-I and AF-S
           and EF-S
Demensions: 5.1 x 3.9x 3.07 in              4.9 x 3.8 x 3.0 in
            129.5 x 99 x 76 mm                124 x 96 x 75 mm
Weight:  17.46 oz (495g)                      17.8oz (505g)

You will notice that there is not much of a difference in the camera's.  The one difference is the Rebel T3 and the Nikon D3100 is that the Nikon D3100 is NOT 100% backwards-compatible with older Nikon lenses -  while the Rebel T3 works well with large number of Canon and third party lenses.

You can look at the "image quality" by searching for image reviews and view the image differences and see which ones you may like best.  In the end, a lot will be decided on how you intend to use the camera, and how you plan to upgrade.



Related Articles:
Photography: Getting Started

13 April 2012

Photography: Getting Started: What Camera to Buy?


Photography, Getting Started, What Camera to Buy
Susan Brannon
Buying a camera has nothing to do with a red Ferrari, but you can get "Ferrari" level cameras!  Photography can be one complicated hobby or career.  Lets look at the "art" of photography and forget about the career.  The first thing you will need to do is to decide on what camera to purchase.  To stay out of all the complicated and technical deciding factors, I will try to offer a simple process to help you to get on the right foot!

I want to offer my "advice" right away because photography and decision making can drive one crazy.  There is no need to go crazy here, take a breath, relax and enjoy the wonderful world of image making.  Most of you have already taking images with a point and shoot digital camera.  You may have received one as a gift as a child, or purchased one for that saved up holiday.  Now, you decided that you want to get a bit more serious about image taking.

  • All you need is a light weight, SRL digital camera.  They are medium in cost around $500.00 to $1,000 (without the lens)  I recommend a 17-55mm lens to start with. You will want to buy a haze protective filter for your lens, maybe a tripod , a case, a way to clean your lens and your off! (some are listed at the bottom)
Okay, you can also buy cameras that come in "kits"  they include the camera, and the lens. (what I listed on the bottom)

Quickly on type of lens, and what you will want to do:  Id you think that you will want to get into Sports, Travel, culture, landscape and nature will require you to purchase another lens in addition to the 17-55mm lens.  You will want a 55-200mm.

My advice?  Start from the perspective as a hobby, because most likely if you really get into it, you will continue buying equipment for the rest of your life.  Photography is catchy, like a bug and once you get that bug, you will never be able to put it down.  You will want to try different lens, work with lighting, maybe try a different style or create your own dark room.  The possibilities are endless in photography.  Start small and grow later.  You do not have to purchase that $5,000 camera right off the bat.

Now that was not to difficult was it?  The world of camera selling has made camera buying much less complicated for beginners with their kits. I will add more details, on types of lens for what types of photography, for when you will want to explore viewing the world through different lens.  (This means that you will have to stop by later, or sign up for my email updates!)

I am also testing something new to add to some of the postings, for this article..and my first time, I added a few camera's that I found online for you to click and view. I want to see if it really works!??