Should i go with Canon or Nikon?

af_thefragile

I'm looking to get my first SLR camera and i can't really decide if i should go for a Canon 1000D/450D or the Nikon 60D.
I'm looking at the bigger picture here and i know if i get one brand than i'ld be bound to its system of lenses and switching over would be a bit of a hassle.
I did some research and i found out Canon is better at telephoto and zoom lenses where as Nikon is better at wideangled and macro lenses.

Well, being a musician, i'm not deciding to become a professional photographer though i'ld like to take good pics for my music projects and such. I think i'ld mostly be using it to take abstract photographs to go with my music projects and taking good pics during gigs where the lights will be low and everyone will be jumping around (which is one reason i'm sick of digicams, they're ****e for taking pics at gigs).
So i guess i'ld be doing a lot of night time/low light and landscape photography. And i don't think i'll be printing posters (well, not for now atleast).

So well, i like Canon slightly more than Nikon and i don't know why. I guess i've gotten myself more familiarised with the Canon system and i like the way the look more. But i think for what i need Nikon would be the way to go (as the higher end ones have amazing quality at high ISO settings which would be helpful at low lights and as i herd they've got better wide angled and macro lenses. I don't think i'ld be using telephoto lenses). Though i think the Canon entry level camera is better than the Nikon ones.

So well, i really can't decide which one to go for... I like the Canon system but i think Nikon would suit me better but i think the Canon 1000D/450D is better than the Nikon 60D. Can anyone help me here??

AnimalRights

Regards Nikon having better wide angle lenses you and 99% of other people would never be able to tell the difference.
The top end Canons have amazing ISOs too.
I do gig photography and have nae a bother using Canon.

I'm not an expert on the D60 but fairly sure the 450D is a better Camera.

PopeBuckfastXVI

If you prefer the canon go with canon to be honest.

Both systems are good, it's a matter of personal preference.

Also at the level you're entering, you would be replacing every bit of kit to get the high iso processing of a d300 equiv, or a fullframe so you could always switch then if you wanted to. I certainly wouldn't consider myself locked into Canon if I got a 1000d with a kit lens.

Calina

You seem a little blinded by science.

Ask yourself a few questions:

1) are you ever going to want the super high end cameras and if you are looking at a 450D/1000D versus a D60 right now, does their ISO performance matter to you?

2) Based on what you say you will need to get yourself a decent lowlight lens for the gig stuff. I believe the gig photographers here will mention the 50mm 1.8 which is a very popular lens in the Canon camp. I'm pretty sure there is a Nikon equivalent but CabanSail or melekalimaka will clarify later.

3) Feel is very important. I don't think there's a whole lot to choose between the Canons and the Nikon you're looking for. Most of the gig photographers here I think are Canon users bar melekalimaka. I don't think any of them have any complaints.

Ideally, if you prefer the Canon, go for it. I'd add that there are some excellent wide angles available for the Canons (I have a Sigma 10-20 which captures the hearts of everyone who looks through it, and I believe you'll get it for a Nikon as well). Canon high ISOs on the midlevel cameras are outstanding. I think you'll find that there isn't much to choose unless you are spectacularly specialised in low light photography.

CabanSail

Good to see you are looking at the System rather than justa camera.

Just to make it more confusing, the 50mm Prime (Non-Zoom) Lenses offered by both Nikon & Canon are very good as a cheap fast lens. Both do the Nifty Fifty at f1.8 & f1.4 So they are really fast for you low light stuff.

TBH ... There is not a huge difference in the them. Both perform well. People tend to reccommend the system that they use & it can get quite tribal. I have heard the Kit Nikon Lenses are a bit better than the Canon. Then you have the lack of AF motor in the D40/60 in the Nikon range.

It's all a compromise. Either one will serve you well & frustrate you at other times.

PopeBuckfastXVI

Calina wrote: »

2) Based on what you say you will need to get yourself a decent lowlight lens for the gig stuff. I believe the gig photographers here will mention the 50mm 1.8 which is a very popular lens in the Canon camp. I'm pretty sure there is a Nikon equivalent but CabanSail or melekalimaka will clarify later.

Yep I have the older Nikkor 50mm f1.4, which is a superb lens, I've heard very good things about the Nikkor 50mm f1.8, which is cheap as chips, and also the new 50mm f1.4 AF-S has just been released

af_thefragile

Thanks for the replies.

I'm thinking of getting an entry level SLR right now to get familiarized with how it all works and then maybe after a year or two upgrade to a good full frame SLR.

Right now i think i'm leaning towards the Canon 1000D as its good price for me. And maybe with the money i'ld save, i could maybe buy a bright lens...

ThOnda

Go to any camera shop and try some cameras in your hands - the feel of the camera, reach of the controls, their position...

mloc

As big a Nikon fan as I am (always have used Nikon) I would be slow to recommend anything under a D90 (e.g. the D60) due to the limitations placed on it by the lack of AF motor amongst other things.

The D90/D300 however, in my opinion, are the better cameras in their class. As for the stuff above that, by that stage, you'll probably have your own opinions!

kensutz

AnimalRights wrote: »

The top end Canons have amazing ISOs too.

Nikon D3. I have to stop thinking about that camera.

soccerc

kensutz wrote: »

Nikon D3. I have to stop thinking about that camera.

Go on Ken, make the jump, you know you really want to come over to the dark side:D

I'll let you use one of mine the next time

kensutz

Nice one I won't be taking sides, just expand on my empire :P

mloc

I have a D700 in my sights, just have to figure out whether to get that or the 24-70mm 2.8 AF-S first.

But soon, thank you very much piss poor sterling.

soccerc

mloc wrote: »

I have a D700 in my sights, just have to figure out whether to get that or the 24-70mm 2.8 AF-S first.

But soon, thank you very much piss poor sterling.

Get the lens at current exchange rates, you won't regret it, it's a cracking lens.

New stock will not be at current prices according to a Calumet employee due to the fall of stg against the yen, so much so that Japanese customers are buying from UK