[Sylar]

Ive talked in another topic about moving into the world of DSLR.

Almost decided to invest the wonga, but cant actually make my mind up over which would be better, overall, for what i want to use it for.

Ive priced up both Canon and Nikon systems that would be suitable, and theirs only £100 difference between the two so that dont really help too much.

So i have a question for anyone who has used BOTH Canon and Nikon DSLR`s, which do you find is the most suited to wildlife work.

Thanks

[ZedBud]

Hey Sylar

Not going to be too helpful I'm afraid as I've only really used Canons out of the two. TBH I think you'll find getting that answer about as easy as going to a tech blog like engadget and asking in the comments section "who's better - Apple or Microsoft?" Maybe without quite as much animosity, though

Just wanted to suggest you have a look at micro four thirds cameras if you haven't already. My mate's a professional photographer (more fashion/editorial than wildlife) who uses a Canon 5D mark 2 with the kit lens. She recently picked up a Panasonic GF-1 with the 20mm pancake lens, with a view to having something more portable but still capable of near SLR quality images.

I've played around with it a bit and it's a lovely little thing. I'm sure it'd be larger with one of the zoom lenses but nothing like the 5D. In terms of image quality it's really not far off to my eyes, far exceeding anything I've seen from another camera of this size. Good low light too. My mate has found she uses it more than expected, as it's so dinky it just goes where she goes

Obviously, getting a GF-1 with a couple of lenses is going to set you back nearly what a Canon 550D kit would cost. I only mention it as the size difference is significant and, if you're going to be creeping around outside, it might be worth a look

Z.

This post has been edited by ZedBud: 10 May 2011 - 01:26 PM

[Mr Mullen]

There no difference really between them, both do everything you could ever want.

I use a Nikon D90 but if i had the cash i would have got the D700 as it's a full frame.

Go to Jessops and play around with them in store to see which feels best to you, then order from internet .

The camera model thats different and very important i would use snapsortto sort out the specs.

Buy the body without the kit lens and get decent fast glass for wildlife f2.8 would be a dream but f4 at least.

I've used the nikon 70-200 VR2 F2.8 and it's amazing but so it should be at 1600quid

Happy hunting

Mrm

[conky]

my 500d canon rules !! love it and still learning about how great a piece of kit it is! some good deals to be had.
peace and flash!

[nEptune]

There's little difference between Canon and Nikon (obviously comparing like-for-like specs/models) so it comes down to personal preference and which one you are most comfortable using.
I bought into Canon because I had a friend who had lots of Canon lenses...

Good advice above about the kit lenses (just buy body only) and getting some good glass.
Sigma lenses have improved vastly in more recent years, and unless you are an all-out pro photographer they are well worth a look.
Their 10-20mm wide angle is a dream to use, as is their 70-200mm 2.8 lens.

Have a play in the shops and see what you prefer.
I have a Canon 400D and love the fact that it's a little smaller than a standard DSLR body, as I like to use a battery grip with it which adds size and weight. I'm about to buy a 600D in the very near future.

Hope this helps a little.

Nep.

[forest dog]

I've got a Nikon D7000 and I use it mainly for wildlife. Its a great piece of kit and does some stunning video too. I couldn't really see any difference between this and the cannon equivalent but I went with this because I already had Nikon lenses. I used to have a Nikon D40X which was a low end DSLR and it was a piece of shit. It broke within a year, got it fixed, broke again, got it fixed, broke again within another year and now, after fixing it yet again, it is my spare. Non of the repairs were done on warranty either as the low spec cameras don't have international warranty, the D7000 does however and it seems like a much more solid and professional machine too.
I do have a cannon point and shoot which gives great shots, fair video and takes lots of abuse without ever giving me any problem whatsoever.
As Mr Mullen said a fast F2.8 300mm/400mm glass would be ideal for wildlife but it'll set you back thousands.

[Budelaire]

I'm using a canon and its super easy to use. it aint mine and i've got straight on with it if that counts for anything. Compared to my old Olympus E-420 that got snatched, its a different class.

I'm considering getting one too and the nikons i've held and played with seem better built, but not as nice to navigate and seem a little fiddlier... but as Mr M says thats personal pref.


one thing the canon software is cool and let you control almost everything the camera does whilst its tripod'd up or whatever. and thats gonna play a massive part in what i buy i think.

[Budelaire]

great site that Mr Mullen!

[Mr Mullen]

Yea it is bloody good, the prices are all ducked up but the specs Vs specs against each other are very good...

Wish someone had told me about it when i brought my D90

Mrm

[Sylar]

Thanks everyone

Mr Mullen, on 10 May 2011 - 02:02 PM, said:

Go to Jessops and play around with them in store to see which feels best to you, then order from internet .

The camera model thats different and very important i would use snapsortto sort out the specs.

Buy the body without the kit lens and get decent fast glass for wildlife f2.8 would be a dream but f4 at least.

Iam thinking about that, in fact its probably the only way, things are just way too close on paper to make any value judgments at all.

Thats a great link

My idea atm is to get a body and wide angle zoom, around the 10-20 range, two adapters, one for a 400 and the other for my bellows. Jobs a good un.

I still intend using my 35mm film gear so will get a dedicated tele for the DSLR sometime later, and then just change the 400 back to its original fitting.

[Mr Mullen]

DxOMark for sensor and lens bench marks and reviews

Edit funny thing about digital ISO at low settings it makes no differnce below ISO400 really

I know you coming from film so where it's crucial, don't mean i don't put my cam into IS100 and have 4000/s shutter speed but not for quality just speed...

Mrm

This post has been edited by Mr Mullen: 10 May 2011 - 05:39 PM

[Keye]

+1 for the GF1, great camera!

But for DSLR's, traditionally it has always been Sports photographers to get Canon kit and Journo's + Nature + others got Nikon. There's so many exceptions to the rule ofcourse and over the years they have got closer and closer.

It's not even Apple vs Microsoft, i don't think... more like Apple and Apple From A Slightly Different Dimension.

I'd have a Nikon but only 'cause i've grown up with them around more than Canon.

[acidmonkey]

good luck whatever you choose, i used my brother's D700 and Nikkor AF-S 28-70 2.8 D on sunday, shooting a horse jumping event and was very very impressed

[ZedBud]

nice links Mr M.

For reviews, I use DPReview. Talk about exhaustive testing - great website.

Z.

[iky]

I just went from a canon 460d to a fuji finepix hs20exr, think it would be ok for wildlife.got a 30 x zoom
max zoom up 720mm  DSCF0049.jpg (13.99K)
Number of downloads: 8

seagull about 80mm on next doors roof  DSCF0050.jpg (13.52K)
Number of downloads: 8

flash close shot  DSCF0015.jpg (54.96K)
Number of downloads: 6


hd camera will take hd pictures of hd tv  DSCF0060.jpg (96.22K)
Number of downloads: 14

depends on the quality that is acceptable for your use.only had it a short time.the low light shots are good .wortha look I like it a lot
no heavy camera bags or lenses to lugabout

This post has been edited by iky: 11 May 2011 - 07:55 PM