Are you brand loyal (Canon vs Nikon)

[kidneymomma]

I have a Canon T1i & I'm ready to upgrade. When I need to turn up the ISO the noise is awful. One reason for the upgrade is because if our upcoming disney trip. I've been thinking about going to canon full frame (6d) even though I'll need new lenses. I don't have a lot invested in lenses & I'm hoping to trade my T1i & lenses (18-55, 55-250, 18-200, 50 mm) in on whatever camera I choose. But then I looked at Nikon cameras the d600 & d610. On paper the Nikon looks like a better camera. I've never used Nikon I've always had canon. My daughter also takes dance so I want a camera that will take nice photos of her in a dimly lit auditorium at recital. I am a hobbyist. But do enjoy photography.

Has anyone made the switch?? Advice thoughts?

 

[havoc315]

I was deeply invested in Sony a-mount, sold about $4,000 worth of gear, and now I'm deeply invested in Nikon.

So switching can be a major project once you're deeply invested, but it's nothing to fear.

Nikon "wins" in sensor performance. These differences are minor, nearly invisible to the untrained eye. But overall, Nikon cameras have higher resolution (though this is changing with the 5ds), the best color depth, and the best dynamic range at low ISO. In terms of measuring high ISO, depends how you measure -- but Nikon and Canon are very close.Where the Nikons really have a slight edge, is landscape shooting where the extra dynamic range really can pay off.
Canon has even more of the market than Nikon, so even more broadly supported. In some cases, Canon lenses are a bit cheaper, but it's usually very close, especially with improving 3rd party lenses. Canon has better video in general.

If you do look to Nikon, I recommend splurging on the d750 -- the AF system is a huge leap better than the d610 or the 6d.

 

[zackiedawg]

I'm not brand-loyal to either of the brands you mentioned, nor in fact to any brand, though I'm happy with the performance I'm getting from my current brand of choice. If a better camera for my needs were to be made by another brand, I'd have no problem switching, even despite 5-figures invested into my current brand...if I am not happy with what I've got and something else can make me happier, I'd switch. Fortunately, no need to at the moment.

That said - you really might not need to consider a brand switch at this point. The overall performance between Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, and non-DSLR competitors from Sony, Fuji, Olympus, and Panasonic are all so close that only more extreme photographers will ever be pushing the cameras to those performance levels where differences stand out...average hobby photographers will likely never really notice the differences between brands in most normal shooting. Nearly all sensors out there are being made by the same manufacturer anyway (Sony), with the only exception being Canon...and the difference in the newest Canon sensors and newest Sony sensors again is very small, unless you're really pushing the limits.

For you, coming from a 6-year-old camera, the advances in technology and performance since then will be huge - ANY brand of camera with the same sized sensor or larger will easily and handily outperform your 6-year-old T1 sensor, and by a fairly significant margin with regards to low light performance. Based on the lenses you have, and your stated hobbyist level, it's quite probable that you don't really need to step up to a very expensive, very heavy full-frame body and the requisite better lenses needed - modern APS-C cameras will be significantly better than your current camera in every regard...more resolution, sharper, better high ISO performance, faster and better focus and tracking, smarter algorithms, and so on. So first consider whether you really want or need to step to full frame (not that there's anything wrong with it - just that it might not be something you'll really be getting the advantages out of - if you buy a full frame camera and only push it to 20% of its abilities or use it with basic kit and zoom lenses. Just something to consider.

 

[havoc315]

I'm not brand-loyal to either of the brands you mentioned, nor in fact to any brand, though I'm happy with the performance I'm getting from my current brand of choice. If a better camera for my needs were to be made by another brand, I'd have no problem switching, even despite 5-figures invested into my current brand...if I am not happy with what I've got and something else can make me happier, I'd switch. Fortunately, no need to at the moment.

That said - you really might not need to consider a brand switch at this point. The overall performance between Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, and non-DSLR competitors from Sony, Fuji, Olympus, and Panasonic are all so close that only more extreme photographers will ever be pushing the cameras to those performance levels where differences stand out...average hobby photographers will likely never really notice the differences between brands in most normal shooting. Nearly all sensors out there are being made by the same manufacturer anyway (Sony), with the only exception being Canon...and the difference in the newest Canon sensors and newest Sony sensors again is very small, unless you're really pushing the limits.

For you, coming from a 6-year-old camera, the advances in technology and performance since then will be huge - ANY brand of camera with the same sized sensor or larger will easily and handily outperform your 6-year-old T1 sensor, and by a fairly significant margin with regards to low light performance. Based on the lenses you have, and your stated hobbyist level, it's quite probable that you don't really need to step up to a very expensive, very heavy full-frame body and the requisite better lenses needed - modern APS-C cameras will be significantly better than your current camera in every regard...more resolution, sharper, better high ISO performance, faster and better focus and tracking, smarter algorithms, and so on. So first consider whether you really want or need to step to full frame (not that there's anything wrong with it - just that it might not be something you'll really be getting the advantages out of - if you buy a full frame camera and only push it to 20% of its abilities or use it with basic kit and zoom lenses. Just something to consider.

Zackie has a lot of good points, but let me add this:
I agree there is no compelling reason to switch. And if you stay in APS-C particular, even less reason to switch.
BUT... if you are going full frame, now is a good time to evaluate all your options, and then pick a brand. Since most of your current Canon lenses wouldn't be compatible with a Canon full frame anyway, you're basically starting from scratch. Since you're starting from scratch, it's a great time to look at ALL the brands, then pick what's best for you.

Whether to go full frame or not... It absolutely gives you more potential, and I personally would have trouble going back to APS-C. If you're doing family and vacation snapshots, it might not be worth the huge investment to go full frame. New APS-C cameras are indeed great. But if you really want to push the hobby, then full frame can really be worthwhile.

The newest APS-C cameras can give you low light performance that required full frame 6 or 7 years ago. But thereby, the newest full frame are even better.

DSC_3218.jpg by Adam Brown, on Flickr

 

[bob100]

I'm not brand-loyal to either of the brands you mentioned, nor in fact to any brand, though I'm happy with the performance I'm getting from my current brand of choice. If a better camera for my needs were to be made by another brand, I'd have no problem switching, even despite 5-figures invested into my current brand...if I am not happy with what I've got and something else can make me happier, I'd switch. Fortunately, no need to at the moment.

That said - you really might not need to consider a brand switch at this point. The overall performance between Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, and non-DSLR competitors from Sony, Fuji, Olympus, and Panasonic are all so close that only more extreme photographers will ever be pushing the cameras to those performance levels where differences stand out...average hobby photographers will likely never really notice the differences between brands in most normal shooting. Nearly all sensors out there are being made by the same manufacturer anyway (Sony), with the only exception being Canon...and the difference in the newest Canon sensors and newest Sony sensors again is very small, unless you're really pushing the limits.

For you, coming from a 6-year-old camera, the advances in technology and performance since then will be huge - ANY brand of camera with the same sized sensor or larger will easily and handily outperform your 6-year-old T1 sensor, and by a fairly significant margin with regards to low light performance. Based on the lenses you have, and your stated hobbyist level, it's quite probable that you don't really need to step up to a very expensive, very heavy full-frame body and the requisite better lenses needed - modern APS-C cameras will be significantly better than your current camera in every regard...more resolution, sharper, better high ISO performance, faster and better focus and tracking, smarter algorithms, and so on. So first consider whether you really want or need to step to full frame (not that there's anything wrong with it - just that it might not be something you'll really be getting the advantages out of - if you buy a full frame camera and only push it to 20% of its abilities or use it with basic kit and zoom lenses. Just something to consider.

some valid points

I was visiting the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC this past summer and only had an old ($100) camera with a five year old sensor.
I needed to push the ISO to 6400 in some spots, what was I going to do with a cheap camera with old sensor technology in a dark museum?
How could I survive and not be ashamed of the photos?
But I went ahead and took the pics


Smithsonian by c w, on Flickr



smithsonian by c w, on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless/

 

[kidneymomma]

Yes I am a hobbyist but I do enjoy taking the kids out and doing photos with them. I've done some cute ones with my old camera. I want to learn more and more. I went to school for graphic design so I would love to someday make it more than a hobby. I've even asked a local photographer who takes amazing photos to help me. That is why I was considering FF.

 

[kidneymomma]

These were taken in my sons poorly lit NICU room

 

[mom2rtk]

I went from a T2i to a 6D last year. I'm one who typically second guesses choices like this, but I haven't had a moment's doubt. If you love low light photography, you will love the 6D. There are some great deals around, and with Black Friday next week there will be more. If you are seriously considering one, subscribe to Canonpricewatch.com for the latest deals.

Here are a few done at 25,600 ISO:

Hat Box Ghost by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Kit Lens Yeti by mom2rtk, on Flickr

The Old Hag by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_8451 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

 

[kidneymomma]

I went from a T2i to a 6D last year. I'm one who typically second guesses choices like this, but I haven't had a moment's doubt. If you love low light photography, you will love the 6D. There are some great deals around, and with Black Friday next week there will be more. If you are seriously considering one, subscribe to Canonpricewatch.com for the latest deals.

Here are a few done at 25,600 ISO:

Hat Box Ghost by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Kit Lens Yeti by mom2rtk, on Flickr

The Old Hag by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_8451 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

What lenses would you recommend? If I made the jump to FF & I have the 50 mm but we have a small house and on a crop it's too tight sometimes. 24-105l and a 35mm?

 

[mom2rtk]

What lenses would you recommend? If I made the jump to FF & I have the 50 mm but we have a small house and on a crop it's too tight sometimes. 24-105l and a 35mm?

I would start with the 24-105 f/4 kit lens. Look for a deal on the bundle. It's a solid lens. I even shot some of those dark ride photos with it. I would have never expected to be shooting a dark ride at f/4, but that's just what I had on my camera that day so I cranked up the ISO and gave it a try.

 

[kidneymomma]

Canon had an awesome deal $999 for 6d body only refurb but its sold out



I rarely use the built in flash but not everyone knows how to use my camera and adjust settings. I have an external flash. Do you ever find yourself thinking that you wish you had the pop up flash?

 

[mom2rtk]

Canon had an awesome deal $999 for 6d body only refurb but its sold out



I rarely use the built in flash but not everyone knows how to use my camera and adjust settings. I have an external flash. Do you ever find yourself thinking that you wish you had the pop up flash?

If you decide you want the 6D keep watching. There will be more good deals.

I do occasionally wish there was a pop up flash. I know they aren't the best, but if I didn't have mine along, I sometimes decide to shoot something else and wish I had at least the pop-up. But it hasn't been a deal breaker for me. The high ISO performance makes me happy enough to overlook that.

I have 2 flashes, the 430EX and the 270EX. I use the 430 if I'm wanting to manipulate the angle of the flash more. I bring the 270 when I want to keep down the size and weight of what I'm carrying (like on Disney trips).

 

[kidneymomma]

@mom2rtk your photos are stunning. I can only dream some of our vacation photos turn out half as nice as yours. I like that Flickr shows the settings you used.

 

[mom2rtk]

@mom2rtk your photos are stunning. I can only dream some of our vacation photos turn out half as nice as yours. I like that Flickr shows the settings you used.

You are very kind. Thank you.

I love that about Flickr as well. When I see a shot I like, I almost always look out the settings and equipment used. Such a great tool.

 

[havoc315]

Canon had an awesome deal $999 for 6d body only refurb but its sold out



I rarely use the built in flash but not everyone knows how to use my camera and adjust settings. I have an external flash. Do you ever find yourself thinking that you wish you had the pop up flash?

Popup flash is useful at times though I would generally avoid using it as the main source of light.
It is still useful as a TRIGGER for off-camera flash. Unless you get radio triggers, you can use the pop-up flash as a trigger for off-camera lighting. The pop-up can also be useful for a bit of fill flash (turn down the flash to -2EV) if you find you need it, and you weren't carrying an external flash.

 

[DSLRuser]

Way back when I was a Minolta Guy. Broke my Minolta 5D while on vacation. This is when sony just bought Minolta cameras, so I bought an A200 so I could use my Minolta glass.

ffwd a few years and I decided to get a little more serious, and went with Nikon over Cannon.

Now shoot Nikon D750 and nevr look back.

 

[klmall]

I am brand loyal but $$$ are the reason. Even though I use a mid-range Canon T4i I have bought several decent lenses for it so starting over would be somewhat expensive. I'm hoping to move up to a 6D in a year or so. I'm also a bit lazy not wanting to learn a different system's controls and quirks since it's taken me forever to master what I do know about Canon.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

I own a LOT of camera equipment by almost anyone's standards. It's a hobby of mine and has been for years. Among MANY others, I have a Canon 6D and 5D Mk III. There is NO doubt that the switch to FF can be worth the investment, but hear this. It is quite an investment. Glass for FF is going to cost you 2-4x what the same glass cost for APS-C.

Glass is where it's at. PERIOD.

Having said that, my go-to camera is the Sony a6000 at WDW. I still drag almost everything down there because I drive and I can, but day in and day out, the a6000 just kicks butt at WDW. Thanks to DVC Mike for shooting me in that direction last Christmas when I Was literally at WDW. I went to the BB in Orlando and bought one. I have NEVER regretted that purchase. As soon as the a6100 comes out, I'm all over it.

You want a perfect all-around camera? Take a hard look at the Sony a6000 and a couple of primes and zooms to go with it. You will be GLAD you did.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

http://www.disboards.com/threads/ju...less-for-wdw-vacations.3355908/#post-52746259

 

[soniam]

Grew up in a Nikon family. Both my mom and Uncle had Nikon FE. My first SLR was a Nikon FE. All of our DSLRs have been Nikon too. We have also purchased some point and shoots recently that are Nikon. Camera Claus came to our house recently with a big bag of Nikon stuff. I am loving the new camera and lenses Our previous DSLR was about 10 years old, and the lens has had some issues, ie got dropped or bumped hard, exposed to a lot of dust. None of this is a quality issue. I can't see using anything else. I think once you have had so many years of experience with a brand, you get comfortable with the UI and don't want to switch.

This was taken with the point and shoot, since the good camera is in the picture.