Family Photogs - Canon or Nikon?

[wrighter]

After years of being frustrated with the quality of my family photos, I am ready to take the plunge and invest in a good quality DSLR. I know the Canon vs. Nikon question is an age-old one, but I wanted to ask it here anyway. I've been doing my research online, but haven't found any one thing that sways me in any particular direction. Thought someone here might have some insight.

Obviously I'd like to take good vacation shots, but my bigger issue has been taking pictures of my children playing sports, or at indoor activities like plays where the lighting is bad.

Anyone here want to chime in? I'd be ever-so-grateful!

 

[SrisonS]

First off, you can also post this question in the Photography forums. You'll get a nice amount of helpful responses.

Also, a lot of the different brands out there make very good cameras. But if you're set on either Nikon or Canon, one isn't really "better" than the other. Sure, there are some small things here and there; but not to the extent that would sway most people's decision. But the best bit of advice for picking between the 2 brands is to go somewhere and just hold the cameras. The differences of build/size/weight/button layout is what usually helps people decide.

During your decision process, maybe even take a look at the mirrorless system cameras. They've been getting better and better, and perform pretty much as well as a DSLR. They're smaller cameras; but unfortunately not any cheaper.

 

[wrighter]

Wait - there's a photography board?! LOL! How is it that I've been an active user on this site for almost 8 years and I had no idea there was a photography board?! I guess I'm an old dog that needs to be taught new tricks.

Thank you so much for the direction and for your thoughts on this one.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

My needs are few with a camera. I like a small, simple, easy to use one. I got the Nikon Coolpix S8200 and I really like it. Prior to my Nikon I had a Canon. Paid a lot of money for it and it didn't last very long.

 

[egpmama]

I have a canon t3i and I absolutely love it. It can be as simple as a point and shoot if you choose, and it can grow with your photography skills with the addition of new lenses, manual settings etc. it also has HD video capabilities, which is nice to have it handy for quick switches to video.
I was in your same boat a few years ago, and I'm so glad I finally upgraded. The pictures are our best lasting memories! Good luck!

 

[SrisonS]

I have a canon t3i and I absolutely love it. It can be as simple as a point and shoot if you choose, and it can grow with your photography skills with the addition of new lenses, manual settings etc. it also has HD video capabilities, which is nice to have it handy for quick switches to video.
I was in your same boat a few years ago, and I'm so glad I finally upgraded. The pictures are our best lasting memories! Good luck!

I definitely agree about the ease of use. A DSLR can look intimidating, and you can do some advanced things on there; but they can be extremely easy to use. In some cases, you could say easier. Like when going to different settings (party mode, sports mode, night portrait, etc), you just turn the dial that had icons on it; no hunting through menus or anything.

 

[dinseygoin]

I have a t2i and a t3i for work and love them. If I were getting one now I would get a t4i or t5i- better autofoucse during video recording (I've been told) is the biggest improvement that a person new to dslr's would care about.
Other wise they are great cameras-
One thins i would recommend is a different lens then the stock. I have a Tamron 18-270 lens and it is fantastic with a family. It is one lens that does it all for a family, so i don't have to changes lenses when on vacation or carry 2 or 3 lenses.

 

[Melany502]

As far as quality goes they are about the same. You really can't go wrong either way. I suggest trying both out at best buy and see what feels most comfortable for you. I started with Canon then switched to Nikon for some features I preferred over canon.

 

[scuba]

We Like Nikon's higher end DSLRS because they were equiped with an "on board" flash, where some of Cannon's higher end cameras required an additional flash to purchase. We wanted to reduce our extras in the camera bag. We have a Nikon D600 and since our purchase we have done "0" further research so cannon might offer an "on board" flash now. I'm sorry, there isn't an easy answer to your question, The first camera we picked up at the photo store was a Nikon and have never looked back. It might have come down to which brand we literally picked up first.

 

[katclicks]

I am an avid photographer, I shoot Nikon. Each brand has wonderful options. I highly recommend going to a camera store and handling different bodies and seeing which feels best. Something to keep in mind, these are big, bulky cameras, not the most ideal for everyday use. My camera bag is often the heaviest thing I carry around, I have taken it to both wdw and dl and by the end of our trip I am hating carrying it around. You will want to get a different lens other than the kit one if you want any sort of zoom-the kit lens will not give you good zoom option and unless you are very close to the action/subject, it is not ideal. There are some wonderful mirror less options that can give you many similar dslr features and lenses for less than $1000. Remember, it is not the camera that takes a great picture, but rather the person.

 

[msmama]

I was a Nikon girl back since I used film, lol, but last year bought a Canon. My feeling was that the higher end yet still non professional nikons were declining in quality.

Especially when shooting in auto mode (which I don't do often) I found the canon quality to be better, though that could just be my personal opinion. Really I don't think you could go wrong.