Which is better – Canon or Nikon?

The names of companies Canon and Nikon are on everyone’s lips. They come to mind when it comes to buying a camera, not surprising, because they are the leaders of the segment. They are approached not only by amateurs who are not familiar with other brands, but also by professionals who know a lot about cameras. But which is better: Canon or Nikon, which company to choose for yourself? In this article you will find the answer to this question. We will look at the advantages and disadvantages of cameras, criteria and features that you should pay attention to before buying. Also here you will find information about the rulers, it will help you understand the markings and designations.

These two manufacturers have been competing in the photographic equipment market for many years. Sometimes even experienced photographers cannot give an exact answer as to which brand to give preference to. Competition for the consumer is taking place at a serious level, and each of the firms defends its positions. Every year they offer models that surpass the previous ones in functionality. Ardent fans divided into two camps, but their views periodically change with the release of the next lines.

Of course, both Canon and Nikon make decent cameras that take amazing photos. This is largely due to the similarities, but this makes the competition only tougher. At the same time, it is impossible to say that there is no difference between the products of one and the other giant. It should also be noted that the master is able to achieve excellent results from any device. Pros choose cameras according to their characteristics, they will reveal the answer to the question of what to choose: Canon or Nikon. First, let’s look at how each one is superior to its competitor.

The Nikon Advantage

Anyone who has worked with Nikon cameras at least once will confirm that they are capable of maintaining the highest quality photos in low light. This is the main advantage, since the direct competitor is inferior in this. This fact is confirmed by numerous comparisons, and this is not the only plus.

It should be noted autofocus. In these devices, he has a large number of points, exceeding that of Canon. To appreciate this advantage, they need to be used at least once. It allows you to improve the results of the layman, and for the professional it simplifies the work, he no longer needs to look for a focus for a long time. One has only to point it to any point and get what you need, the frames will be consistently sharp. The competitor’s situation is more complicated, his cameras sometimes lose the necessary point, forcing him to spend time on focusing, as well as on composition. Because of this, not only time is lost, but valuable personnel are often missed.

Owners will also appreciate the ability to control the flash. For many years this remained the main advantage of the brand, as the rival was strongly retreating. In the new lines of the latter, this characteristic has noticeably improved, but so far it definitely does not reach Nikon.

The large sensor used in the screen will allow you to take a clearer photo even with fewer pixels. In addition, there are many more pleasant little things for ease of use. They attract more non-professionals, however, Nikon is considered a more customer-oriented firm, many prefer it for this reason alone.

Canon benefits

SLR cameras vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Canon also has strengths that keep him in the lead. We list only the most demanded of them. First, it has a higher video quality. It is difficult to argue with this, even despite the fact that in recent years Nikon has significantly worked on this characteristic. Second, more pixels. This does not always have an impact on the final result, but almost all photographers will confirm that the more megapixels in the camera, the more convenient and pleasant it is for them to work.

It should be noted the cost, because for many it becomes a decisive selection criterion. All other things being equal or almost equal, the products from this brand are cheaper than those from its rival. Affordability is expressed not only in price, but also in the release time of new models. If Canon announces the release of a new camera, then you can set up a purchase, as it will go on the free sale very soon. Following a similar announcement from Nikon, fans usually wait for the next few months.

It is worth paying attention to the special structure of the lens, in all new devices they contain a motor. It is practical and convenient. For a competitor, it’s not so easy to become the owner of a lens with a motor, it often has to be purchased separately, and before that, you have to choose which one is exactly right for your model.

Those who like to experiment like it, it is quite possible for Canon to find a lens adapter. It is impossible to find the same adapters for an accessory from the second leader, or it is very problematic.

What’s better?

When deciding what to choose: Nikon or Canon, you need to pay attention to a few more differences. Nikon specializes in photographic equipment, although they produce other types of equipment, as well as sports optics. Canon’s specialization is much broader, their wide range includes many items of electronic and optical devices. However, this does not in any way affect the quality of photographic equipment, both manufacturers have sufficient resources to produce quality goods, regardless of how concentrated they are in this segment.

The products will be of equal quality, but one of them may lead in sales of a certain position. The popularity can be influenced even by such a technically insignificant detail as the color schemes of the models. For example, sports photographers use lenses from Canon, they are remembered for their original cream color. At the same time, Nikon is also in demand among reporters, but black lenses merge with the general mass, so it is impossible to distinguish them. The difference can only be in one color, but this is a strong publicity stunt.

Rulers

When choosing a camera, it is important to evaluate its color rendition. Most mid-range Nikon models will take more natural shots than Canon devices in the same category. In the latter, the colors will look richer, this is a matter of taste, and for some, the distortion towards brightness will be a plus, but certain problems will arise when shooting portraits. The main disadvantage is the unnatural skin color. A professional photographer can easily fix this during processing, but he will take the time to do it. Therefore, the color rendition must be assessed in advance.

If the choice is between different positions from the same line, then for the amateur photographer it is better to give preference to the later models. These companies always take into account their flaws, so that subsequent models are always better than the previous ones, they come out with improvements and new functions.

Now Nikon makes 3 rows of cameras: compact, SLR, mirrorless. The former are called COOLPIX, they differ in power among themselves. For them, use the following marking:

• S – compact, with a striking exterior design;
• A and L – initial budget devices, designed exclusively for amateur use;
• B and P – equipped with ultrazoom, the possibility of a strong approach;
• W – the case is protected from dust particles and drops.

The name of DSLRs invariably goes to D. Further numbers follow, you can use them to determine the release period, as well as letters that also reveal functional features:

• S – an updated model, but it was released without modifications;
• H – the shortcomings of the predecessors from the same series were taken into account and improved;
• X – increased number of megapixels;
• E – the presence of noise reduction;
• A – with such a camera it will be possible to shoot the starry sky;
• F – designates those devices that are dressed in a retro case.

Canon also produces compact cameras, DSLRs – EOS, mirrorless – EOS M. According to the designations on the models, you can learn a lot about their capabilities and characteristics:

• Ixus – the simplest compact devices with minimal technical capabilities;
• PowerShot N – also amateur devices, but with broader functionality;
• PowerShot G – compact cameras with the widest possibilities, allow for manual settings, have a high matrix resolution;
• PowerShot SX – indicates the presence of the ultrazoom function;
• PowerShot D is dust and moisture resistant.

Other selection criteria

There are several more criteria, each of which can play a decisive role. It will most likely be difficult for an amateur to decide between two DSLRs, but if this is the first serious device, he will be satisfied in any case. Both brands are based and manufacture in Japan. This is an indicator of the highest quality at the world level. There may be no significant differences in appearance between products from different manufacturers. That is why inexperienced photographers do not understand what the choice should be based on. In this case, you can recommend buying an entry-level camera, and before that you still understand how they differ.

Entry-level devices

The cost of such a camera will be affordable, after some time of use, the owner will gain experience and understand what he lacks in it. Canon’s simplest models are going to be very simple indeed. They create accessible positions, freeing them from all sorts of bells and whistles, many of which will really be superfluous for a beginner. Nikon acts differently, in any case, they retain the completeness of the functionality as much as possible. All other things being equal, it is worth comparing the ease of control and the ability to withstand loads.

It is necessary to look at the matrix as well, for the entry level this is very important. Generally, Nikon provides more sensors at the same price point. The difference may not be big, but in this segment it can become significant. For example, this difference will determine whether you can take clear pictures in low light. Pros usually advise choosing Canon’s full-frame models, but whenever it comes to the smaller sensor, they say Nikon is better.

For an amateur photographer, a good clue will be the style in which he plans to work. If you would like to photograph landscapes, even an ordinary compact camera will be enough. Burst shooting of a moving object will become a more difficult task, Canon cannot always cope with it, Nikon wins in this regard. When it comes to shooting something moving, you no longer need to choose from compact devices, for this you need a DSLR with a burst function.

It is also worth looking at the power of the battery, comparing it with your needs. If you are planning long-term photo sessions, then keep in mind that this parameter will limit them in the first place. If the average Kenon device allows you to take about 500 frames on one full charge, then its rival will have this parameter significantly higher.

Professional cameras

This category is intended for people whose work is in one way or another related to photography. These are not only photographers, but also journalists, reporters, and other observers. At the expense of representatives of these professions, the companies in question make the main revenue. If the difference in the technical characteristics of the entry-level models can change the cost only insignificantly, then here the rates grow significantly. That is why it is more difficult to choose among professional devices, price becomes one of the main criteria.

Important only for a professional, the difference lies in the place of assembly. Both cameras are Japanese, but there is a small caveat: Nikon sometimes orders assembly in other countries, and also practices the purchase of a matrix from Sony, its opponent assembles equipment exclusively in the land of the rising sun.

If you have to work in RAW mode, then the professional will not be surprised by the distortion of colors. They know that Nikon will produce more green, its competitor more red. This is a feature that is eliminated in processing, but it can become a matter of personal preference.

A professional reporter or photographer may not argue which is better: Canon or Nikon, but simply buy a camera from the same company that he had before. It’s not a matter of habit at all, but of compatibility with lenses and other accessories left over from previous devices. Accessories are quite expensive, besides, as mentioned above, it is not always possible to choose the necessary adapter.