Which camera is better - Canon or Nikon?

Currently, photography has become an integral part of our lives. Nowadays even the means of mobile communication are equipped with the functions of photo and video shooting, which makes the process of obtaining images accessible to everyone. It is worth noting that the camera of a mobile phone can get high-quality images. But very often people have a desire to do photography professionally, and then there is a need to purchase a camera. What technique to choose? Everyone who asks this question gradually arises another: which camera is better - Canon or Nikon? Of course, these are not all representatives of the modern camera market, but the most vivid and famous. This is not the first year they have been competing for the consumer. Both manufacturers are Japanese technology giants. Nikon produces exclusively photographic equipment. Canon, in addition to high-quality cameras, produces almost all office equipment. So, let's try to figure out which is better - Canon or Nikon?

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What is the biggest difference between brands?

Cameras of these brands are usually assembled in Japan. In addition to using the same technology, even the external similarity of these SLR cameras is noticed. Therefore, it is sometimes very difficult to understand which is better - Canon or Nikon?

Both manufacturers produce cameras that provide excellent image quality. The main condition for achieving excellent results in most cases may be the skill of the owner of the camera. But still, there are differences between manufacturers, which can play a significant role when choosing a camera.

Consider the main differences inherent in the products of each of the brands.

Important! Before all who are faced with the question of choosing the best model of photographic equipment, initially the question arises of choosing the principle of its action? Our comparative review will help you decide on the right choice."Which camera is better - digital or SLR?".

Ergonomics

To a greater or lesser extent, the forms of the cameras of both brands outwardly differ from each other. In this regard, it is necessary to do a trial shooting with the device.

Important! This parameter is one of the main ones if you intend to use the camera in a professional activity.

Body material

“Canon” manufactures its products in a case made of high-quality plastic, while “Nikon” in most cases uses a magnesium alloy as a material for the case. In this regard, there is a difference in the mass of cameras - Nikon has an average of 300 grams more.

Matrix size and type

Full-frame models are equipped with a 36x24 mm sensor, which corresponds to the size of a 35 mm film. Canon APS-C full-frame cameras have ~ 22.5x15 mm (crop factor 1.6), Nikon ~ 24x16 mm (crop factor 1.5).

Important! It should be noted that Nikon can order sensors from manufacturers such as Toshiba and Sony, and Canon uses only its own matrices.

Matrix and Resolution

Which camera is better - “Canon” or “Nikon”, according to these parameters? The image quality directly depends on these characteristics:

• Absolutely all matrixes of Canon cameras are made using progressive CMOS technology.
• At the Nikon brand you can find devices with a CCD matrix, inferior to CMOS even in energy consumption.

Important! Regarding resolution, it should be noted that a higher resolution will make it possible to take large format photographs without losing details. Comparing similar models of both manufacturers, Nikon loses to the competitor by an average of 0.3 by the number of megapixels, but this disadvantage is compensated by the noise reduction function.

Important! If you do not plan to purchase a bulky professional camera, you can purchase an inexpensive model that is completely reliable and of high quality. We have prepared separate reviews for you with a description of the best small models:

• Good-matrix soap cameras.
• Rating Compact Cameras.

CPU, flash control, focus points:

• Each of the manufacturers uses a filling that meets modern requirements of computer technology. Therefore, regarding processors, they are on an equal footing.
• In the flash control feature, Canon is slightly behind its competitor.
• Almost all Nikon models have more focus points than their competitors, this also applies to cross focus points.

Camera interface

More convenient with Nikon.

Important! Both phones have the ability to adjust white balance and change settings in manual mode.

Photo quality in low light

In low light conditions, the quality of photographs taken with a Nikon camera will be higher than with Canon cameras.

The lenses

An important point when choosing a camera. Often the camera is sold with a standard lens in the kit. Manufacturers also present a wide selection of additional optics that can be used for certain photography needs - from portrait optics to televisions.

Important! “Canon” is ahead of “Nikon” in a variety of optics.

These lenses can be purchased separately, and they are only suitable for their manufacturer.

Important! In most cases, Canon’s budget lenses cost less than Nikon’s optics.

With the help of old lenses such as “Jupiter” and “Helios” you can get interesting pictures. This optics can be used on cameras of both manufacturers with an adapter. Canon produces a wide range of adapters for its devices and it is much easier to find them on sale than for Nikon.

Other nuances:

• The cost of Nikon cameras is more expensive than their competitors.
• Videography. Cameras by Canon are the leaders in this feature.
• New products on sale. Canon products go on sale faster after release, and Nikon takes 4-6 months.
• Metering This option significantly affects image quality. Nikon cameras have more accurate sensors that maximize the naturalness of the image. Canon camera measurements are more suitable for specific situations - the presence of backlight, dark background, etc.
• Photographic lenses. Canon supplies almost all photo lenses with a built-in motor. This facilitates their operation and the choice of various cameras. Regarding Nikon cameras, the question arises as to whether autofocus will work on this or that camera.
• In RAW format, Nikon's images go green, while Canon's go red or blue.

Which camera is better - Canon or Nikon? As you can see, the main differences between the products of these brands are insignificant. In the struggle for the consumer, both manufacturers are constantly releasing new products that are similar in characteristics to the competitor. The most difficult choice is the initial one, because if once you have chosen a particular brand, then you will continue to use it. It is very rare that fans of one brand begin to use competitor's products.

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Comparison of advantages

Canon or Nikon? What to choose for purchase? Let's try to understand this issue by considering the merits of each brand.

Advantages of Canon cameras:

• Cost. Cameras and lenses from this manufacturer are always cheaper than competitor counterparts.

Important! Canon lenses, for example, are about 10% cheaper than Nikon.

• Speed ​​of sale. Announced new products from this manufacturer on sale appear within a month, while announced new products from a competitor must be expected to six months.
• Video quality. Canon is the undisputed leader in this characteristic, despite all the efforts of the competitor to catch up with them on this point. Very important when shooting video is the frame rate, which is still more precisely at Canon.
• The number of megapixels. Canon ranks first in this indicator, so if this characteristic is significant for you, choose a camera of this brand.

Advantages of Nikon cameras:

• The ability to shoot in a poorly lit room. The undisputed and main advantage of Nikon cameras is the receipt of good quality images in a poorly lit room. Cameras of this manufacturer give pictures with a small amount of noise. The built-in flash of these cameras can be controlled manually.
• APS-C sensor size. Even with fewer megapixels gives a clearer picture.
• Autofocus A larger number of autofocus points in cameras from this manufacturer allows the photographer to focus on the right moments without changing the composition and focus points, as well as without switching to manual focus.

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How to choose a camera?

Still hard to understand which is better - “Canon” or “Nikon”? To fully cover the topic, you need to consider options for products. Both companies produce the following types of cameras.

Important! Large SLR cameras with a bunch of lenses have been replaced by system cameras. Maybe this is exactly the camera you are looking for? All information about them and the rating of the best models are given in our review. "System cameras".

Entry-level SLR cameras

The entry-level cameras of both companies differ significantly from each other:

• The company “Canon” produces equipment equipped with a minimum of functions, HDR-shooting and other modern chips are found in rare models of amateur DSLRs.
• Entry-level devices from Nikon have more convenient control and the presence of a variety of functions.

Which is better - Canon or Nikon? Comparing the characteristics, it is seen that:

• Both brands have matrices almost identical.
• But the Nikon camera sensor is a bit larger, and this is a positive factor when shooting in difficult conditions.
• The company "Canon" allows you to do their technology up to four frames per second. Not much behind, and “Nikon” in this indicator.

Important! Choosing photo equipment it is necessary to focus on the style of shooting. For those who prefer to photograph landscapes, there is no need to purchase high-speed equipment. If you plan to photograph children, you will need a burst mode.

Currently, not all amateur photographers use the viewfinder; it is easier for them to crop using the LCD. Which camera is better - Canon or Nikon - for this feature? In any model of both manufacturers, with the exception of the cheapest, there will be a 3-inch LCD. But here the resolution is different - at Canon cameras it is higher.

Important! Keep in mind that such a camera will consume more energy and discharge faster. To prevent this from happening at the most inopportune moment, find out about the best rechargeable batteries for the camera.

Nikon entry-level cameras outperform their primary competitor in battery capacity. So, the camera’s charge is enough for 600-800 frames, while the analog “Canon” is only 400-500. On long journeys, it’s quite problematic to charge the battery, and this factor is very useful.

The remaining functions of entry-level cameras are similar for both manufacturers and do not differ practically in anything.

Professional cameras

Cameras of this particular category bring maximum profit to companies, since they have a high cost. Regarding professional cameras, it is difficult to determine which is better than Canon or Nikon. Here you should study the information about the technical characteristics of specific models:

• Regarding the size and weight, the Nikon devices have a large mass (due to the mass of the magnesium alloy body) and more compact sizes.
• Some Canon models are equipped with WI-FI and GPS functions, which is a necessity for some photographers. But, at the same time, they have a small number of controls on the case. And to change the settings, you need to spend additional time to enter the menu.

When buying a particular professional equipment for shooting, most likely, you will have to focus on your financial capabilities. This is due to the fact that the characteristics of such DSLRs are almost the same.

Important! The best photos don't have to be printed! Admire your work with digital photo frames.

The main parameters when choosing cameras:

• photosensitivity;
• resolution (indicated in megapixels);
• lens aperture;
• zoom - the difference in focal length;
• source of power;
• memory card capacity.

Important! If you have already gotten enough and the pictures you have come out of a very decent quality, you have a desire to put your work on display by relatives and guests of your home, use the designers' tips about“Wall decoration with photographs”.

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Model Comparison

To provide a complete overview of the capabilities of the equipment, here are a couple of examples of comparisons of analogs of Canon and Nikon SLR cameras.

Canon EOS 60D and Nikon D7000

Both cameras belong to an inexpensive line of companies, their cost is relatively the same - about $ 1,000, and have the following characteristics.

Canon EOS 60D

• The matrix resolution is 18 megapixels, ISO - 6400;
• The ability to shoot video in Full HD for 30 minutes, the frame rate is higher in comparison with a competitor;
• Built-in pop-up flash;
• Large rotating screen;
• The number of focus points - 9;
• Powerful battery that allows you to take about 1000 shots;
• Plastic case;
• Excellent video and photo quality for such a camera price.

Nikon D7000:

• The matrix is ​​16.2 megapixels, ISO is the same as that of the Canon EOS 60D - 6400;
• Ability to shoot HD video, shooting time - 20 minutes;
• Case material - magnesium alloy;
• 3 inch display;
• Good autofocus system;
• The number of focus points - 39;
• The battery allows you to take approximately 1000 images;
• Ability to work in all weather conditions (heat, rain, snow).

Important! It should also be noted that the “Canon” matrix has a higher resolution, but the “Nikon” has a bit more. The dimensions of the Canon camera are slightly larger, while the Nikon is heavier in weight.

Nikon D800 and Canon 5D Mark III

These cameras are the pride and elite of both manufacturers. Consider the main advantages of each of them.

Nikon D800:

• Autofocus works better, with the aperture closed;
• The presence of autofocus when shooting video;
• More megapixels
• Noise reduction is better;
• Compatible with all Nikon lenses;
• Possibility of internal flash control, thanks to the built-in flash;
• Flash sync rate is better.

Canon 5D Mark III:

• The best screen resolution;
• ISO is 3 times greater than that of Nikon, and reaches 25600;
• More AF points;
• Lighter weight compared to the Nikon D800;
• A large number of video settings;
• The battery lasts for a long time.

Important! Reviews say that when comparing Canon and Nikon SLR cameras, Nikon allows you to focus effortlessly, and Canon is more suitable for shooting video.

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Stock footage

The technical characteristics of each of the cameras should suit you individually, as any technique has its own advantages and disadvantages.When choosing a camera, be sure to take test shots with your favorite camera before buying, go to the menu, get acquainted with the technical specifications, etc. Perhaps that is when you will get the exact answer for yourself, which is better - “Canon” or “Nikon”. Do not forget to ask about service, as this is, after all, an expensive equipment. Successful work that you will undoubtedly have with gaining experience.