Canon/Nikon Handling

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hmj

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I'm returning to my old hobby after a 15 year absence. I wasn't really sure which 'system' to buy into but a local shop had quite a good deal so I have just bought a 2nd hand canon EOS550 50f1.8. While i cant fault the actual image quality i'm less happy with the handling of the camera.

After a bit of use I'm not to keen on on the small body, the grip feels a bit small and for some reason the buttons/dial don't feel to be in the right places. For somethings like changing the metering you have to go through the menus which i don't like doing. I'm wondering is it a case of getting used to it or would it be better trying the equivalent Nikon. Are Nikon and Canon different in this way?

Also the auto focus seems a bit random. Of course i don't mind manually focusing but i'm finding the tiny focus ring on the lens useless. Are all canon lenses like that and if so what about Nikon?

In the future i will probably upgrade body's so if its just my model then its ok and i'll know what i'm looking for in the future but as I have the opportunity to exchange it for something else i was wondering if its worthwhile as the shop is so far away.
 
hmj said:
I'm returning to my old hobby after a 15 year absence. I wasn't really sure which 'system' to buy into but a local shop had quite a good deal so I have just bought a 2nd hand canon EOS550 50f1.8. While i cant fault the actual image quality i'm less happy with the handling of the camera.

After a bit of use I'm not to keen on on the small body, the grip feels a bit small and for some reason the buttons/dial don't feel to be in the right places. For somethings like changing the metering you have to go through the menus which i don't like doing. I'm wondering is it a case of getting used to it or would it be better trying the equivalent Nikon. Are Nikon and Canon different in this way?

Also the auto focus seems a bit random. Of course i don't mind manually focusing but i'm finding the tiny focus ring on the lens useless. Are all canon lenses like that and if so what about Nikon?

In the future i will probably upgrade body's so if its just my model then its ok and i'll know what i'm looking for in the future but as I have the opportunity to exchange it for something else i was wondering if its worthwhile as the shop is so far away.
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Hi Firstly let me be the first to welcome you to the forum :)

my dad has a 550d and i also don't like the feel of it amazing performance but don't like the ergonomics feels to plasticky. But that's maybe because I have a 5d mk ii which is alloy body. Also with the 50mm 1.8 its produces amazing images but feels like a child's toy. And focus Is not usm so loud and slow and I found the focus ring in usable i much prefer the 50mm 1.4 but quite a large price difference between the 1.8 and 1.4
 
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To be honest, the 50mm focus ring is small. Even the equivalent "kit lens"(18-55) It's quite small and a pain. The 550D is a small camera, I bought a grip for my 500D and found that to help with the size. If you don't have any expensive lenses, then you could upgrade to nikon in the future. But if you're struggling with your current lens, look at purchasing a new one? A Tamron 17-50 2.8 second hand will cost you about £180-200, if you don't have that kind of money after buying the camera, the kit lens will set you back around £50. Possibly look at the is version.
 
I chose Nikon over Canon for that reason alone, the Canon just didn't feel right in my hands.

Switch auto focus to single point.
 
hmj said:
I'm wondering is it a case of getting used to it or would it be better trying the equivalent Nikon. Are Nikon and Canon different in this way?
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Lots of things are different between Nikon and Canon. Personally I much prefer nikon and just "don't get" many things about Canon, I hate the controls, I hate the menus, the list goes on ... I wouldn't use a Canon even if you gave me one for free. :)

Only you can tell though. So go get your hands on one (or rent one, its not that expensive).

Also the auto focus seems a bit random.
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Are you sure you are not on hand-holding full-auto mode ? :D

Of course i don't mind manually focusing but i'm finding the tiny focus ring on the lens useless. Are all canon lenses like that and if so what about Nikon?
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Cheap lens, cheap focus. Irrespective of brand. Its the simple economics of manufacturing constraints... they have to cut some corners somewhere in order to make the price point attractive. The vast majority of the Nikon pro range lenses are perfectly usable and very well made (and, although it pains me to say it, I guess many of the Canon pro range lenses are hard to beat too in their own respects if you are unfortunate enough to own a Canon body :D).

As the old saying goes... invest in the glass before you invest in the body (although of course, you need to decide on the "system" first !!).
 
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ha, Nikon entry level like the D3100 I had is even worse. To change metering you press even more buttons to get to the metering item on the screen.

You really need to invest in a more expensive body for a better control. Perhaps have a look at 40D.

For the lens, 50 f1.8 is the cheapest most toy-like lens you can buy! Try 50 f1.4 for a better prime.


Major differences between the two is really Canon buttons are toggle buttons while Nikon buttons are hold buttons. For example: On Canon, you press ISO, then spin the dial to change ISO. On Nikon you hold down ISO and then spin the dial.
 
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He could get a second hand Nikon D700 (or even a second hand D300 if he doesn't need full frame). Buy second hand from a reputable source such as Fixation and you'll never know the difference.

But yes, I forgot to mention, look at the range of Nikon bodies.... their shapes do vary a bit (and a lot as you get higher up the food chain).
 
Where's the need to abuse and slate the opposition? Is it due to a lack of intellectual conpacity to construct a fact filled reply? There really is no need for stuck up fan boy responses. Its a box at the end of the day, with glass at the front. Who cares what name is on it as long as it takes great photos. And if all you care about is the name, you really are a superficial photographer who should maybe go join a brand dedicated forum.
 
John Mc said:
Where's the need to abuse and slate the opposition?
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Aahh diddums... can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. What do you expect ? Its the age old Nikon vs Canon debate ! :bonk:

For your information, when I made my move into serious photography a few years back and so had a hefty investment ahead of me in a "system", I looked at, rented and tried both Canon and Nikon.

In every aspect Nikon won it hands down for me. I also know many photographers who've moved from Canon to Nikon (even more so recently with the D800E being very popular indeed amongst the landscape crew).

Anyway, I wasn't abusing Canon.... just a bit of a tongue in cheek jest at the old Canon vs Nikon debate, something which can be debated until the cows come home. I think its as pointless debate to get involved in as the Mac vs PC debate, iPhone vs Android etc.

Which is why.... as I said to the original poster, he should just go play with a Nikon and make up his own mind whether Canon or Nikon is for him. People here will have already made up their own minds as to which camp they are in, and ultimately its not really right and proper for us to make up his mind for him.... its his money, I don't give a **** whether he chooses Nikon or Canon. I just want him to get out there and capture great images !

P.S. Where's your "fact filled reply" ? ;)
 
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Just try a few cameras from different maker within your price range s/h or new see how they handle after all your going to be the one using it :)
 
f99bokeh said:
Aahh diddums... can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. What do you expect ? Its the age old Nikon vs Canon debate ! :bonk:
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Maturity, for one. There was no tounge in cheek jest in what you were saying. If there was, you would have said something positive about the brand you were slating. And by saying "it pains me to admit it" doesn't mean you've said anything positive. It's basically saying but after a positive statement, it just cancels it out.

The Nikon vs Canon debate is just that. A debate for people who call themselves "Serious photographer's" to sit about and argue which brand is better, which has better lenses etc. The list goes on.

If you want to argue why your Nikon is better than my canon, go ahead. But the truth of the fact is, If you give me any camera and tell me that's all I can use for the next year, I'd be happy too. My love of Photography isn't to do with what camera I have, it's about taking photos and having fun. Something that seems to be lost on people arguing or insinuating their brand is superior.
 
f99bokeh...I have a Nikon D7000, which is a great camera. But Canon also make great cameras, and I for one certainly WOULD use one if I had one given to me. You strike me as the kind of person who hates xbox just because you own a Playstation (or vice versa), or you hate Android just because you own an Iphone (or vice versa).

I suggest you change your attitude, otherwise you won't last much longer round these parts.

Right...to the OP. Sorry to hear you're not enjoying your 550D, which is a very good camera by the way (despite the fact that I own a Nikon). What I would suggest (and as Simonblue has suggested) is , if you have the time (before you lose the chance to exchange) and if there is one near you is to visit a camera shop and have a play with a few cameras and see which you prefer. It sounds like to me that you would be better off with something like the 60D or D7000/D7100. But...don't forget Pentax ;-)
 
hmj said:
I'm returning to my old hobby after a 15 year absence. I wasn't really sure which 'system' to buy into but a local shop had quite a good deal so I have just bought a 2nd hand canon EOS550 50f1.8. While i cant fault the actual image quality i'm less happy with the handling of the camera.

After a bit of use I'm not to keen on on the small body, the grip feels a bit small and for some reason the buttons/dial don't feel to be in the right places. For somethings like changing the metering you have to go through the menus which i don't like doing. I'm wondering is it a case of getting used to it or would it be better trying the equivalent Nikon. Are Nikon and Canon different in this way?

Also the auto focus seems a bit random. Of course i don't mind manually focusing but i'm finding the tiny focus ring on the lens useless. Are all canon lenses like that and if so what about Nikon?

In the future i will probably upgrade body's so if its just my model then its ok and i'll know what i'm looking for in the future but as I have the opportunity to exchange it for something else i was wondering if its worthwhile as the shop is so far away.
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Canon and Nikon camera's do handle differently. I tried both way back and went for Canon as I preferred the way they handled. Try to go and try a 40/50/60D and a couple of comparably priced Nikon cameras and see what you think. If they feel right in comparison to the Canon then now is the time to switch. If you feel there's no real difference then you may as well stick with what you have.

As JT74 said though, switch to centre point focus, that way it'll focus on what you want. I haven't used the 550 but have the 50mm 1.8 and use that in AF on both a 7d and 5d2 and it behaved itself fine. Not the fastest to focus or the best built but a good lens for the price.
 
Definitely try a few other bodies of both makes, and maybe a Sony or Pentax too for good measure. Don't get hung up on the notion that one brand must be inherently "better" than the other - Canon and Nikon have been neck and neck for decades precisely because they both make great cameras that simply suit different tastes.

Personally I have a 500D (very close relative to your 550D), it was my first DSLR and I came to it fresh from an all-manual Nikon film SLR. It was a wrench to begin with and a few things puzzled me, but I'm now completely at home with it, play the buttons like a concert pianist (almost) and feel completely in control - it just took a little getting used to.

A friend of mine handed me his Nikon D3100 a few weeks ago - which is a close equivalent to the 500D or 550D - and of course I was completely stumped by it. Much fewer buttons, a more ornate menu system (it seemed to me) - didn't get on with it at all and was relieved to get back to my Canon afterwards. But that's one of many subjective opinions and for you the Nikon may be perfection itself - nobody knows but you.
 
Northstander said:
You strike me as the kind of person who hates xbox just because you own a Playstation (or vice versa), or you hate Android just because you own an Iphone (or vice versa).
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Well you couldn't be more wrong.

Shall I go through my original post line by line for you....

Lots of things are different between Nikon and Canon. Personally I much prefer nikon and just "don't get" many things about Canon, I hate the controls, I hate the menus, the list goes on ... I wouldn't use a Canon even if you gave me one for free.

Only you can tell though. So go get your hands on one (or rent one, its not that expensive).
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Ok, two paragraphs, but they go together....

Paragraph 1 :
- I make it clear Nikon is my personal preference and state some examples why I prefer Nikon (am I not allowed to express an opinion when asked for one ?)
- The last phrase about no free Canon was tongue in cheek (with the smiley appended incase the text went over someone's head)

Paragraph 2:
- I tell him what I've been saying all along... i.e. go try for yourself !

Are you sure you are not on hand-holding full-auto mode ?
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This was a genuine comment,fully intended to be lighthearted, as per smiley.

Cheap lens, cheap focus. Irrespective of brand. Its the simple economics of manufacturing constraints... they have to cut some corners somewhere in order to make the price point attractive. The vast majority of the Nikon pro range lenses are perfectly usable and very well made (and, although it pains me to say it, I guess many of the Canon pro range lenses are hard to beat too in their own respects if you are unfortunate enough to own a Canon body ).

As the old saying goes... invest in the glass before you invest in the body (although of course, you need to decide on the "system" first !!).
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Nothing wrong here. Lots of factually correct information. I already stated up at the top Nikon was my personal preference so the Canon comment was tongue in cheek and I would have hoped most people would have picked up on the fact that it was not a 100% serious comment.




Seriously. People read too much into stuff on the internet !

Now can we draw a line in the sand and move on. As I said..... Nikon v Canon, Apple vs PC, Android vs iPhone .... I really do not give two hoots ! Seriously, honestly and truthfully I mean that.... I do not care which manufacturer people choose, I just think people should make their own opinions by trying things for themselves and place less weight on opinions stated on internet forums (even my opinions !).
 
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Thanks for the help.

I'm not dissatisfied with the 550, just finding it hard to get used to.

Before i invest some cash into a canon system i just thought i had better find out if the entire canon range of bodies and lenses handled and held in the same fashion. If so then it might be worth while checking out another brand, if not then it not a problem as in the future i can find a canon that i like. And i'm only asking because i don't have a good local camera shop and its very difficult to get a feel in a shop.
 
hmj, my story seems to be similar to your's - been an enthusiast photographer ever since the age of twelve, lost interest in mid-life, used digital compacts for a decade, and returned to (D)SLR a while ago.

A lot of people prefer Canon, so I guess it is a matter of personal preference more than anything else. But I bought a Canon DSLR initially, too, and found the user interface not that intuitive.

With Nikon, for me both menus and on-camera controls feel more intuitive. Especially the D800 impresses me with regard to ease of use. Although for my wife's brother it had one major disadvantage when he tried to use it recently - it does not have an Automatic mode :)
 
Pro level bodies definitely handles much much better. It's true in every brand.

What part of the handling you don't like with 550D? The small grip where your little finger falls off the bottom is only a problem on entry level bodies. But if it's stuff such as you don't like the way your thumb rests on the back or the location of command dial, then the different design of Nikon would be worth trying.


I personally found Canon's menu much much easier to memorise than Nikon's. I am always searching for that option in Nikon's endless menu while Canon's menu are all there on one screen, with multiple tabs to contain them.
 
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Everyone's cameras handle differently, as do different models from the same manufacturer. I personally dislike both Canon and Nikon, but I'm stuck with a Nikon designed body because I value the end result more than the box that produces it.
 
If you don't mind manual focusing, then I can recommend getting an adapter and some good old lenses with proper focusing rings :)

M42, Pentax K, Contax/Yashica, Leica R, Olympus OM and Nikon lenses will all work fine (with manual aperture stop down) if you buy the correct adapter.
 
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