Jumping ship to Nikon?

antonroland

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Anton
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Yes folks, this is me...

Anyone with any argument for or against?

Appreciated!:thumbs:
 
can I ask jumping ship from what?
OOPS just seen canon :bonk:
 
You'll get no argument from me Anton
Just DON'T friggin' do it :D
 
Argument against: it's money down the drain if you're buying new Nikon with money gained from flogging old Canon...
 
If you think Nikon will make you a beter photographer go for it.:thumbs:
 
You'll get no argument from me Anton
Just DON'T friggin' do it :D


I know Chris, I know...6 months ago I would have ringed up the good folks with the padded vans for anyone who would have dared suggesting that to me but lately I am seeing the D3 through new eyes...
 
Argument against: it's money down the drain if you're buying new Nikon with money gained from flogging old Canon...

Yes, agree, this common sense approach is what makes me think twice at this stage...but that is the only thing stopping me at this stage...:thinking::shrug:
 
I know Chris, I know...6 months ago I would have ringed up the good folks with the padded vans for anyone who would have dared suggesting that to me but lately I am seeing the D3 through new eyes...

In all honesty I have never used a Nikon so I can't comment subjectively
The biggest minus I would say is that fact that you would need to replace
All your kit.
But if you can get a good price for the Canon stuff and / or you can afford to do it,
And its something that you really want to do, then I say why not :shrug:
 
If you think Nikon will make you a beter photographer go for it.:thumbs:

I know for a fact that different brand kit doesn't make anyone a better togger but the creative lighting stuff for off-camera flash and Nikon's metering mode deffo got my attention...


Just had a look at the lens prices at one of our bigger online shops...the Nikon lenses are considerably more pricey than their Canon equivalents. Is this also the case in the U.K.?
 
Looking at it realistically:

- Will probably lose a fair bit of money jumping ship and selling old/buying new gear
- How long till Canon are ahead of Nikon again? from what I've heard, they leapfrog each other
- Getting a brand new set of kit might be enough to jumpstart your photography. I know that when I get new kit it makes me want to go out and use it and I feel that way for several months

However
- why not? it's your kit, your hobby, and i say if you can afford it, go for it! just be 100% sure!
 
Welcome.. I did the same just before christmas (just befor price rise) never looked back.Got rid of 40d and L glass,got D3 ,and it's one hell of a camera.
 
I know for a fact that different brand kit doesn't make anyone a better togger but the creative lighting stuff for off-camera flash and Nikon's metering mode deffo got my attention...


Just had a look at the lens prices at one of our bigger online shops...the Nikon lenses are considerably more pricey than their Canon equivalents. Is this also the case in the U.K.?

yes, although it does depend on what you're looking at.
 
I did the sums just before Christmas and decided against it. Priced up a D700/D300 combo, 70-200 f/2.8, 24-70 f/2.8, 200-400 f/4 etc but decided I couldn't take the hit financially.

Bottom line is that I still love my 1DsII and there is nothing on the market and would rather have at a price I can justify. But, if you think there are features that are worth it for you then go for it. At the end of the day, a camera is only a tool for making photographs and not an emotional item.
 
its not just the big bits of kit all the small things will need changing too like remotes ect,

also you will have to relearn all the controls, I guess nikon have a different ethic in their menu layouts.

I quite often wonder if I should have gone nikon, seeing as they have better AF and iso response but I am with canon and it will take a lot to get me to change for the logistics, and +1 to the idea that in a few years the situation may well be reversed
 
And in a few months time Canon will launch something that will blow the D3 out of the water.
Bet I am right.
Pons

I would probably not bet against you on that point but, as I see it, IF I do make the jump I need to do it while by bodies are still in demend in the 2nd hand market...thing is, I need to get great results tomorrow and next week...

One thing though, I will try thoroughly before I make any rash decisions.
 
also you will have to relearn all the controls, I guess nikon have a different ethic in their menu layouts.

I think its called ergonomic.......





:D:coat:
 
and not an emotional item.

You'll be surprised...:D

Agreed otherwise, I would probably look at a D3 / D700 combo with the same lenses...the 200-400 is a jolly great lens but at 80K down here it will have to sit on the wishlist for a while stil...

Having said that, I AM in love with my camera.


YES!! Same here:lol::thumbs:
 
Oh, the 40d would get custody.
I could just get more flashguns and lenses :naughty:

Seriously though
being a massive geek
I did a comparison on my ideal kit for both nikon and canon
2 bodies (one top, one smaller), 3 versatile zoom lenses, 1 fisheye, one macro, 2 flashguns and a remote

Canon
  • Canon EOS 1DS MkIII
  • Canon EOS 5D MkII
  • Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8
  • Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8
  • Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS
  • Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8
  • Canon EF 15mm f/2.8
  • Canon 580EX MkII (x2)
  • Canon RS-80 N3 remote
Total: £12,625

Nikon
  • Nikon D3x
  • Nikon D700
  • Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8
  • Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8
  • Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR
  • Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 VR
  • Nikkor 16mm f/2.8
  • Nikon SB-900 (x2)
  • Nikon MC-36 remote
Total: £12,217

I think the differences in price are mostly in the bodies - Nikon bodies are slightly cheaper than their equivalent Canons.
 
I have had Canon for some time - possibly because I lusted after a Canon A1 (if I recall) back in the seventies. You had a digital readout in the viewfinder!

I now have a pretty comprehensive understanding of all the lenses, their relative merits and to some extend, values.

I am too interested in Nikon, but have no idea about their lenses and their string of letters after them. Some of their lenses just don't get good reviews.

So, I'll continue to see a body as a disposable item and keep my quality glass. The Canon bodies are well documented and improving all the time. There is something for everyone and if you are looking for second hand, plenty of choice at every price level.

I guess it pays to take a slightly longer term view.

Graham
 
Oh, the 40d would get custody.
I could just get more flashguns and lenses :naughty:

Seriously though
being a massive geek
I did a comparison on my ideal kit for both nikon and canon
2 bodies (one top, one smaller), 3 versatile zoom lenses, 1 fisheye, one macro, 2 flashguns and a remote

Canon
  • Canon EOS 1DS MkIII
  • Canon EOS 5D MkII
  • Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8
  • Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8
  • Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS
  • Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8
  • Canon EF 15mm f/2.8
  • Canon 580EX MkII (x2)
  • Canon RS-80 N3 remote
Total: £12,625

Nikon
  • Nikon D3x
  • Nikon D700
  • Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8
  • Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8
  • Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR
  • Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 VR
  • Nikkor 16mm f/2.8
  • Nikon SB-900 (x2)
  • Nikon MC-36 remote
Total: £12,217

How much less would they be with your staff discount? :p
 
If only Canon were to release a body in the XXD range that had autofocus that was as good and complete as the D300. That would make me happy and prevent my occasional twinges that I should consider a swap.
 
Well I'm switching to Pentax. So I'm going to be no help. What ever makes you happy.
 
I've jumped already :)

Sold all my Canon gear and now just making final decisions on what Nikon gear to go for.
 
And in a few months time Canon will launch something that will blow the D3 out of the water.
Bet I am right.

How many months constitutes 'a few'? I doubt very much that we'll see a new top of the range Canon within six months at least. Even if that were to happen it's even more unlikely that it will "blow the D3 out of the water".

As for the OP, canermas, lenses etc are just tools, and you buy the right tools for the job in hand, at the best quality you can afford. Only you can decide what you can afford, and really only you can decide what tools you need.
 
I shot Nikon (F2 and FM) for years, and they still get an airing occaisonally. Couldn't afford the D200 and didn't like the Nikon and Canon entry level models, so I bought a 30D for a sweetheart price shortly after it was discontinued.

The camera is great and I don't have any real complaints about it, but I know I'm still hankering for a Nikon and I haven't invested in the system, other than a flash. My son got married last year and the pro couple lent me a spare D300 for half an hour. I felt very comfortable with it, and they were lucky to get it back!

Functionality, ergonomics or nostalgia? Bit of all three I suppose, and that's OK. I'm tempted to switch, but money is a bit tight and I can't really afford it right now. I do have some old MF Nikkors. They're not fabulous, but they produce good results and that would ease the pain a bit, although I do struggle with MF on a crop VF. We'll see.
 
We are back to features, advantages and benefits again. Both brands (and their associated bunged up to the hilt magazines) spend an awful lot of money to convince us to jump ship. "Look, we have the latest **** and we are much better than them and your photography would be so much better if only you had ****."

Personally, I ain't buying it. :) Brett Harkness, Damien Lovegrove, Mark Cleghorn...... all pro's still using Canon. When i can get the same results as those guys, I'll know I've grown into my kit. I've got a friend who would rival many togs with thousands of pounds worth of kit.....with her mobile phone camera. lol.

As for flash and metering. You really want to know how these pros do it? They use a flash meter and control the camera and the lighting on manual. There you go. That feature on the Nikon just became totally redundant and all for a £120 flash meter. You will never get good creative results using off camera flash if you let the electronics make all the choices, it's the equivalent of shooting on "P". (IMHO)

You asked for opinions and mine would be to save your money and go and buy (and learn how to use) a lightmeter. :)
 
Over the years this has been my equipment

Zenith/Zorki
Olympus OM1
Olympus OM2
Canon A1
Nikon FM2
Nikon F (origonally owned by Victor Blackman)
Nikon F4
Bronica
Hasselblad
Mamiya RZ 6x7
Sinar P4 5inch x 4inch
Canon eos 5
Fuji S1
Nikon DX1
Canon 5d
Fuji S5
Canon eos 1ds Mk11

so quite a few changes. The only really worthwhile changes were for the nikkor lenses back in my press days as they were, at the time faster. The Canon eos 5 for the follow focus system was also a good move and the Fuji S1 for digital was radical.

I moved to Canon 5d from the Nikon D1x for the complementary metal oxide semiconductor which in my opinion is much better than the charge coupled device that nikon used to capture digital images at the time.

Nikon have of course now, having done a deal with Sony followed Canon and also use the cmos.

So if you want a canon copy get a nikon :D:D:D:D:D

stew
 
We are back to features, advantages and benefits again. Both brands (and their associated bunged up to the hilt magazines) spend an awful lot of money to convince us to jump ship. "Look, we have the latest **** and we are much better than them and your photography would be so much better if only you had ****."

Personally, I ain't buying it. :) Brett Harkness, Damien Lovegrove, Mark Cleghorn...... all pro's still using Canon. When i can get the same results as those guys, I'll know I've grown into my kit. I've got a friend who would rival many togs with thousands of pounds worth of kit.....with her mobile phone camera. lol.

As for flash and metering. You really want to know how these pros do it? They use a flash meter and control the camera and the lighting on manual. There you go. That feature on the Nikon just became totally redundant and all for a £120 flash meter. You will never get good creative results using off camera flash if you let the electronics make all the choices, it's the equivalent of shooting on "P". (IMHO)

You asked for opinions and mine would be to save your money and go and buy (and learn how to use) a lightmeter. :)

AliB

I agree with all you say but one of the main things to me is that I cannot see how one can use a handheld lightmeter on a wedding...well I can't see myself doing it. The pace is simply too fast.

Maybe I need to be educated in that regard:shrug:

Cheers for your well considered response.
 
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