Nikon D750 or Canon 5D Mk III?

Winter

Winter

Suspended / Banned
Messages
677
Name
Sheylara
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi guys! I came here some time back asking for advice for my first DSLR and got loads of helpful comments. (Thank you so much!) But my photography plans got delayed due to health issues. I'm back on track now, though.

So, after considering all your comments, I've narrowed down the Nikon D750 and Canon 5D Mk III as the most popular choices. I am more keen on the Nikon D750 for various reasons:

1. Cheaper (important because I've already busted my initial budget of £1,000 for body+lens!)
2. Wi-fi
3. Most of the websites I read say it's better overall.
4. Lighter (I'm petite and have neck problems).

But then, you guys also said I should choose a camera I like the feel of the most. And the trouble is, when I held both cameras in the shop, the Canon felt more comfortable in my hands. Like, I felt my fingers wrapped around the holding part more wholly, whereas on the Nikon, the fingers had to curl in more, like make a claw, so like it feels there will be more strain during prolonged use.

So, how am I supposed to decide now? Please help!!

Just in case it's relevant, my main interest is photographing children and animals at play (possibly in low light). And also street photography.

Thanks, everyone. And happy new year! :)
 
I'd suggest going somewhere with both cameras and trying them.

Also take into account (generally although not always) Canon lenses tend to be cheaper and have a more extensive lens range.

But I bought a D750.
 
Thanks for your comment Tim. I wish I could take them out for a spin but I can't. I went to Curry's to try them out and they had no lenses on and they were stuck to a cable tied up in a cabinet. :P
 
Get the Canon then. You're going to be holding it, so if that felt most comfortable then it makes sense to get that. Of course, there is more to camera ownership and operation than that - if you get the chance to actually play with one then you may find you prefer the ergonomics and menu's more intuitive on one than the other. Or try something else - both of these are highly specced relatively top end cameras so you might find something lower down the range that will suit your needs just as well for half the price (and benefit from cheaper lenses).
 
T_J_G said:
I'd suggest going somewhere with both cameras and trying them.

Also take into account (generally although not always) Canon lenses tend to be cheaper and have a more extensive lens range.

But I bought a D750.
Click to expand...

Are they cheaper? Pretty similar from what I've seen. Canon don't really have lenses to compare with nikons new 1.8g primes for example. Who buys every lens ever made by 1 manufacturer.
 
minnnt said:
I can see this just being a fanboy thread. People who own the 5d3 will recommend that and the D750 owners will recommend that.

So in keeping with that thought, you should totally buy the D750. :D
Click to expand...

Keeping things balanced, go for the 5D mkIII :D
 
Winter said:
when I held both cameras in the shop, the Canon felt more comfortable in my hands. Like, I felt my fingers wrapped around the holding part more wholly, whereas on the Nikon, the fingers had to curl in more, like make a claw, so like it feels there will be more strain during prolonged use.
Click to expand...

On a more serious note, this for me would be the answer, that the 5D mkIII is the one to get - you will be holding it / using it for long periods and it needs to feel comfortable in your hands.

The only thing I would like on the 5D mkIII is the wi-fi...
 
I've owned both... I sold the 5DMKIII to switch to the D750, :)

Both feel nice to use but there were a couple of things that made me make the switch... Truth be told, there's not an awful lot in it but I prefer the low-light performance of the Nikon and I find more detail in the shadows with less noise. :)

Go with whatever you feel most comfortable with... They're both great cameras.
 
Great comments, thanks everyone! Although with differing opinions, I find I'm no closer to making a decision. Now I feel like I really need to use each one for like at least a week each before I can really tell which I prefer. Which will be a bit of a problem having no photographer friends to borrow from.
 
At the moment the Nikons do seem to have the edge in terms of specs. However, that is something which could change by the time you come to move to a newer model, at which point you'll probably be committed to one brand because of lenses. What probably won't change is the general ergonomics - both manufacturers have generally stuck to the same layout.

It sounds like you have a preference for the 5Diii so it doesn't really matter what reviews say - it's your money!

(For what it's worth, if I had a grand and was worried about size and weight I'd look to a Fuji. It's a compact, beautiful thing, the pictures are lovely and unless you're a pro I'd be surprised if it was somehow not good enough)
 
Last edited:
Well, the D750 has better high ISO, stunningly superior dynamic range, better low light AF performance and is cheaper. I also have quite small hands and find the grip very comfortable compared to the 5DIII.

Oh, and WiFi.
 
Last edited:
The d750 has a tilting screen. This can help you get shoots down at the child's level without you having to be face down in the carpet or worse.
 
Winter said:
Great comments, thanks everyone! Although with differing opinions, I find I'm no closer to making a decision. Now I feel like I really need to use each one for like at least a week each before I can really tell which I prefer. Which will be a bit of a problem having no photographer friends to borrow from.
Click to expand...
Why not rent one of each for a weekend?
 
You are going to have to live with it for a long time and use it most days, so definitely go with the one which is most comfortable to hold. The last thing you want is your fingers cramping because they are "clawed", or to be put off using it as it is uncomfortable. You are very unlikely to notice any practicable difference between the files, but you could miss shots stretching your stiff fingers.

Yes, I do own (and love) a 5D3, but I would say the same if you had found the Nikon most comfortable.
 
These decisions may be massively difficult ones to take but in the end you will almost certainly get used to whichever one you choose.

it's possible that for your needs both cameras on your shortlist may be over-specified anyway....... I just thought I'd throw that in to make it even more difficult;)
 
viewfromthenorth said:
Why not rent one of each for a weekend?
Click to expand...
Well, I did a check on prices and figured it'll cost me at least £100 per camera+lens per day. Since I don't even know how to use a dslr yet, it'll take me a few days to figure out the features I would use for my style of photography and then a couple more days to try it out.

That just sounds too expensive!
 
jerry12953 said:
These decisions may be massively difficult ones to take but in the end you will almost certainly get used to whichever one you choose.

it's possible that for your needs both cameras on your shortlist may be over-specified anyway....... I just thought I'd throw that in to make it even more difficult;)
Click to expand...
Lol thanks. :P I had started out wanting to get a Nikon D5500 but was talked out of it with what I felt were reasonable arguments (even though there were also reasonable counter arguments , but I guess in the end I had to make a choice and this was my choice).
 
I'm going through the same process but decided to go for the Nikon D750. It's newer technology and will hopefully be there to save your bacon for the times when the lighting is poor!
 
Winter said:
Lol thanks. :p I had started out wanting to get a Nikon D5500 but was talked out of it with what I felt were reasonable arguments (even though there were also reasonable counter arguments , but I guess in the end I had to make a choice and this was my choice).
Click to expand...
I haven't read your other thread, but I think a D5500 would be a great choice. I don't know your previous photographic experience, so at the risk of sounding patronising, a D750 or a 5D is a complex camera if you've not used a DSLR before, and compared with a D5500 somewhat heavier especially when you've got a lens attached. You're more likely to use a camera that you feel comfortable with from a weight / size / complexity perspective than a complex deadweight that you may or may not feel comfortable handling.
 
What do you shoot?

I am a 5d3 owner and a Canon fanboy through and through but if I was starting fresh, knowing what I know now I would buy the D750 as a landscape camera. I was even tempted recently to swap my 5d3 out for a D750 and a couple of Nikon lenses but then if I was out on a trip somewhere and either the D750 or my other camera the 7d2 (long lenses aviation/wildlife) played up I would not be able to use the other one as a back up because the lenses would not fit.

Having said that I prefer the menus and buttons of a Canon and I also prefer Canon engineers JPEG colour rendering, however I mess all that up with RAW processing anyway.
 
ETA, the reason I liked the D750 was the usable dynamic range, the way shadows could be cleanly pushed at low ISO.
 
If it helps, Currys are selling the Nikon D750 for 1396 with a £150 discount making it 1246. If you go via quidco, you can get 10% cashback making this £1121.

Comes with 2 year guarantee and a UK based retailer who you can take it back to if you have any problems
 
I had exactly this choice myself just over a year ago. I'd been lusting after the 5D3 for months and months and just as I got the funds to go FF the D750 came out. I was convinced I wanted the 5D3 still even though I preferred the handling and ergonomics of the Nikon as loved the image rendering of the 5D3 but then saw a video that changed my mind and showed I actually preferred images of the D750. With the fact that the D750 has much better dynamic range, better low light AF, slightly better noise plus the fact I preferred the ergonomics and controls it suddenly became a no brainer ;)
 
Last edited:
snerkler said:
I had exactly this choice myself just over a year ago. I'd been listing after the 5D3 for months and months and just as I got the funds to go FF the D750 came out. I was convinced I wanted the 5D3 still even though I preferred the handling and ergonomics of the Nikon as loved the image rendering of the 5D3 but then saw a video that changed my mind and showed I actually preferred images of the D750. With the fact that the D750 has much better dynamic range, better low light AF, slightly better noise plus the fact I preferred the ergonomics and controls it suddenly became a no brainer ;)
Click to expand...

Yeah, suddenly. Glad you listened :p
 
I would say the following

1) Look at images taken in real life, (e.g. on here), with both cameras and their native lenses and form an opinion ....... which you prefer or do you see any differences

2). decide what lenses you will want to buy and use .. depends on your main subject interests

3). look at your budget and decide if you are going to buy used (lens) at any time

Once you put significant investment in Canon or Nikon you will usually stick with that brand

Nikon bodies seem to be ahead of Canon at the present time and Canon do not seem to be narrowing the gap. The D750 is a really good body at a great price ... I would say one of the best ever for the money

Canon lens seem to have the edge generally and there seems to be more around used ... but Nikon appear to be catching up ....... but good glass is expensive and more so than the body

You would generally put much more money into lenses than bodies

I would not have thought that you would be disappointed with either brand ... but the grass is always greener for some
 
Last edited:
viewfromthenorth said:
I haven't read your other thread, but I think a D5500 would be a great choice. I don't know your previous photographic experience, so at the risk of sounding patronising, a D750 or a 5D is a complex camera if you've not used a DSLR before, and compared with a D5500 somewhat heavier especially when you've got a lens attached. You're more likely to use a camera that you feel comfortable with from a weight / size / complexity perspective than a complex deadweight that you may or may not feel comfortable handling.
Click to expand...
Yes, I agree with what you said, which was why I decided to start with D5500 in the beginning. But some experienced people here also suggested that it's a good idea to start with a FF camera because that's where I want to end up eventually because I'm going to feel limited by the D5500 at some point soon and need to upgrade, whereas getting something like a D750 will last me say 10 years, so I just have to buy once instead of twice.

So, I feel both arguments have merit but decided to go with the second option. :p Sure my learning curve will be a lot steeper starting with FF from scratch, but that would be a challenge to be surmounted with some pleasure. :)
 
Last edited:
Craig_85 said:
What do you shoot?

I am a 5d3 owner and a Canon fanboy through and through but if I was starting fresh, knowing what I know now I would buy the D750 as a landscape camera. I was even tempted recently to swap my 5d3 out for a D750 and a couple of Nikon lenses but then if I was out on a trip somewhere and either the D750 or my other camera the 7d2 (long lenses aviation/wildlife) played up I would not be able to use the other one as a back up because the lenses would not fit.

Having said that I prefer the menus and buttons of a Canon and I also prefer Canon engineers JPEG colour rendering, however I mess all that up with RAW processing anyway.
Click to expand...
I want to shoot moments, mainly. Children and animals in action, street photography, etc. And would require a camera that can handle movement in low light.
 
Winter said:
I want to shoot moments, mainly. Children and animals in action, street photography, etc. And would require a camera that can handle movement in low light.
Click to expand...
The D750 is the best then.
 
Winter said:
Yes, I agree with what you said, which was why I decided to start with D5500 in the beginning. But some experienced people here also suggested that it's a good idea to start with a FF camera because that's where I want to end up eventually because I'm going to feel limited by the D5500 at some point soon and need to upgrade, whereas getting something like a D750 will last me say 10 years, so I just have to buy once instead of twice.

So, I feel both arguments have merit but decided to go with the second option. :p Sure my learning curve will be a lot steeper starting with FF from scratch, but that would be a challenge to be surmounted with some pleasure. :)
Click to expand...

There's no additional learning curve with FF tbh.

Get the D750.
 
If you've never had a dslr before you'll be blown away by what you will learn to do with them.
Get a d5500 and a 50mm lens. Lovely combo that's lights enough to fit in your handbag too.
 
Winter said:
Yes, I agree with what you said, which was why I decided to start with D5500 in the beginning. But some experienced people here also suggested that it's a good idea to start with a FF camera because that's where I want to end up eventually because I'm going to feel limited by the D5500 at some point soon and need to upgrade, whereas getting something like a D750 will last me say 10 years, so I just have to buy once instead of twice.

So, I feel both arguments have merit but decided to go with the second option. :p Sure my learning curve will be a lot steeper starting with FF from scratch, but that would be a challenge to be surmounted with some pleasure. :)
Click to expand...

There's little to no chance of keeping any camera body 10 years in this day and age
 
Another vote for 5D lll, out in the field there is little difference between both choices regarding performance. What feels comfortable to you is more important as it will be you who has to use it.
 
PureJT said:
If it helps, Currys are selling the Nikon D750 for 1396 with a £150 discount making it 1246. If you go via quidco, you can get 10% cashback making this £1121.

Comes with 2 year guarantee and a UK based retailer who you can take it back to if you have any problems
Click to expand...
Same dilemma.
This offer nailed it.
D750 on its way.
Thanks pureJt.
 
This is just my opinion but if you've never used a DSLR yet then you don't know for sure if you will like it or get on with it, or if it will suit you. Buying a FF camera means a lot of money invested in the body, and FF is less forgiving than APS-C so you will need really good lenses in order to get the best out of the sensor.

When I made the decision that I really wanted to learn photography, I bought a pre-owned Nikon D40 and a used 50mm AF-D lens, then a bit later added a 35mm f1.8 and 16-85 zoom. I started to raid the internet for tutorials on exposure, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc etc. Six months shooting later I had learned enough to upgrade to a D90 which I then took on all my travels for the next 3 years. It was only then, when I had a reasonably good knowledge of what I was doing, that I bought my first FF camera, a Nikon D600.

I'm not saying you should wait this long, but at the beginning, I didn't know if I would take to photography, or if I would be any good.

In your position, I would buy a APS-C Nikon (or Canon), and a good zoom. Even a used D7100 is great value now, has excellent AF tracking, and paired with a good lens will enable you to get those action shots.


Winter said:
Well, I did a check on prices and figured it'll cost me at least £100 per camera+lens per day. Since I don't even know how to use a dslr yet, it'll take me a few days to figure out the features I would use for my style of photography and then a couple more days to try it out.

That just sounds too expensive!
Click to expand...
 
Thanks again, everyone, for your help! It's was such a difficult decision to make since everyone had very different, even opposing, opinions! :p

But after weighing everything and doing even more reading on the Internet, I've decided to go with the D750. Will buy it soon before the sales end!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top