Choosing an Autofocus SLR: Canon vs Nikon

[msbarnes]

Thank you for all of your opinions.

I haven't looked at the prices so closely but thinking about it, MF SLR makes sense too. The Japanese MF SLR's (outside Contax, maybe) are probably cheaper or comparable in price with the latest 35mm SLR's.

My thinking was that Canon/Nikon would give me more life in the long-run. I do not intend to go digital at the moment but if my interest is fashion then it seems to be inevitable and/or a lot easier.

I'm just a hobbyist, keep in mind, so I do not intend on spending several thousands of dollars on this. This might evolve into something more, and if that is the case, I'd consider expanding my equipment.

There were a few cameras and lighting equipment that I'm considering but I'm still in the process of exploring my options. I was thinking that Canon/Nikon would be the cheapest quality autofocus options but it seems that the 35mm lenses are kind of not good unless they are top-of-the line. The problem is that I do not know exactly what I want. I have some ideas but I feel that I'd need more than one camera system: 35mm autofocus for handheld and medium format (or large, maybe) manual focus for more static.

I love shooting my Leica's and Rollei's but for some work I think automated things are just better. However, I think for what I want to achieve, strobes hold a bit of a higher priority. Light is light and I think that is most important.

 

[RObert Budding]

Silliness

Silliness

I'm pretty sure Robert was making a joke. 🙂

Correct. I've seen really nice images taken with different brands of cameras. IMHO camera equipment is generally good enough that it's the photographer that matters most.

 

[nobbylon]

Canon for simple ergonomics, the glorious canon skin tones from the canon designed/manufactured sensors, and the glorious L lenses.
I find nikon DSLRs fidgety, sharp/hard feeling, and their lenses less 'pleasant'. I find nikons skin tones are overly yellow a lot of the time, and go grey in low light.

Just my thoughts from using the 2 brands quite a bit over the last few years.

Firstly the OP's question related to film.
Second, with regard to all pro Nikon DSLR's, they can be loaded with the D2X profiles which give beautifull skin tones.
If it's not a pro body then as long as you shoot RAW you can choose this profile in NX2.
Thirdly, yes I like the Canon skin colour but the above camera set up for Nikon solves the skin debate.

 

[Jamie123]

Maybe it's better that way?

It really depends. When I have work to do I really don't care much but when I'm doing photography on my own time I want to enjoy the process.

 

[rbsinto]

I have used Nikon equipment for over thirty years and have no intention of switching, but would still tell anyone trying to decide between the two systems to play with the stuff, check out the ergonomics, the layout of the controls, the logic of the menus, and even the way the bodies and lenses look. I think that despite all the BS that the two camps sling at each other, there really isn't a lot to choose from between the two systems. They are both excellent, and either will satisfy the most discerning photographer.
So to my mind, it will be other things like those mentioned above besides their quality, reliability and line-up of lenses and accessories that should sway you one way or the other.
And truly, in the end, your life won't change radically regardless of your choice.

 

[gavinlg]

Just realized you're talking about film cameras - whoops! Same comments still apply though. The f100 and the eos 3n and 1n are the good cheapies of the brands, and all really nice cameras. The f6 and the 1v are the stars. I really like my canon 1n and picked it up for a mere $100. Ergonomically it fits like a glove.

 

[msbarnes]

Well I had planned on starting with film then moving up to digital if I get more serious about this. I want to keep digital an option but none of my requirements are really set it stone.

At this point, I think that if I were to go with a 35mm AF SLR then the difference between Canon vs Nikon are minor from a technical/optical standpoint. I'll play around with both and go from there.

 

[Contarama]

Perhaps it is more important for you to consider lenses instead of bodies. Fashion goes well with 85 and 105 focal lengths. Perhaps this will help point you in the right. You might want to check into R series Leica or Leicaflex SLRs some of those bodies are very reasonably priced and you will probably always be able to get your money or more back out of them.

 

[venchka]

Start with lights and lighting modifiers. One good strobe and one good umbrella will go a long way. Connect the strobe to your TLR. Keep it simple. That gear worked for Richard Avedon. He did OK.
Practice.

Wayne

 

[Chris101]

What!!?! NvC on RFF? Whoa.

Here's the answer, and everyone knows it. Remember the majority of opinions here are from rangefinder diehards who think slr cameras are Diabolical devices sent from the Evil One to divert your photographic talent and distroy the Art of Photography!

Don't listen to them, because everyone knows:

Nikon Rules and Canon Drools​

Or was it Canon ... Nikon? I dunno, one of those. Buy the camera that you like, learn it, love it, shoot it. They all do the same thing, and switch off every other year about which parts they do slightly better than the other. I think the same guy must secretly own both companies.

 

[rxmd]

You could also decide by Google Fight: Nikon vs. Canon.