Is Nikon happy to be 2nd to Canon?

No, this is not a troll. I've been a casual Nikon shooter since my first film Nikormat FE2 black body, in the late '70s. I have not followed in details the current line up of lens or digital bodies, but it seems to me that Nikon is always slightly behind Canon, with the exception of low light camera like the D3s.  I read that Nikon vibration reduction, VR, was about 9 years behind Canon.  Am I correct in my thinking that Nikon is always trying to catch up?

Yes, Nikon is adopting desperate measures trying to close the gap, such as deploying  accurate auto focus mechanisms and flash systems that are actually useful.  If Canon ever manages to do either one of those things, I fear their lead will become insurmountable.

Canon is a larger company, presumably with more technical and financial resources, but I wouldn't call Nikon a #2 company.

I could work with either one of them, and view it more like Ford vs. Chevy or Honda vs. Toyota.  There are pluses and minuses to each.

I do like Nikon and am very happy with the equipment I have.  I do quite a bit of commercial work for my clients, as a marketing consultant.

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JohnE
http://www.jpowerbiz.com/jpeg/superstitionavatar2.jpg

2nd in sales perhaps but not 2nd in its product offerings. If you look at each competing product D3200 vs T3, D5100/5200 vs T4i, D7000 vs 60D, D300s vs 7D, D600 vs 6D, D800 vs 5D3, and D4 vs 1DX I would give the Nikon model the edge except for the 7D (a toss up) and the 1DX (I would give the edge to Canon).

Canon clearly has the edge in telephoto lens offerings though, especially in the lower price ranges - of course you are stuck with those hideous white lenses.

In fact, I think there is a danger with Nikon trying to compete with Canon on sales volume alone and losing focus on the quality of its product offerings.

Nikon invented VR and used it in a compact camera years before Canon used an early IS version in Canon lenses

Any day now you will be able to buy a 5 stop VR lens - Canon cannot yet match that

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Leonard Shepherd
Many problems turn out to be a lack of intimate knowledge of complex modern camera equipment.

Once Nikon accepted that in camera focus motors were the wave of the future and figured out how to provide similar features to Canon's EF mount while retaining nearly complete legacy support for its millions of f-mount lenses, there's really been little question that it has provided better engineering AF, better sensor quality, and better consumer grade lenses.  In fact, when the D40 came out years ago, it completely changed the market.  Canon's big leap forward came when it switched to the EF mount and obsoleted all its previous product.  This would be death to a manufacturer of system products were it not for the fact that: 1) Nikon's AF implementation was very accurate but dog-slow compared to the Canon in-lens-motor system, and 2) Canon released some very impressive exotic telephotos with the EF mount AF system which sports and action photographers went for in droves.  Canon's AF accuracy wasn't necessarily more accurate, just faster.

Since the turn of the 21st century, Nikon has been pushing image quality and AF system responsiveness pretty consistently, to the result that they usually outperform Canon's consumer offerings (where the money is), particularly in lens quality, which is of course Nikon's roots.  Canon often finds itself playing catchup in the still-photo arena, but where it eats Nikon's lunch is in video, where Canon is a much more established player.

In general, Nikon has a lot of engineering patents and projects on its bench but plays it conservative in marketing them.  Until a technology is proven and it can be fit into their established egonometrics and system it won't get out of the labs.  They never cannibalize their existing product lines.  This can create some interesting marketing dissonances; for example, their Series 1 line has some pretty fabulous engineering in it and addresses the issue of responsiveness in mirrorless style cameras pretty definitively, but its was implemented in an interchangeable lens format.  Sony's take on the 1" sensor market - the RX100 - ticks more boxes that compact camera shooters looking for quality want - it's much more pocketable and convenient.  Nikon would have been wise, in my view, to bring out an RX100 like product first, but they didn't.  Similarly, they're taking their time releasing a mirrorless DX system, though they've got patents on lenses for one.

With regards to unit sales, yep, it sure looks like Nikon hates being #2.  But the way they address that is by price discounting their products like crazy rather than experiment in their established markets like their competitors do (and have to do, by the way...otherwise, why would you buy something other than Canikon?).  That's more their real problem.

Great synopsis, enjoyed reading it.

So you get so upset that your blood pressure goes sky high because I wanted to get an idea of what Nikon shooters feel about Canon gear?   Just want to let you know, I am heavily invested in Nikon.  D90, D700 ,D3s, 70-200mm, 300mm, 400mm  f2.8 lens.  So, grow up and have an intelligent discussion here.

Contrary to others I did not consider it a troll, have seen your name on many posts and respect your opinions, may not always agree with you but do respect your opinion.

One thing that my Canon User friends always were jealous of was my GP-1 GPS and it's ability to geotag photos, several of my Canon User friends have used various methods to geotag photos and in the end always agreed that Nikon did a better job.

Terry

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Graham Fine Art Photography
http://www.pbase.com/windancer
Remember, it's not the CPU that's in your camera that makes great images, it's the one located about 4" behind the viewfinder that does.
Disclaimer: This e-mail is intended to impart a sense of humor. Given e-mail's inability to carry inflections, tone and facial expressions it may fail miserably in its intent. The sender acknowledges the limitations of the technology and assigns to the software in which this message was composed any ill feelings that may arise.

You start by saying you are a casual shooter, and go on to make negative comment with which so far nobody agrees.

Most of us recognize either brand as good, but on balance prefer Nikon.

Right now Nikon are leaders in VR, high MP bodies and high MP noise. The way sales are going Nikon could soon be number one for number of bodies sold.

We are happy Should you be happy too, instead of seeming very negative.

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Leonard Shepherd
Many problems turn out to be a lack of intimate knowledge of complex modern camera equipment.

negative only because I want to defend Nikon's position. As I said, I'm a casual shooter. I want you "pros" to help me out. If I start out in a positive position, you would only pad yourselves on the back. But, rather, I have gathered a lot of information about Nikon I did not know before. I think I did the right thing by stirring the pot and got you guys going in defending Nikon.  Some posts are extremely sensitive. If Nikon is that good, there would be guys with blood boiling.  Before I got started.  I did say this is NOT A TROLL  Apparently, even that did not go well to some.  I get a laugh out of that.  Now, I have been a dedicated Nikon user.  I want to know from you guys, again.  You guy know more about Nikon than I do.

thank you.  I give credit to those who will intelligently compare the two companies.

I'm an amature shooter, casual, whatever. I don't understand the tone of the quesition. It seems the OP is angry about Nikon shortcomings.

IMO for the compact point and shoots, Canon is ahead of Nikon. They have smarter, more compact, better performing products. To date I still can't find a reason to buy a Nikon over a Canon, feature for feature, in this segment.

As for DSLR, seriously? Pick a system and enjoy. If you can't take great photos with either system it's not the equipment or sensor size or menu layout or the focusing or low light shooting. For now Canon has the edge in video. Though I think DSLR is still on the steep part of the curve for video and both Canon and Nikon are likely to improve a lot. Sensor technology is likely to continue to improve more modestly. I like the feel of Nikon bodies compared to my friend's Canon's. My  perception is they have a more rubust build quality but it could be materials used and learned preference in feel. There is no perfection and there never will be. Pick your system and stick with it.

IMO it's skill that holds us back far more than equipment, with rare exception.

Yes - but - do you have to defend Nikon's position; and as you seem several years out of date as regards the pluses and minuses of either system are you the right person to do it?

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Leonard Shepherd
Many problems turn out to be a lack of intimate knowledge of complex modern camera equipment.

Honestly, in the long term, does it matter?

So, you're the second or third horse jumping out of the gate on some new technology tweak. So what?

You know, it's a long long long long race, this camera business.

I never even think about Canon until I read a post like this, then I just laugh....

PS-Used to shoot Canon... a long time ago...

What indication do you have of that?

He just made a rather calm and accurate comment that your initial post made a very good impersonation of a typical troll post - and no, he did not call you a troll. Just pointed out that the post you wrote was very similar to how a troll would write. And I agree.

Look, most troll posts start out by claiming that they are not a troll (it's sort of standard operating procedure). Then the next part is to ask a highly inflammatory or provocative question, preferrably veiled in a friendly and innocent tone. And usually the post also contain some comment of not having any brand allegiences ("I am no fanboy" is a common phrase).

Maybe you are a completely innocent and friendly poster who were just a bit unlucky in how you phrased your post, involontarily making it sound like a troll post.

We just have to see how you move on from your original post. Judging from your rather aggressive response to jmillers post ... Thats unfortanetly another check box checked on the "Watch out for trolls check list" ...

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I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every moment of it!
By the way, film is not dead.
It just smell funny

FYI: That is probably the most common first phrase in a troll post. Not off a good start ...

Ok, lets analyze this:

First you claim to have used Nikon for over 30 years. Second you admit not knowing very much about Nikons lineup. From this one could deduce you do know even less about Canons lineup.

And yet you are of the opinion Nikon somehow is trailing Canon. How did you reach that conclusion? The roll of a dice?

And I read that pigs can fly. If you are going to make outlandish claims like that, point to sources or you will appear to write nonsense.

For your information, lens stabilization for DSLR cameras has been around for about 12-13 years. It would take a deliberate and rather monumental effort to become 9 years behind in that short time span

No.

Canon and Nikon have been fighting it out over photographers for a very long time. They fight over all categories of photographers - beginners, enthusiasts, pros and everything between.

They go about this in slightly different ways. Which mean sometimes one of them will take a lead in one or several niches of the overall market. It will also mean it is not always very clear who is leading and who is trailing - it is a lot about personal preferences and also depend heavily on what and how you shoot.

Overall its a toss. Really. Nikon is leading in some aspects, Canon in others. And how it looks this year is slightly different from what it looked like a year ago. And it will be different still a year from now. The one fairly constant factor is that they have for a very long time roughly been fairly  equal in their total offering.

So, no, neither Canon, nor Nikon is really leadning or trailing.

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I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every moment of it!
By the way, film is not dead.
It just smell funny

right now.   Yes the sensor is better than the body but what a sensor!   My camera nails the focus as often as my D3 did and in real world use the D800/E works great.   Combined with my 24/1.4G, 35/1.4G, 85/1.8G, 200/2G I'm confident no canon combo can come close in image quality.

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Jake