gdourado wrote:
Hello,
First off, I am not trying to start a flame topic nor an open discussion between fanboys and such...
I was just wondering...
If someone has 0 investment in lenses and bodies and is starting fresh at a DSLR setup today, not regarding which particular model to purchase, what system would be a better commitment?
In regard to lens lineups, prices, available bodies, flashes and lighting, accessories and general tech, like sensors, metering and AF modules...
Given the current state of both brands and the predictions for the future, what system could be a better medium to long turn commitment and why?
Cheers!
The question might be better answered if you gave us some more information about your intentions.
Both systems are extremely deep - both manufacturers offer some 70 lenses and 6+ bodies each, plus a myriad of flashes, accessories, postprocessing software, etc. And there is extensive 3rd party availability of compatible lenses, flashes, and other accessories that fill in what holes exist in each manufacturer's lineup. Nikon is known especially for its excellent sensors, Canon for its superior video capabilities.
The bigger issue for a beginner is with which format do you start - APS-C, or Full Frame, or u4/3. APS-C (otherwise known as crop-sensor, about 2/3 the linear size of full frame) is cheaper and lighter, with image quality and capability that is more than enough for most serious photographers. In fact, this statement could be made for the latest u4/3 (half the linear size of full frame) offerings as well; hold that thought. Both manufacturers (and Sony Alpha as well, through their acquisition of Minolta) have had a decades-long dominance in the Full Frame format, which of course is the digital equivalent of 35mm film. APS-C was introduced around 2000 as the first diigital SLR format for cost reasons. Some new high quality APS-C optimized lenses have also been introduced, but mostly such offerings from both manufacturers have been slower "kit" or convenience superzooms as those are what the new DSLR purchasers tend to buy (and, on average, only 1 or 2 of). The best lenses in each lineup are FF lenses. These can be used on APS-C bodies - the mount is the same - but having twice as much glass in them, they are often very expensive and bulky to carry about. But they are what is available. The 3rd party manufacturers often step into this breach with good, if not always great options.
As time has moved on, APS-C has become the dominant DSLR format. But Full Frame costs have come down enough for manufacturers to begin introducing "affordable" FF bodies, and their clear push is to reestablish FF as the DSLR format means that this situation will not change that much.
If you are just considering purchasing a DSLR, and you're not needing to buy immediately, I'd say cool your heels a bit and observe the market. It's in the middle of a huge change to mirrorless technology and competent smaller area sensors, particularly at the entry level, and this year will see fascinating new developments in new-tech offerings from DSLR manufacturers' competitors. Right now, mirrorless cameras have become so good that they challenge or equal APS-C DSLRs in almost all performance areas other than continuous AF performance and viewfinder quality. Within another year or two they will close that remaining gap and begin to attack full-frame (Sony already markets a fixed-lens FF compact). One of the biggest advantages they offer is size/performance. By removing the reflex-mirror box and going completely electronic, body size is much smaller and lighter. This is not always good if you're swinging big, long glass, but great for most everything else.
Canon and Nikon will always have the largest lens assortment and their lens quality is top shelf as long as you're willing to buy FF lenses.
Sony's lens line up is somewhat weaker but by going mirrorless offers great value and capability in their traditional (alpha SLT) and new-age (NEX) APS-C lineups. Oly makes the hot u4/3 camera these days, with excellent but pricey prime-oriented lenses.
Of the two manufacturers, Canon seems to be moving mirrorless on more fronts more assertively than Nikon. Both are defending their DSLR turf, but Nikon more stubbornly. Speaking as a Nikon shooter, I'm a bit worried. But both and their very competent systems will be around for the professional for years to come. I'm just not sure that either system will be what hobbyists will be shooting in another 5 years.
