Do pros prefer Nikon over Canon?

Hi,

I don't know if this has been a cliche topic since I'm new to photog as well as to this forum. Why when I look around, it seems the serious pros use more Nikon cameras than Canon. I myself own a Canon DSLR. And I noticed in the ranking of dpreview Canon digital cams definitely beat Nikon overall. But when I read books like National Geographic Photography Field Guide, it seems everybody in the book uses a Nikon, and Canon can be found nowhere.

Does Canon hold the lead only in digital cam field, and Nikon leads in the traditional film cam?

Darren

Well take a look at the amount of lenses for the EF mount and for the nikon mount, it tells you a bit....

But back in the days nikon used to lead over canon (at least this is how i've understood it during time), and thats a big reason why many of the veterans/seasoned pro´s use nikon.... when you are a pro its not just like that to switch brand

ps.

who gives a who uses what?

I wonder about that too. People often compliment my 10D and then asks me, "is that a Nikon?"

It occurs to me that Canon is better than Nikon for their EF lens lineup, espeically those telephone lenses with IS. I definitely see many more white lenses in sporting events. Nikon is catching up with their VR lenses though...

I think Canon and Nikon bodies are pretty close, but Canon is better in DSLR. 10D beats D100 with a pretty big margin. If Fuji's S2Pro were the same price as 10D, I might have opted for Nikon system...

Darren Chang said:

Hi,

I don't know if this has been a cliche topic since I'm new to
photog as well as to this forum. Why when I look around, it seems
the serious pros use more Nikon cameras than Canon. I myself own a
Canon DSLR. And I noticed in the ranking of dpreview Canon digital
cams definitely beat Nikon overall. But when I read books like
National Geographic Photography Field Guide, it seems everybody in
the book uses a Nikon, and Canon can be found nowhere.

Does Canon hold the lead only in digital cam field, and Nikon leads
in the traditional film cam?

Darren

Click to expand...

Darren Chang said:

Hi,

I don't know if this has been a cliche topic since I'm new to
photog as well as to this forum. Why when I look around, it seems
the serious pros use more Nikon cameras than Canon. But when I
read books like National Geographic Photography Field Guide, it seems
everybody in the book uses a Nikon, and Canon can be found nowhere.
Darren

Click to expand...

Darren,

Look on the back cover of the National Geographic Photography Field Guide. Exactly half of the authors of that book use Canon (well, one out of two...).

As for the pros, Canon absolutely dominates with sports photographers and nature photographers because of their telephoto zooms with IS. As for all-around news photographers, I think Nikon has an advantage, but I'm not sure. I think it's been that way well before digital technology took off.

Andy

http://www.photofocus.com/zine7/backtocanon.html

Darren Chang said:

Hi,

I don't know if this has been a cliche topic since I'm new to
photog as well as to this forum. Why when I look around, it seems
the serious pros use more Nikon cameras than Canon. I myself own a
Canon DSLR. And I noticed in the ranking of dpreview Canon digital
cams definitely beat Nikon overall. But when I read books like
National Geographic Photography Field Guide, it seems everybody in
the book uses a Nikon, and Canon can be found nowhere.

Does Canon hold the lead only in digital cam field, and Nikon leads
in the traditional film cam?

Darren

Click to expand...

--
Mishkin™
Theoretical Measurbator

Lu Yin said:

It occurs to me that Canon is better than Nikon for their EF lens
lineup, espeically those telephone lenses with IS.

Click to expand...

Yep - I don't think Nikon even has any telephone lenses. RING RING.



--
http://www.pbase.com/stevegrillo , Equipment on profile page

Darren Chang said:

Hi,

I don't know if this has been a cliche topic since I'm new to
photog as well as to this forum. Why when I look around, it seems
the serious pros use more Nikon cameras than Canon. I myself own a
Canon DSLR. And I noticed in the ranking of dpreview Canon digital
cams definitely beat Nikon overall. But when I read books like
National Geographic Photography Field Guide, it seems everybody in
the book uses a Nikon, and Canon can be found nowhere.

Does Canon hold the lead only in digital cam field, and Nikon leads
in the traditional film cam?

Darren

Click to expand...

Depends on the work you do. Food photographers use Sinar. Fasion guys use Hasselblad etc etc. This is a road to nowhere.
--
Chris Clark

While it's a good story, his reasons are nothing new and I can't say they represent the general world of pro photogs as the original poster was trying to understand.

Teski

Mishkin™ said:

Darren Chang said:

Hi,

I don't know if this has been a cliche topic since I'm new to
photog as well as to this forum. Why when I look around, it seems
the serious pros use more Nikon cameras than Canon. I myself own a
Canon DSLR. And I noticed in the ranking of dpreview Canon digital
cams definitely beat Nikon overall. But when I read books like
National Geographic Photography Field Guide, it seems everybody in
the book uses a Nikon, and Canon can be found nowhere.

Does Canon hold the lead only in digital cam field, and Nikon leads
in the traditional film cam?

Darren

Click to expand...

--
Mishkin™
Theoretical Measurbator

Click to expand...

--
Teski

'Remember that DSLR bodies come and go, but the lenses stay forever.'

I believe that Nikon held a very strong grip on the pro market until fairly recently. A few years ago, when Canon came out with some extremely fast supertelephoto lenses with Image Stabilization and high optical performance, we saw certain segments of pro photography, such as sports shooters, start to move over to Canon. Even just a year ago, I would have argued that the majority of pros still shot Nikon.

In the last six months to a year, I've been seeing more and more photojournalists and papparazzi move to Canon. Just watch news events and you'll see a lot of those white lenses (yes, I know, Nikon makes them now too, but I don't believe they've sold many). I don't know what the ratios are, but I think it's safe to say that in the last two years, Canon has taken a lot of pro shooters away from Nikon.

I believe Canon's more aggressive approach to digital has been a large contributor to this transition. Books like the one you mention were probably written some time ago, and may not be reflecting the new reality on the ground.

That being said, Nikon still has a large and loyal following, and while you may argue that they seriously fell behind in the last few years, one could also argue that the D2H and the several new DX lenses they have announced could turn this back into a horse race.

So there -- I've said something to offend both groups!

Regards,
Paul

Darren Chang said:

Hi,

I don't know if this has been a cliche topic since I'm new to
photog as well as to this forum. Why when I look around, it seems
the serious pros use more Nikon cameras than Canon. I myself own a
Canon DSLR. And I noticed in the ranking of dpreview Canon digital
cams definitely beat Nikon overall. But when I read books like
National Geographic Photography Field Guide, it seems everybody in
the book uses a Nikon, and Canon can be found nowhere.

Does Canon hold the lead only in digital cam field, and Nikon leads
in the traditional film cam?

Darren

Click to expand...

I heard the last 10 Nikon pro sport photographers were pretty excited about the new Nikon DSLR. Maybe you might actually see a non white lens at a pro sporting match now.

Darren Chang said:

Hi,

I don't know if this has been a cliche topic since I'm new to
photog as well as to this forum. Why when I look around, it seems
the serious pros use more Nikon cameras than Canon. I myself own a
Canon DSLR. And I noticed in the ranking of dpreview Canon digital
cams definitely beat Nikon overall. But when I read books like
National Geographic Photography Field Guide, it seems everybody in
the book uses a Nikon, and Canon can be found nowhere.

Does Canon hold the lead only in digital cam field, and Nikon leads
in the traditional film cam?

Darren

Click to expand...

--
Ed
http://www.cbrycelea.com/photos/Index.html Old Pictures

Once you commit to a system of lenses, it is tough to change. I think Nikon enjoyed a lead for a number of years. Canon has come out with some terrific lenses, especially with IS. If you have invested thousands of dollars over the years on Nikon equipment, it's not cheap or easy to change. Some do it.

Real photographers use Leica

Just look at the Magnum Photographers. How many of them DON'T use Leica?

Actually, real photographers use all kinds of equipment. Few of them own only one system. For example, I own a Hasselblad 501CM, Leica M6, and Canon EOS3+5.

All of them have different applications and purposes.

-David

http://www.davidazia.com

David Azia said:

Real photographers use Leica

Click to expand...

Yeah, I'd like to use a German-made camera one day, just like w/ all other machines that are sophisticated enough to differentiate b/w excellent manufacturing (Japanese) and superb manufacturing (German)!

Darren

David Azia said:

Just look at the Magnum Photographers. How many of them DON'T use
Leica?

Actually, real photographers use all kinds of equipment. Few of
them own only one system. For example, I own a Hasselblad 501CM,
Leica M6, and Canon EOS3+5.

All of them have different applications and purposes.

-David

http://www.davidazia.com

Click to expand...

I think the replies above are overall assuring... I'm planning on buying my first L lens before the end of the year, which will dictate me on the Canon route for a long time, until I'm rich enough to invest in a second wardrobe of lenses.

But on the back of my mind, I can't help but thinking "what if I raise the same question in the Nikon camp?" They will probably emphasize that Nikon will catch up w/ new DSLR that will turn the competition into, as somebody said earlier, a horse race.

But anyway, thanks guys!

Darren

Darren Chang said:

Hi,

I don't know if this has been a cliche topic since I'm new to
photog as well as to this forum. Why when I look around, it seems
the serious pros use more Nikon cameras than Canon. I myself own a
Canon DSLR. And I noticed in the ranking of dpreview Canon digital
cams definitely beat Nikon overall. But when I read books like
National Geographic Photography Field Guide, it seems everybody in
the book uses a Nikon, and Canon can be found nowhere.

Does Canon hold the lead only in digital cam field, and Nikon leads
in the traditional film cam?

Darren

Click to expand...

When the EOS came out in 1988 there were not many pro photographers who did not use Nikon. Canon looked good for a while with the F1 and the excellent FD lenses, but they never really challenged Nikon. Pentax also came out with some great stuff in the early 80s, as did Minolta. But Nikon was the camera of choice for 95% of working pros who used 35mm.

About the time of the first Gulf War, 1990, news photographers started switching over to EOS. I went to the war in Yugoslavia in mid-1991 with Nikon and I was in the minority. I had the unfortunate F4, and anybody else using Nikons had FM2 or older bodies. I switched to EOS in '92. Jim Nachtwey showed up using 2 FM2 bodies, switched to EOS after he tried one in Bosnia. The selling points were durability and the excellent focus system. Nikon was killed on both.

The only news photographers still using Nikon by then were working for big wire services who had too many long lenses to switch.

I don't know any pros using Nikon now, but I'm sure there are some.

I hugely prefer Canon. I would like to see some better wide angle lenses. But in general I think Canon is a terrific company.

Abu Mumia
Alaska
--
'He's out there operating without any decent restraint, totally beyond
the pale of any acceptable human conduct.'

• Apocalypse Now

Recently published figures suggest that Nikon holds 60 percent of the DSLR sales (in the U.S., methinks). That means that (with there being at least 4 DSLR producers) Canon must have less than 40% market share.

--
Al
http://www.pbase.com/ib1yysguy
Set low goals and you'll never be disapointed.

I once outraged the Leica Users Group forum by saying that the purpose of a Leica is to hang around your neck when you pose for the picture of you receiving the award you won with your EOS. They went nuts....but there is an element of truth. Leica has an image that is associated with fine photojournalism. Except it is no longer true. Every Magnum photographer I know uses EOS. Once Jim Nachtwey picked up my M6 and looked thru the viewfinder. "I don't get it," he said. "no corners."

The viewfinder of the top end film EOS cameras is the best, and the viewfinder is a very important part of the camera. I love my Leica cameras, both rangefinder and reflex. But when I'm going out to shoot serious pictures I've got a bag full of Canon. The Leicas are for my day off, for personal work.

Abu Mumia

--
'He's out there operating without any decent restraint, totally beyond
the pale of any acceptable human conduct.'

• Apocalypse Now

I'd never heard any of this...Thanks for sharing.

Teski

Abu Mumia said:

When the EOS came out in 1988 there were not many pro photographers
who did not use Nikon. Canon looked good for a while with the F1
and the excellent FD lenses, but they never really challenged
Nikon. Pentax also came out with some great stuff in the early 80s,
as did Minolta. But Nikon was the camera of choice for 95% of
working pros who used 35mm.

About the time of the first Gulf War, 1990, news photographers
started switching over to EOS. I went to the war in Yugoslavia in
mid-1991 with Nikon and I was in the minority. I had the
unfortunate F4, and anybody else using Nikons had FM2 or older
bodies. I switched to EOS in '92. Jim Nachtwey showed up using 2
FM2 bodies, switched to EOS after he tried one in Bosnia. The
selling points were durability and the excellent focus system.
Nikon was killed on both.

The only news photographers still using Nikon by then were working
for big wire services who had too many long lenses to switch.

I don't know any pros using Nikon now, but I'm sure there are some.

I hugely prefer Canon. I would like to see some better wide angle
lenses. But in general I think Canon is a terrific company.

Abu Mumia
Alaska
--
'He's out there operating without any decent restraint, totally beyond
the pale of any acceptable human conduct.'

• Apocalypse Now

Click to expand...

--
Teski

'Remember that DSLR bodies come and go, but the lenses stay forever.'

Technology is like that! Nikon is doing the classic underdog strategy that many technology companies do when they fall behind -- preannounce future products, and hope they cause people who they would have lost anyway, to change their minds and wait.

The D2H and the new lenses Nikon recently announced really are intriguing -- they have a lot of things I would value in a camera and lens system. Maybe they'll ship in October as promised -- maybe they won't!

Canon's stuff is available right now, today, and it works pretty darn well. The new Nikon may beat it -- or not. Right now, much of what's exciting about the Nikon digital line is a promise, not a fact. I guess the good news is that whatever happens, and whatever you decide, you can't go far wrong. Both companies make some fine gear.

Regards,
Paul
http://www.pbase.com/pgrupp

Darren Chang said:

But on the back of my mind, I can't help but thinking "what if I
raise the same question in the Nikon camp?" They will probably
emphasize that Nikon will catch up w/ new DSLR that will turn the
competition into, as somebody said earlier, a horse race.

But anyway, thanks guys!

Darren

Darren Chang said:

Hi,

I don't know if this has been a cliche topic since I'm new to
photog as well as to this forum. Why when I look around, it seems
the serious pros use more Nikon cameras than Canon. I myself own a
Canon DSLR. And I noticed in the ranking of dpreview Canon digital
cams definitely beat Nikon overall. But when I read books like
National Geographic Photography Field Guide, it seems everybody in
the book uses a Nikon, and Canon can be found nowhere.

Does Canon hold the lead only in digital cam field, and Nikon leads
in the traditional film cam?

Darren

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

We also recently saw that Canon holds over 60% of the digital market. I think I also saw that Nikon stat, but it was for '02 and I'm sure most of it was because of the price and availability of the D100 and the lack of it for the D60. I'll be things are different this year with the 10D.

Teski

ib1yysguy said:

Recently published figures suggest that Nikon holds 60 percent of
the DSLR sales (in the U.S., methinks). That means that (with there
being at least 4 DSLR producers) Canon must have less than 40%
market share.

--
Al
http://www.pbase.com/ib1yysguy
Set low goals and you'll never be disapointed.

Click to expand...

--
Teski

'Remember that DSLR bodies come and go, but the lenses stay forever.'