Reading mode: Light Dark

Sony to Canon/Nikon? Good Choice?!

Go to last post
M

Moshe22

New member
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Hello everyone!

Been lurking for a long time but just now am I writing a question. The big question is: If I currently own a Sony Nex F3 camera, and doing small jobs and getting compliments with my photography, is it time to upgrade to a full frame camera like a 6D or D750 or should I just stay with Sony and simply start investing in new lenses, flash systems, lights, etc?

I am currently doing small gigs such as Friends Weddings (Very happy with the results, Just 1 body), Pregnancy, Portraits, Family pictures.

I am not invested into Sony at all at the moment. I own a manual Canon prime lens and the kit lens on the Sony. 18-55m. That is really it!

I am interested in knowing your thoughts, Should I make the jump or stay with Sony and buy a FF Sony Mirrorless? What would you recommend to someone starting out? In what directions do you see the major companies going in the next 10 years or so?
 
Solution
M
I'm by no means a pro.

That said, I like to see clean crisp photos out of my cameras.

I currently own cameras from Canon, Sony and Nikon. I just sold the Pentax I owned. These cameras are both APS-C and full frame.

You may note the order in which I wrote the brands in the previous paragraph. These are the choices in which I prefer the photographs out of the camera. I also prefer the full frame to the APS-C cameras, though I will keep the APS-C cameras that I have.

In order of preference-

1. Canon - 6D

2. Sony - A99

3. Sony - A77II

4. Canon - SL1

5. Nikon - D610

Note that the Canon SL1 and the Nikon D610 are very close in the things I like to see in my photographs. Mostly sharpness. I also understand that the lenses have...
Moshe22 said:
Hello everyone!

Been lurking for a long time but just now am I writing a question. The big question is: If I currently own a Sony Nex F3 camera, and doing small jobs and getting compliments with my photography, is it time to upgrade to a full frame camera like a 6D or D750 or should I just stay with Sony and simply start investing in new lenses, flash systems, lights, etc?

I am currently doing small gigs such as Friends Weddings (Very happy with the results, Just 1 body), Pregnancy, Portraits, Family pictures.

I am not invested into Sony at all at the moment. I own a manual Canon prime lens and the kit lens on the Sony. 18-55m. That is really it!

I am interested in knowing your thoughts, Should I make the jump or stay with Sony and buy a FF Sony Mirrorless? What would you recommend to someone starting out? In what directions do you see the major companies going in the next 10 years or so?
Click to expand...
Massive can of worms - writhing, spitting, gasping worms. I think, personally, you'll really benefit from a new system. Get two bodies as well. Try them out - Canon, Nikon, Sony. There aren't any bad ones thin the full frame bunch. Just ones you bond with and ones you don't. Go to Lensrentals.com and try this one and that one for a week.
 
Go to a store and try them both, see which has the most intuitive and comfortable feeling to you. Can't go wrong with either, so many lens, so many resale used equipment, so many rentals...
 
This is actually a business decision with little technical content.

How much would it cost you to buy the equipment that would make a meaningful upgrade? How much extra work could you get as a result of spending that money?

Let's assume simple, if not very sensible figures. If your profit is 100 beer tokens a day and you need to spend at least 1000 to upgrade, will you get an extra 10 days work per year?
 
The majority people earning their living with cameras choose either the Nikon or Canon system. The big two been around for generations and offer a vast range of lenses and accessories and tremendous performance under every conceivable condition.

Ergonomics are the biggest selling points. Which system feels most intuitive? Which offers a control layout and menus that becomes second nature? Once someone finds a satisfactory system, they generally stick with it a lifetime.
 
You have a great chance to try them all. You are really selecting a system and not really switching systems at this point with a single compact camera. You are familiar with Sony nomenclature and menu layout, the rest will all be new. Some are comfortable with several systems. Most do not have the resources to build more than one system.

I personally was drawn to Nikon in the 1970's, have built a large collection of gear. I like Canon, but have not used it enough to feel comfortable, muscle memory or whatever, the buttons are not where I expect them and do different things than I expect! My only Sony exposure was a compact digital camera about 20 years ago.

If I had an empty bag and $20k it would be fun.

You go have fun!

D
 
If you are getting complements with your F3, why change?

Only thing I would change cameras for is more battery life. I think you can get a battery grip for an A6000.
 
Thanks for the replies guys.

I think at this point I want to get into a more serious system and slowly build my kit.

That's why i was asking about Canon and Nikon. Nikon seems to be leading right now though with better sensors, dynamic range, focus system.

Canon on the other hand has more second hand equipment available.

Kind of hard to choose to be honest.

Between the two systems Is there one that offers more razor sharp lenses at a good price and flash systems?
 
Just a few thoughts from a non pro.

If you are planning to start making money from photography, Canon and Nikon have in house service and a network of authorized service centers. Sony uses a contract center. Canon and Nikon offer system stability, Sony not so much. Sony has changed hot shoes, and from A mount to E mount. Who's to say next year they won't introduce the Z mount and stop supporting current mounts.

Canon and Nikon also offer PRO services if you qualify, I don't think Sony really has that. Sony seems to be all about the newest "gimmick" in products while Canon and Nikon are more conservative in sticking with "photography" as a core business.

Either of the big 2 will offer systems that can be used as a pro (so does Sony) but I think there is more stability with either Canon or Nikon.

Disclaimer

My first D-SLR was a Sony A-200, then an A-700. I had numerous Sony and Minolta lenses. When Sony began the transition to the SLT camera's I jumped to Nikon. I don't think there is anything wrong with Sony's current offerings. I do think for a working pro (unless sponsored by Sony) there is a greater risk of having service and longevity issues with Sony. I think Sony has a problem with system integrity and will change things in a heart beat if there even is the slightest breeze that indicates they can increase the bottom line and couldn't care less about existing customers. Canon and Nikon on the other hand have a vested interest in maintaining loyalty.
 
hotdog321 said:
The majority people earning their living with cameras choose either the Nikon or Canon system. The big two been around for generations and offer a vast range of lenses and accessories and tremendous performance under every conceivable condition.

Ergonomics are the biggest selling points. Which system feels most intuitive? Which offers a control layout and menus that becomes second nature? Once someone finds a satisfactory system, they generally stick with it a lifetime.
Click to expand...
 
madecov said:
Just a few thoughts from a non pro.

If you are planning to start making money from photography, Canon and Nikon have in house service and a network of authorized service centers. Sony uses a contract center. Canon and Nikon offer system stability, Sony not so much. Sony has changed hot shoes, and from A mount to E mount. Who's to say next year they won't introduce the Z mount and stop supporting current mounts.

Canon and Nikon also offer PRO services if you qualify, I don't think Sony really has that. Sony seems to be all about the newest "gimmick" in products while Canon and Nikon are more conservative in sticking with "photography" as a core business.

Either of the big 2 will offer systems that can be used as a pro (so does Sony) but I think there is more stability with either Canon or Nikon.
Click to expand...
I was to write exactly you wrote. I fully agree you. Fortunately I decided to read all answers before... :-)

Thumbs up, my friend!
 
I'm by no means a pro.

That said, I like to see clean crisp photos out of my cameras.

I currently own cameras from Canon, Sony and Nikon. I just sold the Pentax I owned. These cameras are both APS-C and full frame.

You may note the order in which I wrote the brands in the previous paragraph. These are the choices in which I prefer the photographs out of the camera. I also prefer the full frame to the APS-C cameras, though I will keep the APS-C cameras that I have.

In order of preference-

1. Canon - 6D

2. Sony - A99

3. Sony - A77II

4. Canon - SL1

5. Nikon - D610

Note that the Canon SL1 and the Nikon D610 are very close in the things I like to see in my photographs. Mostly sharpness. I also understand that the lenses have a lot to do with the final sharpness. I have a specific range in lenses that I use, and this can affect the final outcome.

Mike
 
Solution
I had a 6D and it was too big for me to carry so I sold it before I got too invested in lenses.... had to try FF and this was a good one, but my style and needs are covered quite well by ɥ4/3's....the reason I pointed to Kirk's Blog is he makes money with Sony FF, Nikon FF, ɥ4/3's, and the Panasonic FZ1000 as well as Sony RX10 iii .(and even the Sony A6300 I think).............. he know's what each paying assignment needs and takes the appropriate equipment as needed.....
Mike said:
I'm by no means a pro.

That said, I like to see clean crisp photos out of my cameras.

I currently own cameras from Canon, Sony and Nikon. I just sold the Pentax I owned. These cameras are both APS-C and full frame.

You may note the order in which I wrote the brands in the previous paragraph. These are the choices in which I prefer the photographs out of the camera. I also prefer the full frame to the APS-C cameras, though I will keep the APS-C cameras that I have.

In order of preference-

1. Canon - 6D

2. Sony - A99

3. Sony - A77II

4. Canon - SL1

5. Nikon - D610

Note that the Canon SL1 and the Nikon D610 are very close in the things I like to see in my photographs. Mostly sharpness. I also understand that the lenses have a lot to do with the final sharpness. I have a specific range in lenses that I use, and this can affect the final outcome.

Mike
Click to expand...
--
Dwight
take a peek at the world I see at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/96816407@N07/
http://picasaweb.google.com/dwightparker
 
Last edited:
Mike said:
I'm by no means a pro.

That said, I like to see clean crisp photos out of my cameras.

I currently own cameras from Canon, Sony and Nikon. I just sold the Pentax I owned. These cameras are both APS-C and full frame.

You may note the order in which I wrote the brands in the previous paragraph. These are the choices in which I prefer the photographs out of the camera. I also prefer the full frame to the APS-C cameras, though I will keep the APS-C cameras that I have.

In order of preference-

1. Canon - 6D

2. Sony - A99

3. Sony - A77II

4. Canon - SL1

5. Nikon - D610

Note that the Canon SL1 and the Nikon D610 are very close in the things I like to see in my photographs. Mostly sharpness. I also understand that the lenses have a lot to do with the final sharpness. I have a specific range in lenses that I use, and this can affect the final outcome.

Mike
Click to expand...
Wow! Thank you Mike. This is what I wanted. I think i will just go ahead and go with Canon. Their lenses are great and their cameras are great as well. They are a bit behind right now in dynamic range but they will eventually catch up or supersede the competition.
 
Mike said:
I'm by no means a pro.

That said, I like to see clean crisp photos out of my cameras.

I currently own cameras from Canon, Sony and Nikon. I just sold the Pentax I owned. These cameras are both APS-C and full frame.

You may note the order in which I wrote the brands in the previous paragraph. These are the choices in which I prefer the photographs out of the camera. I also prefer the full frame to the APS-C cameras, though I will keep the APS-C cameras that I have.

In order of preference-

1. Canon - 6D

2. Sony - A99

3. Sony - A77II

4. Canon - SL1

5. Nikon - D610

Note that the Canon SL1 and the Nikon D610 are very close in the things I like to see in my photographs. Mostly sharpness. I also understand that the lenses have a lot to do with the final sharpness. I have a specific range in lenses that I use, and this can affect the final outcome.

Mike
Click to expand...
What is it about the SL1 that makes it "better" than the D610 for you? This is a very strange list.
 
Moshe22 said:
Hello everyone!

Should I make the jump or stay with Sony and buy a FF Sony Mirrorless? What would you recommend to someone starting out? In what directions do you see the major companies going in the next 10 years or so?
Click to expand...
Go with Canon, they have the most complete overall system out there and they are rapidly developing their on sensor AF, which is now extremely capable. In time you are likely to have a Canon FF ML to buy if you want. They have more lenses than Sony, of all prices and qualities, especially the lower prices (Sony FE is very expensive glass and QC is horrible), and they have a more robust flash system.
 
Moshe22 said:
Thanks for the replies guys.

I think at this point I want to get into a more serious system and slowly build my kit.

That's why i was asking about Canon and Nikon. Nikon seems to be leading right now though with better sensors, dynamic range, focus system.

Canon on the other hand has more second hand equipment available.

Kind of hard to choose to be honest.

Between the two systems Is there one that offers more razor sharp lenses at a good price and flash systems?
Click to expand...
Nikon bodies tend to be cheaper, with better battery life and a some sensor advantages. Canon tends to offer some cheaper glass and has much better LV and is more video oriented. Both have good flash systems but Canon products are far easier to find including used, since more people use Canon.

Other features separate them as well. Both have good AF but Nikon tends to be slight ahead with their new D5/D500. If you are not a serious sports shooter i would guess either system would do fine. If i were you, i would study the lens lineup and see which have the better lenses that you need at acceptable prices.

Bodies and camera features matter but too many people ignore the entire system as a whole.

--
"This is the year where hope fails you
The test subjects run the experiment
And the bastardo you know is the hero you hate
But cohesion is possible if we try
There's no reason, there's no lesson, no time like the present
Tell me right now, what have you got to lose?
What have you got to lose? Except your soul
Who's with us?"
-Slipknot
 
Last edited:
Allow me to offer an amateur's perspective: avoid Nikon.

As a company, Nikon appears to have systemic deficiencies. They allow entire lines to die out without forewarning (the Nikon V series, for instance, embodies the very antithesis of the "stability" some here laud Nikon for).

If I were you, I would choose Canon, which has a great (and ever improving) armamentarium of lenses. It is larger than Nikon and is likely better poised to weather market shifts.
 
Mike said:
I'm by no means a pro.

That said, I like to see clean crisp photos out of my cameras.
Click to expand...
You can get equally clean, crisp photos from Nikon, Canon or Sony.

I think the biggest difference is in the ergonomics.
Mike51880 said:
I currently own cameras from Canon, Sony and Nikon. I just sold the Pentax I owned. These cameras are both APS-C and full frame.

You may note the order in which I wrote the brands in the previous paragraph. These are the choices in which I prefer the photographs out of the camera. I also prefer the full frame to the APS-C cameras, though I will keep the APS-C cameras that I have.

In order of preference-

1. Canon - 6D

2. Sony - A99

3. Sony - A77II

4. Canon - SL1

5. Nikon - D610

Note that the Canon SL1 and the Nikon D610 are very close in the things I like to see in my photographs. Mostly sharpness. I also understand that the lenses have a lot to do with the final sharpness. I have a specific range in lenses that I use, and this can affect the final outcome.

Mike
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top