Why Canon?

Canon makes high quality cameras and lenses. The cameras are priced higher than competitors but it is impossible for me to say they are worth that premium.

I stopped using my T1i as noise issues above base isos lagged well behind newer cameras. I did not think the 18mp Canon sensor, still being sold, was much better technically. So the T1i sat in a box with three lenses. As a cameraholic, now in rehab, I had other better options.

Recently through a combination of gift cards, trade-ins and price cuts I took the plunge and got a T7i for next to nothing (remember I am a recovering cameraholic). I am impressed by its rapid autofocus, battery life and lower noise at mid to high ISOs but kind of disappointed otherwise. It is a bit large though light in weight and higher in price compared to the street prices of Nikon 5000 series cameras. The raw picture quality is fine but I am not seeing what I saw in that ancient 15mp T1i sensor, I think it was an extended red gamut.

Today I see a Sony 24mp mirrorless kit now with two lenses for about the price, maybe less, of the T7i with one lens and half the price of the Canon EVF version. Nikon 3000/5000 APS kits are frequently available at near give-away prices with Canon always several hundred dollars more. Even Costco sells Nikon 7000 series kits that are better values than comparable Canon offerings.

As such I think Nikon is a better value for those seeking optical APS cameras both technically and in terms of cost and Sony for mirrorless. If Nikon moves aggressively into mirrorless APS they will have to undercut Canon M prices to get any traction. I have nothing against Canon but the cameras are higher priced than competitors without delivering better performance.