Nikon vs. Canon: Why One Photographer Made the Switch

When preparing to buy your first digital SLR, it can be difficult to choose between the two camera giants, Canon and Nikon. Perhaps you’re a seasoned photographer used to shooting one brand, and you wonder if you may be missing out. In this video, professional photographer and tech expert Scott Kelby discusses why he went from being a loyal Nikon user to a Canon devotee:

Though Kelby holds that both companies make great cameras, here are a few of the reasons why he now prefers Canon:

  • Super-fast autofocus. Though Kelby first noticed this feature on the 1DX, built for sports photography, other cameras (such as the 5D Mark III) have the same speedy and highly customizable autofocus.
  • User-friendly design. Visually streamlined, ergonomic, and with an intuitive user interface, Kelby likens the camera’s smart design to Apple computers.
  • Quick dial makes organization easy. When shooting hundreds or thousands of images of one event, the quick dial on Canon cameras enables you to instantly scroll through, lock, and select your favorites before you even upload the images to a computer.
  • Realistic skin tones. Every camera’s photos have a different look, and for sports and portrait photography, Kelby says Canon’s skin tones can’t be beat.
  • High ISO capability. When capturing subjects in motion, you will often need to use a higher ISO setting so that you can use a faster shutter speed. While some cameras produce a lot of noise with ISOs higher than 1600, high-end Canon cameras nearly eliminate this concern.

These are certainly compelling reasons to use a Canon camera, but every photographer is different. Try out different cameras and see which one is right for you. Kelby makes the apt comparison to buying a guitar–there isn’t necessarily one that’s better. “Go to the music store and play them both,” he says.

Is Canon or Nikon your camera of choice? Join the great camera debate here on our Facebook.

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