@
People121
I started off as a canon user. Was pleased with how it performed. Pictures as well as video looked very good. But few months after my purchase, I got a chance to use a Nikon D5000. Compared to images from my 500D, Nikon looked a tad bit better. Later on I purchased a D5100 and sold of my 500d, never looked back. Today I am the head instructor at Nikon and own the most expensive Nikon cameras and lenses in Pakistan. Let me give you a brief overview of both the brands.
A couple of years back Canon used to be the king of DSLR cinematography. Even its entry level cameras produce amazing videos. Most of the TV commercials and serials used to be shot on Canon 5D mark ii. But the current generation of Nikon DSLRs have come very close to Canon dslrs in terms of video quality. When you set your camera to tripod mode, the live view shows you exactly how your clip would look like. However for really professional videography people use dedicated video cameras such as Blackmagic Design, Red, Alexa and some Sony cameras. Dslrs as well as dedicated video cameras heat up pretty fast once you start recording. Your battery would also drain quicker while shooting video.
While buying your first DSLR, it would all come down to the notorious 50 mm lens. Why is Nikon's 50 almost twice the price of Canon's? There are quite a few reasons for that.
1.Nikon's 50mm 1.8G, the one with an AF motor built in has a metallic mount. Canon 50 1.8 is made out of low density plastic and often splits into two if it falls hard.
2.Nikon's 50 1.8G has a manual over ride function to allow you to manually move the focus ring while it's in AF mode. If you tried that on Canon, it makes a machinery noise because of the resistance inside the motor. There's a japanese version of Canon 50 1.8 that comes with a metallic mount but it's difficult to find it in the market nowadays.
3.Nikon's 50 1.8G has a Silent Wave Motor. The canon version of this motor is the Ultrasonic motor. Canon 50 1.8 doesn't have it but the 50 1.4 does. The motor adds to the cost of this lens. It allows the lens to focus fast, and without making much noise.
4.Nikon 50 1.8G has a 7 bladed diaphragm. The blades are rounded, which results in circular bokeh. On the other hand, Canon's 50 1.8 has 5 sharp blades that make up its diaphragm. This results in the formation of pentagons instead of complete round circles.
5.All cropped sensor Nikon lenses work fine on Nikon full frame bodies. Your camera can switch to crop mode and make the best use of those cheap lenses. On the other hand, Ef-S lenses are designed specifically for Canon cropped sensor cameras and if you use them on Canon full frames, it can damage the mirror and the shutter because the rear element extends deeper than it should.
Nowadays most of the lenses that Nikon makes have an AF motor built in. And the price is similar to Canon variants. Canon however has a greater variety of cheap lenses. For example Nikon does not make a 70-200 2.8 with stabilzation but Canon does. Generally Nikon lenses are more expensive because of costlier glass and coating. But let me tell you, when you look at the high end lenses, Canon and Nikon produce almost similar quality and it all comes down to your camera then. Nikon cameras have amazing sensors. Simply amazing. You would understand when you compare raw images out of both. The amount of recovery possible with Nikon raws is outstanding. When I cover international fashion shows, Canon users around me have their eyes on my camera only. Some of them have recently switched to Nikon because they understand the difference. At your level, you wont be able to appreciate this difference. So do some research, use both the brands before buying and whatever you buy, make the best use of it. A lot of info here may be beyond your level, but you will understand each and everything once you do some research.