Canon vs. Nikon - Why I Use Both

Invariably when I am shooting a wedding, someone will say, "Oh, you use Canon & Nikon?".  Yes I do.  Granted it strains my brain more having to remember two systems that are virtual opposites, especially during the fast pace of a wedding when I have quickly grabbed the black gear and already have it to my eye and now have to remember which camera I am holding and where the buttons are placed for the command I want to control.  The other down side is that you have to duplicate your equipment.  More stuff to bring, more expense. So why do I do it?

Because getting the best possible image is the most important thing.  I like both systems for different reasons and I dream of a SUPER HYBRID that will come someday!!!  I'm already thinking of names for it. Cannik? NiCan? NonKon? CanKon?!?! Y..E...S.., that's it! Like Can Kon-quer focus, Can Kon-quer noise, Can Kon-quer jaundice! CanKon...like King Kong! Powerful, able to climb to the top as it's being fired upon by inferior Canons & Nikons, being loved by beautiful blond photographers everywhere! I think you get the reference ;)

I currently use the Canon 5D MkII. The color balance is amazingly accurate and there's almost no noise in low light high ISO situations, so it's great for receptions.  I use the L series lenses, which are suppose to be the best glass.  I feel they render a beautiful image...WHEN THEY FOCUS CORRECTLY.  This is a well known problem, and if you don't believe me, read the dozens of forums talking about this very prevalent issue. You will focus, the camera will beep letting you know it is focused, your subject will look in focus and waa-lah, your final image is NOT in focus. Many experienced photographers including me, combat this issue by taking several exposures of the same image to increase the odds of a sharp image. Well what a pain in the butt that is!  Why won't Canon just FIX this PROBLEM!

There are so many new photographers out there thinking THEY are doing something wrong. They come home from a wedding or session all JAZZED about their awesome images only to be shocked by how many are out of focus! So if you're a photographer who has gone into the fetal position and rocked back and forth from this traumatic stress event, take a deep breath and know that you are not alone.

I first noticed this problem when I switched from Nikon to Canon about 4 or 5 years ago. I switched because all the talk was that CANON was better and it had a full frame sensor, the best lenses...yada...yada. With my extensive background and use of many cameras over the years, with no out of focus images, I KNEW IT WASN'T ME!  I have had this discussion with a couple of other photographers who say they don't have this problem. . . Hummmm.  So many other very well known and experienced photographers do! In spite of this inconvenience Canon is still my go to camera.

I also use the Nikon D700. The white balance is VERY YELLOW. I adjusted it by adding +2 of blue, which helped. It does not do well in low light at higher ISOs and is pretty contrasty (I haven't tried to adjust that yet). On the up side, it focuses fast & accurate,  the lenses render sharp images and the ergonomics are over-all better than Canon. So for now, my bag is loaded with two sets of everything, until CanKon is born!

Isn't she pretty, I think the purple is a nice touch :)

 

Comments

[Debrah Woods]

Hey Jason! I really like Canon and wish this wasn't an issue. I am hoping Canon fixes this on their next model, then maybe I can have just one system; sure would be easier. Hopefully this post will enlighten newcomers. I know one girl who got so frustrated she was going to quit photography, then she went back to Nikon and was very happy again. I think they are both good cameras but I think Cankon would rock!

[Jason]

Great post! Really interesting the issues you have with Canon's focus issues. I hate you have to resort shooting with both. Double everything! I love the photo at the end too. The name sounds good to me!