Why Nikon??

[Neeper]

I was just thinking tonight after being in class last week. There was few of us with Nikon's, and more with Canon's. I was just wondering... why Nikon? Why did you guys choose Nikon whether it be film or digital, over Canon or Minolta?

To answer my own question, 2 of my buddies shot with Nikon and told me to go with it. I really didn't do any research, just took their word. My D70 is my second Nikon body, my first being an F75.

If this topic has been discussed before, I apologize.

[redline]

i use nikon because my parents used it for almost 20 years. so it was passed onto me. I'll probaby won't be changing too soon but it would be towards using other formats such meduim and large format.

[Glen]

For this camera or back in 1989? When I first bought a slr in 89?, there were a lot of real camera shops around and most of their rental lenses were Nikon for the pro market. Now, most of the shops are gone or rent Canon, but I have a stack of Nikon lenses, so to now it is to use my own lenses. Short answer, my bodies follow the lenses.

[Onyx]

I've inherited the sins of my forefathers.... My parents used Nikon, had the collection of glass, so that made the decision for me too. The D70 was the absolute groundbreaker that made my introduction to digital photography possible.

[Nnnnsic]

I was raised on them, but when you look for a new camera... and you're YOUNG... you see what the durability is going to be like.
So the equation works kind of like this:

IF "Canon" AND "Drop" == True THEN "Canon" == $Pieces ELSE
IF "Pentax" AND "Drop" == True THEN "Pentax" == $Ha... no... seriously ELSE
IF "Nikon" AND "Drop" == True THEN "Nikon" == "$It'sStillInOnePiece... Sweet!

END

[birddog114]

Why Nikon? Cos Nikon made my life sweet!

[pippin88]

Nikon because the D70 offered the best in the price bracket. Nice build quality, specs and it produces great photos to boot. The kit lens was also a deciding factor - a well regarded lens (Nikon) vs a get a new lens soon option (Canon).

The D70 is my first SLR.

As a bonus, I got these great forums and a great secret in Birddog.

[theK]

My decision-making process went like this:
1. Looked at major manufacturers with most market share (I don't want to end up buying a camera from a manufacturer that closes a year or two after the purchase, or with those that don't introduce/update their lens system.). Ended up with Nikon and Canon.
2. Compared Nikon and Canon entry-level cameras. Chose Nikon D70 because:

- I love how they don't cripple important pro-features such as Spot-metering on all Nikon DSLRs at the time. Spot-metering is very important, IMO, for both beginners in photography, and for advanced users who would like to get accurate exposure calculation. I don't like how Canon limits Spot-metering to only those who can only afford the 1D series.

- I wanted a lens for basketball photography, and Nikon has the 85mm f/1.4, which was perfect (except for the lack of AF-S). I looked at Canon's 85mm f/1.2, and concluded that it's more expensive than Nikon's 85mm offering, and slower to focus. The 85mm f/1.4 being known as the bokeh queen, made me lean heavily toward the Nikon side.

- I tried Canon 300D and 10D, and just didn't like the ergonomics. Those dials aren't strategically placed, IMO. Tried D70, and fell in love straight away with the ergonomics.

- Both Canon and Nikon lens systems have their plusses and minuses. Judging by Nikon's progress in lenses, I don't think they're that far behind. They also showed that their lens development is active, by introducing several awesome lenses last year (e.g. 200mm f/2, 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5, etc.).

- Could find a kit-set in Malaysia for AUD1500 back in May. Awesome price back then.

[PiroStitch]

My brother's always used Nikon and only a while ago bought a Fuji digital camera (not a DSLR). I've always trusted his advice and judgement in photography Still hasn't given me bad advice

Also the only other DSLR in my budget at the time was the Digital "Rebel"....looked too much of a toy to me and I wasn't a big fan of the grey/silver finish.

[Mal]

I thought this would be like opening a can of worms!
For me it was Nikon because there was nothing better than a Nikon on the market. When I went digital I really tossed up between the Canon and the Nikon, even though the Nikon was more $$$ it really was not a competition when it came down to it. It is like buying a video camera, nothing beats the Sony.

[MattC]

For me it was a choice between the D70 and the 300D as my first DSLR. The choice was fairly obvious after reading a few comparisons and hanging in a couple of forums for a while. Features, build quality.....

Cheers

Matt

[Eunosdriver]

For me, I needed to get back into SLR photography a few years back after starting with a full manual one in my teens, then getting fed up with lugging it around and switching to compacts. In my 30s I wanted to get the quality back, so I went for an F60 as it was a good price at the time.

A couple of years later, my boss was upgrading from his F90x to a field camera (don't ask!), and was flogging his whole kit for a good price, so I ended up with the F90x, MB10 grip, 50mm f1.4, 85mm f1.8, SB26, a 500mm mirror lens, and the 28-80 and 70-300 Sigma lenes I had with the F60 - plus more Cokin filters than I'll ever want to use.

I then got myself a Fuji digital compact to take snapshots of the kids, loved it but got frustrated with it's poor response time, then upgraded to a Fuji F700 (which is dead quick), and found the F90 never came out of the bag. Once I'd read a few D70 reviews that said it was still the best mid-range DSLR around after a year, and with the rebate available, I decided to take the plunge, what with having some decent glass to go with it too.

[christiand]

Allmost one year ago, I choose the D70 after having spent a lot of time resarching the DSLR arena in the price bracket I was willing to spend.
I read comparisons with other DSLRs and got increasingly interested in the D70.
I came to the conclusion that I couldn't go past the D70.
Also, and I believe this is important, after I held a D70 in my hands, I was comfortable with the feeling, weight and center of gravity of the D70.
And yes, I also prefer the colour: BLACK
I remember years long gone by, when friends had top of the range Nikon gear that was truly hot stuff.
I expected Nikon to continue with top notch quality.
I also wasn't comfortable with Canon.
I had a bad experience regarding a Canon printer and was therefore quite reluctant to buy any more Canon gear.
In that particular case there were no drivers and support under WindowsXP available for a printer that cost a fair bit and wasn't that old.
However I didn't know that when I purchased the D70 that lens lust was imminent and slowly maturing and ready to strike; thanks Mr Birddog
Looking back, I would have made the same decision and purchases.

Cheers
CD

[AlistairF]

When I was shopping for cameras, I knew that both Nikon and Cannon made good glass. I picked up the D70 and then picked up the 300D. After making gagging sounds and pointing into my mouth in a vomiting action, I immediately purchased the D70.

Alistair

[Onyx]

Suprising number of folks comparing 300D to D70 before purchase. For me, it was the Kwanon 10D, Fuji S2 and D70 as contenders. The D70 ultimately was the better camera.

[SoCal Steve]

When I got started with an SLR my Dad bought me a Miranda F with a 50mm f1.9 Soligar lens. (Actually it was a pretty nice camera and it even still works.) But Nikon was what everyone aspired to in an excellent 35mm SLR, Canon wasn't around back then as far as I know. About 7 years later my best friend picked up a Nikon Ftn for me at his Navy PX at Subic Bay in the Philipines. Later I bought an N70, a Coolpix 5000, now a D70 and lots of lenses.

You find a brand you like, you stick with it! Simple, huh?!:wink:

[phillipb]

When it comes to brand names I don't get very sentimental. Before buying the D70 I had an N80 (Still do) and 2 lenses. I also had Minolta SLRs and 2 lenses, If the Minolta DSLR had been out at the same time as the D70 I probably would have bought it due to the built-in anti shake but I was impatient and went with the Nikon.
Having said that, I don't regret it for a minute, I'm very happy with the D70.

[darb]

I was raised on them, but when you look for a new camera... and you're YOUNG... you see what the durability is going to be like.
So the equation works kind of like this:

IF "Canon" AND "Drop" == True THEN "Canon" == $Pieces ELSE
IF "Pentax" AND "Drop" == True THEN "Pentax" == $Ha... no... seriously ELSE
IF "Nikon" AND "Drop" == True THEN "Nikon" == "$It'sStillInOnePiece... Sweet!

END

for anyone who follows my photo postings, i can attest to this!

[gstark]

I started off using Practika. Pentax screw mount and all.

As I progressed and wanted to move into doint photography for money, it was evident that the screw mount was screwed, so i had a look around. The most compelling factor at that time was the fact most press photographers were using Nikon.

I bought an FM and and FE, and since then it's been mainly Nikon withe me, although I did have a couple of years' flirtation with a couple of Canon A1s. While they were great cameras, the build quality was nowhere near that of the Nikons, and nowhere was that more evident than in the build quality of the lenses.

That was about 20 years ago, and it's interesting to see that little has changed over that period.

[Glen]

Gary, never tempted by something like say the Sigma SD10?

[gstark]

Gary, never tempted by something like say the Sigma SD10?

Glen,

I like some of the technology they've used, but there are two things about it that scream "no" at me: the glass it can use (as in not Nikon), and the complete absence of build quility. It doesn't have a good reputation in this area.

[W00DY]

I can blame (or is that thank) forum member Rick....

Dad already had Nikon film lenses so when I bought my F10, F80 and now D70 it was so I can "borrow" his lenses

Rick will need to explain why he went for Nikon originally though. My mum had old Pentax stuff (not sure what though).

W00DY

[MHD]

Started shooting on a Nikon coolpix 2000... (it was the best value zoom digital at the time)

Back when I was more into weatherwatching people across at weatherzone were raving about the cp5400.... So I got that...

Purchasing a d70 was a fairly easy descision... I was an irregular poster at dpreview NTF forums and most people who upgraded poped in and bragged.. plus I had a semi compatible external flash...

Did condsider the rebel for a while, I do like the ISO 50, but when I went into the camera store and picked one up and then played with the d70 they just didnt compare (and it was 90% the kit lens)

[Photodude]

I started off with a Kodak DC210 plus about seven years ago.

When I considered my upgrade options, I just had the preconception that Nikon was the BEST equipment to buy.

I bought the Coolpix 5700 - which produces superb images - but is lacking in some very key areas - particulary focus speed - so was a little dissapointed in Nikon.

Stayed with em though and bought the D70 - and am so impressed - am considering callling my next child Nikon!

John

[sirhc55]

Started with Nikon in 1965. In 1995 was producing a catalogue for Arista Electronics and convinced them to buy the Kodak 420(?) digital camera for around $20,000 for me to shoot the photos for the catalogue. They kept the camera.

Loved the concept but the only camera that I could afford was the Minolta RD175 which I used until the brilliant D1 was purchased by me in January 2000.

Sold the D1 last year and purchased the D70 - lighter,more functional, four years in advance of the D1 and a damn sight cheaper.

I’m a happy chappie and Nikon enthusiast for 40 years

[Link]

The D70 is my first Nikon body. Before buying it, I had been interested in digital photography for a couple of years, handling my mates' coolpix cameras. The shutter lag really turned me off and I delayed getting a digital camera until it'd get faster and more instinctive to shoot.

Last year, it came down to a choice between the Canon 300D and the Nikon D70, and I preferred the build and instantaneous startup of the Nikon (I didn't know about spot meter and lens quality then, but that'd reinforce my choice now!). But the 300D also looked enough for me, so in the end, I went for the D70 because I found it at a great price.

Link.

[dooda]

Did condsider the rebel for a while, I do like the ISO 50, (and it was 90% the kit lens)

I thought that the Rebel went ISO 100 only?

I shot with the rebel in NYC for two days and really liked it, but I had already bought a Nikon f80 with 70-300ED lens so I was banking on Nikon to release something as a follow up. I almost gave up for the Canon but luckily I held out (like I had the money anyway). My decision to go with Nikon F80 originally was that I heard that it was more durable, and I like to hike and bike and camp and not worry about breaking the camera so I went with the Nikon. Plus it seemed like Canon was all about the flashy gadgetry while Nikon was all about the quality durability. I had also heard good things about Nikon Glass. I'm glad I went with Nikon but I think that I'd be just as happy had I gone with the Canon (well maybe not AS happy, but maybe content).

[kab]

For me it was pretty simple. It was the best camera at the right price point price at that time. I was very close to going with the 300D, until I heard about the D70, so I decided to wait almost 4 months, and I'm glad I did.

At the time I didn't even know if I'd use features the D70 provided like FEC etc... but I thought maybe I would some day, and sure enough... I do.

No regrets whatsoever.

Till next time...
Regards
Keith

[JordanP]

I was upgrading from a Nkon FE2 and a couple of average Nikkor lenses, and had always had a preference for Nikon design and duribility. Becuase I wasn't worried about keeping the lenses and I didn't know anything about the digital market or how the major brands were handeling it I checked out the 10D, the S2 pro, the D70, the D100 and the D2H. (still had some Nikon bias)

Narrowing down to the D70 wasn't too hard. It was close with the D2H, but the D70 option afforded me more lens money . Decision made - still very happy.

[beltbuckle]

I chose Nikon because if you buy a Nikon body you get to use Nikon lenses. I feel that Nikon, overall, makes superior lenses (even if I just lust over them now, some day I will be able to afford my dream lenses).

[huynhie]

Since no one has said it yet.... I'll go out on a limb


"because the plastic in my Kinda Surprise toys is better then the plastic that Canon uses in their cameras and lenses. ":shock:

[Nnnnsic]

Oh now you've got me thinking...

[hedge]

Got into Nikon with an FM10 about 5 - 7 years ago. Only really bought more lenses last year. Then upgraded to an F100 because it seemed to be about the best camera nikon had made. Then decided to get a digital after spending some time with a few digital using friends.

Actually spent a fair bit of time driving a 10D and a 70-200 2.8. Really quite a nice camera once you get used to the different controls. Mate of mine had one, then upgraded to a 20D. That is a very very nice camera. If i was buying brand new today and didn't own a few expensive nikon lenses I would not hesitate to buy a 20D (i'm sure i shouldn't say that here!) Vertical grip, very fast, good balance on big lenses etc. The D70 is such a piddly little camera to hang of long lenses - i'd sell my soul for a vertical grip with focus and command dial controls.

I looked at converting when i went digital buy it would have cost a fortune. Seems that Nikon are running a few steps behind in the whole digital and lens range. Honestly, all i wanted when i got the D70 was a digital F100 but the only one on the market is the 20D!!

adam PS - one other thing - has anyone heard of CPS? Canon Professional Services? If you own a few pro bodies and lenses you can borrow all sorts of super duper lenses from them (at very low cost or free), get bodies to use while yours get serviced, guaranteed super fast turn around on repairs etc. It is awesome and Nikon has absolutely no equivalent. That's a HUGE tick for Canon in my book!

[huynhie]

 PS - one other thing - has anyone heard of CPS? Canon Professional Services? If you own a few pro bodies and lenses you can borrow all sorts of super duper lenses from them (at very low cost or free), get bodies to use while yours get serviced, guaranteed super fast turn around on repairs etc. It is awesome and Nikon has absolutely no equivalent. That's a HUGE tick for Canon in my book!

Nikon has NPS - Nikon Professional Service. BTW it was Nikon that introduced the idea decades ago for their customers. Canon caught on afterwards.

[birddog114]

 PS - one other thing - has anyone heard of CPS? Canon Professional Services? If you own a few pro bodies and lenses you can borrow all sorts of super duper lenses from them (at very low cost or free), get bodies to use while yours get serviced, guaranteed super fast turn around on repairs etc. It is awesome and Nikon has absolutely no equivalent. That's a HUGE tick for Canon in my book!

Nikon has NPS - Nikon Professional Service. BTW it was Nikon that introduced the idea decades ago for their customers. Canon caught on afterwards.

But if you want to join locally NPS you have to buy from local disti. at the cut throat prices.
I'm with NPS/USA and they treated me here same as ordinary users, no difference.
and now I'm with "Freelance NPS", it means I can buy anywhere, anytime and at any prices which I can see a great saving for me.

[genji]

waht type of photographer do u have to be b4 being considered as freelance NPS or even NPS? ie, only PJ's or other forms of photography

[huynhie]

waht type of photographer do u have to be b4 being considered as freelance NPS or even NPS? ie, only PJ's or other forms of photography

Genji,

check this site out NPS

[genji]

thanks, reading it now

[hedge]

Yeah, I know Nikon has NPS but what does it give you? I think NPS gives you "faster repair turnaround" - woo hoo... If Nikon had an equivalent to CPS I dare say they'd hold onto a lot of pro sport shooters! They might have invented the idea but Canon has picked it up and run with it.

Check out the olympics, major sporting events etc - how many long black lenses do you see? They're nearly all white ones! From what i've been told, they don't OWN all those lenses, CPSlends them out. I don't see Nikon doing that? These guys just pick up a 300/400/500mm lens for an event and return it after. That is keeping your customers happy!

http://digitalcameras.engadget.com/entr ... 331021633/
http://editorial.gettyimages.com/source ... 8641&cdi=0

Wish nikon did it, i could use a wideangle for my next trip!

[genji]

Yeah, I know Nikon has NPS but what does it give you? I think NPS gives you "faster repair turnaround" - woo hoo... If Nikon had an equivalent to CPS I dare say they'd hold onto a lot of pro sport shooters! They might have invented the idea but Canon has picked it up and run with it.

Check out the olympics, major sporting events etc - how many long black lenses do you see? They're nearly all white ones! From what i've been told, they don't OWN all those lenses, CPSlends them out. I don't see Nikon doing that? These guys just pick up a 300/400/500mm lens for an event and return it after. That is keeping your customers happy!

http://digitalcameras.engadget.com/entr ... 331021633/
http://editorial.gettyimages.com/source ... 8641&cdi=0

Wish nikon did it, i could use a wideangle for my next trip!

Nikon does lend equipment out to PJs for major sporting events, checkout sportshooter and rob gabraiths site

[JordanP]

Yeah, I know Nikon has NPS but what does it give you? I think NPS gives you "faster repair turnaround" - woo hoo... If Nikon had an equivalent to CPS I dare say they'd hold onto a lot of pro sport shooters! They might have invented the idea but Canon has picked it up and run with it.

Check out the olympics, major sporting events etc - how many long black lenses do you see? They're nearly all white ones! From what i've been told, they don't OWN all those lenses, CPSlends them out. I don't see Nikon doing that? These guys just pick up a 300/400/500mm lens for an event and return it after. That is keeping your customers happy!

http://digitalcameras.engadget.com/entr ... 331021633/
http://editorial.gettyimages.com/source ... 8641&cdi=0

Wish nikon did it, i could use a wideangle for my next trip!

Total speculation here but maybe that is because Nikon put more $$$ into research and development rather than marketing????

[hedge]

I don't doubt they do, i just think Canon looks after their shooters better. I don't think you have to be real pro to borrow CPS gear. A mate of mine right who is no more pro than I is one L-lens short of CPS and then he'll be able to access all these lenses and a body to use while if his needs fixing (with a guaranteed 3 day turnaround apparently). Meanwhile, I, who have as much gear (with black lenses), get nothing

Will Nikon look after this amatuer like Canon look after him?

[huynhie]

Yeah, I know Nikon has NPS but what does it give you? I think NPS gives you "faster repair turnaround" - woo hoo... If Nikon had an equivalent to CPS I dare say they'd hold onto a lot of pro sport shooters! They might have invented the idea but Canon has picked it up and run with it.

Check out the olympics, major sporting events etc - how many long black lenses do you see? They're nearly all white ones! From what i've been told, they don't OWN all those lenses, CPSlends them out. I don't see Nikon doing that? These guys just pick up a 300/400/500mm lens for an event and return it after. That is keeping your customers happy!

http://digitalcameras.engadget.com/entr ... 331021633/
http://editorial.gettyimages.com/source ... 8641&cdi=0

Wish nikon did it, i could use a wideangle for my next trip!

Hedge,

why don't you check the facts before you speculate what NPS is able to provide.

If all the sports shooter are using Canon lenses and you think that it will improve your photography by jumping over to Canon because they are using it then I don't think many forum member here will stop you. Even if Canon's CPS membership is better I dont think it will sway many people here to change camps as most guys are not professional photographers. They just like photography.

[Onyx]

Hedge, the grass may seem greener on the other side, but if you read thru pro forums, eg. Rob Galbraith, etc. you'll come across criticisms of CPS and their service isn't all that it's hyped up to be either. It sucks on both sides if you're a pro and depending on your gear for crust.

[birddog114]

Nikon does loan you lenses cameras and other gears at major events which Nikon has stand if you're member of NPS regardless of countries.
Nikon has mobile service van on-site in many events in the US to do some minor services for your camera including CCD cleaning.

Leased time for repair items is turning quick if YOU BOUGHT ITEMS THRU THEIR LOCAL DISTI. or you're "GUESS or VISITOR MEMBER" from another countries but it does restrict to available stocks, nature of the repair/ faults.

Say you're from the US, come to Australia for the F1GP, your lens is not working, they may loan you a similar or less quality of lens you have to use for the event, that's! cos your stay in Australia about 3-4 days so no time for them to ship back to Sydney for repair and return it to you.

It doesn't not mean, you brought in a 18-70 Dx lens for repair and would like to loan a 200-400VR or drop your D70 for service and want to loan a D2x?

[Link]

http://digitalcameras.engadget.com/entry/6313299331021633/

This is a funny image, looks like all those camera belong to the same photog (can't be, right? )

The Nikon or Canon Pro services look good on paper, but did anyone here used them in the past? I'd be intrested to know if a pro in Australia can borrow a top lens (200-400VR ), and if yes, how much he'd charged...

Link.

[birddog114]

http://digitalcameras.engadget.com/entry/6313299331021633/

This is a funny image, looks like all those camera belong to the same photog (can't be, right? )

The Nikon or Canon Pro services look good on paper, but did anyone here used them in the past? I'd be intrested to know if a pro in Australia can borrow a top lens (200-400VR ), and if yes, how much he'd charged...

Link.

Please read my recently posts, I'm the one from NPS/USA.
Benefits:
Yes, if I reside and play my game in the US mainland.
Yes, I can get a loaner (Lenses or camera bodies) from NPS at many events if they have stock on show and only can be used in some restricted area and conditions.
In Australia:
- Maxwell doesn't care who you are and where you're from.
Cos my membership is "GUESS" and I didn't buy gears for my own uses from them, I sold their stocks to my customers and bought gears from somewhere else, they do not have many stocks for loan, especially at the high end or pro gears. Pls. remember: MAXWELL is a Nikon Agent or a Nikon Distributor in Australia, they do not have full title as NPS/ North America or NPS in Europe. Therefore they can't have fully access of eval stocks from Nikon.
Did you see that How many refurbished or demo camera & lens sell from Maxwell? other side if you visit Cameta, you'll have a figure of it.