Nikon AF System compared to Canon

[kipper]

Just been checking out the rivals specifications on their top bodies and was wondering why Canon use 45 AF points for focusing compared to Nikon's 11 point on the D2X and 5 on the D70. Also they have 21 metering points for evaluative metering, compared to Nikons which I think uses the points that they use for focusing plus they have a sensor that provides color matrix metering.

I mean what's the go, why do they have so many points compared to Nikon and what is the AF performance like in comparison. Is this another reason (on top of the fact there is no 500 or 600VR lenses) why a lot of sportshooters use Canon?

[LOZ]

I CAN SEE A XXXXX COMMING ON

[birddog114]

Waiting until I get the Canon EOS 1Ds MKII then I can answer this question.

ON ORDER

[yeocsa]

From my Singapore friends, D2H, D2Hs and D2X AF has a slight edge over Canon's when both using f2.8 lens. Canon 45 AF points, only 6 (if i remember correctly) can be used with lens at f5.6. With Nikon, all AF can be used. If fact, Nikon can still AF with f8! Canon's evaluative metering is not as good as Nikon. However, Canon's spot metering is better - more narrow and can move according to the active AF points.

the main disadvantage i see is Canon has more lens with IS and is very innovation with design. both camera body and lens are designed from ground up to take advantage of technological advances. Canon lens are better in terms of handling and consistency. I do know I like Nikon colours from the lens better. It's more vibrant and warm. Canon's more cool and too sharp.

regards,

Arthur

[kipper]

Ok.....so when they say 45 it's not actually 45 it's less?

I have to agree I like the results of Nikon's lenses + bodies, they do tend to give a lot of vibrance. Then again I've never had anything to compare it against.

Birddog, don't make me cry.

[yeocsa]

Hi

The consolation i can give you is that whether Nikon or Canon, both system can deliver stellar results and performance. Often the other forgot factor is the photographer himself.

If you already have an arsenal of Nikon gear, stick with Nikon. If you campare similar product offerings between the two, Nikon is cheaper and especially for the budget conscious.

regards,

Arthur

[birddog114]

Arthur,
Have tried the Canon EOS 1DS MKII twice in the past few weeks, I love it too, Not a bad system at all! a dream machine!

My D2x is also brilliant and hard for me to go out without it.

To be honest, still want to have the Canon 1Ds MKII in my bag

[yeocsa]

Arthur,
Have tried the Canon EOS 1DS MKII twice in the past few weeks, I love it too, Not a bad system at all! a dream machine!

My D2x is also brilliant and hard for me to go out without it.

To be honest, still want to have the Canon 1Ds MKII in my bag

Well, you have the best of both worlds. I prefer Canon's body. It feels alot better.

regards,

Arthur

[phillipb]

Birddog, does this mean you're going to start collecting canon lenses as well?

[Onyx]

Canon's flagship models with the 45 AF points are all clumped together in a very narrow region in the centre. While Nikon's flagship 11 AF points are spread over a wider region of the viewfinder, 9 of which are cross-hatched (able to detect both horizontal and vertical lines for picking contrast).

Canon's mainstream products with 7 AF points have them akin to the D70's layout plus two extra on each side - it is surprising that this design wasn't carried over to their flagship models, or vice versa. Along with other inconsistencies between 1D series and lower models (placement of buttons on the body, shooting mode dial, etc.) is IMO suggestive of two concurrent streams of development, and both groups of engineers aren't communicating as they should.

Handing say a 20D and a 1D2, if it weren't for the name etched in white on the outside front of the pentaprism, you could quite possibly believe they were from different companies. Such is the extent of the ergonomic differences. I feel there is more in common between Nikon's flagship and entry level products.

[birddog114]

Birddog, does this mean you're going to start collecting canon lenses as well?

Yes, Why not! start to look into them

[Grev]

45 point focus is really too much (not many), I mean, it's easy to get lost within the grid and get an slightly out of focused image, also Canon's AF system isn't as good as Nikon's... hmmm... maybe it's because they get confused within the 45 sensors?

[birddog114]

also Canon's AF system isn't as good as Nikon's... hmmm... maybe it's because they get confused within the 45 sensors?

I have tried the Canon 1Ds MKII few times and at difference venues, I swapped the D2x with other shooters.
Yes, agreed on both sides, it's the Nikon AF system beats Canon's 45 sensors, don't really know the outcome, can be the Canon lenses caused these issues also.
Since the D2x released, I have lot of inquiries from Canon shooters about the D2x availability?
Prices of Canon 1Ds MKII is nearly double the D2x at retail level.
I have another opportunity to shoot along with couple Canon guys on this Friday evening at one of the function, fundraising dinner, I might swap again to see how does it compare with the D2x in natural lowlight.

[gstark]

45 point focus is really too much (not many), I mean, it's easy to get lost within the grid and get an slightly out of focused image, also Canon's AF system isn't as good as Nikon's... hmmm... maybe it's because they get confused within the 45 sensors?

Is it too many?

I don't know; I expect it would depend upon the algorithms in place that determine the focus point.

What is evident is that both systems work, and work very well.