Making the Switch - Nikon to Canon

N

neetster

Member
I've been shooting on Nikon since the D70 and prior that I learned photography on the F2. I'm very familiar with the controls and using the camera has become pretty much second nature to me. I'm currently shooting with a D80.

I've been shooting my video projects on an HVX and HPX170 with the letus adapter. My University has the Carl Zeiss lens kit for the adapter so we have the Nikon ring for that.

So I'm looking into getting a digital SLR. Currently, Nikon just doesn't match what I want on the video end. It might sound strange but the real deal breaker is no 60 fps on the Nikon.

So I'm going to be out of the country this Spring and I definitely wanted to have a high quality HD camera with me (can't take the panasonic + lens adapter) so I'm very seriously considering a DSLR.

How many of you have made the switch? Are you happy with it? Do you think it's worth it or should I wait for Nikon to catch up, so to speak. Is there a cheap and stable solution to using Nikon lenses on the Canon body? And if Nikon comes out with a new model in the next few months, how will it hold up to the Canon 7D?

I'm new here--registered a while ago though, so sorry if this is really elementary stuff.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
Well there is rumour going around that there will be a new Nikon released next month. Us Nikonians are all hoping Nikon steps up their video game, but I am not getting my hopes up. I also highly doubt 60fps on Nikon anytime soon. I recently shot with the 7D and I have to say that the video is pretty spectacular, the manual controls are a blessing but the ergonomics and menus on the Canon are HORRIBLE. So awkward. I also found there to be a slight luminance shift while shooting which was very strange.

And you can get some lens adapters to use you Nikon glass on the 7D as long as they are manual lenses.
 
I shot on the Nikon since the FM2 as well.

Had the F4/F5/F100

Last one was a D300.

Switched to Canon for the video side of things and kept all of my fast Nikon Primes as well as "the howitzer" Nikkkor 50-300 f4.5:

7d.jpg


Because good glass is FOREVER!

All Nikon Primes:

picture.php
 
I have too much nikon glass, I'll never switch. Once you have so many lenses you just wait till they have another body you like.
 
Whoa, that is an incredible looking setup. Mine will definitely be a lot more modest.

Zerg,

I used one of the Digital Rebel cameras back in the day. I don't like that there's only one scrolling wheel to use for both F-stop and shutter speed. Damn.

Do you think that the benefits of the Canon outweigh the negatives? Or would you rather shoot video on the D300s?
 
I don't like that there's only one scrolling wheel to use for both F-stop and shutter speed. Damn.
Click to expand...

Actually the 7D (and i'm sure other models) have two scrolling wheels for changing aperture and shutter speed. A rotating dial on the back, and a traditional click wheel on the top.

I am a Nikon shooter as well, had a D70, D80, D90 and nearly a D300 until I decided to go for the 7D for its video mode. After shooting with the D90 for quite a while, the expansion and control factors of the 7D were incredible, which is somewhat sad as they are typical features of any prosumer level video system. However, with the right support system, lenses, filters, etc. the camera can deliver a very powerful and positive image. I've seen it intercut with RED and at a smaller frame size it can be quite difficult to discern between the two. I'd call that a success at some level.

I shoot most frequently on Nikon primes using a cheap adapter so the fact you are invested in Nikon lenses isn't much of a factor unless you plan on using the camera frequently for photography as well.

If you'd like to check the camera out, hit up Sammy's or Calumet and bring your own CF card- you can fidget as much as you'd like.
 
i made the switch and i am very happy with the canon. learning curve was quick and now that i'm over that, i'm appreciating a few improvements over my nikon. i wasn't too heavily invested in glass so i just sold my whole package. i am slowly aquiring glass now.
 
yeah i'm sort of with you...own an HPX170 (of course haven't used it much at all lately, been editing full-time for last 10 months), but want to get a DSLR. also waiting to see what Nikon is coming out with soon. if it doesn't compare, prob just go with 7D. I'm editing a music video right now on the side that was shot with it using prime lenses and wowaaweewaaa!! loooks awesome!
very convincing....
 
Im a hard core nikonite and take lots of stills

WHat Ive found is that a camera pimped for filming is not so good for taking stills

You kind of need two bodies to work fast doing both

the the end result is that Ive ended up using canon for filming and nikon for stills

using adapters and my stock of MF primes from the old days of still photography Ive not had to invest in canon glass

happy with that situation for the moment pending nikon release something really good - could be a year or two

ive used the canons a little for stills and find them very counter intuitive after years of nikoning, bizarrely I tried a D3s recently and found that counter intuitive for motion recording

if you can wait until nikon release something adequate then that would be best of course

S
 
After three Nikon cameras I ditched all my Nikon lenses and Nikon camera and went for a Canon 7D. It was painful to switch lenses but I'm glad I did the swap.
I don't like the different wheels on the Canon but everything else is much better.
 
I myself don't own much Nikon glass. A 50mm prime and one of the zoom lenses that came with the body is what I actually own. The rest of the lenses belong to the University. My only regret would be switching to Canon and then desiring to switch back in the future. That's just something I can't afford! One switch in a lifetime is all I got.
 
I see no reason to sell any lenses in switching between Canon, Nikon etc.

For stills, buy adapters that transmit data to the camera. For video, buy dumb adapters to enable full manual control.
 
I've also been a Nikon shooter for 20 years and have been eagerly awaiting a quality video offering from them. I've been borrowing 5D's from friends for a little while now and using my Nikon and Zeiss glass with cheap adapters with no regrets. Before this I dreaded the cost of selling glass and buying a Canon set. If your main use of 7 and 5D's is video, I see no reason to trade in your Nikon lenses. I actually prefer them; aperture ring, stops at infinity, has drag and focuses the 'right' way. Until I have to buy a DSLR for video in lieu of my EX1, Im going to stick it out and wait hopefully not in vein for Nikon to get it together.
 
I had a D80 with a 17-55 2.8 that I really liked. However I was never really thrilled with the focus action or the picture noise levels above 400ISO. Photos are just a hobby, as I shoot video for a living. So when the 7D came out, I immediately sold the Nikon gear without hesitation. A hybrid camera that is small, shoots great photos, and amazing HD footage. Sold. Yes, the controls are different somewhat strange at first, but easy to get used to. One of the best purchases I have ever made.
 
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