Digital SLR Cameras Forum

Digital SLRs Forum Discuss digital SLRs, lenses, RAW conversion, or anything else related to digital SLRs. You may also want to see the Nikon, Canon, and Sony camera forums.
Digital Camera Pro Reviews >>
Read and Write Digital SLR Reviews >>
Digital SLR Buyer's Guide >>
Results 1 to 4 of 4
  1. #1
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    IL, USA
    Posts
    4

    Question Nikon D200 or Canon EOS 20D?

    We're thinking about buying our first DSLR ... trying to decide between Nikon D200 or Canon EOS 20D. (The last camera we bought was Nikon Coolpix 8400) ... right now, we don't have any lenses for DSLR ... based on this, would you recommend getting the Nikon D200 or Canon EOS 20D?

    Thank you!

    Michaela

  2. #2
    Be serious Franglais's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Paris, France
    Posts
    3,367

    Re: Nikon D200 or Canon EOS 20D?

    Quote Originally Posted by Petrk1
    We're thinking about buying our first DSLR ... trying to decide between Nikon D200 or Canon EOS 20D. (The last camera we bought was Nikon Coolpix 8400) ... right now, we don't have any lenses for DSLR ... based on this, would you recommend getting the Nikon D200 or Canon EOS 20D?

    Thank you!

    Michaela
    The usual advice when choosing a DSLR system is: Go into the shop, take both cameras in your hands, see which you feel most comfortable with, which one you understand best. As you already have a Coolpix you will certainly have less problems adapting to the D200.

    BTW the EOS 20D is due for replacement in a couple of months. You might find that the price drops sharply soon.

    Charles

  3. #3
    has-been... another view's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Rockford, IL
    Posts
    7,649

    Re: Nikon D200 or Canon EOS 20D?

    That's probably the best advice - either camera can give you great results. A couple of general differences as I see them:

    Nikon has a more accurate flash system. If you're using flash a lot, this will really make a difference. There's also that 10.5mm fisheye lens that can be corrected in Nikon Capture software to give you an image with something like a 122 degree angle of view. They seem to be better with wide lenses in general, sticking with one sensor size (1.5x) over Canon's three (1x, 1.3x and 1.6x). Nikon puts a spot meter into most of their SLR bodies too.

    Canon seems to have the edge with high-ISO noise, but supposedly the D200 is catching up. ISO3200 files from newer Canon DSLR's are really impressive. They also have that 24mm f1.4 lens and a bigger selection of IS lenses (Nikon calls the same thing VR).

  4. #4
    Be serious Franglais's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Paris, France
    Posts
    3,367

    Re: Nikon D200 or Canon EOS 20D?

    Quote Originally Posted by another view
    That's probably the best advice - either camera can give you great results. A couple of general differences as I see them:

    Nikon has a more accurate flash system. If you're using flash a lot, this will really make a difference. There's also that 10.5mm fisheye lens that can be corrected in Nikon Capture software to give you an image with something like a 122 degree angle of view. They seem to be better with wide lenses in general, sticking with one sensor size (1.5x) over Canon's three (1x, 1.3x and 1.6x). Nikon puts a spot meter into most of their SLR bodies too.

    Canon seems to have the edge with high-ISO noise, but supposedly the D200 is catching up. ISO3200 files from newer Canon DSLR's are really impressive. They also have that 24mm f1.4 lens and a bigger selection of IS lenses (Nikon calls the same thing VR).
    Chasseurs d'Images this month says the the D200 has the best flash system, the best exposure system, the best focussing system and the best body. But that just gives Canon a target to better with their next camera.

    Canon and Nikon have different philosophies. Canon is opportunist. They bring out a new model assembled from parts they have under development every six months. Nikon is conservative. Each time they bring out a finished product with a life of three-four years.

    If you follow this forum (or others) keenly and you only want the latest and greatest gear then buy Canon. You'll go crazy waiting for Nikon to come out for something. If on the other hand you want a carefully developed tool that you will appreciate for years then buy Nikon.

    Charles

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •