Has anyone switched from Canon to Nikon?

[AmberK]

I have a Canon Rebel Xsi that I have had for a few years. My SIL just got a Nikon d5000 and we were comparing our pics tonight and it just seems like her camera takes better pictures. Has anybody gone from a Canon to a Nikon and will I be sorry for it? I use my camera all the time and it seems like my flash is REALLY harsh. I dont know if its the same with the Nikon but its one of the things I dont like about my camera. Not to mention the flash is soooo slow. I only shoot on auto and just use it for my personal use for kids pics, family pics, etc.

I have the kit lense, 50 mm 1.8 lense (which I never use), and a 75-300 lense, and a speedlight 420EX that I was thinking of selling to get money for a new camera. Any thoughts?

[Andrea G]

Kind of...I've switched from a Nikon D80 to a Canon 50D. Honestly, I feel like they are pretty much the same for shooting. The main difference for me was the menus and how they feel in my hand. Honestly, they both felt good in my hand, lol! They are different, but I was comfortable with both of them.

The Canon menu made ::way:: more sense to me than the Nikon menu does. I have loved all my Canon stuff more. I did sell all my Nikon lenses, external flash, etc. within 12 hours of listing it on Craigs List for 75% of what I had paid for them 2 years before! I do love that Nikon and Canon really hold their value. I have Craigs Listed several Canon lenses with the same results.

My end opinion, they are about the same, use whichever one you love the feel of and understand the menus the most.

GOOD LUCK!

[Nettio]

Canons and Nikons are pretty comparable so a lot of it is a matter of preference. But there are lots of reasons why her photos might have looked better that would have little to do with the camera itself: better lighting, better exposure, better composition, etc.

My advice would be before you spend a bunch of money switching, is to really invest some time into learning the camera you already have. If you're only shooting in auto with a zoom lens, you're really not taking full advantage of the camera or it's capabilities. I would hate for you to spend all that money if it's not necessary, especially since it might not get you a better result.

What specifically did you prefer about her photos? Sharpness, color, etc?

[AmberK]

We were taking the exact same pics at the same time and it just seems like her pictures turned out better. The main thing for me was the flash- her Nikon used the flash but it just wasnt as harsh as mine was. I know WAY more about my camera than she does about hers- she just got hers after having a crappy p-n-s and when I say she knows NOTHING I really mean she knows nothing. LOL!

IDK- maybe I need a new lense or something. I just use my kit lense as my standard lense. I HATE using the 50 mm because I don't like the prime lense. That doesnt solve my flash issue either- not sure what to do about that.

[Nettio]

The camera she has might be a step up from the XSi so maybe it does get slightly better photos out of the box. But if she really knows nothing, then odds are she's not doing anything that can't be done with the camera you have either, haha.

Are you shooting in auto? I thought that's what your OP said but it's late so maybe I read it wrong.

The reason I ask is because in auto, you generally have less control over the flash than in the other modes. There are definitely ways you can reduce or diffuse the flash without replacing the camera. I never use flash so I can't give you specifics but I know there are some ladies here who do who I'm sure can give you some tips.

[AmberK]

yeah- I use auto. Ive taken classes on learning how to shoot in manual but its just something that doesnt stick in my brain. Its like math to me and I just.dont.get.it. Its seriously frustrating that I don't get it.

[kscwgirl]

have you tried something like a popup diffuser or a light scoop??

http://www.amazon.com/Gary-Fong-Puff.../dp/B0011000R6

[AmberK]

oooh- that looks awesome Sara! Will definitely check into that!

[Andrea G]

Originally Posted by kscwgirl

have you tried something like a popup diffuser or a light scoop??

http://www.amazon.com/Gary-Fong-Puff.../dp/B0011000R6

I've got this and LOVE it. It looks really dorky and ::everyone:: always asks me what the heck it is, but it diffuses light beautifully, even in my kids classroom at school with the ::worst:: ever lighting.

[lightwriter]

Part of your problem could be the "kit" lens. I just sold mine and I see a night and day difference with my new lens.

[suladesign]

I agree with everyone else, and suggest you try to learn what you have. I've done some research before and one of the reviews said that some people think nikon has stronger/brighter/what not colors, but again, I'm sure your camera is able to compensate if you know it well enough. I do manual most of the time, and love what I can do with my camera (canon), and I agree, most likely it's the lens. Having a good lens makes a ton of difference. Or even getting a filter for your lens (to enhance colors). That's much cheaper than buying a whole new camera.

There were two reasons why I decided to go with canon:
1. I had a canon lens from my old (non-digital) times that was great;
2. It seems like both brands are pretty comparable, but usually nikon ends up being on the more expensive side.

Same result: it's your own preferences that matter most.

[kendallt]

I have a light scoop that I really like. It makes your indoor flash photos look so much nicer and less harsh. I really think you'd like it. I got mine off Amazon. Until I can afford an external flash, I think this is a nice alternative!

[Angie4b1g]

Start using your 420EX instead of the pop up flash, and learn to bounce it. Will make all the difference.

[AmberK]

So if I want a good all purpose lens to use what do you suggest that I get instead of my kit lense?

[mummytothree]

Originally Posted by Angie4b1g

Start using your 420EX instead of the pop up flash, and learn to bounce it. Will make all the difference.

Ditto!!! Also if your camera is a few years old and her's is brand new that will make a difference to!! Your camera needs to be serviced, it gets dirty on the inside and the sensor can get dirty. If you are changing your lens a lot I'd say get it cleaned (or that model may have the automatic sensor cleaning thingy) every six month but at the very least it should be cleaned/serviced once a year.

Also you could just have a bum lens...it's been known to happen and it could be causing soft photos!

I've made a HUGE investment in my camera and gear and I can't imagine just changing one day....it just seems like a huge waste of money.

[heathergw]

Also, try shooting in P mode (or whatever it is on Canon) and have your ISO set at your lowest number... see if that helps... P mode is basically "auto" but you control the ISO... maybe your "auto" is setting your ISO at a high number so it looks not as sharp because it's grainy. I too also recommend diffusing your flash and learning how to bounce your external flash... that takes some practice too, but it really helps to diffuse the light.

And to be honest... I don't shoot in Manual mode... I shoot in AP mode w/ Auto ISO... and I did a tutorial to show you the difference shooting in AP mode is on Traci's blog. It has two projects to do and I think doing those two projects will really help you to learn a little bit about your camera w/o going full out manual which I know is confusing until you totally understand it.

http://tracireed.com/blog/?p=853

[Angie4b1g]

You will get much sharper photos with your 50mm 1.8 than you ever will with the kit lens.

[taracotta7]

Amber, I am so glad you started this thread! I have a gift card at B&H Photo that is burning a hole in my pocket! I think I am going to invest in a diffuser or a scoop. Looking at both of them. I do have an external flash for my Nikon D60 but I have never taken it out of the box! I am scared of it. I am like you.......been to a few classes but it never seems to stick in my brain. I really need to put on my big girl panties and just start messing with it. My problem is I don't like the learning curve.......I want it to be awesome the first time I shoot! LOL

[marlathrall]

Originally Posted by Angie4b1g

You will get much sharper photos with your 50mm 1.8 than you ever will with the kit lens.

I agree with this. Get that 50 out and try a little natural light. When I shot with a Rebel, I never used my pop up flash, because it was just much to harsh. I would use your external flash with either a diffuser or point it behind you or at the ceiling so the light can bounce back and be a little softer.

[adrianka]

Originally Posted by taracotta7

Amber, I am so glad you started this thread! I have a gift card at B&H Photo that is burning a hole in my pocket! I think I am going to invest in a diffuser or a scoop. Looking at both of them. I do have an external flash for my Nikon D60 but I have never taken it out of the box! I am scared of it. I am like you.......been to a few classes but it never seems to stick in my brain. I really need to put on my big girl panties and just start messing with it. My problem is I don't like the learning curve.......I want it to be awesome the first time I shoot! LOL

Totally OT, but Tara, what a cool new avatar you have. :-)

[taracotta7]

Originally Posted by adrianka

Totally OT, but Tara, what a cool new avatar you have. :-)

Thank you.

[Shawna]

Originally Posted by AmberK

So if I want a good all purpose lens to use what do you suggest that I get instead of my kit lense?

If you want a good all-purpose lens I would definitely try the Tamron 28-75 2.8 zoom lens. It's about $450 but it's a great lens, I had one that I used on my XTi for about 2yrs and only sold it when I upgraded to the 7D and switched to all prime lenses since I prefer shooting with primes. You will get much better photos even on Auto with this lens over the kit lens. Sometimes I wish I had kept mine, but I do love my primes a lot!!

http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-28-75mm...0161903&sr=8-1

And if you're going to use the pop-up flash or even your external flash, definitely get a diffuser for them (Lightscoop for popup and something like the Stofen Omni-Bounce for your external).

[AmberK]

I've used my 50 mm 1.8 lense and got AMAZING pictures with it but man I just hate prime lenses. Mainly because I've had situations where I need to be able to zoom and moving myself closer isnt an option. But yeah- I should get my 50 mm lense out and start using it again.

Also, ive tried using my external flash and I guess I just dont know how to really work it. I was bouncing off the ceiling or whatever but it was so stinking slow. Oh and I do have a light diffuser from Gary Fong (its an older model) for the external but it doesnt get used because I didnt like my external flash.

So who wants to come down to Austin and give me private lessons on learning to use my camera. LOL!

[heathergw]

do you have fresh batteries in your flash? It should be pretty fast... tho, if you're in "auto" mode it takes a little bit for your camera to figure out the best setting... that also slows it down.

[AmberK]

I did have fresh batteries so maybe the auto mode was the issue. Im going to try to switch from auto to P mode at least and then try my external flash and my 50 mm camera and see how that goes.

Originally Posted by heathergw

do you have fresh batteries in your flash? It should be pretty fast... tho, if you're in "auto" mode it takes a little bit for your camera to figure out the best setting... that also slows it down.

[ColleenSwerb]

I agree with what everyone's said. Totally not worth it to switch.
Get out the external and play with it. It'll help even with the kit lens, although I second that Tamron recommendation cuz I love mine. Buying a new camera isn't the magic solution, you gotta get familiar with it and play with it. If you don't like the external, then invest in a diffuser for your on-camera flash for sure.

[AmberK]

alright ladies.... I just bought a brand new Tamron 28-75 2.8 zoom lens from ebay for $350!!!!! Should be here within 3-7 days! WOOT WOOT!

[Shawna]

Yay! I think you will love it Amber! I really do love my lenses that I have now (esp. my 50 1.4 which is what I bought when I sold it), but there are times like family outings to the zoo, park, etc. that I wish I still had mine for everyday stuff like that!

[aggiefamily]

Originally Posted by AmberK

alright ladies.... I just bought a brand new Tamron 28-75 2.8 zoom lens from ebay for $350!!!!! Should be here within 3-7 days! WOOT WOOT!

You will love it! The only time that lens leaves my camera is when I want to take portrait type pics of my boys.

[pixelstix]

Ditto the Puffer, it's great! I'm good with manual in natural light, but haven't invested in an external flash yet. Sometimes you just have to use that flash, so diffusing it is a great solution until you take that leap to a big flash that can bounce.

As far as a good all purpose, I bought the Canon EF-S 18-135 this summer. It's not quite as pricey as a lot of the lenses out there, but it's a great "walk around" all purpose lens, IMO. But also, definitely get to know your 50mm for portraits, it is amazing!

ETA: Just saw your update, had only read the first page! I'm sure you'll love your new lens. But still play with that 50 mm for portraits! Start out with one subject in AV mode, using a low aperture (around 2-3) and keep practicing- once you get it, you'll be so excited

[AmberK]

ok so now I need to decide if I want to try the light scoop or the puffer for my pop up flash. Has anybody tried both and what are your thoughts?