Nikon vs Canon: Which is best & Why?

If you are familiar with these titles, you can't help but be aware of the eternal confrontation between Nikon vs Canon. These incredible manufacturers have been creating photo equipment for professional photographers for far too many years. They don't skimp on beginners either: they create cameras for them, too. For a long time now it has been very difficult to say who is the leader in this heated battle. Today we decided to set the record straight and tell you all about the advantages and disadvantages of these giants of the photo industry.

Canon vs Nikon: The Three Key Differences

When it comes to confrontation, the first thing users think of is three things. We too have delved into the world of photography and are ready to make comparisons to help you choose the best option.

Let's speak about lenses

The lenses are one of the most important reasons why this confrontation began in the first place. The fact is that both Nikon and Canon lenses are considered some of the best on the market today. Both participants in our review have quite an impressive history. For example, the first Nikon cameras were created in 1959. Its eternal rival is a little behind in age: it appeared in 1987. However, we should not measure everything by its age, and it is because of the quality there was a confrontation which is better: Canon or Nikon cameras.

As for the differences in lenses, it's worth noting that autofocus in the Nikon series is only available in AF-S. Canon's lineup is absolutely all equipped with autofocus. However, this does not play a decisive role. The fact is that Nikon's high image quality can be achieved without it. All problems can be solved by manual adjustment. That's why we can't say that the leader is determined here. Autofocus is not available on entry-level cameras from this manufacturer. This was not done by accident but in order to reduce the size of the camera (what can I say, professional devices are quite large).

As for Canon, that manufacturer chose to install autofocus in the lens itself rather than in the body. For this reason, the cameras have great versatility and you can use older lenses with most camera bodies. 

However, this only applies to older models. The confrontation with the new ones is just beginning! Let's find out which is better Nikon or Canon:

• Let's start with the first one. The Nikon lens is much lighter, so they don't weigh the camera down. On the other hand, the manufacturer makes them much smaller than its competitor.
• As for the latter, his main pride is the L-Series. Here the manufacturer went wild, so it made the best quality and autofocus. That's why this series is chosen by most professionals. In addition thanks to the availability of special adapters, users have the ability to attach different lenses.

The two camera brands continue to go as close as possible, so we will have to continue the competition. Let's keep trying to decide which is better: Nikon vs Canon DSLR.

Sensors: What's the difference?

Both heroes of our review, of course, have crop and full-frame camera models. Before we begin the comparison, we need to understand what the crop factor is. It can be referred to as the magnification that a lens is capable of delivering when attached to a cropped camera. It is worth remembering that the higher this value is, the higher quality your pictures will be. Nikon users believe that they are the ones who have the ability to take pictures at the best resolution. Those who work with Canon, of course, bend their line.

In fact, the difference is only 0.1. For inexperienced users, this value may seem too small to pay attention to. However, it is not that simple, and here Canon is ahead of Nikon, as it is the one that offers this 0.1.

Thus, he is the winner in this category. Let's move on to find out exactly what you should choose: Nikon or Canon so that your pictures will be the best and you will leave the competitors far behind.

Comparing Image and Video Quality

If you look at the photos taken with both cameras, you can't see any difference with the naked eye. Not surprisingly, it's not for nothing that the heroes of today's article are at the forefront of the camera industry. Well, let's try to understand the quality by describing the technical features that cannot be found out without knowing the details:

• Let's start with the ISO. This parameter is very important for those who are attracted by the possibility of taking mesmerizing night photos. Canon offers cool features, but Nikon is just slightly ahead of it, so full-frame mirrorless cameras from this manufacturer will be the best solution for those who shoot in the dark.
• Nikon cameras perform slightly better when we talk about sensor performance. However, according to many experts, this is quite a moot point.
• When it comes to video, in the confrontation between Canon vs Nikon DSLR, the first wins for sure, although with a small gap. The fact is that it was Canon that started much earlier to provide its fans with not only photos but also videos. New useful features from this manufacturer also appear faster. Nikon should not be discounted either, because its video capabilities are awesome.

Well, it's time to concentrate on what exactly the heroes of our article offer. Perhaps we can put the final point and answer the question, what's better: Canon or Nikon?

5 advantages of buying a Canon DSLR camera

Devices from this manufacturer are quite expensive, but they are absolutely worth their money. The Canon shoots are sharp and beautiful, so they really deserve attention. Let's take a closer look at the world of these great cameras.

Eye autofocus

Even though you can only use this feature with a mirrorless camera, it doesn't get the least bit worse. Previously, the unconditional leadership in this niche without any argument belonged to the manufacturer Sony. Now everything has changed dramatically. The main thing that will please newcomers, whose budget is limited, is that this feature is not only provided in high-end devices. Budget variants also support it.

Third-Party Lens Manufacturers

Sigma and Tamron are not all the manufacturers that Canon made lenses for. This allows you to buy a cheaper device without losing photo quality. Here too Canon leads.

Compact sensor range

Say goodbye to the age of huge and heavy cameras that are hard to carry! The most prominent example is the EOS M50 range. It has many advantages, from its size and weight to its high image quality. We're not surprised that this particular series is consistently recommended by a lot of experts, because it's worth it.

Astrophotography

It sounds amazing that there is an astrophotographic camera. But it's a fact, and it was Canon that produced this incredible thing! The EOS Ra is a device that is designed specifically for photographing nebulae. What makes users even more excited is the release of the new D810A. With it, photographers have the opportunity to capture stars in the most breathtaking way.

High level of service

Many people do not pay enough attention to this point, although it is incredibly important. Here when answering the question is Canon better than Nikon “yes” will be an unambiguous answer. The manufacturer not only produces high-quality devices but also provides support to photographers, not dividing them into beginners and pros.

5 advantages of buying a Nikon DSLR camera

Let us now turn our attention to the advantages of the second competitor. If you think he has nothing to surprise you, you are very much mistaken!

Affordable Lens Prices

Many photographers are willing to sacrifice a lot to get a unique shot. If you're not one of them, but you want to take stunning pictures, Nikon is your choice! The reviews that users leave about cameras from this manufacturer are very good. So when it comes to affordability Nikon is slightly ahead.

Dynamic range

If you're wondering which manufacturer makes the best cameras for shooting in low light conditions, the Nikon vs Canon camera is a clear winner for the former. When you look at the ratings that the experts make, you may notice an interesting thing. In order to find the first devices from Canon, you will have to flip through quite an extensive list of Nikon cameras, which may not be as impressive in other characteristics.

4K video

While Canon has been trying unsuccessfully to give users the ability to make high-quality videos in such high quality, Nikon has long since succeeded. Today's cameras from this manufacturer give you the ability to keep gorgeous details and not lose so much.

Value for money

Although we've already talked about price, we want to mention separately that the models do not lose a bit of their quality and last for a long time. Most of them are assembled in Thailand or China. Both of these countries are famous for good quality products, and the price is more than affordable.

Insanely portable zoom

When it comes to the Canon cameras vs Nikon competition, zoom is definitely worth mentioning. The maximum magnification reaches 125x, so you can just take your camera, point the lens at Venus and see the craters on it. Combined with a 4k video this is really impressive. Don't forget that all this is possible with the low weight of the device, so taking pictures will be a sheer pleasure.

Canon vs Nikon cameras: which brand is right for you?

After we've looked at the main differences, let's try to figure out what's best for you. For convenience, we have divided the devices into three types depending on what level they will be used.

For Beginners

You'd be surprised, but newcomers in general have nothing to worry about and ask the difficult question of whether a Nikon or Canon is better. Whatever selection you make, you can be sure that it will be great. The fact is that both manufacturers make just fine entry-level devices. They haven't slowed down for years, so make your choice without fear! A nice bonus is that beginner devices from these giants won't empty your pockets too much.

For Intermediates

Here it starts to take a different turn and the question of is Canon or Nikon better already becomes more serious. If we talk about SLR cameras, everything is exactly the same as in the previous case. You will not notice any special differences in quality. For those who want to be thoroughly convinced of that, we offer to look at the pictures taken by the cameras of these two giants of the photo industry.

If we start talking about mirrorless cameras, the full-frame sensor starts to play the main role. For beginners, it doesn't make much difference, but on the next level, everything changes. According to experts, Nikon's Z50 wins here with a small advantage.

For Professionals

Often many professionals themselves cannot give a clear answer to the question is Nikon better than Canon. Those who work at a semi-professional level, and do not spare money, prefer to use devices from Canon. Users with a limited budget prefer Nikon.

If we talk about those who have been shooting for decades, their opinions lean in favor of Canon:

• It was this manufacturer who showed us the cameras R5 and R6, which are undoubtedly models of a completely new level. One advantage over the main competitor was the dual card slots. Their absence prevents the Nikon cameras from taking the leader's niche. 
• The RF glass is something that photographers also pay attention to. Believe me, it is simply flawless, and there can be no argument.

It turns out that in this category we give the prize to Canon, although its competitor should not be discounted. We are looking forward to when it will present something revolutionary for professionals.

To Sum Up: What camera is Better: Nikon or Canon? 

The winner of this uphill battle is up to everyone to determine for themselves. We can't say unequivocally who gets the upper hand, because a lot depends on what you need. At the same time, both manufacturers have not only strengths but also weaknesses that have to be reckoned with. You need to figure out what you're willing to put up with to get the best pictures. We advise you to take another close look at the features of cameras from both manufacturers, understand how they fit your goals, and only then make a choice. Regardless, we wish that all your pictures become true photographic masterpieces!