Many clients, photo enthusiasts, photo novices, and friends and family have asked me my opinion of Canon vs. Nikon. As I walk around with a Canon DSLR in my hand, it is rather obvious which one I use, thus, which one I prefer. However, I wanted to post this article to comment, once and for all, on my opinion of Canon vs. Nikon. In short, I have no opinion. If Canon works for you, great! If Nikon works for you, great! Both are great companies, both make great cameras, and both have fantastic lens offerings that span the range from kit lenses to “I bought this lens instead of sending my son to college.”

This is not to say that these two companies are identical or offer the exact same products. There are difference between the two. For example, though not true any more, Canon DSLRs used CMOS sensors and Nikon used CCD. Both companies leapfrog each other in features and innovation. To illustrate this, for a while, the Nikon D300 was the king of the APS-C bodies. Now, the Canon 7D has taken that crown.

So, why did I chose Canon? I prefer the ergonomics and layout of the Canon and I like how Canon bodies feel in my shooting hand. Canon offers great printers and over 60 lenses. It should be noted that a Nikon shooter will say the same about Nikon. Basically, it comes down to personal preference. It should always be remembered that the photographer takes the picture, not the camera. As long as you are comfortable with the interface and the camera is not limiting you, it is up to you to get the great shot.

I was shooting recently at a dog show and capturing dogs in motion. An amateur photog was shooting with his camera right next to me and asked if he could see some of my photos. I held the back of the camera up and showed him a few frames. He replied that he could get just as great a shot if he had a fancy camera like mine. Hmmmm. Really?

It just goes to show people’s mentality of how a photographer gets great shots: It must be the camera. People want to know which is better, Canon or Nikon, so they can get the camera that will take the best photos. Sorry folks, neither brand cannot change physics or think for itself, much less possess an artistic and inherent talent for framing and timing. Nope, that is all the photographer. Canon and Nikon have been making great cameras for years and will continue for years to come but both make tools, not miracles.

Lastly, remember that once you chose a brand, it is an expensive proposition to switch. I am invested in Canon not because I shoot with Canon bodies, but because I have a large inventory of Canon lenses. These are the items you build over time that transcend from body to body. Bodies wear out but lenses last much longer. Canon and Nikon will be around for a long time because they have the largest installed base of customers. Pentax, Sony, and Olympus make fine cameras but most pro shooters use Canon and Nikon.

My advice: list out the features you are seeking then go to a reputable camera store like Glazer’s in Seattle or Adorama in New York and test some cameras. Get the one whose interface/buttons/body/shutter release you like best. You can’t go wrong with either brand so make the decision on your own and you will get a camera you love that will serve you faithfully for years to come.