At first glance, it may seem like both are on par with one another. However, there are various aspects in which one brand trumps the other, and vice-versa. Read on to find out which is the better camera brand in the battle of Canon vs. Nikon.
Canon vs. Nikon: Product Range
On the other hand, Nikon’s cheapest DSLR is the Nikon D3500. But it still costs quite a bit more than Canon’s option, at a little under $600. This premium is certainly justified, however, as Nikon’s camera comes with a bundled lens kit and a much better battery life than Canon’s option.
In the mid-range segment, both Nikon and Canon have an overwhelming amount of camera models to choose from. So much so, that most of it will come down to personal preference. In this segment, both brands offer enough features to tip the scale on either side.
Things are a little different when it comes to the ultra-high-end range of cameras. For every Nikon offering, there is a Canon offering that matches it. But Canon still pulls ahead of Nikon when it comes to video capabilities. Most other features can be considered on par with the other brand.
Overall, Nikon offers a better bang for your buck in both its entry and mid-range cameras, only fumbling in the high-end range. Nikon is the clear winner here when it comes to product range.
Canon vs. Nikon: Lenses
When talking about lenses, Canon has always been marginally ahead of the game. Both Nikon and Canon offer a wide variety of lenses at all price points. However, Canon’s foray into lenses was with premium ultra-expensive lenses, whereas Nikon initially had budget offerings. Nowadays, Nikon lenses tend to be slightly more expensive in their respective segments.
Both Nikon and Canon have options for all popular focal lengths. Both brands also make lenses that cater to very specific needs. It’s best to be aware of the different types of camera lenses and their usage scenarios to choose what’s right for you.
When it comes to innovation, Canon simply doesn’t have any match. The Canon 17mm f/4 L TS-E lens is the widest full-frame tilt-shift lens, while the Canon 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 IS II is the first DSLR lens to come with an LCD screen that displays the focal length and depth of field.
In the lens category, Canon has always been ahead of any other brand, with Nikon mostly playing catch-up.
Canon vs. Nikon: Image and Video Quality
Since both brands compete so closely against each other, it is unlikely you will find any major difference between the photographs shot by Nikon or Canon cameras. When it comes to high-ISO performance, Nikon is slightly ahead of Canon. In fact, the ISO on Nikon’s flagship camera, the Nikon D6, can be dialed all the way up to 3,280,000, resulting in better performance in dark conditions.
All in all, if you’re someone who shoots at night, Nikon will offer you better quality images. In any other scenario, both Canon and Nikon stand shoulder to shoulder.
Some sensor performance benchmarks do place Nikon higher when it comes to dynamic range. But this is not a fair comparison, since it doesn’t result in any noticeable difference in real-world conditions.
In the videography department, Canon has historically been better than Nikon. The brand has always offered better video features to consumers sooner than Nikon. Although the gap between Nikon and Canon has almost been bridged when it comes to video, Canon is still ahead of the game. Canon offers better video autofocus and has a long history of offering high-quality video lenses.
Canon vs. Nikon: Build Quality and Design
Most Nikon cameras are manufactured in China or Thailand, with only the most expensive models made in Japan. Whereas, Canon assembles and makes almost all of its cameras in Japan, even the cheaper ones. Canon lenses are also completely made in Japan, unlike Nikon.
Due to this, the entry-level and mid-range Canon cameras do tend to be superior when it comes to build quality. Nikon’s lenses use more plastic parts, whereas Canon makes judicious use of metal.
When it comes to design, you should go for whatever feels the most comfortable. But Canon does have a few nifty features that make using its cameras easier. Canon cameras have settings banks, which you can use to recall saved settings using a physical dial. While Nikon has a similar feature, it isn’t as good as Canon’s, and you can only save a maximum of two presets instead of three in Canon’s case.
Clearly, Canon is the winner in the build quality and design department.
Canon vs. Nikon: Which Brand Comes Out on Top?
A comparison between Nikon and Canon is always difficult, because both brands have been in the market for many years.
It’s important to note that switching camera brands is expensive. Even if one brand trumps the other, the difference is not going to be enough to warrant a switch. The only time you should switch brands is if the particular brand caters to your specific needs, or if there are certain lenses that are offered by only one of the companies.
Still, a winner has to be decided, and Canon shoots ahead of Nikon. Canon offers better build quality, ease of use, and better features for shooting videos.
