What kind of photographer are you?
Enthusiast (en·thu·si·ast)
A person who is highly interested in a particular activity or subject.
You
have an interest in photography and a respect for the art. However, you
are more interested in a nice camera you can produce nice images at the
convenience store more than you are about sending them out to a
professional printing company. Your goal is not to create great
photography but produce high quality images. You would like to get a
camera you can just take with you to document important family and
social events, but also have the option to take nicer images you chose
to.
Recommendation in the enthusiast category:
Canon T3i: $699.99
Nikon D3200: $699.95
My preferred recommendation in this category? Nikon D3200 (as I also told my friend).
Canon T3i falls short in Nikon D3200
in specifications with Nikon's recent upgraded features on the camera
model this year. Canon T3i was originally priced $100 more at $799.99,
but it seems that in order to meet their competition, it has just gone
down to meet the Nikon D3200's price at $699.95 with a five cent
difference just recently.
However, let's look at some of the general features of each camera and compare them side by side.
| Camera | Canon T3I | Nikon D3200 |
| Megapixels | 18 | 24.2 |
| Shutter speed | 1/4000 - 1/60 sec | 1/4000 - 30 sec |
| ISO Range | 100-6400 H 12,800 | 100-6400H 12,800 |
| AF Points | 9 | 11 |
| Built-in Flash | ±2 stops in 1/3-stop or 1/2-stop increments | -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 EV |
| Continuous Shooting speed | 5.3 frames/second | 4 frames/second |
| Self-timer | 10 or 2 sec delay | 2, 5, 10, 20 second delay |
| Movie Max recording | 11 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Card Slot | SD | SD |
| Live View Recording | Yes | Yes |
They go to head to head and meet equally
in most of the categories. However, you must question what category
matters to you most.
**Nikon just came out with a new model to replace the D3200. Check out the D3300 here.
**Nikon just came out with a new model to replace the D3200. Check out the D3300 here.
Megapixels: Don't be misled by
megapixels - especially if you're in this
category of photographers. Click on the megapixels to find out more about how megapixels contribute to your overall image.
There are some things to consider before
you run off to purchase your Nikon D3200 off the shelf. First, you must
consider what you like to see in your images. Nikon is largely
recognized for its reliability in sports photojournalism. Look at the 4
frames/second. At one touch of a button, you can capture 4 images
whereas Canon can really only capture 3 images at full resolution.
As
an enthusiast, if you don't plan on touching up your images much, then
Canon can give you that perfect image ready to print with its vibrant
color. If
you're the person always at events or find yourself in the stands taking
action photos then Nikon would be your best bet in capturing those
images fast.
It's come out top with its modifications to the model this year.
Amateur (am·a·teur)
A person who engages in a study, sport, or other activity for pleasure rather than for financial benefit or professional reasons.
You
love photography but want to take it to the next level. You want to
start a hobby out of photography but not make it a job. You are the
type who will take photos, upload them right away and choose which to
touch up and showcase to friends and family.
What camera will
give you the power to play around but not bust your wallet?
Recommendation in the amateur category:
Canon EOS 60D: $899.99
Nikon D90: $899.95
Both cameras are listed just under 1k and worth a comparison. Let's take a look at each camera's specs.
Canon EOS 60D: $899.99
Nikon D90: $899.95
Both cameras are listed just under 1k and worth a comparison. Let's take a look at each camera's specs.
| Camera | Canon 60D | Nikon D90 |
| Megapixels | 18 | 24.21 |
| Shutter speed | 30 - 1/8000 sec | 30 - 1/4000 Sec |
| ISO Range | 100-6400 (12800 via Custom Function) | 200 - 3200, L 100/H 6400 |
| AF Points | 9 | 11 |
| Continuous Shooting speed | 5.3 frames/second | 4.5 frames/second |
| Self-timer | 10 or 2 sec delay | 2, 5, 10, 20 second delay |
| Movie Max recording | 29.59 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Card Slot | SD | SD |
| Live View Recording | Yes | Yes |
If you are geared towards making big prints and clearer images on a faster time, Nikon D90 would be your pick. Nikon once again dominates in the MP area. However, as far as speed, if you're doing more of candid event and sport photography, Canon 60D would be your go-to camera. It excels in continuous shooting speed. It can shoot at 5.3 frames per second vs Nikon's 4.5. As far as video recording, it has an almost 10 minute difference over Nikon. Both take SD cards and both offer live view recording. The ISO range is also more expansive with the Canon. If you are able to advantage of these function abilities, I would go with the Canon 60D over the Nikon D90.
Both Canon and Nikon have another model that meets closely in price if you would like to upgrade amore notch in this category. It would be Nikon D7100 for $1,199.95 and Canon EOS 70D for $1,199.00. Canon just came out with the 70D this year (Sept 2013). Feel free to check out and compare these models directly on the manufacturers' websites.
Canon 70D: https://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_70d#Specifications
Nikon D7100: http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product/Digital-SLR-Cameras/1513/D7100.html
Intermediate (in·ter·me·di·ate)
A person who acts between others; intermediary; mediator.
You are an intermediate shooter. You are beyond the skills of an enthusiast and within the ambition of an amateur. You'd like to show off your skills and get into competitions. You're looking for a little more bang for your buck for the type of photography you'd like to showcase. Students who study fine art or photography usually fall into this category. These are the people who know what they are doing and are aspiring professional photographers.Recommendation in the intermediate category:
Canon 7D, $1,499.00 (Body Only)
Nikon D300S $1,699.95 (Body Only)
| Camera | Canon 7D | Nikon D300S |
| Megapixels | 19 | 12.3 |
| Shutter speed | 30 - 1/8000 sec | 30 - 1/4000 Sec |
| ISO Range | 100-6400 (12800 via Custom Function) | 200 - 3200, L 100/H 6400 |
| AF Points | 19 | 11 |
| Continuous Shooting speed | 8 frames/second | 7 frames/second |
| Self-timer | 10 or 2 sec delay | 2, 5, 10, 20 second delay |
| Movie Max recording | 12 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Card Slot | CF | CF/SD/SDHC |
| Live View Recording | Yes | Yes |
Advanced or Professionals
Someone who understands the fundamentals of photography and makes this into a glorified hobby or job. Think freelancers and professionals.
Who am I to advise what you should buy? I would rather discuss and have a conversation on what makes the equipment in your bag worthwhile. The top cameras up for discussion here with respect to Canon and Nikon would be the Canon 5D Mark III and Nikon D800E.
Let's take a look.
No comments:
Post a Comment