First time DSLR buyers, most of the time do tons of research before buying their first camera, and most of the time they are torn between cameras from two different brands, Canon and Nikon. But which one do you choose? Well first of all search for entry-level DSLR cameras, as these are the best solution for first time buyers, they take good photographs, have simple controls that won’t mess with you, smaller bodies, are cheaper, and well as their name implies they are dedicated for the first time buyer, they are entry-level cameras.
Both Canon and Nikon divide a special amount of attention to their entry-level cameras that are dedicated for beginners since most photographers will continue their path with the same brand that they have started with. Both companies have a large selection of beginner cameras that provide excellent performance and are generally very competitive in this market segment.
For example, if you make a quick search for a best-entry level or beginner DSLRs you will spot both of the manufacturers 99.9% of the time, even if you follow camera critics they will include both in their lists or on their top 3 cameras for beginners. This is a very good sign, meaning that you can’t go wrong with each one. In the end, it will all depend on your personal taste and how much you are willing to learn about your newly acquired hobby. Let’s take a look.
Compatibility
This is one of the biggest reasons to opt for one or the other. Both company’s use the same mounts one their new cameras that they use for a long time now. However, Canon’s EOS range is compatible with a larger number of lenses, thanks to its use of the same lens mount since 1987. Nikon has used the same F lens mount since 1959, however, not all of the lenses come with autofocus, and it decreases the number significantly.
Image Quality
Just by looking at the photos taken from entry-levels of both cameras, you won’t notice any difference, because both of these cameras deliver excellent images. You will spot images from both cameras from professional photographers, while each has its strong points neither of them comes out on top. But there are some key factors to check-in before deciding for a camera, like the autofocus system, megapixels, sensor size, noise levels and many more.
Ease of use
This is the tricky part, even more, tricky than the image quality part, since all entry-level DSLRs are extremely light, compact, come with good handgrips, and have a simple level of controls. However, both Nikon and Canon have different controls, that are unique to their ecosystems. Here you have to decide which one feels more natural to you. Nikon’s entry-level cameras have simpler controls and dials, on the other hand, Canon’s EOS series DSLRs have a little more complicated controls, but this will help you in the long run, since EOS series cameras all have approximately the same setup of controls and dials, so you won’t have to undertake another large learning curve when you upgrade.
Conclusion
So which one to choose? Well, there is no definite answer to this, as it will depend. First off determine your budget for the camera, and be realistic about it, how much you are willing to shell out for your first camera, whether it is Nikon or Canon. Nikon entry-level cameras are cheaper in general. Then after you have narrowed your search list, pick four to six models in total, and research them, read reviews, comparisons, Youtube videos, photo comparisons and so on. If you have an actual shop in the vicinity, try them if you are allowed, feel the cameras which one feels better in your hands. As I said earlier, it will all come down to personal taste, and go with one that feels right. Here is a comparison of the Canon SL1 vs Nikon D3300, which are the most popular cameras of each brand.
Photographer & Writer
I specialize in landscape, street and portrait photography and I have been featured in various galleries and publications. I believe that photography is a way to tell stories!
