Nikon D300 Vs Canon 50D

[-Rob-]

I am currrently a Nikon user with a D70 and a couple of sigma lenses and some time in the next 6 months I'm going to be upgrading my kit. After spending the last few months looking around at what's available I had set my heart on a Nikon D300. It seems to have fantastic reviews and I don't think I've read anything negative about it. However the release of the Canon 50D has made me wonder wether I should be considering that instead. So far I've not been able to find any real hand on tests of it but what I have read seems to be impressive. I have also heard better things from Canon users about Canon lenses than i have from Nikon users about Nikon lenses.

Now I know Nikon users are going to tell me to go for the Nikon and Canon users for the Canon but I'm going to ask for your advice anyway. What I'd love to hear is real unbiased reasons why one camera is better than the other.

I'm also going to want 2 new decent quality lenses 1 for sports photography so something like a 70-200 or 300mm with VR or IS and 1 for portraits so maybe a 18-70mm. Any recommendations as to what to buy for quality images without spending the earth.

[.Ray]

Now I know Nikon users are going to tell me to go for the Nikon and Canon users for the Canon but I'm going to ask for your advice anyway. What I'd love to hear is real unbiased reasons why one camera is better than the other.

Actually no, I'm a Canon user, and my advice is stick with whatever brand you're with now, ie Nikon in your case. Unless you fancy selling all your Nikon kit and start from scratch. Unless you're unhappy with Nikon so far then there's no reason to migrate to a different brand just because of the current generation of cameras.

That mean if you were a Canon user, then I'd suggest you stick with Canon unless you're unhappy with Canon in general. Why make life difficult for yourself.

There really isn't much in terms of quality when used in normal conditions. The extra mega pixels IMHO are not worth mentioning.

[flybybry]

Like ray said you would have to start from scratch and nowadays that's not a cheap option, especially if you switched and weren't comfortable with the Canon.

Personally I would stick with Nikon (I use Nikon myself) but have owned Canon gear in the past and wouldn't go back to it.

The new VR lenses from Nikon are really top notch although a little pricey but you only get what you pay for nowadys!

[Chris Hawkins]

Now I know Nikon users are going to tell me to go for the Nikon and Canon users for the Canon but I'm going to ask for your advice anyway. .

I'm ex Canon and now Nikon, either way I'd give the same advice - stick to Nikon. If you owned a Canon 350D, I'd be advising you to stick to Canon. Don't get into Nikon/Canon debates - life's too short.

[-Rob-]

Thanks for the advice guys. I certainly see where you are coming from.

I suppose technically there is very little to choose between the 2 cameras and someone of my ability would never be getting the best out of them anyway although I am hoping that this will be my camera for at least the next 5 years as my ability grows.

I can see your points about sticking with Nikon because I have a couple of Nikon lenses already. Although I am looking to replace those lenses with better ones I suppose they will do while I get used to the new body and save up for the huge cost of the lenses.

You've probably backed up what I already knew.....the D300 is the way to go.

[Bandit]

Read Amature Photographer this week. It has a review on the 50D, the Nikon D300 still outshines it :acute:

Buy the D300. It's a pro tool, the 50D is as per usual another one of Canons catch up cameras that is behind the times. The Nikon D90 is also better than the 50D IMHO opinion and a whole lot cheaper too.

[swanseamale47]

The d300 is a great camera, and as others have said if you already have Nikon it makes more sense to stay with that, then the lens you have will still fit and be a usefull backup in the future.
I'm sure the 50d is a good camera (haven't tried one) but as someone whos recently switched to Nikon from Canon because of quality control issues with a number of Canon cameras, I'd recomend caution untill it's tried and tested in the real world. Wayne

[Alan W]

AP have just reviewed the Nikon D90 comparing it to the Canon 50D and one of its conclusions was get the D300 because it was better than either. I think if I was in your shoes I would get a D300