Technologies are developing rapidly and every year cameras that can take truly high-quality pictures are becoming more accessible. However, along with simple cameras, there is a segment of equipment for professionals. These cameras are capable of providing maximum performance, the best image quality, advanced manual settings with maximum user-friendliness, and excellent build quality. To analyze the advantages and disadvantages of professional cameras from various manufacturers, it is worth taking a closer look at each model.
The comparison will include:
- Nikon D610;
- Nikon DF;
- Canon EOS 6D;
- Sony SLT-A99;
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III;
- Nikon D800.
All of the cameras listed have a full-frame sensor.
More professional, flagship cameras Nikon D4 and Canon EOS 1D are not included in the review since they are available only to those who really know what they want from a camera, and such people do not need any reviews and comparisons.
Camera dimensions
Most compact camera is Nikon DF. Largest size have Nikon D800 and Canon 5D III. The Nikon D610 and Canon EOS 6D cameras are not very compact. They took an average position in this ranking.
Weight
The manufacturers' Canon 6D and Nikon DF cameras turned out to be the lightest. Their weight is 755 g and 765 grams respectively. This weight takes into account the presence of the battery and memory card. The heaviest carcass was the Nikon D800, weighing 1 kg.
Physical matrix size
All cameras have sensors of the same size 36x24 mm. This size is optimal for photography. Such sensors allow you to get the highest quality picture.
Sensor resolution
It’s worth mentioning here that low resolution is not a negative feature. Lower resolution sensors generate less noise and are more sensitive to light due to the increased physical size of each pixel. Higher resolution sensors tend to produce noisier images, but produce higher resolution images. This means. that if you need to print huge posters from your photos, then you should focus on cameras with high-resolution sensors.
Got the smallest permission Nikon camera DF - 16.2 MP. As stated above, this should not be regarded as negative trait, since exactly the same sensor is installed on the flagship camera Nikon D4.
The highest resolution is the D800 from Nikon. It is 36 megapixels.
Autofocus
The most best system focusing is installed on Canon 5D III and Nikon D800 cameras. Canon's autofocus operates on the basis of 61 focus points, with 41 cross-type points. Nikon boasts a 51 point focusing system with 15 cross points. Nikon Df and D610 received 39 dots, 9 of which were cross-shaped. The Sony A99 has 19 dots (11 cross-shaped). For reasons that are not clear, Canon has shortchanged its 6D camera. It has only 11 points and only one cross-type point.
Burst speed
There is no absolute leader in this category. Sony A99, Canon 5D III and Nikon D610 allow you to shoot at 6 fps. The D600 offers 5.5 fps. Nikon D800 is capable of taking only 4 frames per second.
Sensor sensitivity (ISO)
The light sensitivity of Nikon cameras is not too high, while Canon and Sony have reached ISO values of 25600 in this indicator. This high value Not necessary for the average user, but if you often shoot in low light conditions, then cameras from Canon and Sony will be able to create higher quality and more detailed images.
Viewfinder
The Sony A99 camera has an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2,359,000 dots. This is a very good indicator. All other cameras have an optical viewfinder. The coverage area is 100% for all, except Canon 6D. The viewfinder coverage is 97%. This means. that the frame will turn out a little wider than the photographer sees in the viewfinder.
Display
The Sony A99 has the highest quality display. In addition to high resolution, it was equipped with a high-quality pan-tilt mechanism. This makes sighting much easier different conditions shooting. All other cameras have displays of approximately the same quality: 3" and 3.2" (921,000 or 1,040,000 pixels).
Memory cards
Nikon Df and Canon 6D only have one memory card slot. Canon 5D III and Nikon D800 received additional slots for Compact Flash memory cards. A standard slot for SD cards is also available. Nikon D610 and Sony A99 received two slots for memory cards.
File type
There is nothing to talk about here. All cameras can save pictures in JPEG and RAW formats.
Case quality
All professional-grade cameras must have durable and lightweight bodies, which forces manufacturers to use magnesium alloy. Nikon D800 and Canon 5D III received a body made entirely of magnesium alloy. Nikon Df consists of magnesium alloy on the top, back and bottom panels. Canon 6D and Nikon D610 received partial magnesium alloy inserts. The rest of the body is made of high quality plastic.
Video
Nikon Df can't shoot video at all. Largest quantity Sony A99's video recording functions. This camera can shoot Full HD 1080p video at 60 and 50 fps. Other cameras shoot Full HD at frame rates of 30, 25 and 24.
Audio
If you want to shoot high quality video, then the sound should be appropriate. All cameras that can shoot video have a connector for connecting an external microphone. And also all except the Canon 6D received headphone jacks.
Wireless technologies
Only the Canon EOS 6D has built-in wireless Wi-Fi and GPS modules. For Canon 5D III and Nikon D800 owners, plug-in modules will not be cheap. Nikon Df and D610 cameras are compatible with a large number of common wireless communication modules.
Kit lens
/You can buy cameras without lenses. This is due to the fact that most users of such equipment already have a certain set of optics. When buying a camera with a lens, you can be sure of its quality. It will be an order of magnitude higher than the quality of lenses that are sold with cheaper cameras.
Lens mount
The camera mount is designed for its model or line. This is a common practice of manufacturers who force people to buy lenses from their own production for photographic equipment. Although there are third-party manufacturers that produce optics for various mounts, it is noteworthy that the Nikon Df is compatible with numerous older lenses. At the same time, autofocus remains operational, etc.
Price
The cost of professional full-frame cameras is above $2000. The Canon 5D III and Nikon D800 have a significantly higher price tag. It is very strange that the Nikon Df, with its modest characteristics and lack of video recording capabilities, costs almost $3,000. This is the price for a unique design that will undoubtedly attract attention.
Whether you're a beginner or a professional, looking for cutting-edge technology or using standard features digital cameras, this year has been a record year for everyone. Even considering the fact that there is less and less less people When buying cameras, there is no doubt that the performance of cameras released in 2016 is beyond anything photographers have ever seen. This year we saw new cameras of all systems from M4/3 to medium format devices.
Never before has there been such a wide range of cameras on the market, be it video shooters with amazing autofocus or pocket cameras with excellent image quality.
So, no matter your budget, you will find something to suit your needs. Even smartphones were able to revolutionize photography in 2016.
Because of this variety of products on the market, it is very difficult to make a choice, so Fotar magazine has prepared for you a rating of the best cameras of 2016-2017. This year we decided to change the format a little, now it is not a separate rating for SLR and mirrorless systems, plus each camera has Additional information— evaluations of tests from the DxOmark laboratory and the DpReview magazine. We also included two new sections in our rating - the best quadcopters and the best action cameras.
The best camera 2016-2017 for pros
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II
The Canon 5D camera series has a rich heritage. The original EOS 5D was the full-frame DSLR for professionals, the Mark II was the first to bring Full HD video to a DSLR, and the Mark III became a favorite among photographers. The 5D Mark IV has quite a few bells and whistles and improvements, so it will certainly find its place in the market.
The best cameras 2016-2017 with crop sensor for semi-pros
First place: Fujifilm X-T2
The best quadcopter 2016-2017 up to 100 thousand rubles.
DJI Mavic Pro
Third place: Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker
If any of the brands really produced best cameras, the second would have simply given up and left the market long ago, unable to withstand the competition. Therefore, we cannot say that Canon is better than Nikon and vice versa. However, there are fundamental differences between the cameras of these two manufacturers, which we will discuss below. Before moving on to the comparison, it is important to understand: we are not going to compare specific models, we will be comparing systems as a whole.
You didn't know: Canon and Nikon are the only brands (unlike their competitors) that have semiconductor manufacturing practices and projects in space programs.
So, on to the comparison.
Optics
Canon and Nikon offer their customers a huge selection of optics. Canon makes EF and EF-S lenses with built-in focus motors, and they are fully supported on all EOS cameras. Nikon, on the other hand, produces lenses without a servo drive, so they are only suitable for cameras with a screwdriver (built-in motor). If we look at the pros and cons, Canon wins, because the lenses from this manufacturer are cheaper and easier to manufacture. For a lens from Nikon with almost the same parameters you will have to pay 15% more. At the same time, the quality of the lenses from both companies is very, very good.
Picture quality
The picture quality of different cameras is determined using DxOMark tests. Judging by them, he confidently wins in this case Nikon systems. The test evaluates the quality of a picture based on the information that can be obtained from the pictures.
By image quality at low ISO, width dynamic range and color depth, Nikon is undoubtedly the leader - the first two lines belong to cameras from this manufacturer. The closest competitor is the device that is in position 30. However, in practice, unless you refer to tests, it is impossible to notice the difference in image quality, and you will have to try very hard to find this difference in quality between approximately equal models.
Autofocus
Until 2012, Nikon was a confident leader, if we take this parameter separately. It had a 51-point focusing system, which demonstrated excellent results even in difficult conditions. When shooting dynamic objects, it was possible to get 9 accurate shots out of 10. For this reason, many photographers switched to Nikon devices.
However, Canon did not want to give in, and as a result of competition, a camera appeared on the market - a model with 61-point focusing, which automatically adapted to the behavior of the objects being photographed. And now some photographers were again forced to change their religion and switch to a camera.
Still, if we take focusing systems in general, then Nikon is still the leader. Because even inexpensive models like the D5300 use 39-point focusing. But in Canon cameras you often need to tinker with the settings.
Display
The display is such a secondary parameter that I don’t really want to compare them. They do not have any effect on the quality of the image, so the advantage of one of the companies will be very negligible in this parameter. 
Canon usually installs tempered glass displays, medium or entry level They may even have rotating designs and touch controls. All of these are more marketing ploys than truly useful additions. By the way, there is one model (EOS 6D) with a screen with dull plastic display protection. For some reason, all the rest are made of tempered glass and an oleophobic coating.
Nikon makes everything more logical: it puts plastic display protection on inexpensive cameras, and tempered glass on expensive ones. Otherwise, there are no significant differences.
Video
Previously, DSLR cameras were aimed exclusively at professional photographers who used camcorders for video recording. Next, to satisfy the needs of novice photographers and finally extremely stupid questions like: “Why doesn’t he take videos?” Video recording functions have been introduced. The very first DSLR with the ability to record video was Nikon D90, however, the device did not make a splash. The real boom is the emergence Canon EOS 5D Mark II– a SLR camera that supported 1080p video recording.
Nikon D90 - the first SLR camera with video recording By the way, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera was used to record famous TV series, for example, “House M.D.” And they filmed Dexter on a Nikon D800.
Both systems show excellent results in the hands of professionals, but Canon is more confidently and quickly developing video technology. New models Dual Pixel CMOS They already know how to focus during video smoothly and automatically.
Production
Oddly enough, the country of production plays a role in our comparison and partly it is not the quality that influences it. Nikon devices are made in Japan, but this only applies to flagship products. Other products are made in China or Thailand. Keono prefers his homeland, and even produces inexpensive cameras in Japan. The springboard for external manufacturing is the country of Taiwan with excellent and highly qualified employees and strict quality control.
Professional DSLRs
Professional SLR cameras are the pinnacle of the evolution of photographic equipment with interchangeable optics. They are expensive and multifunctional. If you don’t have at least $5,000, then you can’t even dream of buying such a camera.
The strength of professional Nikon DSLRs is their flash performance and perfect metering. Canon has very fast autofocus and lenses with excellent stabilization.
In 2007, Nikon introduced the world to the Nikon D3, which took high ISO image quality to new heights. Then, 7 years later, the Nikon D4s camera appeared, providing a maximum ISO of 409,600 and continuous shooting at a speed of 11 frames per second.
Canon is represented in the major league by two reporter cameras - the 18-megapixel EOS-1D X device (14 frames per second) and EOS-1D C, which “can” shoot 4K videos at 60 frames per second.
Which camera is the best among them is almost impossible to determine. They are for different tasks.
High-end mirrors
Models in this segment are worse than professional DSLRs and are cheaper. In this league, Canon and Nikon only offer full-frame models. The very first of them are Canon EOS 6D and Nikon D610. Both cameras have similar characteristics.
The D610 camera has 24 megapixels, continuous shooting at 6 frames/sec, a water- and dust-resistant body, and two slots for memory cards.
The EOS 6D device has only 20 megapixels, slower continuous shooting compared to its competitor, one memory card and fewer autofocus points. However, there are GPS and Wi-Fi modules. In addition, this camera performs a little better in low light.
Other similar cameras – Nikon D810 and Canon EOS 5D Mark III. The first camera, the D810, is a champion in resolution (36 megapixels). Canon EOS 5D Mark III– 22-megapixel, but it has 61-point focusing and excellent burst speed.
Average price range
Mid-price devices with APS-C sensors. They are distinguished by excellent ergonomics and high-quality, comfortable housings. In this category, Canon offers one of the oldest cameras, the EOS 7D, and the relatively new EOS 70D. The old EOS 7D has 19-point focusing and a shooting rate of 8 frames per second. EOS 70D is a 20-megapixel camera with phase focusing, a Wi-Fi module and a rotating screen, which is not needed at all.
There is also a camera that is close in cost to the Canon EOS 700D (from a lower segment). There is a 39-point focusing system, a rotating display and other goodies.
First level
Entry-level DSLRs are the cheapest devices with a mirror viewfinder and an APS-C sensor. To attract buyers, different companies use different techniques. For example, Canon offers the lightest DSLR in the world EOS 100D, as well as an 18-megapixel camera EOS 700D with hybrid focusing function for video recording and touch screen.
Nikon in this segment can only offer the D3300 model, which quickly gained popularity. This device has 24 megapixels, 11-point focusing and fairly fast continuous shooting with a frequency of 5 frames/sec. There is no low-pass filter, so those who like to take nature photographs with rich details will definitely appreciate it.
Mirrorless cameras
Previously, we talked about the difference between DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Canon recently introduced the EOS M model with an APS-C sensor and 18 megapixel resolution. There is even a whole line of lenses for it. However, there is poor focusing and a battery that discharges very quickly.
Nikon offers the buyer as many as 3 models, which are more aimed at amateurs. Particularly stands out Nikon 1 AW1– the camera is capable of shooting underwater, it is even protected from shock.
All devices boast very fast shooting - 20 frames per second, and have a 1 MB memory buffer. There are even 10 lenses for Nikon mirrorless cameras, which is already quite a lot. Everything seems to be fine, but there is just one big drawback - the entire line uses a tiny 1″ CMOS sensor, and in terms of picture quality it is much inferior to APS-C.
If interested mirrorless cameras, then it’s better to turn to Olympus or Panasonic - the devices there are much more interesting.
Conclusion: it is impossible to compare company systems objectively and identify any of them as the best. Therefore, it is impossible to answer the question: which is better: Canon or Nikon, because... both manufacturers have specific pros and cons. Their devices are suitable for different tasks.
Two Japanese technology giants, Canon and Nikon, have been competing in the photographic equipment market for many years now and are fighting for the favor of sophisticated consumers.
Canon is a kind of monopolist in its field. This company makes almost all office equipment, plus high-quality modern cameras.
Nikon focused exclusively on developing photographic equipment. But such different strategies of these companies do not spoil the quality of either the first or the second.
Nowadays, almost every family has a camera, regardless of whether it is needed for work or leisure. But who, in the end, should you give preference to? What to choose for a beginning photographer? Which is better Canon or Nikon? What camera would be better suited to create a family photo archive? Let's try to figure it out.
Comparison of advantages
Canon
- Let's start with the most important thing - the price of cameras.
Over the entire period of existence of these two companies on the photographic equipment market, lenses and cameras from Canon have always been a little cheaper than that of a competitor.
For example, Nikon lenses with similar characteristics have always been and remain about 10% more expensive than Canon. At the same time, the quality is the same. We can assume that this is simply a certain pricing policy of both companies, which has been established for years.
- There is also a difference between Canon and Nikon - all new products released by the company appear in stores almost instantly. As soon as the manufacturers announce the release new camera or lens, you can safely count on the fact that within a month you will become the proud owner of this new product. With Nikon everything is a little more complicated, because everything latest developments appear on shelves within a few months. But if we are talking about a camera of an expensive price line, then you will have to wait about six months.
- Another definite plus of Canon cameras is video quality. No matter how hard Nikon tries, it still cannot catch up with its competitor on this point. True, the newest Nikon models improve their performance on this point, but the frame rate, which is very important when shooting video, remains higher in Canon cameras.
- If it's important to you number of megapixels, then you need Canon. According to this indicator, it ranks first.
Nikon
Now we can discuss the advantages of Nikon photographic equipment:
- The first and undeniable plus is Possibility to take photographs in dimly lit rooms and at the same time receive photos good quality. If there is not enough light, then with no Canon camera you will get such a high-quality shot as with Nikon. It works with him great picture with very little noise.
- Nikon's APS-C sensor is larger in size than Canon.
- Nikon cameras receive the next prize in the category autofocus. And in this section it is possible to find even two advantages.
- The first thing is that Nikon, in principle, focuses better than Canon. With the latter, sometimes you have to switch to manual focus - and for this you need to have experienced eyes and not shaking hands.
- The second advantage in this point is the autofocus points, or rather the predominant number of them in Nikon. This plus also cannot be ignored, since sometimes it is quite limited quantity Canon's autofocus points limit your actions, and focusing exactly on the intended subject becomes a problem.
Lotions
Various adapters, which, for example, will allow you to install an old Soviet lens on a modern camera, are much easier to find from Canon and they cost an order of magnitude cheaper than Nikon.
But the latter company is very attentive to a variety of additional options with which it stuffs its cameras. Most often, all these, at first glance, insignificant details, can greatly simplify the photographer’s work.
Flashes
In terms of quality and control, both Nikon and Canon are the same.
In order to compare Nikon and Canon cameras, and compare corresponding models from different companies, you must first go through the main points.
Matrix and resolution
These parameters are decisive for a high-quality photo. The matrix affects the quality of color rendering, the amount of noise, and sharpness.
All matrices, without exception, on Canon cameras are made according to new technology CMOS. Competitors still have some cameras with a CCD matrix, which even in terms of power consumption is very inferior to the young progressive development of CMOS.
Canon wins overall megapixel race: on average, when comparing identical models, Nikon has 0.3 fewer pixels - for some this may be decisive. Although the manufacturer compensates for the lack of pixels additional function noise reduction.
For good quality photography you need not only a good matrix, but also resolution. High resolution Allows you to take large format photos without losing detail.
Optics
Optics and more in simple words, the lens is also important point when choosing a camera. Most often, the body camera itself is sold along with a standard lens that comes with the camera itself. But you can purchase everything separately and choose a lens specifically for your needs.
For comparison Canon lenses and Nikon, it is worth remembering that Canon optics are only suitable for cameras of this brand, and the same rule applies accordingly for Nikon. But there are many old lenses like “Helios” or “Jupiter” that give an interesting picture and can diversify your photo leisure time.
Such lenses, with the help of an adapter, can be used on devices from both companies, but it is worth noting that Canon provides a wide range of adapters and they are easier to buy than the corresponding adapter for Nikon.
As for “native” lenses, there is no limit to the variety of both manufacturers. From portrait optics (without zoom), that is, lenses with a constant fixed focal length to the so-called telephoto lenses.
Although Canon is slightly ahead of its competitor in this variety, while showing a more flexible pricing policy. A lens with the same characteristics will cost on average $50 cheaper from Canon.
Electronics
Electronics are almost the same from both manufacturers, supports all possible formats. Both Nikon and Canon spare no expense on quality electronics.
Many agree that Nikon is equipped with autofocus and exposure metering that is somewhat better than Canon's. It’s worth noting: Nikon’s current generation did not have photographic equipment with really bad automatic focus. Even the D40 or D60, which had only three focusing points, did not have auto-sharpness adjustment in this case weak link. Canon, on the other hand, had models where automatic focus adjustment was an important claim. As an example -350D, the first few 5D lines, where the focus indicator absolutely did not correspond to the class and price of the camera.
Admittedly, Canon will do strong autofocus if required. Reportage cameras like 7D and 1D are equipped with systems that are not inferior to Nikon analogues in the D300 and D4, but Canon cameras, which are not declared as professional by the company itself, are even more disadvantaged. Depending on the price and class of the Nikon camera, the level of autofocus control decreases (the lower the price, the worse the quality), but there is not much difference between expensive and low-cost models.
But it is also impossible to objectively single out the best and worst electronics systems in these cameras; both manufacturers use electronics with their own pros and cons.
Exposure Modes
Nikon's camera measures exposure better and better, while achieving maximum naturalness of the image. Canon of course has convenient exposure meters, but they are suitable for some specific situations(dark background, backlight, etc.)
Flash
Almost all cameras from both companies have a built-in flash, which allows you to take good pictures in the evening. Although Nikon is confidently in the lead on this point- everything related to night photography or shooting in a poorly lit room where a flash is needed - Nikon will be indispensable here.
In addition, the level of noise reduction will be very important - and Nikon also does a better job with this function. Another plus is that Nikon’s built-in flash can be controlled manually.
Ability to change settings manually
Both Nikon and Canon provide the ability to change all settings manually, as well as adjust white balance.
Ergonomics
Here you should only take into account your personal preferences. Externally, Canon and Nikon cameras are almost identical– they diverge only to the control system. As for weight - almost everything Canon models lighter on average by 300 grams, as they are made of plastic.
Don’t think that it will fall apart after a few days - the plastic is of high quality and can safely withstand shocks and impacts. Although Nikon is still made of more reliable material - almost all models are positioned as waterproof.
Comparison of models
For comparison, let's take the Canon 60D and Nikon D7000 cameras. Both cameras are from the inexpensive line of manufacturers and their price is approximately the same - about $1000.
Canon EOS 60D
- 18-pixel matrix, ISO can reach 6400;
- The camera allows you to shoot Full HD video;
- A big plus is the large rotating screen, as well as the built-in pop-up flash;
- The battery lasts quite a long time and allows you to take about 1000 photos at a time;
- The body is made of plastic (like most Canon brand models);
- For its price, the camera takes pretty high-quality pictures and videos.
Nikon D7000
- The matrix resolution is 16.2 pixels, ISO is exactly the same as that of the competitor;
- It is possible to shoot HD video;
- The body is made of magnesium alloy;
- Battery characteristics are the same as those of Canon - allows you to take about 1000 pictures;
- Large convenient display (3 inches);
- Very good system autofocus.
For comparison: Nikon has a slightly larger sensor, but Canon's sensor has higher resolution. The Nikon D700 has 39 focus points, the Canon 60D has 9. The latter camera is positioned as suitable for absolutely all weather conditions (rain, snow, heat), and the instructions also indicate that the camera is waterproof.
The maximum shooting time for one video for Canon is half an hour, for Nikon it is 20 minutes. When shooting video, the frame rate is also higher with Canon.
Canon is a little larger in size, but the Nikon camera is heavier.
If the previous two cameras are amateur class, then the following cameras represent the elite and pride of the two companies.
So, the main advantages of the Nikon D800:
- better noise reduction;
- more pixels;
- better autofocus performance (especially with a closed aperture), as well as the presence of autofocus when shooting video;
- best flash sync performance
- the presence of a built-in flash, which means there is the possibility of internal control of an external flash;
- Compatible with lenses across the entire Nikon line.
- better screen resolution;
- ISO reaches the limit of 25,600 (Nikon has three times less);
- more autofocus points;
- battery lasts longer;
- The camera is quite light;
- more video customization options.
Every DSLR Canon or Nikon has both its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, even specifications Each camera should be tailored to you individually, based on your needs and specific wishes.
The facts say that Canon is better for shooting video, while Nikon allows you to focus without much effort.
The modern world has given amateur and professional photographers a whole Klondike of different cameras, which has intensified the “war” between Canon and Nikon. To finally answer this question of a universal scale, you can go to the LiveJournal blog of Anton Martynov (an honored master of his craft), where his answer is substantiated by graphs and calculations:
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