Many have asked me which I prefer more – Canon or Nikon. In reality both companies make great cameras and it does not matter which you have. Yes, currently I use Canon, but given the chance I would use Nikon too. Each camera within these two systems is a little bit different and may be better for specific causes. A great example would be Canon’s 5D mkII vs. Nikon’s D700 both being full frame semi professional cameras made for different purposes. In my opinion 5D is better for landscape while D700 would clearly beat the Canon at sports. Bear in mind that I am writing this from an amateur’s perspective which cannot afford to have multiple cameras for various shooting needs.

Nevertheless when it comes down to choosing either, we must be careful and do some researching before we buy either camera and get into “a marriage”. For me it is Cannon and I have invested too much to justify now a change to Nikon. The amount we tend to spend to satisfy our wants regarding photography equipment tends to be ridiculous, especially once we realize that we don’t need it all in reality to make good photos. I have realized that all I need, and currently enjoy using the most, is a camera with a normal lens. And either company yields a variety of combinations that make this possible.

Marketing departments are doing a great job making us believe that we need the newest cameras and the best equipment. They also do a great job in locking is in with the either vendor or at least make it really tempting to switch. While generally we blindly follow. I too must admit am not much better. I WANT a 1D series camera or at least the 7D to compliment my existing equipment. Then maybe a Leica M9 or Olympus Pen as a smaller walk around camera. But these are all just wants.

If we go back into history and look at the equipment used then we quickly realize that most of the work was done with a simple camera and a normal lens made from various vendors. The brand name was not that great of an importance. Nowadays things have changed. We see a brand name after a brand name and often the professionals advertising them.

The decision though is depends on us – we will be the ones choosing which system suits us better.