The blinkies are exactly it. If I push left or right I move through pictures. Pushing up or down brings me in or out of histograms.
Why choose Nikon, x many years ago ?
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rocketman122
Senior Member
1. why did you choose Nikon over competing brands (namely Canon)?
for me, my mom was a photog and she used an FE and a 50mm. so I played with it a little. you cant believe how long it took before she let me hold it. but nikon was in the house. and when I came to buy I also looked at canon but Nikon was more familiar so it was the right choice. I had a a few different books from her on understanding photography. one was the nikon book. thats what got me locked in.
2. knowing what you know now would you make a switch to another brand back then ? ( a bit of a back to the future type question haha)
As for many doing so would at this stage would simply be to costly.
No, I dont think I would. I think itd still be nikon. I used to be a hardcore nikon loyalist. I even wore different nikon lapel pins on my shooting vest. but the last few years, Ive lost passion for the company. I think they are not the same as they used to be. they dont have the same vision as I knew they had. too costly now to move over. I am keeping my eye on sony though but they are not as developed as nikon with choices.
I remember the 110mm long pocket cameras and asked my mom to buy me one. I got it for my birthday after months of waiting. I was 7 or so. 3 months later they broke into our house and it was stolen. that was the bronx. not the safest place in the world. I was crushed for so long. I finally got a cmaera and it was stolen. I remember how I would walk around with the eyepiece to my eye and composing pictures but never clicking the shutter because I didnt want to waste the frames. I also enjoyed firing the flash button. it had a built in flash but I think it had the notch on top for disposable flash tubes.
for me, my mom was a photog and she used an FE and a 50mm. so I played with it a little. you cant believe how long it took before she let me hold it. but nikon was in the house. and when I came to buy I also looked at canon but Nikon was more familiar so it was the right choice. I had a a few different books from her on understanding photography. one was the nikon book. thats what got me locked in.
2. knowing what you know now would you make a switch to another brand back then ? ( a bit of a back to the future type question haha)
As for many doing so would at this stage would simply be to costly.
No, I dont think I would. I think itd still be nikon. I used to be a hardcore nikon loyalist. I even wore different nikon lapel pins on my shooting vest. but the last few years, Ive lost passion for the company. I think they are not the same as they used to be. they dont have the same vision as I knew they had. too costly now to move over. I am keeping my eye on sony though but they are not as developed as nikon with choices.
I remember the 110mm long pocket cameras and asked my mom to buy me one. I got it for my birthday after months of waiting. I was 7 or so. 3 months later they broke into our house and it was stolen. that was the bronx. not the safest place in the world. I was crushed for so long. I finally got a cmaera and it was stolen. I remember how I would walk around with the eyepiece to my eye and composing pictures but never clicking the shutter because I didnt want to waste the frames. I also enjoyed firing the flash button. it had a built in flash but I think it had the notch on top for disposable flash tubes.
Vixen
Senior Member
When I went to buy a DSLR in 2009 having had a Konica SLR for years followed by a Fiji Finepix P&S, I decided to make it easy on myself and only look at Canon or Nikon as they seemed to be the 2 most popular. It came down to the fact that the Nikon was easier for my small hands to hold. 
Ruidoso Bill
Senior Member
Nikon has just always worked for me, never had a failure and that is important in commercial, wedding and portrait photography. Nikon equipment has always performed better than expected.
I just realized I didn't answer the second part - I wouldn't switch to Canon now.
Since I already have Nikon gear, I don't think Canon would offer enough over Nikon to make it worth the expense of replacing all of my lenses and flash. Nikon would REALLY have to fall off its game to make that a worthwhile expense.
If I had purchased that Canon, I'm sure I'd be happy with them, and I tell people who are looking for a DSLR to stick with Canon or Nikon. I don't know Canon's model numbering system (not that Nikon's really makes a lot of sense either), so I just smile and nod when they say they got the Canon T7xyz.
Horoscope Fish
Senior Member
I didn't choose Nikon... Nikon chose me.
/namaste
....
/namaste
....
When I went to get back into a SLR camera, Nikon just came out with the D40. Great entry level body at an affordable price. My GF's sister did the adverstising for Nikon at the time and helped me buy a D40/18-55 kit and 55-200mm for less than retail. That is why I bought Nikon
Yes, I do still wish she was on that account
Yes, I do still wish she was on that account
My first camera was a Nikon L110 P&S. Bought it because it was on sale.
So Nikon just seemed right. Not a fan of how Canon feels and is set up. When I bought my D5200, I didn't even bother researching any other brands, I knew I wanted Nikon.
My uncle had a 5100 too. So that might of played role as well.
Would I switch?
Nope, just hit about 1300 photos with my D5200 and I am 100% content.
So Nikon just seemed right. Not a fan of how Canon feels and is set up. When I bought my D5200, I didn't even bother researching any other brands, I knew I wanted Nikon.
My uncle had a 5100 too. So that might of played role as well.
Would I switch?
Nope, just hit about 1300 photos with my D5200 and I am 100% content.
AC016
Senior Member
I picked up my first Nikon, a D3000, back in 2011. It was also my first DSLR. Before the D3000, i had a bunch of film and digital compacts. Honestly, i knew nothing of Nikon back then. I knew far more about Canon or at least, i knew the Canon name more then i did Nikon. I had had a Canon film compact 35mm film camera before moving to digital. That little Canon survived Philippine flood waters. When i went to buy my first DSLR, i was wanting a Canon. Though, the Nikon at the time was less expensive, so i took a "chance" and bought the Nikon. In essence, my decision to go with Nikon was based more on dollars then anything else. I think i would have been just as happy with the Canon. I was not married to any one system at the time and had never owned a DSLR before. So, going with Canon would have been just as easy for me. Four years later, i don't own anything Nikon anymore. A camera is a personal choice. In the end, what matters is what you produce with that camera, not the name on it.
I've tried Minolta and Canon DSLRs in the past. By 2011 I only owned a point and shoot and was ready to get back in. IMO neither manufacturer stands head and shoulders above the other. So when I was ready I chose Nikon to try something different, because they had a ton of new and old lenses to choose from and some of my friends used Nikon which made it convenient for everyone to share lenses and peripherals. Looking back, I do prefer the ergonomics of Nikon over Canon and others. Had I chose another route I'm sure for the photography I do, I would be just as happy and just as broke as I am now with Nikon.
1) After much research of the "entry level" DSLR's at the time, I found Nikon to have the slight edge in still shots, whereas Canon had the slight edge in video. I was interested in still shots. Plus, I liked the look and feel of Nikon in my hand as opposed to comparable Canon models. Those were the only two manufacturers I was considering at the time.
2) Knowing what I know now, I'm STILL very happy with the choice I made (and subsequent choices since).
As for it being costly to change, you're right. DSLR's today, though, being so advanced... Why? Go with what you like, learn how to make it work for you, never look back unless there is an absolute defining difference that forces the change.
Michael J.
Senior Member
Yesterday I was learning about M Mode ,(watching VDO's and practicing), and I think I start to love Photography now more As far as I can see love photography changes everyday.
As far as I can see love photography changes everyday.
When I was younger I tried the many compact cameras my dad had, including Olympus, Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, unfortunately never a Canon. Then when I decided to buy myself one, with what little knowledge I had, I figured that Nikon Coolpix P60 was way better than anything else at the moment at that price range and it had pretty much everything I needed. I was really impressed how much better it was and how beautiful the colors were. Obviously it is not perfect, but for a simple camera, it was really good. So 1 year ago when I decided to buy a DSLR and try to learn some more about photography, all I was looking for was a Nikon. I got myself a D5200 and I am extremely happy. Of course my skills are still not good enough to fully use it, but it is perfect for me. However I do want a zoom lens now as I am currently with the kit lens, which is nice, but I just love zoom haha. But yeah, with what I know, Nikon all the way!
Was a Minolta guy my whole film life. Nikon was always on my mind though. Back in the day, they were the standard for 35mm SLR’s. When Minolta discontinued and I gave my old equipment to my Daughter for college (don’t ask if I regret that. I do.), and digital photography took over, I chose Nikon.
Stoshowicz
Senior Member
I chose Nikon maybe four years ago because dollar for dollar , I thought the features offered by Nikon were much better, more megapixels more auto-focus points etc.
Now I realize some of those reasons were not so well founded, that often ones quality is ' noise limited' as opposed to sheer pixel count limited.
I wasn't exactly right about what was important quality wise back then, but I still think it was fine to have chosen Nikon.
Nikon had a big long list of short lenses , but not appropriate longer ones , Canon had a greater selection of longer lenses.
and so I was limited by my choice of Nikon .
But I was never going to spend what Canon wanted for telephoto lenses , and then lug them around in the dirt and rain.
(Tamron came to the rescue, with the 150-600mm which is much more appropriate for the birds than the Nikon 70-300 IMO.)
and going forward , I am going to pay close attention to the offerings by other manufacturers because with the generation of brand loyalty
the big two don't seem to be competing in terms of real quality , but rather in terms of gimmicky sales points and product strategy.
I dont need wi fi , I dont take movies , I would want a third manual wheel for ISO , I want sufficient buffer to clear the cache to actually GET
7 frames in one second rather than only two in two sevenths seconds ,, I dont need ISO 3200 if the noise escalates to unusable after ISO800
I dont need 1-8000th of a second shutter speed if I need to have a monster size aperture wide open to use with it..
and I can keep my own files organized.
Hope my rant is helpful , sorry if it isnt.
Its not that I dont like my 7100, I just think Nikon and canon could've provided me with more appropriate choices for my price range
rather than skimping on what functional features they were going to provide for me rather than gimmicks.
Try handholding a 600mm on target while changing the ISO with a finger from the left hand and a finger on the right turnng an adjustment wheel.
Now I realize some of those reasons were not so well founded, that often ones quality is ' noise limited' as opposed to sheer pixel count limited.
I wasn't exactly right about what was important quality wise back then, but I still think it was fine to have chosen Nikon.
Nikon had a big long list of short lenses , but not appropriate longer ones , Canon had a greater selection of longer lenses.
and so I was limited by my choice of Nikon .
But I was never going to spend what Canon wanted for telephoto lenses , and then lug them around in the dirt and rain.
(Tamron came to the rescue, with the 150-600mm which is much more appropriate for the birds than the Nikon 70-300 IMO.)
and going forward , I am going to pay close attention to the offerings by other manufacturers because with the generation of brand loyalty
the big two don't seem to be competing in terms of real quality , but rather in terms of gimmicky sales points and product strategy.
I dont need wi fi , I dont take movies , I would want a third manual wheel for ISO , I want sufficient buffer to clear the cache to actually GET
7 frames in one second rather than only two in two sevenths seconds ,, I dont need ISO 3200 if the noise escalates to unusable after ISO800
I dont need 1-8000th of a second shutter speed if I need to have a monster size aperture wide open to use with it..
and I can keep my own files organized.
Hope my rant is helpful , sorry if it isnt.
Its not that I dont like my 7100, I just think Nikon and canon could've provided me with more appropriate choices for my price range
rather than skimping on what functional features they were going to provide for me rather than gimmicks.
Try handholding a 600mm on target while changing the ISO with a finger from the left hand and a finger on the right turnng an adjustment wheel.
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dennybeall
Senior Member
No big logic to it in my case. I started with a Nikon "F" years ago when changing over from a Speed Graphic and just kept getting Nikons. They feel good in my hands and I'm familiar with how the Nikons work.
Flapjack23
Senior Member
"X" many years ago for me really means "when my D7200 pre-order arrives". I usedto have an old Minolta film camera years ago but sold that as I had fallen out of photography in general. I really never learned how to shoot it well and other hobbies took over my time and cash flow. A few years back I bought a waterproof point and shoot for pics at the beach and fishing and such. My curent re-investment in photography stems from seeing some great photos that both my dad and my step-son take. My step-son has a Canon camera and quite a few accessories for it and he takes some great pics with it. I was about decided on Canon until I talked/emailed my dad. He is a die-hard Nikon guy who currently has (from what I remember) a D610, a D300, and a D3X along with about 8 lenses that he uses and a giant inventory (80+) of used lenses that he has rebuilt and sells. He convinced me to go with Nikon through a few emails comparing and contrasting the two brands. He even suggested I go with the D7100 instead of the D5300 I was thinking (partly based on the ability to use legacy lenses). As I saved money up for the purchase the D7200 became available and hopefully by the end of the month I will be joining the club.
A chance not taken is a wasted opportunity
A chance not taken is a wasted opportunity
Wiredin
Senior Member
I got a D600 just before Christmas 2012, so pretty early after it's announcement.
I had a D800 on order the summer of 2012, but ran into some financial concerns so I had to "step down" to the D600. I was, and still am, a Pentax shooter for over 12 years now.
I was moving to a 35mm format camera because at that time it was all the rage. I choose Nikon because the control layout was closest to my Pentax cameras vs Canon. I also looked at the lens selection and fell in love with the 135mm f2.0 DC.
After 8 months or so I sold my D600 (for more than I bought it for!) for a D800 and haven't looked back.
Would I switch? No, probably not. I really love my D800. I still supplement it with my Pentax gear because my Nikon kit has been pretty unreliable in comparison (body is going out for repair for the third time since purchase). That being said, the D800/810 is the only camera I've enjoyed the feel off when I go check out the store for a second body. I could not go to a D750 or D610 because I really don't enjoy how those cameras feel or operate.
P.S. I still plan on getting the new Pentax FF and D810 over the next 12 months. Why? The Pentax stuff has been more reliable, and I would like to have a backup for my D800. I'm buying the D810 to "upgrade" my D800, and apply for NPS so I don't have to wait 8 weeks for repairs!
I had a D800 on order the summer of 2012, but ran into some financial concerns so I had to "step down" to the D600. I was, and still am, a Pentax shooter for over 12 years now.
I was moving to a 35mm format camera because at that time it was all the rage. I choose Nikon because the control layout was closest to my Pentax cameras vs Canon. I also looked at the lens selection and fell in love with the 135mm f2.0 DC.
After 8 months or so I sold my D600 (for more than I bought it for!) for a D800 and haven't looked back.
Would I switch? No, probably not. I really love my D800. I still supplement it with my Pentax gear because my Nikon kit has been pretty unreliable in comparison (body is going out for repair for the third time since purchase). That being said, the D800/810 is the only camera I've enjoyed the feel off when I go check out the store for a second body. I could not go to a D750 or D610 because I really don't enjoy how those cameras feel or operate.
P.S. I still plan on getting the new Pentax FF and D810 over the next 12 months. Why? The Pentax stuff has been more reliable, and I would like to have a backup for my D800. I'm buying the D810 to "upgrade" my D800, and apply for NPS so I don't have to wait 8 weeks for repairs!