Note: I’m going to buy the Canon 7d. Just so you know!
Welcome to the Nikon vs Canon camera death match!
I am in serious need of a new DSLR camera. I have been a Canon girl for as long as I can remember, but a few key friends of mine are Nikon users and you should see some of the beautiful pictures that come out of their digital studios. This has led to a lot of indecision on my part as far as what sort of camera I should buy when I finally do upgrade. I don’t have that much money invested in accessories — I’ve only bought a 50mm macro lens and a 430EX II flash — so if I was going to make the jump from Canon and Nikon, now would be my chance.
But the problem was, is Nikon really better than Canon? I’m definitely prone to gear lots and while I think that Nikon cameras take more saturated, evenly balanced photographs, I was a little wary of the fact that I was suffering from “grass is greener” syndrome.
So, in an effort to allay my fears and put my indecision to rest, I decided to conduct a an amateur Nikon vs Canon camera death match. I enlisted the help of my friend Ben, one of my photography friends that I really respect, and together, we put our cameras to test. My camera, an older Canon digital Rebel (so old, in fact, that it doesn’t even have any spiffy letters to go in the name) went up again his Nikon D90. Now, I’ll admit in the very beginning that his camera is much newer than mine, and probably has all sorts of neat features that mine doesn’t. But, in the end, I just wanted a quick comparison of image quality straight off the sensor, so I think that this test will work for my purposes.
Note: my friend Nate happened to come by while I was writing this post, and he mentioned that Lightroom can read raw files differently (and apparently, somewhat inaccurately) when compared to the individual Canon/Nikon raw tools that come with the cameras. He believes that this may be the cause of the different color casts in the images. This very well may be true, but for the purpose of this test I’m going to accept Lightroom as a baseline because that’s what I use. But for those of you out there who are really interested in an exhaustive comparison, you might want to keep this in mind.
Nikon vs Canon Cameras, Who Will Reign Supreme?
Ok, I’ve rambled enough. Let’s get to the photos. The subjects are all food (because Ben and I are geeks like that), so be forewarned. All images were taken from a tripod at ISO 200 with a 50mm 1.8 lens.
The first pair of images is of a cheddar cheese plate my friend Kirstin (cheese goddess extraordinaire) set up for us. These two images were taken with a set of Ego lights, lit from two directions from behind.
These images were both taken at f14, 1/5 sec. Notice how the Canon image is more evenly color balanced while the second image, from the Nikon, has a reddish cast:
Canon:
Nikon:
These images have not been altered at all, so the Nikon is definitely warmer. More magenta, even. This may be why I believed that Nikons take more saturated photos. Now look at the histograms:
Canon:
Nikon:
There’s definitely more color present in the mids of the Nikon image (and here is where I admit that I can only marginally read a histogram, so if you have more input about this, please leave a comment).
These next two images were taken at f4, 1/10 sec. We used no lights beyond the tungsten light of the overhead fixture, and in both cases, the light meters read as correctly exposed. No digital edits were made to these photos.
Canon:
Nikon:
Here, the Canon shot is much warmer than the Nikon image, which looks much more balanced. And the histograms:
Canon:
Nikon:
The next images are of a roquefort cheese on a white plate with to Ego lights lighting from behind. You’ll notice there’s not a lot of different here, though the Canon image is slightly greener than Nikon image, which has a gentle magenta cast (especially in the pecans):
Canon:
Nikon:
Here are the same images with a touch of editing in Lightroom. I boosted the exposure in both images by +1.25 and white balanced them to +3 temp and +1 tint:
Canon:
Nikon:
Again, not a huge difference besides the green versus magenta casts.
These next two images are a plate of meatballs shot with one Ego lighting from behind and to the right, though we increased the shutter speed to see how the cameras compared when it comes to low light detail. These were shot at f1.8, 1/160 sec. You’ll notice that the Nikon shot has a more pronounced magenta cast than the Canon:
Canon:
Nikon:
The meatballs are more visible and look more vibrant in the Nikon shot. But how will they look after postprocessing? Here are the same images with a few minor edits – exposure bumped up +.75 and white balanced to +7 temp and +3 tint:
Canon:
Nikon:
Now the Canon shot looks much more appetizing, doesn’t it? The Nikon image looks sort of like it’s been colored with red dye.
And the final shot, a persimmon shot from behind and to the right with a single Ego light and a bounce card slightly behind and to the left. Shot at f9, 1/10 sec. Again, notice how the Canon image is more muted while the Nikon shot is more vibrant, more luminous and noticeably warmer:
Canon:
Nikon:
And now with a little postprocessing. For these images, the exposure has been bumped up to +1.25 with a little fill light enhancement (+10):
Canon:
Nikon:
The Nikon image is incredibly orange and luminous, but the Canon image looks much more true to life and just real. The persimmon almost looks fake when photographed with the Nikon and put through minimal adjustments.
So, where does this leave me in my indecision? I entered into this test wanting a Nikon because from what I’d seen, the images were more saturated right out of the gate. Turns out, they’re just warmer – which is not always a good thing. When it comes down to it, I feel like the Canon may be more consistently true to life, and if you want to oversaturate your images, you can use Lightroom/Photoshop/whathaveyou.
That said, if I had no money invested in accessories, I would probably go with the Nikon because I like the overall look and feel of the images. But the differences between the two brands are just not enough to cause me to jump ship and have to re-buy my equipment.
The Verdict: Nikon vs Canon Cameras
Both the Nikon and Canon cameras produced great-looking images, though the Nikon shots are more warmly saturated and the Canon shots appear to be more true to life. I’m sticking with my Canon, but would be happy with a Nikon as well. Buy whichever’s cheaper for you and has an interface that is more intuitive to the way your brain works.
I’ll probably end up buying the Canon 50d or the 7d. It’s more of a cost issue at this point, and we’ll have to see how much I want to spend when it comes times to actually make the purchase.
So…………
What camera do you use and why? Did you switch from Canon to Nikon, or vice versa? Did you perform your own tests, and what did you find? Why are you loyal to one brand over the other?
I’d like to hear your thoughts in the comments, and I’m sure others will appreciate them as well when considering what camera to buy.
Also, ipicking between the 50d and the 7d, which would you pick and why?
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I want a new camera, but these are complicated to learn. Hubbie has a Nikon and I don’t know how to use it.
A commenter below mentioned the Panasonic DMC-LX3, which is a LOVELY point and shoot that takes amazing photos. I know David Lebovitz has one as well. Perhaps that would be a good option for you?
———->steph´s last blog post – Nikon vs Canon Camera Death Match!
This is a great test. I’m having the same problem deciding, so this is good to know. I take pictures of people, so I think that the warmer tones might be a problem for portraiture. Don’t you think?
I would think so, since people’s tones are tough to get perfect. I’m not a portrait photographer though, so hopefully someone will comment here who is!
———->steph´s last blog post – Nikon vs Canon Camera Death Match!
Steph, what a very comprehsive & impressive test you did! I’m a Canon girl myself. I shoot with a Canon Rebel. I would so LOVE to have the Canon 50 or 60D they’re both incredible. Maybe oneday, or perhaps Canon is listening and wants to sponsor us
Just a thought, can’t hurt to throw it out there! tee hee! Baci!
That would be FABULOUS. And hey, you never know, right?
Do you have the original Rebel like I do, from like six years ago?
———->steph´s last blog post – Nikon vs Canon Camera Death Match!
Hey Steph,
Another one from the Canon camp here. I love my 40d. For the pics you are comparing above you will likely be very happy with either Canon or nikon. The question is what other kinds of pics you are likely to take. At the high end, Canon is more known for their very nice telephoto lenses where Nikon has some amazing wide angle ones.
Between the 50d and the 7d, I would probably go with the 7d right now. It is not only higher end, but also newer. It can shoot very nice 1080p HD Video, it has a much more advanced autofocus system and can do better in low light. One feature of the 7d that might appeal to you is that it can trigger external flashes like your 430ex just with the camera. This could come in handy with your studio setups.
In reality, bodies matter less and less these days. Investing in lenses is probably what will happen next and choosing whether you are more interested in the Canon or Nikon lens lineups might be a good step.
– Andy
———->Andy Delcambre´s last blog post – Rubyconf 2009 Schedule iCal File
Hey, thanks for this! I was hoping you’d comment. Thanks for the advice on the 7d… I figure it’s worth it to spend a little more now and not bump into feature limitations in the next few years. I also didn’t know that is does better in low light – how is that? Does it have better ISO settings, or is the sensor somehow more capable in low light situations? This is definitely something I would make use of, and if it’s really better in low light, that alone settles the deal. Also, being able to manage my flash without a special setup would be awesome!
———->steph´s last blog post – Nikon vs Canon Camera Death Match!
Hey, glad to help
As far as low light performance, basically, the 7d has slightly lower noise at the same ISO as compared to the 50d. To my eyes it looks like about 1 stop better performance, which should net you either 1 stop more DOF or twice the shutter speed, depending on your needs.
I’d recommend reading through http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos7d if you are thinking about that one. Really in depth review of all of the features. There is one for the 50d as well. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos50d/ Keep in mind that the 50d was released about 14 months ago, so it is possible a 60d might be coming soon (but nobody ever really knows).
Another good site for (Canon only) reviews is The Digital Picture, they also have good reviews of most canon lenses.
http://the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-7D-Digital-SLR-Camera-Review.aspx
Hope that helps!
———->Andy Delcambre´s last blog post – Rubyconf 2009 Schedule iCal File
Thanks for the links! Had never heard about The Digital Picture. ANd good point about a 60d… if it did come out, do you think there would be a huge difference between it and the 50d? I’m leaning towards the 7d, more so that I don’t have to upgrade anytime soon. Plus, I like the more solid body. It feels really good in the hand.
———->steph´s last blog post – Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa Recipe
Okay, I’ll just have to deal with the fact that I’ll have to buy my own Canon macro lens since you’re not switching to Nikon. I love you anyhow.
———->It’s Not You, it’s Brie´s last blog post – Gouda Ice Cream: What Not to Do
Awww! You’ll just have to come over for more photo dinners so we can swap lenses.
———->steph´s last blog post – Nikon vs Canon Camera Death Match!
Also, the difference in color saturation might also be due to white balance settings. I’m not sure if we set it to auto or not. otherwis I agree with Andy, invest in lenses, you can always upgrade the bodies.
We did set them on auto – remember when we set the ISO as well? That would have been a serious snafu.
What made you pick Nikon over Canon?
———->steph´s last blog post – Nikon vs Canon Camera Death Match!
It’s like we talked about the other night: It’s the Indian, not the arrows…
———->Joe Ercoli´s last blog post – St. John’s Cemetery
Punk ass.
So, I’m really digging your HDR. Is the software you’re using expensive, and is it fairly comprehensive? Or is it some big, crazy package I’d have to learn, on par with Photoshop?
———->steph´s last blog post – Nikon vs Canon Camera Death Match!
Thanks!
I use Photomatix to process my HDR’s. A lot of people you see doing HDR images stop there, but to get it coming out pretty clean there is a bit of cleanup in PS and even some adjustments that I do in Lightroom. Download the free trial version of Photomatix at hdrsoft.com and give it a whirl. It’s full featured but will watermark your images unless you purchase it so you can play and practice a lot.
Hit me up if you have questions… I can point you toward a good tutorial and coupon code for Photomatix, too!
-joe
———->Joe Ercoli´s last blog post – St. John’s Cemetery
Will definitely check it out. Thanks! I’ve been curious about HDR for a while now.
Cool comparison!
I’m a Nikon D90 shooter myself, and I <3 <3 <3 my camera. I chose to go with Nikon for a few reasons. First, many of my photography friends around me were Nikon users so that just made borrowing and geeking out about equipment that much easier. Then, when I went to try both the Nikons and Canons, it just felt as if the Nikons were more intuitive to me. Everything was just easier to access, in my opinion, but I know that this is probably a really personal thing. Lastly, I remember thinking that the D90 was a more compact package than the 50d–though I can't remember now if that's actually true–and hence easier to stuff in my bag and carry around.
Overall, I'm not sure there's really so much of a difference between Nikons and Canons when it comes down to it. I remember reading on Ken Rockwell that Nikons have more reliable AF, though that probably doesn't matter all that much in macro food photography.
I also agree that Lightroom doesn't do such a good job importing Nikon RAWs (though it is what I use). I've heard that the Nikon software is much better, but perhaps a fairer comparison would be to shoot JPEGs instead? I also wonder about the magenta/warmth cast that you're getting in the Nikon, because I find that my camera likes colder colors more….
(Oh! one last thing–I am in love with my Nikon 105mm micro as well. It's awesome, FWIW)
Thanks darlin! I appreciate all of this info. Your Nikon really runs cooler? Odd… huh. And now I’m stuck on this whole post-processing dilemma of the best way to edit photos. If Lightroom can’t read RAWs correctly, what’s the best way to edit?
And I LOVE my macro lens, but yours is nicer than mine. Might have to upgrade that as well.
———->steph´s last blog post – Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa Recipe
Since I’m totally not willing to shell out for or switch from Lightroom for Nikon’s native RAW-processing software, the easiest and most efficient way I’ve found for processing my Nikon RAWs in Lightroom is user-defined presets.
Also, don’t know if it’s my camera that’s runs cooler, but it just seems to really love blues and colder tones. I always have to warm things up in LR a bit. Maybe it’s my filters? Or just me? hm…
And yes, put micro upgrade on the list!
———->stephanie´s last blog post – PotW: Apple Pie Pancakes
You know what’s funny – I looked at all of these pictures and I liked the Nikon in almost all of them. But, then, we have a Nikon so that’s what I am used to. I do minimal post-processing so I like the warmth that Nikon photos automatically have.
———->Akila´s last blog post – the great ocean road: not just the 12 apostles
Hi Akila,
I kind of feel the same way. I like the warmer tones, and if I were going to start a new setup, I would probably go with Nikon. But, since I’ve already got a handful of accessories, I’ll probably opt to stay with Canon because it’s easier. The difference isn’t that big a deal to me.
And, more of my friends have Canons, and some really respected photographers I know use them as well. It’s funny how such a small difference can make a decision so complicated, isn’t it?
———->steph´s last blog post – Nikon vs Canon Camera Death Match!
I too have an older Rebel and would love to upgrade. I’m looking at going with Cannon again for several reasons…I’m already familiar with how Cannons program and such, so the learning curve would be shorter with a new camera if I stay Canon. AND I have about $1500 worth of nice canon lenses that I adore and don’t want to have to replace. I love my Canon, but if I had originally gone Nikon I’m sure I would say the same. For me the biggest difference in color management has been learning more about light management and white balance…skills I would need to hone regardless of brand.
Thanks for the fun comparison shots. I’ve often wondered how the two would compare for those of us who are simply amateur shooters.
Thanks! And I agree – having to learn a new interface isn’t a fun idea. That’s another reason why despite liking the warmer Nikon tones, I’ll probably stick with Canon. And it sounds like you’ve got a lot more invested in lenses than I do, so you’ve got even more incentive!
What made you go with Canon to begin with?
———->steph´s last blog post – Nikon vs Canon Camera Death Match!
I’ve been a Canon whore for years but I don’t shop on the high-end…yet. And you know how much I love my Panny DMC-LX3.
I LOVE the Panasonic DMC-LX3. Leica lenses FTW. Only problem is that it’s $500… well worth it, I think, but that would put a dent in my DSLR budget.
Can you post a few links to your LX3 photos here?
And would you be down to do a head to head test between your LX3 and my little Canon Powershot?
———->steph´s last blog post – Nikon vs Canon Camera Death Match!
That would be cool actually. I still have my old Canon PowerShot too. It’s an A1000IS and I think it’s a great little camera. Where you wanna shoot?
———->Arnold´s last blog post – Bacon Agedashi Tofu
We could shoot here… we have a pseudo-studio setup in the dining room!
Also…how about an LX3 v. DSLR post?
———->Arnold´s last blog post – Bacon Agedashi Tofu
DEFINITELY. Once I get the new Canon, it’s so on!
I like the canon pics better, but then I have always had canons (pt and shoot, and now the Xsi). My thoughts are you might want to check out the two cameras at higher iso, as some differences can come out there. Also think about what lenses you are using and what white balance settings you’ve set. I find my canon gives very different results with diff lenses (use a 50mm for food mostly). Oh and finally…have you looked at these photos blown up? That can show differences too.
Btw, when people say “warmer” they usually mean more yellow on curves, not more magenta (i.e, warm like “sunny”).
besos,
sara
———->hungrygrrl´s last blog post – Guanaco’s Tacos Pupuseria
Hey, these are all great tips. Thanks! Now that you mention it, I will go back and blow these up to take a look. Maybe I’ll add a second post to the series, or add them to this. Good call! Will also check out the higher ISOs like you suggest.
I also hadn’t thought of white balance differences with different lenses. Hrmm. Will have to research that more – do you notice more accurate white balance on more expensive lenses with better optics?
And thanks on the terminology correction. I hate sounding like a shmoe.
interesting nikon vs canon comparison on gizmodo, they say diff is more in user interface than quality of shot
http://gizmodo.com/5234607/canon-rebel-t1i-vs-nikon-d5000-entry+level-dslr-battlemodo
———->hungrygrrl´s last blog post – Guanaco’s Tacos Pupuseria
That’s true… they interfaces are so different that it might sway folks one way or the other. Been using Canon so long that it’s like second nature now!
———->steph´s last blog post – Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa Recipe
While I understand your desire to tackle the comparison as even-handed as possible, your baseline assumptions are not quite right from the start. You can’t compare the RAW output of the Canon and Nikon formats using Lightroom because their formats are proprietary which means Lightroom (and Adobe CS Camera Raw for that matter) doesn’t have all of the information to read the RAW data completely thus rendering insufficient data on the capture. Which data they are missing from each company is not known, so that right there means you aren’t comparing the same things. I’m also guessing you have WB on default settings. Any moderate to high end dSLR will allow the user to customize WB, color sat, sharpening, etc. in menu and so it looks like you’re just comparing the manufacturers’ defaults and algorithms for your models.
If you want thorough comparisons of cameras, check out sites like dpreview or if you want to get specific, there are plenty of well-regarded dedicated Canon and Nikon sites out there with incredibly detailed reviews and discussions on things like noise at high ISO, sensor performance, pixel sharpness, card write time. These are quantitative measures.
While you may prefer one type of color cast over another, that is *easily* adjusted on camera or in post proc as to be negligible. Things to consider are CMOS vs. CCD sensors, performance of the specific model you are interested in for the type of photography you do (wedding photography different from landscape photography different from food photography), how it feels in your hands, how you like the shooting action and performance.
Note: I shoot Nikon bodies (D200 and D3x) because Nikon is my preference, but you really cannot go wrong with Canon or Nikon. Both are top of the line pro and consumer cameras and glass.
———->Jen Yu´s last blog post – daring cooks: dragon roll sushi
Thanks for your input Jen, I appreciate your expertise. Now I’m stuck on this whole post-processing dilemma of the best way to edit photos. If Lightroom and Photoshop can’t read RAWs correctly, what’s the best way to process images? What do you do with yours?
———->steph´s last blog post – Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa Recipe
Hi Steph,
Technically speaking, the color of the Nikon images are warmer, but the Canon one’s are sharper. What I look in a image, is the clarity and focus of what I shot. The color can be achieve, in photoshop or other software. I’m a Canon girl always been, my spare is a Rebel my main is Canon 5D. I don’t intent to change them anytime soon the reason why? Because the lenses are going to make the image. I rather invest in good and appropriate lenses for the job. My everyday lenses are EF 28-75, an occasion use EF 100, for a nice table spreading EF 17-40.
My best advice to you before you invest in it, rent the equipment try out then decide.
Thanks, Adriana! I’m hoping to upgrade my lenses over the next year, so this is super useful. I’m stuck trying to figure out what would be the best for me and in what order. I shoot food now, but I also shot landscape when I was using BW film years ago. Do you ever use a tilt/shift lens? Which is your favorite lens for food overall?
Also need to upgrade to some better lights, but that’s a whole nother post
———->steph´s last blog post – Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa Recipe
When I was buying a professional-quality digital camera, I wanted a canon SO BADLY but needed a camera desperately (I was on deadline for a shoot) and ended up buying a Konica Minolta, which now desperately needs replacing. That company has been bought by Sony, which apparently is making some really top quality cameras even though they have barely any market share. To make things worse, I cracked a lens on a recent trip. I have NO idea which is better though I have heard that Canon is best for Mac users. I’d take either, any, since I am desperately needing a new camera! But you also have to think about the LENSES. If you switch companies you’ll have to BUY ALL NEW LENSES, which can get very expensive. I can’t wait to hear what you decide!!
———->Jennifer Margulis´s last blog post – A Kind Letter From A Reader
Very good point… really, the more I think about it, the more I’m leaning towards staying with Canon. It’s all so arbitrary as to which is the more appropriate brand, so why not stick with what I already know, right? I’ve learned far more from the comments here than I did in the test itself!
———->steph´s last blog post – Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa Recipe
Just getting back from my day-long bierock-making session so i’m a bit late to the party.
In short, I plunked down the extra green for a d90 over a d5000 on the recommendation of a friend who is a pro-am photographer who rocks a d300.
cmos sensor, prism (vs. mirrors) for the light-handling, and the ability to auto-focus non-dx lenses (af drive in the body) were the biggest factors in that choice (buying for the long-term here).
I love the camera, but the kit lens is lacking for closeup/macro. Just plan on spending the extra $200 for the 35mm 1.8 dx lens if you go nikon. It’s a great fast lens for the price.
Btw, using digikam+ufraw+gimp to manage my raw. Yay for free software. =D
Thanks! This is awesome advice. I always want to know the perfect, take-everywhere lens.
And you edit all of your images on free software? Dang… I’m going to have to ask you more about this once I get the new camera!
———->steph´s last blog post – Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa Recipe
I think there is some pro-canon tomfollery going on here
The part of the test I don’t understand is that when you apply the filters, you apply the same filters to both images – in both cases, this causes the images in from the canon to look significantly better than the nikon images. Why apply the same filter to both images? Since they coming from different cameras, there are going to need different treatment.
You could flip it, and provide good color correction to the nikon, and the same filters to the canon images – the result would favor the nikons.
I still stand by that both camera choices come down to matter of taste over performance – and I love you nikon d90.
- Jesse
Hrmm, true. It’s funny you think the Canon shots looked better after adjusting… in several cases, I thought the Nikon looked better.
You were one of the people who made me froth over the Nikon, but you’re probably right… it’s a matter of taste. I’m sure I’ll look back on this post ten years from now and laugh. 
———->steph´s last blog post – Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa Recipe
Wow Steph!
This is both scary and awesome. Cameras have advanced a lot since I last bought one and I see I have a lot more to learn from you than just GF. Thanks for taking the time to do this comparison!
Thanks Luna! You should come over one day so we can shoot
Oversaturated photos are ALL the range in food right now, hence the popularity of the D90 + the 35mm. I, myself, am also on an older Rebel (XT), but will be switching to 5D as soon as Mr. Obama’s $8K check comes. There’s no doubt Canon’s color has always been more ‘real’. Oversaturation is a fad, it’s here now, and it may go.
Finally, this comparison is absolutely unfair. 6 years in DSLR age is like 30 in real life.
———->SinoSoul´s last blog post – Love and Hate during DineLA Week: Spago
Wait… does that 35mm lens make a difference in saturation?
———->steph´s last blog post – Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa Recipe
When I was buying, I looked hard at both Canon and Nikon, and ended up going with Canon, because all my other cameras were Canon, so I had some lenses and was familiar with the interface. And the pictures have a different “feel” than Nikon pictures I’ve seen. It’s not so much the color as it is that I think Canons tend to take “softer” pictures — it’s not that they’re less sharp, they’re just different. It’s hard to put into words. Anyway, I do sometimes envy the clarity of the Nikon photos I see, but I think that my Canon has some qualities that I think I would envy if I had a Nikon.
———->Kate @ Savour Fare´s last blog post – Sprout Lover — Bacon Braised Brussels Sprouts with Cream
See, this is the exact sort of thing I’m worried about. I like sharper images, and this is the stuff that’s driving me nuts. I guess the difference would be marginal, since a lot of pros shoot Canon, but still, it makes you think about all the little differences that might stop and make you go “hrmmm” every time you use it.
I’m being really OCD about this. I need to get over myself and just buy the Canon.
———->steph´s last blog post – Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa Recipe
There are TONS of sports photographers that use Canon…
Not to say anything about what you shoot but if people can get sharp shots at the olympics / football games / etc with Canon’s and you can’t with yours you need to be looking at your own technique more than the camera.
Jen Yu is right about Lightroom and raw images. The raw image formats are proprietary and while they are mostly understood by external applications only the software provided by the camera manufacturer really knows whats going on with them. In many cases I _hate_ how my raw images look in Photoshop or Lightroom even after a lot of tweaking so I do all of my initial processing in DPP (Canon’s software) and then save as TIFF and finish up in Photoshop.
If you are able you should re-shoot the pictures and make a few changes:
1 – Shoot in raw+jpeg. Set the white balance to a known value that is the same between the two cameras. You probably want to pick a color temperature instead of the “flash” or “daylight” settings because those settings could be different for the two cameras. Also my Canon has all sorts of settings for saturation, contrast, etc. Set the Nikon and Canon to as close to a neutral value as possible. Remember that any white balance and saturation settings will only be applied to the jpeg. The settings on the raw images, while stored in the images, probably wont correctly be applied in Lightroom. Examine the jpegs from the cameras side by side that have the applied white balance and saturation settings.
2 – Try installing the native conversion software from the camera manufactures and looking at the raw images there. Make any additional tweaks to the raw images there before exporting to lightroom.
3 – Use a newer Canon for a more up to date test. Make me dinner one night, I’ll bring over my 5DM2 for you to try.
Remember that additional saturation can be added in post. I agree that current models from either manufacturer should work great for your needs and investing in optics the best choice of all, whatever model you decide on.
Nathan
> 3 – Use a newer Canon for a more up to date test. Make me dinner one night, I’ll bring over my 5DM2 for you to try.
Hah, I am Canon man too, but 5dmkii against a D90 isn’t exactly a fair comparison either.
Steph,
There are places that rent cameras, you might rent a 7d for a week and see how you like it.
http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/canon-eos-7d/for-canon
There are other places too.
———->Andy Delcambre´s last blog post – Rubyconf 2009 Schedule iCal File
Thanks! Will definitely check this out
Grrr, it’s really frustrating that LR won’t read raws correctly. When you edit in the Canon software, do you export them to jpg before importing them into LR? Also, I noticed when I select my raws into LR, they look great for a second, but then the color changes and they look really drab. What’s happening here?
At this point I think I’m going to just go with Canon. I want to play with your camera first though, because I’m trying to figure out if a much more expensive camera is going to make a difference in what I want to do.
Dinner’s on!
Buy the newest, cheapest body that fits your needs, buy good glass to put on it, plan on spending a couple minutes per picture you take to tweak/crop/adjust, and enjoy. Canon/Nikon/Sony/Olympus doesn’t really make that much difference.
This all way over my head, but I have to say I had no idea two cameras could take such different pictures!
Isn’t it crazy?
do you realize i’m selling my d90 to switch to canon?
i’ve been loyal to nikon since i was 10,
but the new canon 7D has 1080p video with the ability
to use external audio mics and the 35mm 1.4 prime lens is… amazing.
that’s why i’m switching.
although these color tests show subtle differences in color,
it’s ultimately about what feels the best in your hands
and what you need it to do.
i don’t think it matters all that much whether you use nikon or canon.
you’ll be fine with either.
Seriously? That’s funny. I’ve always loved your photos and didn’t realize you shot Nikon.
What’s up with this fascination with 35mm lenses? I’ve now heard like four people say it’s their dream lens. What makes it so special?
well, i’m planning to shoot a movie on the 7D and 35mm is wide enough to fit everything into the frame without distorting it to look like a fisheye. and then you have the 1.4 which is just my favorite f-stop. with 1.2, the nose is always blurry.
plus canon’s 35mm 1.4 prime lens produces the most amazing images.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/27449914@N00/
Try the 7D before buying the 50D I always liked Canon better but in the last three years they have stayed behind,now things might change with the 7d and 5D MKII, and my D90 could be in danger.Good luck J Jaime
Just ordered my 7d today, and I’m so excited. Any tips for once it arrives?
We just made the switch from Nikon to Canon. I had been a Canon person forever … learned on film Canon AE. Once I made the switch to digital, just a few years ago, I could not let go of the romantic part of film (developing myself, etc….), I went with a Nikon. At the time their camera was the best. The past year I have been so unhappy with my Nikon, a complete love hate relationship, so we just got the 7D. It has only been a week but let me say …. the best darn investment yet!
Check out Chez Us´s last blog post: Vanilla Bean Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit Gelee
Thank you for this! I just ordered my 7d today, and I’m so excited. What did you not like about the Nikons? Was it the interface?
ps…. we went with a 35mm lens – WOW!
Check out Chez Us´s last blog post: Vanilla Bean Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit Gelee
I don’t have such a short lens… why do you love it so much? You’ve got me really curious now!
I use a Nikon and my colleague has a Canaon. I would not have a clue how to use the Canon, and my colleague would not be that good with my Nikon. These two companies keep each other going. If there was no competition then the technology would just stand still.
Check out David Hardwick´s last blog post: Quality Wedding Photography from £495
To ALL DSLR RAW file photographers using Adobe Lightroom to process their images…Now hear this!
The “Adobe Standard” and “Camera Standard” profiles provided by Adobe in the Calibration Panel of Lightroom have a huge impact on both the color rendering and overall contrast in your images. Adobe has tried to provide accurate profiles, but large differences in sensor color balance exist within the same camera model (i.e. your Rebel may be different than mine!).
If you “truly” are that concerned about color balance (as I am!) in your RAW images, I suggest purchasing an X-Rite Colorchecker Passport ($100) and profiling YOUR specific camera’s sensor! I did this for both my Canon Digital Rebel (300D model) and Canon 5D MKII bodies. Please also keep in mind that lenses (and even UV filter use) contribute to the overall color balance, with lenses from the same manufacture’s line having variations (i.e. a simple 50 macro may be different than a 70-200mm zoom). Lenses form 3rd party manufacturer like Sigma will have larger differences than your camera manufacture’s lenses.
NONE of this is complicated stuff, when you use the Colorchecker Passport to create custom camera profiles for each body and perhaps different lenses you use with them. One important step that X-Rite does not stress is the need to “White Balance” each profile as well. The camera profile does NOT contain “White Balance information, this must be done as a separate step. You can then save this as a “Devlop Preset” in Lightroom, by checking just “White Balance” and “Calibration” and then saving. “The Colorchecker Passport can also create “Dual-iluminant” profiles for Daylight + Tungsten balancing- WOW!
The results I have obtained with CC Passport completely blow away the Adobe Lightroom provided profiles, with better color rendering, saturation and contrast balance. NO, I do not work for X-Rite, but have been a serious photographer (and engineer) for 40 years!
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