which camera brand?

[jacksondking]

hey guys i thought there should be a thread on camera brands....

i've got a canon which brand do you think is the best? or is it just personal preferance?

[jokiin]

I think cameras are no different to anything else, there is no one best brand, however than can be clear winners at different price points or specification levels, but even this is subjective, what is the best for one person and their needs may be no good for someone else. I don't think you could ever hope to get an agreement on what's 'best'

[jacksondking]

I think cameras are no different to anything else, there is no one best brand, however than can be clear winners at different price points or specification levels, but even this is subjective, what is the best for one person and their needs may be no good for someone else. I don't think you could ever hope to get an agreement on what's 'best'

yeh i thought it could be a good discussion point.... :dD

[jokiin]

Could be a good subject, not sure you will be able to get too many people that will agree though. Try by giving your thoughts on your own camera, what model is it, what you like or dislike about it etc would be a good start :)

[Ed W]

At the end of the day, different brands have different models that are all pretty much the same, given a particular price point. The differences only become apparent when you get to the high-spec models (much like with cars, or anything else for that matter).

So the Nikon D70 is more or less equivalent to the 300D, and the Nikon D2x is more or less equivalent to the Canon 1D mark II.

Similarly, each manufacturer has more or less equivalent glass. Nikon are regarded as having better wides, and Canon better teles. The differences between similarly spec'd lenses are pretty minor, though - only discernable to the most anal of pixel peepers.

What really matters is how comfortable you are with the equipment that you choose. If you don't like it, switch to something else.

What I look for in a camera:

1. Autofocus speed and general response time. I want the AF system to be as capable as possible, and I want the camera to be quick and responsive.
2. High quality glass.
3. Feel. (ie, does it feel right, can I use it without having to pour through the manual).

[chookstyle]

Well it's like comparing Holden's to Fords.

I have a Nikon coolpix 3100. I love it even though it's getting a bit old now. However the 4100 which replaced the 3100 I don't like. Nikon moved the dial around and made a few other changes.

I have a Canon EOS 3000. I still use it as it has features I like to use. It still takes great shots.

My next digital will probably be a Panasonic Limux.