Pretty much every day I get at least one e-mail asking this question. I decided to answer it once and for all.
[Before I begin, let me say that I loved my Canon. Loved my Canon glass. I
was very sad to part with the brand that started my business. I have nothing
against Canon…this was a personal preference.]
When I first got into photography, I didn’t really do any research besides
asking around to see what my friends were shooting with at the time. I ended up
with a Canon Rebel XT. I could afford it. That’s it. No other rhyme or reason.
Of course, as my business grew, I realized the Rebel wasn’t going to cut it
(especially for birth photography), so I moved up to the full frame Canon 5D
and wow! My post-processing time was cut by 75%!! I loved that camera and we
did wonderful things together for about 2 years.
Then, when the MII was released, I knew I needed a back up body, so I thought
I’d keep my 5D and get the MII because of the video capabilities. Early
on, I knew something was awry with my MII, but I couldn’t figure out what. I
started to notice that every 3rd-4th image was soft or just completely out
of focus…but for no real reason. I chalked it up to user error, but I couldn’t escape the nagging
feeling that it wasn’t–I mean, I’d been doing this for more than 2 years, I
should know how to use my camera and get crisp images by now. Eventually,
I sent the MII to be examined and Canon replaced the entire AF system,
gratis.
All was well. For about a month. And then again, soft shots.
After sending it in for the 4th time and having the AF system replaced 3 times, I decided enough was enough. But what to do? I didn’t
want to go back to the 5D because I LOVED the high ISO capabilities of the MII.
I didn’t want another MII because I didn’t trust it. I could upgrade to the
MIII, but I was worried I was going to run into the same issues. So, I started
to look around at the work of my colleagues that I admired and little by
little, I saw that most of them were shooting Nikon. Everyone was always talking about
how great the AF system was for Nikon, how the controls are so much more
user-friendly.
At a workshop during the summer of ’10, I took a few shots with
a friend’s D700. It was awkward for me…like driving on the other side of the
highway. I wasn’t sure I could justify a switch. I had invested SO much in
Canon already. But when I got home, I opened up the images in Bridge. I would zoom in on each
one and hold my breath like I normally do when I’m looking at my Canon images
and lo and behold…every single one of those puppies was in perfect focus.
Crisp. Clear. Sharp as a tack. User error my left foot.
By the end of that week, I had a D700 in my hands and was selling off every bit
of my Canon gear. I had already taken the month off for business planning so I was able
to practice, practice, practice and get comfortable with Nikon (everything is
different…even the direction you zoom and change lenses is opposite). It
didn’t take me long at all though because, like everyone had always told me,
Nikon was indeed much more intuitive. I was happy. Very happy.
I will say that skin tones are a little bit trickier with the D700 as opposed
to my Canon cameras, but I got over that. I can adjust skin tones pretty
quickly in RAW, but focus isn’t something I was able to fake very well. I also find that the D700 will blow highlights a lot quicker than my Canon, but again, I can deal with that just by getting my exposure right.
I don’t write all of this out to try to convince someone one way or the other,
but I do encourage you to try/rent several camera bodies before you invest. I
wish I had done that because financially, it wasn’t the wisest move in the
world to switch over. I’ve heard from plenty of people who have the MII and
have loved it. Perhaps I got a lemon. It’s not that I don’t recommend the MII or any Canon camera, but for
now, I will happily gloat over the D700 to all who will listen!
P.S. FWIW, I *rarely* used the video on the MII. I found that just don’t think like a videographer. I’m going to leave that up to the pros in that field.
P.P.S. If you’d like to chat more about this issue or are looking for more
photography tips and resources, definitely check out becoming a member
of Pinkle Toes 4 Photographers.
P.P.P.S. Have you voted?
This was great! I have to admit I was crushed when you switched from Canon to Nikon because I too started with a Canon and was hooked on your photography. But I recently was given the chance to borrow a D700 and now I know exactly why you did it. I can’t wait to get my hands on a D700 of my own. This baby is sweet!
This is very interesting to me… I shoot Canon and always have. I’ve thought that sometimes it’s my eyes that aren’t focusing well… hmmmmmmm. What about when you used Manual? Same thing?
Thank you for sharing! I’m going through this right now as this is my first initial investment for my photography business. I started with a Sony DSLR and while I love it, I know I need to take my equipment to another level. I appreciate being able to read your opinion and experience. So thank you again! Kristina
Hi Michele, good choice! I’ve had my D700 for over a year now and love it to pieces, I can spot instantly the difference between a Canon and Nikon shot photo though, my d700 does blow highlights quite easily and the skin tones aren’t as creamy as Canon as you say. But I’d still choose Nikon anyday over Canon! Look forward to seeing you ‘new’ pics!
Thanks for explaining. I am determined to upgrade my camera this year and I have not invested heavily yet (I’m currently using Canon). Now I’m not sure what to do? But I definitely will think carefully about my decision.
Thank you for answering this question! I was one who asked 🙂
I have a 5D and I was thinking about getting the Mark II until I did some googling and found several blogs and forums that were discussing this very problem. I didn’t want to take the chance of getting a lemon because from what I read, it seemed very high. Plus, people were sending them back and they weren’t fixing. I have also heard that the 50 1.2 is having really bad focusing issues too. Some firmware updates can help… but blah!
I realized too that most of my most favorite photographers use the D700 (findingtheartinlife.com for example). I can’t get over how sharp the images are. I rented one last year and I am just waiting until my tax return comes in to switch. Only thing is, I am not sure where to sell all my gear at. Any place I can list it besides Craigslist?
I bought the Mk2 when it first came out and had the exact same problems. I actually just went back to the 5d because I trusted the focus SO much more!
I have heard a ton of people having the same problem with the MII. I LOVE mine, but maybe I just got lucky. You are right though–everyone needs to find out what works for them and the only way to do that is to try lots of stuff out.
Very interesting information thank you Michele. I too have noticed blur and chalked it up to my inexperience/operator error. I must do more research.
Thanks for covering that Michelle! I have always been a Nikon girl, and as my photography is becoming more serious & challenging with taking on weddings etc.- I need to upgrade my camera but wasn’t sure if the D700 was the right one but now, you & everyone else has just answered my question! D700 it is! Can”t wait to get my hands on one now!
Having the exact same problem with my 5d M2. It is so frustrating. I was wondering if you could share with us which lenses you purchased for the D700? I have also been considering switching. I know nothing about Nikon’s lenses and want to make sure I get comparable lenses. I have the 50 1.2L, 85 1.2L, 24-70L, 16-35L. Thanks!
I LOVE my D700 as well 🙂
I’ve always been a Nikon girl. I purchased my D700 6 months ago and love, love, love it. Super sharp and paired up with the Nikkor 70-200 2.8 who could ask for anything more:)
I am not near in the professional range as most of you but do use a Canon DSL and I too notice the blur sometimes, but also thought it was me. I had lasik a few years back and can’t see well close up so I thought the blur was just me. I noticed in my latest photography glass that the majority of people were using Nikon. Now I really have something to think about.
have never even shot with canon, but i am so happy with my nikon d700 and d3s that i can’t even consider another brand. i know a lot of people are in love with their canon equipment. to each is their own, i suppose. glad to know your nikon is working out so fabulous!
Thank you for your candor. I appreciate your thoughts. It is likely the case, however, that in the hands of a gifted pro, like yourself, you would make any properly functioning cam sing. Your shots are exquisite.
I am pretty new at all this and am still just using my Rebel. NEED pro equipment badly. The biggest issue I have been struggling with is my focus!!!! I really thought I was the screw up! I have been dying for the 5D MII because of it’s ISO capabilities but I may just have to change my thinking now. I really need to probably rent them both just to see. I’ve used Nikon before but was given the Rebel as a gift. I loved the Nikon D70 that I was able to borrow. It did seem to have better focusing 🙂 Hmmmm, lots to think about. Thank you so much Michele for speaking out 😀
I had a Canon rebel in the beginning for all of the same reasons you did! Holy cow. When I switched I almost died. The focus is pretty amazing! I am in love : )