Nikon D3 and D300

Nikon's Latest DSLRs,
and
a Biased Evaluation of The Differences
Between the Nikon and Canon Brands

There are two major brands of 35mm camera in the pro and prosumer camera market � Canon and Nikon. Yes, Pentax, Sony, Olympus and a couple of others have their niches, but Nikon and Canon between them share the majority of the marketplace. Both companies have loaner and rapid repair programs for pros, and rental houses around the world typically carry bodies and lenses of both brands, while rental facilities for the other brands are almost nonexistent.

Economics being what it is, few photographers own both systems at the same time. A couple of bodies and a selection of pro-grade lenses runs between $10-$20,000, and once a decision and investment has been made few bother to switch, or if they do so it isn't more often than every decade or two. Also, brand loyalty comes into play because no one likes admitting that they may have made an inappropriate buying decision. We see this carried to its extreme with the adolescent fanboy attitudes displayed on some web forums and camera clubs in defense of one brand over another.

But for most pros and serious amateurs these cameras are simply tools of the trade or pleasurable hobby / art / craft purchases. We become attached to them, enjoy their strengths, and curse their weaknesses.

But, and it's a big but, few of us have the chance to work with and really get to simultaneously know both major brands. This means that we end up making our purchase decision based on advice from friends, or web or magazine reviews. We may even visit a camera store and play with one or both for 15 minutes while standing at the sales counter. A few pros actually go to the trouble and expensive of renting and trying out both systems, but "few" is the operative word.

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