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I have wondered for a while if I was missing something by using a Nikon and not a Canon. The Canon cameras have reputation for producing better images (e.g., lower noise and nicer skin tones). So to settle it once and for all (for me), and to decide whether it would be worth it to get a D300, I rented a D300 and a Canon 40D for a week. I’ve been comparing both cameras against my D200.
Bottom line (for me): The 40D and D300 are both better than the D200, but the D300 is the best of the three.
Nikon D300 Pros:
- Fast, accurate focus (so much better than D200 – this is the winning point for me as I got some speedy kiddos that I want to capture) Adjustable focal plane to optimize focus for different lenses (I love having this)
- Firm handling, weather seals
- Fast, accurate focus (much better than D200 – and better than the 40D)
- Best UI (one click button pushes)
- Lowest noise
Canon 40D Pros:
- Lighter, both bodies and lenses
- Through the viewfinder image looks better
- Image on the LCD looks better than Nikon
- More EXIF data in the right places when reviewing in LCD back panel of Camera
Nikon D200 Pros:
- Could be best at macro photography (still testing), I like the color D200 produces for macro
- After post processing recovers fine detail nicely.
Feel of Focus
I focused on the feel and focus because I have an issue with shaky hands and focusing (I have invested in monopods and tripods which really help a lot). Both are better and more snappy than the D200 I have.
Both are great with noise. Handling wise I think the D300 feels more like a sophisticated machine, the Canon feels a bit plasticy and the click sound emphasizes that feel – but the pictures come out amazing despite the instamatic sound. The Nikon has an edge on snappiness and accuracy of focus. One thing that is hard to quantify, but here we go, eyeballs photographed by the Canon come out more glossy while eyeballs on Nikon look more glossy than the D200 but not like the Canon – even on slightly OOF images on the Canon. I can’t help but wonder if Canon does some sort of processing to look for eyes and to adjust them.
D300 vs D200 focus & handling:
The most significant difference between the D300 and the D200 (for me) is that the focus is so snappy (just said that above – but this is an important factor for me and is worth repeating). My in focus hit rate is so much higher – that may make me want to streeeeetch my credit card a bit … (: got to wait until after Christmas got to wait until after Christmas, got …. and see *or* maybe not, he he.
OH and I tried the dynamic, 3D focus tracking and it is fantastic! I could never get AF-C to work right on the D200. I see if I can get an interesting panning image to illustrate – not sure if my kiddos will cooperate.
Noise:
I extensively checked noise levels between the D200, D300 and Canon 40D on a still-life. My testing confirms results I have seen elsewhere – In summary — the D200 is the noisiest, the 40D is in the middle and the D300 is the least noisy. I tested using little beastie (i.e., the 24-70mm f/2.8 at f/4) at 35 mm zoom for the Nikons at the 35mm f/1.4 L at f/4 for the Canon. (note that this gives the Canon a slight advantage with the prime lens). The crop factor on the Canon is 1.6 and the Nikon’s 1.4 but I didn’t adjust the zoom – maybe should have.
