Canon Eos 5d Nikon D300
which is better? (URGENT)?

I want to buy a digital camera and need some advice PRO … between Canon EOS 5D and Nikon D300 which one is better … I technically say …. as full frame, pixel, lens …. please help me

None is better than the other, each has unique characteristics not found in the other. The Canon 5D has a 35 mm sensor size and good low light capability. It has a wider field of view than the D300. The Nikon D300 has a size APS-sensor smaller. You'll do better than the 5D in situations where you want to see distant objects, because the field of vision is multiplied by 1.5 times (ie, a 200 mm lens has a field of view as a 300mm lens). Thanks to better chips in the camera, the D300 does well in low light as well. As for the lens, which depend Objective you get. Both Nikon and Canon lenses are excellent lenses. However, Nikon is better with wider coverage and offers lens superzoom lenses Canon does not, like the lens of 200 mm VR-18. Between the two bodies, the D300 is actually the body better physically, and that is time-stamped. The designs of buttons and menus are a personal choice, I personally prefer the D300 design available to Canon. If you do mainly landscapes and a lot of wide shots (such as photos group), the 5D would be a great option. If instead you shoot nature, sports, or in foggy weather, the D300 would be the best option. For photography generally will not go wrong with either camera. Sorry, this is not as easy to decide, but I hope this answer will help you assess your needs so you can choose the right camera to meet them.

Canon Eos 5d Nikon D300

2008 was an interesting year for DSLR’s and photographers in general, even if you ignore the ultra-high end announcements from Leica, Hassleblad and Red. The three main players in the DSLR space (Nikon and Canon each with around 40% market share, and Sony with around 10%) all launched milestone cameras. Below we’ll detail their hits, and misses.

Nikon

After their groundbreaking releases in 2007 with the Nikon D3 and D300, they set the bar high for 2008, but in general didn’t disappoint with four new bodies:

Nikon D60

While not revolutionary, the Nikon D60 replaced the D40x in Nikons consumer lineup, in a smaller, better package, becoming one of the smallest and lightest DSLR’s ever made.

Nikon D700

Coming almost as a complete surprise, the Nikon D700 was launched mid summer, containing the 12 megapixel full frame sensor out of the flagship D3, but with a body similar to the D300. At $3,000, this camera showed Nikons commitment to FX, and the camera instantly became the choice for many pros that didn’t need the weather sealing or the advanced features of the D3 (for example wedding photographers).

However within months of its release, the Sony A900 came out with a 24 megapixel full frame sensor for the same MSRP, and the Canon 5D Mark II came out with a 21 megapixel full frame sensor and 1080p HD Video, for $2,700.

While the D700 remains the most complete package (best autofocus, arguable the best metering, and for the vast majority 12 megapixels is plenty), it has come under severe pressure from its higher megapixel rivals. Just four months after its release, the street prices have dropped 25%, down to the $2,300 range for a USA model.

Nikon D90

Replacing the D80 in Nikons lineup, the Nikon D90 took the sensor from the respected D300, improved on it slightly, added video, and packaged it in a smaller, lighter body with scene modes and a more basic autofocus and metering.

The Nikon D90 was also the worlds first DSLR to feature HD Video capture, with its 720p/24 f.p.s. mode. However, a few weeks later Canon announced a much more comprehensive video offering with it’s Canon 5D Mark II, and video remains the weakest feature on the D90, lacking autofocus and giving very little control over key elements like exposure.

At $999, this helped firm up Nikons consumer lineup, by creating an outstandingly capable advanced consumer DSLR in the Nikon D90.

Nikon D3x

After years of rumor, Nikon finally announced it’s high megapixel camera, the 24 megapixel Nikon D3x.

The camera immediately caused a backlash with its $8,000 price point, which at the time of release was about double the street price of the Nikon D3. This the uproar was only fuelled further, when it was revealed the only significant differences between the D3 and the D3x were the sensor and a slightly improved EXPEED processor, combined with the fact Sony can produce a DSLR with the same size/megapixel sensor for a mere $3,000.

This camera is aimed squarely at the studio/landscape photographer, and initial tests have shown that the sensor is cleaner at high ISO’s than the Sony (but comparable to the 5D Mark II, which has fewer megapixels). So while it’s clearly an impressive camera, it remains to be seen how many photographers can actually justify the price tag.

Canon

In addition to some entry level DSLR’s, can had two big releases in 2008.

Canon EOS 50D

Replacing the 40D, the Canon 50D featured a 15 megapixel 1.6x crop sensor, making it the highest pixel density available today (equivalent to a 39 megapixel full frame sensor).

However the initial reception hasn’t been especially positive. Because of the high pixel density, the camera suffers more from the effects of diffraction, doesn’t have the high ISO ability many hoped it would, and shows up issues with lenses more than any previous model. Despite this, it remains a solid camera at its current street price of just over $1,000.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Probably the most significant release of the year, the Canon 5D replacement features a 21 megapixel Full Frame sensor, ISO capabilities similar to the new Nikon D3x, and it became the first DSLR to feature full 1080p HD Video capture. Despite some initial problems (like the infamous “black dot” problem), for $2,700 Canon provides an amazing feature set, and appears to have hit a home run with what is arguably the best prosumer package on the market today.

Sony

After solidifying its consumer lineup, Sony went after the prosumer market with the Sony A900 featuring a 24-megapixel full frame sensor for under $3,000.

Sony A900

The camera lacks basic features expected on today’s DSLR’s like Live View, but the next camera available with 24 megapixels is the $8,000 Nikon D3x. However it’s biggest competition comes from the Canon 5D Mark II, which has a slightly lower resolution at 21 megapixels, but more than makes up for it with its lower $2,700 price tag, full 1080p HD Video mode and features like Live View.

While clearly an impressive camera at a solid price point, unless you really need the extra resolution, it would be very hard to pick the Sony over the Canon.

Summary

With groundbreaking cameras in the Nikon D3x, Nikon D90, Canon 50D and Canon 5D Mark II, 2008 solidified full frame sensors in the marketplace, witnessed a continued push towards higher megapixels, and saw the introduction of video on DSLR’s.

Looking forward, 2009 should be an interesting year. With negative economic conditions and fierce competition for market share, we should see prices drop, and features like video mature making for some interesting, if not groundbreaking cameras in the near future.

Steve Denton has been a Photographer using Nikon equipment for over 20 years, since he bought his first Nikon F Photomic.

He also runs the web site http://www.DentonImages.com, a web site dedicated to DSLR photography, covering the latest news from the major manufactures including Nikon, Canon, Leica and Hasselblad, as well as equipment reviews, articles, travel and galleries.

If I could only buy one L-glass lens for a Canon eos 5d which should it be?

I am just starting with professional equipment and I’m thinking of the canon 5d but I have no clue what lens I should use as my most versitile “stand by” lens…I will be shooting indoors in low light and groups of people outdoors (weddings). I am also considering the Nikon D300. Any advice would help!

Assuming you get a kit lens, say 18-55mm bundled with the body I would suggest a 70-200mm L series zoom.

(there are two versions in the L series, a lightweight one,at f4 and the good one at f2.8)

I have seen this used by one of the local press photographers for portraits and a a fashion display on the catwalk.

Another photographer uses a Nikon 70-200m for weddings, I can’t remember the maximum aperture but it is large as you would expect from pro quality lenses.

This class of lens allows good close up shots during a ceremony without you intruding, and their larger aperturea are good for auto focus and exposure in low light conditions.

Both come with shake reduction built into the lenses, pushing up the price a bit, but handy as Nikon and Canon do not have shake reduction built into the camera body.

Nikon D60 verses Canon Rebel XS/ Canon EOS 1000d