Canon or Nikon for Beginners: Which One to Choose?

Canon or Nikon for Beginners: Which One to Choose?
Arif H Fahim

As a beginner photographer, it is hard to select a camera. It is more difficult to make your mind on what you want or what will be better for you. All photographers have to go through the age-old debate of whether to choose Canon or Nikon. 

Both brands of DSLR cameras come with a wide range of custom functions, parameters, and also other features. But Canon’s All EOS lenses have autofocus, whereas Nikon has only AF-S lenses with autofocus.

Besides, in terms of battery, Canon and Nikon cameras can take up to 600 and 1000 shots per charge respectively.

So, how do you decide which one will be better for you? This comparison guide will help you to select the best camera for you amongst the Canon or Nikon as a beginner. 

What Are The Best Canon Models For Beginners?

Canon is one of the best brands that produce the most amazing cameras for newbies without compromising their quality, style, or features.

You can get an adequate camera that suits your taste at any price level.

Not to mention the wide variety of features that come with each camera promising you an impressive image at all instances.

If you want a DSLR, mirrorless, or digital camera, canon is sure to cover it. 

The top picks for the best canon models for beginners are recommended for you.

  • Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D 
  • Canon EOS M50
  • Canon EOS 80D
  • Canon’s PowerShot G9 X Mark II
  • Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
  • Canon PowerShot G1X Mark III
  • Canon EOS 6D Mark II

What Are The Best Nikon Models For Entry-Level Photographers?

If you are a newbie and want to try out your luck on photography with an affordable camera for beginners, then go no further for the Nikon cameras.

These cameras are inexpensive, yet they promise you exceptional image quality and superior features than any other camera.

Besides, Nikon cameras have good battery life and are smaller in size comparatively. 

The best choices for beginners entitled by Nikon are suggested below:

  • Nikon D3500 DX-format DSLR
  • Nikon D5600 DSLR
  • Nikon D3300 Digital SLR
  • Nikon D3400 Digital SLR
  • Nikon D5300

Canon Vs Nikon Cameras: A Detailed Comparison

Both the cameras are equally impressive for entry-level providing the newbies with an incredible first-time experience. However, the debate remains on which one is the best. 

FeaturesCanonNikon
Lens AutofocusAll EOS lenses have autofocusOnly AF-S lenses have autofocus.
Crop factor of Sensor1.6x crop factor1.5x crop factor
Speed 5-10 fps6-7 fps
Video qualityHas multiple lenses for refocusing while recording a video using a hybrid autofocus mechanism.Does not have that much of a variety of lenses for video recording.
Battery life Can take up to 600 shots per charge.Can take up to 1000 shots per charge.
Price An average market price of $900 for the newer models while older models can be purchased at $500.Both newer and older models along come below $500.

Lenses

The signature differences between these cameras are their autofocus.

All EOS lenses of the Canon cameras come with autofocus. The camera comes with autofocus within the lenses instead of the bodies.

This allows any older lens to be attached to newer models and vice-versa with an adaptor.

Not to mention, the superior quality of Canon’s new L-series is worth mentioning. Recently, it is also featuring mirrorless lenses to keep up with Sony.

Only the AF-S lenses of Nikon cameras feature autofocus.

The non-AF-S lens of the Nikon camera will still work on a DSLR, but you have to work on the autofocus manually, which could be quite a hassle if you are a beginner in this game.

The Nikon cameras removed their autofocus motor from their body to make the camera smaller and lighter.

That is why the old AF-S lenses cannot be used in the newest models. It has a variety of lenses for DSLRs.

On the other hand, Nikon creates fewer mirrorless lenses, which are usually lighter and smaller.

Sensor

The crop factor for a crop sensor camera is very crucial.

It means the amount of magnification produced by the camera lenses to take a photo. It resonates with the resolution of the camera.

The Canon camera models usually feature a 1.6x crop factor, while the Nikon cameras have a 1.5x crop factor.

The difference of 0.1x might seem minuscule to you bot it makes a huge difference.

Since the crop factor affects the resolution of the photo, it testifies that canon cameras have a better resolution than Nikon cameras.

Speed 

Usually, even the least expensive models of Nikon are faster that than the Canon models.

For instance, the Nikon D7200 has a speed of 6-7fps, while the Canon’s T6S has a speed rate of 5fps.

Only the Cameras entitled for sports like the Canon EOS 7D Mark II has a speed of 10fps which is quite rare.

Video Quality

Canon is well-known for its video quality. It can refocus while recording a video.

This feature has been specialized by using a hybrid autofocus technology. It allows the autofocus to remain stable while filming any video.

In contrast, Nikon still has not been able to master this feature of using hybrid autofocus to record any video while focusing on it. It is still working on it.

Battery Life

If we consider the Canon’s beginner cameras like the Canon EOS Rebel T7i, they can stay alive up to at least 600 shots.

On the other hand, the Nikon models like the Nikon 45-megapixel D850 stay alive for more than 1000 shots. 

Here, we can conclude that Nikon has a better battery life than Canon.

Budget

In the case of Nikon, we can say that it comes around as an inexpensive but outstanding model.

The Nikon cameras, as well as their lens kit, could be bought at a reasonable price, well below $500. 

On the contrary, the Canon cameras are expensive can have the same type of features as Nikon.

The newest models of Canon cost at least $900, while the older models can be purchased at a price range of around $500.

Ergonomic to Handle

According to some users, Canons have better usability, while some say Nikon cameras are better.

The Nikon mirrorless lens cameras are smaller and lighter than other cameras.

If you feel that the camera is comfortable for you to handle, then the model doesn’t matter.

So, Which One Is Better: Canon Or Nikon?

Both Canon and Nikon are equivalent to each other in various cases. That is the reason the entire debate on Canon vs Nikon for beginners exists.

However, which is better for you depends on your preferences.

If you think you like our superior lens and video quality of canon, then you can go for it.

Then again, if you consider the ergonomic use and speed of the Nikon cameras exceptionally great, then you can have it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Nikon a good choice for beginner photographers?

Nikon cameras are usually affordable for a beginner.
It is better to buy a low-budget Nikon camera by stretching your pocket a bit than buying a second-hand one.
It will give you all the superior quality features at an exceptionally low range.

What is the best Canon model as an introductory model?

Canon EOS Rebel T8i is the best Canon model for an introductory camera.
It has all the power pack features of all the other canon models. Canon cameras look a bit bulky, but it is comfortable to handle and carry around.

What is a mirrorless camera?

Mirrorless camera has the features of DSLRs into smaller bodies. It has a sensor that captures your image as a video feed to the Electronic Viewfinder (EVF).It offers a great compromise of quality and versatility.

Does canon lens come with autofocus?

All EOS lenses of the Canon cameras come with autofocus. The camera comes with autofocus within the lenses instead of the bodies.

Conclusion

This ultimate canon or Nikon for beginners debate has not been settled. Is it Canon or Nikon? Honestly, both are amazing.

They both have great features to look up to. A superior camera usually has better image quality, impressive performance, and other additional features to nail the deal.

So, it is hard to point out any one of them.

If you feel that the Canon models are easier and better for you to handle, then you can select them.

The same opinion goes for Nikon. It mainly depends on what you prefer.

Canon or Nikon for Beginners: Which One to Choose?

Arif H Fahim

I, Arif H Fahim is a proud camera enthusiast, come with CameraGuider. Here, I write detailed reviews about different camera gears including cameras, lenses, flashes, and tripods.