If I’m going to answer this in one sentence, I’d simply say, “because my Ninong Dave says so.” Haha. I know. I’m gullible that way. 
But let me defend my being gullible.
Since I started playing with the idea of joining the DSLR craze, I’ve become aware of the prevailing “Canon vs Nikon” war going on in different digital photography forums, and the Google SERPs, and even offline discussions among photographers and wannabes. It’s easy to get convinced to buy a Canon DSLR when many of your online and offline friends are Canon users. And it’s even easier to be influenced to buy a Nikon DSLR when your Ninong’s been trying to convince you that Nikon is the way to go. But for the purpose of denying total gullibility over my Ninong Dave’s biases, I have to say I happen to know of some people from both sides of this Canon vs Nikon war.
Truth be told, I have more friends who are Canon users. There’s Sheila Juan and her Jorem. There’s Jayvee. And Markku. And Jake. And JV, Normi’s brother, who also recently bought a Canon 400D. And then I happened to have met several Canon users from Digital Photographers Philippines when they had this photo session slash EB in our church back in January. (There, they took photos of the street kids from our church’s shelter program, and had an informal Canon vs Nikon discussion with us, aspiring photogs.)
These Canon people, however, might get disappointed to know that after much convincing from their end, and the more I try to investigate, research, and ask around, I’m now on the verge of becoming a Nikon convert. Most of my opinions mirror Ninong’s, of course. But mostly, since I have little (if not none at all) actual experience experimenting with a Nikon or a Canon DSLR, reading through comparisons online strengthens my decision to want Nikon more.
Here are some interesting reads I found online — not that I fully understood their arguments, considering all the photography jargons here and there. LOL. (But okay, just Google it, because all of these are from the top of the Google Results Pages anyway. OT: See? That’s why you need SEO. Haha.):
- Nikon vs Canon by KenRockwell.Com
- Nikon versus Canon by CameraHobby
- Canon vs Nikon, Nikon vs Canon: A Perspective on a Mostly Pointless Argument
For me, the comparison between the end products (read: photos) of a Nikon DSLR or a Canon DSLR, is not really the issue as I have seen impeccable images taken with either Nikon or Canon. Besides, when you see a breath-taking photograph, I’m sure you wouldn’t even ask which brand of camera it was taken with. Most likely, you’d wonder who took the picture or where it was taken. I guess it’s really all about choosing the type of DSLR that works for you.
Then again, I think this growing desire to own a Nikon DSLR is simply rooted to the launch of the amazing Nikon D40. I’m salivating here. Graaawr.
But okay. More about that in another post. For now, it’s time to sleep so I can dream some more.
jayvee f. says:
you are no longer my friend. hmph!
just kidding! actually i’d prefer nikon hands down. my dad is a nikon user and still has SLR lenses at home. i chose canon because most of my friends use it so its easier to borrow lenses if i had to shoot.
plus the canon PH support group is very good. they have these sponsored meets once in a while and you can earn points for equipment and discounts
May 27th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
markku says:
Get a Nikon, and just pray well that it doesn’t break down.
May 28th, 2007 at 6:53 am
Nikon D40 Makes Me Drool | Pinkseo Dot Info says:
[...] Why I’m Choosing Nikon over Canon [...]
May 28th, 2007 at 8:33 am
riz says:
@jayvee: Know any Nikon PH support group?
Hehe.
@markku: Ang sweeeet mo talaga. PFFT!!
May 28th, 2007 at 8:35 am
jayvee f. says:
@markku, remember the horror stories? when nikon users sent their cameras to and AUTHORIZED *name of store withheld* to have the lenses cleaned, lenses came back damaged. yun pala they were using lighter fluid and cotton buds! QUE HORROR!
i know that *name of store* doesn’t do that sort of malpractice anymore but it says something about bad support here
haha but really, nikon is a very good brand! riz, you want to buy my old nikon lenses? have a few, manual nga lang
May 28th, 2007 at 11:05 am
jayvee f. says:
@riz i think meron. im not a nikon user but im sure there is a group dedicated to their cameras. yung mga geek chorus peeps sa DS Nights have nikon kits.
also note that you may want to get one of the other nikon models as it comes with better kit lenses. make sure you also get the 50mm f/1.8 prime lens:
http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=5&productNr=2137
May 28th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Joel says:
In my case, it’s “my brother says so.” I’m the kuya but when it comes to gadgets, my younger bro is my kuya.
All I can say is, a camera is only as good as the user. Best of shots to us Canon and Nikon users. As far as I’m concerned, there is no *war*… it’s just a myth.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsuplido/
(mainly 350D, but also has 300D, Treo, Clie, and Holga shots)
May 28th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
riz says:
@jayvee and markku, SEE?? This is what I meant by choosing Nikon over Canon. Some friends. This is WAR. (Just kidding, of course.)
Gaah. I’ll buy a Pink SONY cybershot na nga lang. Haha.
@joel, hey Joel. I have to agree.
But about the “war”, look at the comments above, THIS is what I meant by war. Hehe. Kidding. Nice pics, btw. I’m viewing your flickr now. 
May 28th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
jayvee f. says:
fighting? no one’s fighting
May 28th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
riz says:
@jayvee, Uhm.. riiight. That’s what I thought, you peace-loving Canon people.
Hehe. Tama na cutie. World peace.
May 28th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
Luis Cruz says:
It’s not the camera, it’s you. Yes, that’s a shameless plug.
The thing is, I have to side with Jayvee and Markku here - unless your Ninong Dave will lend you lenses, you might be better off with a Canon. That way you can borrow equipment from Jayvee and Markku. And yeah, Canon’s service really is better than Nikon’s, at least in the Philippines.
May 29th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
riz says:
@Luis, with all of Jayvee’s and Markku’s photo shoots and demanding schedules, I’m sure I’d be lining up to borrow their lenses!! I think i’ll stick with Nikon, and I duno, maybe start a Nikon support group or something. I have a thing for the underdogs. Heehee.
Then again, you said it. It’s not really the camera.
May 29th, 2007 at 6:02 pm