Let me start this off by saying I shoot Canon… primarily… and although I love my setup I am not what some would call a ‘Fanboy’. I jumped ship 7 years ago to the original 5d from my first DSLR- the Nikon D200 which I still own to this day and use occasionally for the in-camera timelapse & multiple exposure functions. At the time, with its full frame sensor & high ISO prowess, the 5d smashed the D200 in low light performance which was the reason I gave myself for switching. Since then, Nikon has produced plenty of great camera bodies that rival or even surpass the low light capabilities of Canon…so…. Do I regret the switch? Nope. Would I have stayed with Nikon if knew differently? Maybe. At this point it doesn’t really matter.
Truth is, I’m sick to death hearing photographers argue about which brand is “better”. The worst part being the percentage of people heavily engaged in this pointless squabble who haven’t shot with the other camera extensively- or at all! For whatever reason they’ve latched on to a particular brand and proceed to fight tooth and nail over its superiority. It comes across like highly opinionated parrots regurgitating nonsense in an attempt to support a meaningful stance. If there’s one true thing about this debate, it’s the fact that indisputable evidence has proven that both brands (and most camera brands for that matter) are capable of breathtaking images, and also of complete garbage. It is precisely how one uses the camera that makes all the difference. The greater the importance is placed on equipment, the more power is robbed from the necessary creativity behind it.
True artists in any medium are busy putting their tools to work, not arguing with others about whose tools are superior. Ok, great! You really love your camera, I love mine too… it doesn’t mean I’m the least bit interested in fighting about it or defending my choices against some agro ‘Nikonian’. Some people get paid to endorse a brand and that’s all fine and dandy. I can’t honestly say I would turn down a sponsorship from a particular brand if it meant always having the latest and greatest high-tech offerings to implement in my work. This of course would turn me into an obligatory fanboy- but I digress.
Although I’m beating a dead horse with this one, people still seem to forget IT’S ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHY! The Canon vs. Nikon debate is a symptom of a greater illness in photography caused by the disproportionate amount of importance placed on the equipment at a detriment to the art & craft behind it. It reminds me of the early years on my career path when I worked in the music business as a recording engineer/producer. I grew tired of people endlessly gabbing about microphones, pre-amps, compressors, effects modules, amps etc. while using these tools all too often to record shitty songs that nobody would listen to. A great song is a great song. It can be recorded with a multitude of equipment & techniques and still shine through. The same goes for great images. Equipment makes a difference but ultimately doesn’t matter.
Now, please don’t get me wrong, I love using fantastic gear just a much as the next person and have a list of equipment I’d love to own that’s longer than both my arms- and I have long arms. Great gear can be a huge benefit in any creative project but it’s only a piece of the pie. The truth of the matter (IMHO) is that anyone too involved in this debate is totally missing the point. Let’s move on already. So…. why did I choose to write this article/rant at this time? Because Sony recently released their mirrorless full frame sensor cameras, the Alpha 7 & 7R which are total game changers. Yesterday Nikon released their much anticipated DF camera which in contrast appears to be an over-priced hipster magnet. 
Where is your beloved Canon or Nikon now? It seems they’re scrambling to catch up. Unless my vision is entirely incorrect, mirrorless is where the future of photographic technology is heading. I’m not saying that Sony is ‘better’, or the DSLR will be obsolete any time soon, but if you don’t agree that mirrorless is the future you probably love it when people comment on how big & awesome your camera is…. it must take great pictures! With a smaller camera people might not think you’re a real photographer. Gasp! What a joke. The proof will always be in the pudding so quit being a fanboy (or girl) and get to work.
The Picture Listen Blog 