The battle between Canon and Nikon has been going on for decades and shows no signs of slowing down thus far. If this is your first time buying a camera, these classic brands are usually at the top of your list. While it's true that these two photo giants face increasing competition from rivals like Sony, they remain a staple spot for most shoppers. Canon and Nikon were once very focused on DSLRs, and companies like Olympus and Sony released mirrorless options. But now it's safe to say that the lens has definitely changed, and both brands offer some very powerful (and sometimes top-notch) mirrorless options in their ranges. That said, both companies still make excellent DSLRs for those who are decidedly in the more traditional camp, or already very into DSLR lenses. Choosing your first camera can be a difficult task. There are an overwhelming number of different options out there, and once you've decided between DSLR and mirrorless, you'll have another level of complexity to think about. When it comes to choosing between Canon and Nikon, the decision largely depends on the type of camera you need, which is why we compare models from both brands across categories and price points to help you decide. Maybe you're looking to take your first step from a smartphone with an entry-level mirrorless camera, in which case we've got what you need below. On the next page, we compare high-end mirrorless options from Canon and Nikon. And for those who still prefer the DSLR shooting style, our final pages compare the best Canon and Nikon models for full-frame DSLR beginners, hobbyists, and fans. Read our answers to this age-old riddle: Nikon vs Canon, which is better?
Canon vs Nikon: mirrorless for beginners
When it comes to buying your first camera, mirrorless options are a fantastic choice. They're generally smaller and lighter than equivalent DSLRs, so making the leap from your smartphone doesn't seem like a big step. Canon and Nikon have great options for those new to photography, but unlike DSLRs that have been around much longer, they can be a bit more expensive. Changing the way you think about looking at 'best value for money' instead of pure low price is a good way to think about it: investing in a good camera usually means you won't be reviewing it quickly and you should. spend again to upgrade it. The best of the current crop of entry-level Nikon and Canon mirrorless cameras, offering full shooting capabilities, are the two APS-C models, in the form of the Canon EOS M50 and Nikon Z50. We think the latter is the better of the two, largely because it's a better overall deal and much newer. Image 1 of 4
