Canon and Nikon are two of the oldest camera manufacturers in Japan. In fact, the two have a shared history; the first Canon camera, the Hansa Canon, released in 1936, was packaged with a Nikon lens, since Canon had no way to make lenses on its own at the time. Both companies make a full range of DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras.
Entry-level Canon Models
The entry level line of Canon DSLRs is the Rebel line, all of which use SD cards. There are currently three Rebels: the XS, the XSi and the T1i. The XS is sold as a kit only with an 18-55mm zoom lens. The XS has a 10-megapixel sensor and a 7-point autofocus system. The XSi has a 12-megapixel sensor and a 9-point autofocus. The T1i has a 15-megapixel sensor and the ability to shoot high-definition (HD) video.
Entry-level Nikon
In 2009, Nikon finally introduced the D3000 and D5000. These two cameras, and the D90, use SD cards. One of the primary differences between the entry-level Nikons and more advanced ones is the entry-level DSLR bodies lack an autofocus motor, so only lenses that have their own integral autofocus motor will autofocus. For photographers with older Nikon lenses, this is a serious limitation. The D3000 has an 11-point autofocus and can shoot three frames per second. The D5000 has a 12-megapixel sensor, can shoot HD video and has 19 auto-exposure scene modes.
Nikon D90
The Nikon D90 is unique, and Canon has no comparable model. The D90 borrows a lot of the more advanced features from the professional-level D300s, including dual-control dials and excellent low-light capability to ISO 3200.
Entry-level Professional
Professional bodies have more advanced features, such as a magnesium-alloy construction that is more dust- and weather-resistant, and use the faster Compact Flash cards. Canon's entry-level professional models are the 50D and 7D. The 50D has a 15-megapixel sensor and can shoot six frames per second. The 7D has an 18-megapixel sensor, a 19-point autofocus system, and can shoot HD video. In 2009, Nikon replaced its D300 with the D300S, offering HD video capability and dual memory card slots for Compact Flash and SD. The camera keeps the same 12-megapixel sensor and astonishing 51-point autofocus system.
Full-frame and Flagship
A full-frame sensor camera has a digital sensor that is the same size as 35mm film---about 24 by 36mm. The pixels are larger, so there is less noise. With its full-frame and flagship models, Canon pursues high resolution as opposed to speed. The 5D Mark II and 1Ds Mark III have a stunning 21-megapixel sensor, while the 1D Mark III, which has an APS-C sensor instead of a full-frame one, has a 10-megapixel sensor and shoots at 10 frames per second. Nikon's D700 and D3 both have a 12-megapixel sensor; the D700 shoots at five frames per second and the D3 at nine. The D3X offers a 24.5-megapixel sensor and shoots five frames per second.
Flagship
Nikon and Canon differ slightly in their flagship models, though none of them have a built-in flash, assuming pros will be using external flash units. Nikon offers the D3 and D3x. Both are full-frame models. The D3 ($4,000 body only) is similar to the D700, but can shoot nine frames per second and uses a heavier, longer lasting battery. The D3 and D3X also have a built-in battery grip, making it simple to use the camera in vertical or horizontal modes. The D3X ($8,000 body only) offers a 24.5-megapixel sensor, and can shoot up to five frames per second. Canon's first flagship model, the 1D Mark III ($4,000 body only), differs from the D3 in that it has an APS-C sized sensor, not a full-frame sensor. The 1D Mark III has a 45-point autofocus system and can shoot 10 frames per second. The 1Ds Mark III ($7,000 body only) upgrades from its counterpart to a 21-megapixel sensor, but has similar features otherwise.
Tags: frames second, 12-megapixel sensor, autofocus system, body only, five frames