Canon vs Nikon – Part 4 – Ergonomics
Lately, I’ve been working on photographs for my exhibition using both the Nikon D3s and Canon EOS-1D Mark IV. As crazy as that sounds, it actually makes a lot of sense… at least to me! It’s only through working this way that one can really ascertain which camera works best for oneself. I certainly will not try to answer the question of which camera is better. Everyone will have their own preferences. As for me, being a longtime Nikon user, there was certainly some effort required to familiarize myself with Canon’s way of doing things.
This is the fourth part of my ongoing comparison of the D3s and 1D Mark IV.
* Please note all comparison photographs may not necessarily be at the same scale.
I will start at the process of switching on the camera. I do prefer the way the Nikon is switched on by a concentric switch around the shutter button. This switch when rotated anti-clockwise also activates the exposure meters and the control panel backlights (LCD illuminator).
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV on left
ON/OFF switch To switch on the Canon, you have to access the Power/Quick Control Dial Switch at the rear of the camera. I don’t know why that switch is there because that position requires more effort. The LCD panel is also illuminated by the LCD panel illumination button located on the top of the camera. With the Nikon, I am able to perform three different functions without having to move my finger to a different position. I think it’s quite obvious which is the better design here.
VIEWFINDER The original viewfinder eyepiece that comes with the Nikon offers little as far as comfort or the blocking off extraneous light. I immediately bought the Nikon DK-19 eyecup which is a lot more comfortable when I took delivery of the camera. The eyecup on the Canon isn’t very comfortable either. Too much of extraneous light enters the viewfinder thereby reducing the contrast of the image viewed. As far as I know, Hoodman makes a nice rubber eyecup for the Canon.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV on left
SHOOTING IN VERTICAL FORMAT Many of the images I create are in a vertical format. I need a camera that operates as smoothly whether in the vertical or horizontal format. I don’t have a problem with the placement of the shutter button on either camera. There are rumors circulating that the new Canon EOS-1Ds Mark IV will have a square sensor thus negating the need to rotate the camera for vertical format crops but I digress!
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV on left
At this point, without having adjusted fully to the Canon, I must say that in spite of Canon’s plethora of extra buttons, I still prefer the Nikon. When I shoot, I’m constantly adjusting the position of the AF focus points. This is easily accomplished with the Nikon as I can adjust the focus point both horizontally or vertically via the Multi Selector dial.
With the Canon, the Multi-Controller dial can be used to position the focus point both horizontally and vertically just like the Nikon. However, when gripping the camera, it is difficult for my thumb to reach the Multi-Controller dial. The Canon’s Quick Control Dial can also be configured to adjust the focus point but as it’s a rotary dial, I can only adjust the focus point either up or down.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV on left
Adjustment of exposure compensation is accomplished easily with the Canon as opposed to the Nikon when the cameras are in a vertical position.
CUSTOM MENU With both cameras, you can register menu options and custom functions whose settings are changed frequently. I like Nikon’s display as it shows whether the menu option or custom function is switched on or off or the degree of adjustment. On the Canon, I have to select the menu option or custom function before it’s position is known. Strangely, the Picture Style position is shown. On the Nikon D3s, you can see all of your custom settings at a glance. I do believe the information displayed on the Canon can be improved by a firmware update. Let’s hope Canon does something about this in its next firmware release. I’m optimistic, as Canon has been pretty good about improving substantially the camera’s functions through firmware releases. Case in point; the Canon EOS 5D Mark II.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV on left
Below is a comparison of the INFO display of both cameras.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV on left
FUNCTION BUTTONS The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV only has one depth-of-field button on the left side of the lens (when viewed from the front of the camera) as opposed to the Nikon D3s which has two. On the D3s, both buttons are configurable. I’ve configured one the buttons on my Nikon to stop the Nikon Speedlight from firing.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV on left
On the right side of the lens, Nikon has a Focus Mode Selector dial. Nice! On the Canon, you have to press a button on the top of the camera and rotate a dial.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV on left
CONCLUSION Both of these cameras are highly configurable and I must admit that I have not configured the Canon to my liking yet. But I can’t help feeling that there are too many dials and buttons on the Canon.
Darth Vader!
These two cameras are definitely substantial and built to professional standards. In my hand, the Canon feels lighter. The Nikon feels heftier and is more angular in shape. The 1D just looks sexier with its curves. The Canon EOS-1D has always reminded me of Darth Vader’s helmet from the front. I’m sure some of you out there would agree!
