Reader Poll: What Make of Camera Do You Shoot On?

By Light Stalking on 7 Sep 2010 in Polls[ 36 Comments ]

A lot of fuss is always made about what type of camera photographers prefer shooting on. While some regard the question as an affront (you wouldn’t ask a painter what brushes they use!) , others like to be at the forefront of camera technology for whatever reason.

While Nikon and Canon are indisputable leaders in the sheer number of DSLRs sold, many photographer prefer other makers. Of course the skill of the photographer is far more important than the make of the camera, but it’s still hard not to get excited when your preferred camera company comes out with a new piece of kit that you want.

We thought it might be an interesting question for our first weekly poll here at Light Stalking as to what makes of camera our readers prefer. Also, do you regard it as important? Why or why not?

Let us know in the comments!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the RSS feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader.

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

36 Comments

Shane:

I use a Pentax K20D. Awesome camera. Crisp clear images and plenty of extras.

September 7, 2010 at 9:14 pmReply
Bran Everseeking:

Pentax.

September 7, 2010 at 9:16 pmReply
Dave Lundy:

Although I own a Nikon D300, I use a Panasonic DMC-GH1 much more often. It’s smaller, lighter, and shoots HD video.

September 7, 2010 at 9:35 pmReply
Roane:

I use a Pentax ISTD*L. Would love their newest! :)

September 7, 2010 at 9:47 pmReply
Todd Walker:

I have been a Canon DSLR shooter for 7+ years but I just bought an Olympus E-PL1 and I can’t put the thing down — it’s that good. My 40D is getting lonely on the shelf. I truly think that mirrorless interchangeable lens compacts are the future for everyone but the pros who require full frame 20+ megapixel cams.

September 7, 2010 at 9:51 pmReply
Rod:

I have a Canon EOS 7D and 40D plus I still use my old Sony F717 Cyber-shot.

September 7, 2010 at 10:09 pmReply
Mon Estrella:

Why is Pentax not in the list or should I say in the “others” list? I’ve been using Pentax K20D for more than a year and a half now. I also bought a Pentax Kx for my wife.

September 7, 2010 at 10:09 pmReply
Mon Estrella:

Why Pentax?

September 7, 2010 at 10:13 pmReply
Dmitry:

Pentax. Why it isn’t present in the list?

September 7, 2010 at 10:29 pmReply
Karie Mitchell:

Nikon D300…no, I do not think it very important. Lenses more so but still, it is my vision that is the more important.

September 7, 2010 at 10:58 pmReply
Lamyrus:

Pentax K20D

September 8, 2010 at 12:53 amReply
Will McA:

I use an Olympus E500,

Whenever people ask me what sort of camera to buy though I always tell them that there is no difference of quality between cameras at the same level of technology but difference make. The only important things to consider are ‘does the camera feel good in your hands?’; ‘do you like the controls and menu system?’; ‘Is there a good range of lenses and other accessories? (the main reason to choose Canon or Nikon); and ‘can you be reassured the manufacturer isn’t likely to go bust or withdraw from the camera market any time soon (so go for the big names).

I have no idea about makes and models though, whenever people ask me what I think about the new Nikon XX999X or whatever I have no answer, I know what make and model my camera is, I’ve never used another make and I don’t have any idea what’s on the market right now.

September 8, 2010 at 2:11 amReply
Peggy:

I’ve owned Canon cameras since 1975………just easier because of all the glass I own. The Canon felt good in my hands and I stayed with them from then on! I do like Nikon though!!! ;)

September 8, 2010 at 2:31 amReply
Kyle:

I use mainly a Nikon D300 also a D60. I like Nikon because of the smaller sensor size available which benefits my wildlife photography.

September 8, 2010 at 3:15 amReply
Kim D:

I had always used Minolta with film. When finally made the change to DSLR I found that all my Minolta lenses would now fit with Sony. Was not my first choice originally, but now would buy another.

September 8, 2010 at 3:18 amReply
Nikon Telephoto Lens:

I use Nikon camera with Nikon Telephoto Lens,,,,,this is amazing

September 8, 2010 at 3:27 amReply
Thomas:

Shocked that Pentax wasn’t among the choices. They were a BIG name in photography and still make fantastic cameras. No other maker offers weather-sealed cameras at such a low price point. The Pentax K-x is currently considered to be the best entry-level camera from any maker.

September 8, 2010 at 3:43 amReply
Thomas:

BTW, I think a body can matter. Pentax cameras are designed so that they can be operated without taking the eye off the viewfinder. I prefer that to interrupting the composition while one operates some control on the back of the camera.

Also, Pentax/Sony/Olympus in-body image stabilisation helps to keep lens prices lower so one can buy more glass for the same money, which has to be a good thing. :)

September 8, 2010 at 3:50 amReply
michael:

Pentax

September 8, 2010 at 7:02 amReply
Mullhaupt:

What about those of us who use multiple systems. That could be a category to distinguish from “purists.”

September 8, 2010 at 7:38 amReply
- Hana:
  
  I alternate between a Canon, a Nikon, and a Fujica. The Canon and Fujica are SLRs, the Canon is 10 yrs old, the Fujica is nearly 40. The Nikon is a cheap digital point and shoot that I’ll be replacing with a DSLR eventually. I shoot with film 90% of the time so I’m not in a big rush.
  
  February 24, 2011 at 2:06 pmReply
+1 D. Lee:

I use a Nikon F100. this is a awesome film camera.

September 8, 2010 at 11:37 amReply
Don Ricklin:

Pentax K-7 my 4th model since my K1000 manual.

September 9, 2010 at 2:44 amReply
Kevin:

Pentax K-7

September 10, 2010 at 10:30 amReply
steveH:

Olympus e30, (after 30+ years using Canon F1 systems).

Except when I’m using a Mamiya RB67…

September 11, 2010 at 8:08 pmReply
John Gibbs:

I have a preference and it’s Nikon, although I use Hasselblad, Sinar and the like. Nikon from a perceptions point of view, with just a hint of marketing, in the eyes of a non-photographer, suggests the best and that can’t be a bad thing.

September 12, 2010 at 11:42 amReply
enrico:

Panasonic GF1 – I’m in love with this little camera

September 13, 2010 at 12:31 amReply
Stephanie Krishnan:

I shoot using a Panasonic GF1. Love it!

September 13, 2010 at 7:19 pmReply
video:

That helped me a lot! Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks again!

October 24, 2010 at 1:17 amReply
video:

Thank you, I’m glad it helped !

October 24, 2010 at 1:20 amReply
video:

Hey this is really a great forum. Thanks in advance.

October 24, 2010 at 1:22 amReply
gareth:

Olympus E510 with in-body stabilisation ( I have hand held at 1 second occasionally :-) ) , smaller lighter lenses so it travels with me on walks and up hills ( the 70-300 zoom which is effectively 600mm doesn’t kill my arm ). 4/3 sensor a bit noisier etc but overall a great compromise.

November 4, 2010 at 11:19 pmReply
crimemastergogo:

I use a Sony a200. Nice camera to start learning photography, plus has the options of mounting awesome glass like Minolta and Zeiss.

November 10, 2010 at 12:13 amReply
Steve M:

Strictly Nikon starting in 1966. Slight detour to Kodak for my first digital camera. Back to Nikon, then a 4 year love affair with a Panasonic FZ50 until a month ago when I switched to a Sony a33 which I love even more. The Sony is my first interchangeable lens camera since I abandoned film.

November 19, 2010 at 6:18 amReply
ed orteza:

I use a canon s95, but i also own a nikon d500

February 17, 2011 at 11:24 pmReply
+1 Kimber:

Always Nikon! :)

February 25, 2011 at 12:16 pmReply