With the mirrorless camera transition happening around us people have been switching camera manufacturers more than ever. I for one am staying put with the brand I've trusted for years. Am I wrong for doing so?
There are some things that we don't ever consider changing and accept them as fixtures. I prefer Coke over Pepsi and my favorite baseball team is the Boston Red Sox. Now I understand that these examples are a little more static than say a modern day digital single-lens reflex camera, but the commitment to sticking with something you know and like carries merit.
I grew up around what I thought was the neatest camera setup ever. My Dad had a Canon AE-1 with a camera bag and a few lenses. We took it everywhere. I can't help but think that his affinity for Canon may have been passed along to me early on without me ever even realizing it.
When my wife and I got married back in 2005, one of the first things we knew we were going to buy with some of the gift proceeds was a digital camera with a removable lens. The model we ended up with was the Canon Rebel XT. We were about to go on a honeymoon to St. Maarten and were excited to finally be able to capture digital photos with a real camera. We called it that because after coming from film, the lack of megapixels and overall quality of most digital cameras of the time left a lot to be desired. This camera was one of the coolest things we had ever bought. The focus was fast, the frames per second seemed snappy, and even the sound of the shutter compared to everything before it was something we loved.
We enjoyed the camera so much that a number of years later we bought a Canon Rebel T3i. Once again, the updated feel and performance knocked our socks off all over again. It was only then that we started investing in Canon lenses. Owning lenses is one of the main factors keeping people like me from ever switching camera manufactures. Selling a lens that you bought new is an excellent way to waste money.
Once we outgrew the Canon Rebel T3i, it was time to take the huge leap into a full-frame sensor. This came in the form of the Canon 5D Mark III. This time I would have to say the step up in quality was off the charts. This camera knew what we wanted and delivered in every way.
Our Canon 5D Mark III on a tripod. Taken from our Canon 6D. All while thinking nostalgically about the Canon T3i and the Canon Rebel XT.
Once we had one full frame beast, the Canon Rebel T3i was a bit outgunned and outclassed. This eventually lead us to purchase a Canon 6D. Once the spending floodgates were officially opened, a couple of Canon's popular zoom lenses found their way to our porch. By this point, the photographic quality of the images we were both producing went way up. This effectively helped push our confidence to exactly where it needed to be to succeed.
It has been about six years since our last purchase, and I must say the brand new Canon RP looks like a perfect new addition to our squad. While the small size is enticing, the real draw for me is all the boosted specs and being able to finally shoot with a mirrorless system from my favorite camera maker.
Brand loyalty is waveringly these days as technological advances can leave some companies out in the cold. Competition is fierce to gain the spotlight in a time where perception is as important as ever. I think Sony did a heck of a job pushing the industry forward. They put out some great products and created quite a buzz by getting their cameras in a number of talented individuals hands. I will admit there was some curiosity on my end, but at the end of the day, there is only one camera brand for me. Knowing that lets me focus on the important part, taking pictures.
Would you ever switch camera manufacturers? Would that answer change if it didn't cost anything to do so? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
I started out with Olympus in photojournalism in Norway many years ago, and fell in love with Olympus design and Olympus functionality. I ended up with Canon for a few years up until recently (5dIII). I felt out of sync with my gear until I sold all the Canon stuff and got an Olympus OM-D EM-1 MKII. I get what Michael is talking about. Brand loyalty in cameras comes from clicking with a certain way of thinking; and how the tool becomes an extension of your ability to visualize and execute. For him it's Canon, for me it's Olympus. We're both happy it seems. I'm sure members of other tribes feel the same.
Here's the thing- a switch from EF to R is, well, a switch. Different bodies, different lenses, pretty much the only thing that is the same is the aesthetic of the gear and the brand name. So if you are going to switch anyway, why limit yourself to Canon R?
I say this as a multi-decade Canon shooter, who is fully aware that there is not enough demand in the market to fully support development of two different lines of lenses (despite what Canon says) and that the EF mount is bound for the trash heap of history. I will have to switch.
So now I'm looking at everything, and I don't really understand why anyone wouldn't. I may end up with the Canon mirrorless, but it won't be because the body says "Canon" on it.
I buy and mainly use Canon because they make some great stuff, but I buy other brands' gear too. So I have no loyalty as such.
Nice article. I am also a Canon fanboy. Like his dad, I started with the Canon AE-1. Eventually, I switched to the Hasselblad 500 CM film camera which I kept shooting until 2013. I switched to digital with the 5D MK II and eventually the 5DSR which I am still madly in love with. Where I am holding my head is whether to move to mirrorless. I invested in the top of the line Canon L-glass which cost many thousands of dollars. No matter whether I stay with Canon or move to another manufacturer, I would be throwing away wonderful lenses . One of the reasons why I was late to digital because of the constant technological dislocation. I have said this before and I will say it again, you cannot look at a print and tell what brand of camera was used to shoot it. The other thing that I constantly check is what the sports and news press photographers are using. Since I’ve been checking, i’ve seen one mirrorless at a House hearing. I am standing pat with what I have because it makes economic sense and my photography is not going to improve that much by changing.
I was a Canon user for 12+ years (started with the 30D and 50 f/1.4) and switched a few months before the EOS R announcement. I'm not sad that I switched when I did, for a number of reasons. I like to shoot photos. I like to think about gear. I do both.
1) I have a 2 year old. I kinda decided that I'm done with wedding work. My favorite Canon gear (5DIII, 24L II, 50ART, 135L, etc) was starting to feel a little cumbersome to carry around. This meant that I wanted something smaller and lighter for casual shooting, and also that I felt more comfortable leaving CPS, which is an outstanding resource for a (semi) pro with gigs and not a ton of spare equipment, time, or cash.
2) I love the 5DIII, pre-ordered it when it came out, shot with it for years. I love an all-arounder camera. I'm a hybrid shooter. The 5DIII has great IQ, excellent AF, raw video with Magic Lantern. It's insanely capable. Have you seen 3.5k raw video footage from the 5DIII?...holy balls, that sensor is capable. The 5DIV, and especially the 6DII, were pretty disappointing. A halfway decent and user-friendly video codec, similar to what is in the C series probably would have kept me with Canon. Didn't happen.
3) The a7III did happen. The 5DIII was the ultimate jack of all trades camera, and Sony made the true follow-on to the 5DIII. The a7III isn't really the best at anything, but it's basically excellent at everything.
4) The lens mount. I kind of view my camera gear not only as a tool, but as a revolving bank account. That works as long as a lens mount has longevity. I kinda saw the writing on the wall, and just didn't want to be sitting on thousands of dollars of EF gear. The E mount is really very versatile (as is EF), and it seemed like a safe haven for now. I'm kind of glad I made the switch, as Canon seems like it's going full speed into the R mount, and who knows what is going to happen to the value of EF gear in the next few years (though it should have legs, because it's super adaptable and prevalent).
5) The 55 f/1.8 may be my favorite lens ever. It's not fancy, it's kind of expensive for what it is, it sucks for MF, but I use it all the damn time.
I think a lot of photographers (myself included) switch gear in hopes that it will improve they're images but in reality most cameras far exceed the capabilities of the users anyway! Remember it's the photographer not the camera that makes great images.
True, but different gear does change HOW you work. Sometimes rethinking how your approach your art due to the tools in hand can elevate your creativity.
Sorry (fill-the-blank brand) Mirrorless; I am a Nikon DSLR user and will remain so.
I shoot with Sony and use a metabones adapter to use Canon lenses :) I love my Sony body...I love Canon lenses... I would totally get a Canon as another body to play around with!
I have a pile of Canon cameras in my closet (60D, 70d 5DMKII 6D G11), and a pile of Canon primes, but in my bag when I go to work each day is two Sony bodies A7RII and A6300). I do carry an adapter for a few of my Canon lenses, but I doubt I would ever go back to Canon. Where they lost me was in not putting 4K in their bodies for so long. The IBS in the Sony bodies rock for those times when I can't use a tripod.
I'm a Canon user forever waiting for their next big thing of the magnitude of their 5D2 in 2008. If I could switch today to a Nikon D850 at no cost, I wouldn't even finish writing this post to do so.
I would say I'm also pretty brand loyal but for a host of reasons and one of them being the ROI. I try my hardest to get 4 years out of a camera body system currently I have two 5D Mark IV's. This August will be 3 years. I was actually excited the EOS R was a consumer camera. That way if they do come out with a pro version, I'll hopefully make it to the 4-year mark. Lenses play a big role in that decision as well. I love our industry and all the shiny new gear but I enjoy profits and my savings account a lot more. 😉
I've been a Canon user since day one, started off with t70 film camera and upgraded to the Rebel T3i, then finally the 5D Mark III. When it comes to brand loyalty, if you're happy with a particular brand because of the performance and features you get from that product, then rock on! 🤘
From a tech perspective, Canon has definitely been dragging their feet for quite a long time, and so many got irritated with them for not staying up with Sony and Fugi and did jump ship. Like other companies out there, if you stay with them long enough, you'll either get rewarded for your patience or else they close down and then you do have to switch brands.
I believe that camera selection must be made based on objective criteria, even if these can evolve. Cost is definitely one of them as well as the energy needed to switch system. But the most important criteria in my mind of the value delivered by a brand relative to ones objective needs. I shoot landscape and moving kids. DR and AF performance are important for me.
Today I frankly don't see why I would want to shoot with a Canon camera. My current Nikon gear or Sony are clearly superior options. Some of the Canon lenses are very tempting, but I don't see a body I would like to use them on. Before there was the option of mounting EOS lenses on mirrorless bodies, but with the R mount, even this option goes away. As a result I regret to say that the appeal of the brand is decreasing further these days.
I have considered several times switching from Nikon to Sony, or at least adding Sony cameras to my line up. What has prevented me from doing so was the fact that Nikon DSLRs were still ahead performance wise. Now that Sony is progressing even faster AF wise, it is tempting again to add an A9 to my Nikon line up... but cost has so far prevented me from doing so. We'll see if the gap increases or decreases which may be the case based on the new eye AF firmware for the Nikon Z. We'll see.
Sorry "Canon-user-forever", I couldn't care less about your brand loyalty.
Many photographers tend to romanticize the relationship with their camera. But somehow I don't get that into my head. My camera should give me the best results and be easy and quick to use. I don't care about the brand.
great article! i'm a long tern canon user as well but will probably switch to sony in the coming months. i'm annoyed at canon. they've become really cheeky and blatantly leave features out or are miles behind sony (and we know they don't have to be) but for some reason they keep limiting their cameras. the new a6400 from sony has far more video options than a 5d4 and it has an af system that absolutely kills the eos r.
with regards to your last point "lets me focus on the important part, taking pictures" when i think of this i think of sony and the advanced eye af and tracking focus features which means that i dont need to worry about moving focus points or getting the subject to a certain part of the frame just so my focus point will be on their eye/face. i think it will allow me to focus on other things as getting tack sharp focus will no longer be a worry
Brand loyalty is fine, if and when your preferred brand fills your needs. As a bird-in-flight and wildlife photographer, the Sony a9's incredible lock-on autofocus modes, suddenly seemed like "cheating" vs. my stuck in the mud Canon equipment. That was summer of 2017 and I've since sold $30,000+ of Canon equipment, without a single regret. Sony continues to improve the AF system, such that I expect to receive a firmware update, providing animal-eye-detect.
Many don't have the AF demands of shooting bird-in-flight, so I have no doubt that Canon is still "good enough." I'm glad for you.
Although I tend to be loyal to my local shop, I'm not so much of a brand loyal customer. (Of course, there is to some extend brand loyalty involved, because of the fact that I just can't switch brands just like that every time another brand has a better camera or lens)
I buy gear mainly based on my needs, my budget and the quality / functionality that a camera or lens offers. Brand is not a real factor. In the old days I started with Minolta. Then, when Canon offered the 300D as the first real affordable digital camera and Minolta said it wouldn't do digi cams, I switched to Canon. I have been photographing with Canon for many years. The Canon camera's suited my needs for almost 19 years.
But Canon went on a more dark path. New camera's weren't much of an improvement over their predecessor while costing much more, stripping affordable camera's from functionality in favour of more expensive ones and lacking behind on their competitors (such as Sony and Fuji) as far as mirrorless camera's were concerned.
Further more, Canon made some commercial decisions here in the Netherlands that really made me angry. They started to listen to one of the biggest photo gear retailers. That retailer could effectively make Canon deny the Pro-retailer status to local retailers in cities where the big retailer had branches. Commercially that might have made sense to Canon and the big retailer, to me it was a real bad decision. Small, local business who have been there for decades, have very much gear knowledge and have loyal customers were left on their own. While those local, small retailers did get Pro-status from some other camera brands. So those local dealers were good enough, just not for Canon.
So, for me a brand isn't a factor in deciding what to buy. But it certainly is a factor when deciding what not to buy.
Love Canon but can't see the benefit of someone with a full frame dlsr changing to the RP system, but maybe the glass is amazing. It is all down to what kind of shooting you do. I am an all rounder - but do a lot of hiking, backpacking and are not getting any younger so have to pass on this new system of Canons. I have to say there seems to be a lot of canon 5D's for sale on fb. I wonder if they are jumping on the new mirrorless system?
The camera market is an extremely competitive one. The current generation of cameras from the various manufacturers are very comparable in terms of capabilities and image quality. This is true in each of the marketing categories such as Full frame DSLR or APC mirrorless. The consumer is the winner with a wealth of truly excellent choices available for purchase. In the end, it all comes down to personal preference of how we use the gear when it is in our hands. Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm or Olympus are all capable of creating great images. The real variables have always been the skill, talent and creativity of the person behind the lens.
There is a limit to Loyalty!
I'm a Nikon guy for the past 27 years...I sold my D800 last year, bought a A7iii and kept my (11) Nikkor glasses!(mostly Ai-s all manual focus lenses)
I love Nikon and Canon but I don't want to be played by them anymore, Sony launched their "Basic Model" last year by giving everything they have for 2000 usd! Their first full frame is now 6 years old, they corrected almost all the "Cons" into "Pros".
WHY on earth Nikon and Canon didn't take advantage of this to launch a decent Z6-7 & R !!!!!
I'm not giving a dime any more to Nikon. I prefer the A7iii even if the ergonomics is crap.
I just wait until a Z6ii comes out, i'll compare it to the A7iv, but I'm pretty sure the alpha will win.
I must confess the D850 is absolutely Fabulous, but too heavy for me unfortunately...
You are absolutely right to use what works for you and if brand loyalty allows that then I am 100% with you. I agree that I am loyal to a tee until such time as that brand either costs me too much money or can't do what I need. Simples.
How stupid is it to say, "I am so close-minded I won't use the best tool available for what I need to get done?"
I've been a Nikon shooter since 1976, and all I can say is, "from my cold, dead hands."
I've been a Nikon user for nearly 30 years, having bought an FM2 after a pair of Contaxes let me down on a trek in Pakistan. I've written nearly 20 Expanded Guides to Nikon DSLRs (and a couple of Coolpix models).
But you know what? If the evidence showed me that another brand served my needs significantly better – enough to justify the high costs of switching systems and the pain of learning my way around a new way of doing things – I wouldn't hesitate.
Loyalty is a two-way street and I'll support a manufacturer only if they keep delivering the goods.
My first Auto SLR was a Canon A-1. A disrupting innovation supporting both Shutter and Aperture automation, so you didn't have to commit to one type of automation. I then moved to EOS Elan. That is the Canon I feel in love with.
The problem with Canon is the attitude,expressed in this Article. "You can make anything AND I will buy it, No need to lead the way, or really innovate."
My first DSLR was not a Canon. It was a Minolta that then become Sony. Why? innovation. I don't have the steady hands I wish I did and the idea that any lens even old used A-mount lenses I could afford were stabilized was a deal maker. Along with the Dynamic Range.
I have stayed with Sony,. but every single time I have considered a major upgraded including my move to e-mount, I assessed everything.. I refuse to abdicate my VOTE in moving photography forward. When you you say.. If it has your brand on it, I will buy it. You have validated LAZY management.
So here is a new New Mount, a with few good lenses and adapters that are OK,, but crippled not only compared to its own DSLRs but to its competition. Why because they assumed If its Canon, enough will just buy it.
If you care about Canon, the title should be.
"Canon to keep me, you need to compete not coast in the mirrorless revolution"
I have seen Canon take the lead by innovation, I have seen Apple Take the lead and lose it in PCs. I have seen the "too larger" to fail, do just that because too many assume brand loyalty is letting them get away with what Canon did with this release.
They should have stabilized Sensors, Imagine with an adapter all your EF mount lens became stabilized!
They should not be producing sensors that are rate so far down the line below Sony and Nikon, in areas that DO matter like dynamic range and now where they did lead noise.
A good photographer can take get good images by knowing his gear and its dits limitation. Then finding the best shot.
But that list of limitations should be getting shorter, not longer if a company wants to EARN its place.
I am thinking about handing my APS system down to my daughter and buying into FF. I was thrilled that I had so many choices in Mirrorless coming. And so disapointed that Nikon and Cannon bowed to Sony and created someting meant to stop the bleeding not win the segment.
Sony is the best mirrorless system and will be for a long time it appears. Partly because they are almost LENS mount agnostic. They make great lenses, but I can find great classic old glass and it will work, I can find an EF that fills a GAP and it will work.
Sony has EARNED another ROUND of my loyalty. But I am not a Sony User for Life,,, I will be a user of the best gear, that values me enough to compete for me HARD. for life. The way things are going.. That is Sony, Fuji and Nikon. Canon seems happy just selling cameras with a brand name on on it and GOOD ENOUGH...
BUT even I will evaluate again in 5 years when there might be enough change to warrant another.
I have no loyalty to any brand ever.
My first real camera was the Canon A-1. It was incredible! I’ll never forget it. One day I made the mistake and left it in the car after a shoot. Came back and it was stolen. As were my dreams of photography. A couple years ago I bought my wife a Canon and she loves it. It also sparked my interest I photography again. And I completely fell in love with Sony. I got a small point and shoot, and took it to Patriots training camp. Wow I got some of the most incredible pictures I’ve seen! So I moved to the Sony A-68. Never looking back. I have brand loyalty if the brand continues to make me happy. I’m hoping next on my list is a A9. :)
I will not leave Canon.
They are not first just to be first but they do it right and best.
The EOS system left the competition in the dust for nearly 30 years.
Canon developed DPAF knowing it was for mirrorless.
Now after several years of intelligent development the R5 is showing what they had up their sleeves and again leaving the competition in the dust for a few more decades.
And a bonus all your EF and EFs lenses work 100% on your R cameras where Nikon abandoned a huge portion of their AF users with worthless lenses.