I've a few angry person here saying that I hate Canon and so on. But the fact is I want to switch back to Canon because I need Canon glasses for my Sony. So having a second Canon body would be great and I got exited about the 6d mark II but it lacks 4K the dual card slot and it has a horrible DR at those lower ISO.... So yeah I'm very disappointed with canon. I'm not sure what the successor of the D750 will be but it WILL have all the above that I look for in a camera (for my work)

People can be angry as much as they want but facts are clear : I have personally owned and used several canon cameras ( 5D mark II , 5D mark III, 7D , and 70D) and I was always frustrated with the Dynamic range whereas on Nikon it was not a hustle at all . guys I understand we can be fanboys but we must be honest : Although I love Canon's color science (that can be achieved in post for other brands) , Nikon has always been ahead when it comes to dynamic range and that's why I switched and never looked back. Tres bonne Duncan !

Those 1.5k dislikes are from canon users lol

Nikon is the best (far far best) in Photography & Canon in the video-graphy.....But fact is that, not a single Canon user will accept that, because they love to use Canon.

I love how you handle all the butthurt comments. It's your opinion and your just sharing it. Geez. Here you are trying to help people and they still shit on you. Don't mind them keep doing your vids. Thank you for this btw. Personally I think Canon goes to those who don't like to do post production whereas Nikon goes to those who love details

Hey Duncan, i know it's an old video and all but, i didn't really believe what i was seeing, so i decided to try it for my self, got a lot of RAW files from DpReview, from sony, nikon and canon, i shoot canon myself and i'm very well aware of what you're talking about, and it's been driving me crazy for years. Now i took those raw files into lightroom, and boy oh boy... the Nikon D810 files ... oh my god, you can do anything to them they'll take it, there is so much flexibility in the file that it's quite unbelievable for someone like me. Funny thing is that i took files from the EOS R, you'd think they would have got A LOT better with their files and sensors and how they handle the shadows, nope, same story here! The thing is, with canon, when you nail your exposure, the files are fine, there is not much flexibility but they look great, but if you fuck up the exposure in camera, no way to recover anything, in a way that helped me a lot for years to learn how to expose, but now that i saw how flexible other cameras are with their files, and how easy it is to work with, i can only see the possibilities now, and how i could save some pictures in the future, i mean sometimes you fuck up a shot and the moment is gone, for ever, it's very frustrating. Thank you for opening my eyes on this, and i would also add, looking at videos of reviews of cameras and stuff is fine, but downloading the raw files and trying them in lightroom is ten times faster to open your eyes, then you can take the time to think about what a camera has to offer in terms of features, but that's another story!

Nikon is always better for Picture and I feel like canon is better for video with the dual pixel af IMO

I'm perfectly happy with the 12ev dynamic range of my 5dii. Why? Visualization, metering, and that handy bit of photographic knowledge: the Zone System. Don't want to blow out that wedding dress? Meter off the bright parts of the skirt, set for Zone IX (+3ev on the camera's meter, or +2 2/3 if I'm feeling cautious), and Bob's your uncle. There's absolutely no reason to underexpose everything "just in case". Be in control!

I have used variety of all kinds of cameras in the past 3 years. All of them were mine of course. D3300, D3400, D7000, D5500, D610 (2 bodies), D750, D810, D500 and so far the best camera I had to hold in hands after all kinds of cameras I could afford to myself is D500, which is the reason of me selling all the other cameras! DR is superb! Speed is superb! Focus is superb! Quality is superb! Sharpness is superb! Iso range is Superb! Everything about this (crop) camera is awesome and I like it! DR is no issue and I hail Nikon for that! I've also used canon bodies like 5DMK3 and 80D and liked the 80D more but it is nowhere near the D500. Great video! Keep it up! You are very underrated and deserve to be more popular than 2.1k subs! Cheers!

This is a hugely eye-opening video, thank you. I have always wondered why I liked my Nikon images better than other cameras. Now I know.

That was one of the best explanations and comparisons I've seen on dynamic range...thank you.

I appreciate this information! It’s validated what I’ve experienced even with a low budget Nikon and the most basic of editing programs. I’ve been able to edit and get decent or awesome photos with Nikon. I’m moving towards an intermediate level and I’m definitely going with Nikon. Good to know about the one particular Nikon with poor range. I tried out a Sony A6000 and honestly I was happier with my photos from a point and shoot Nikon. The Sony had some benefit but I returned because I expected more, though I did have a kit lens and was used to having zoom, but it was almost impossible even on auto mode to get the Sony to focus. I realize I’m still learning but just have an affinity for Nikon per my experience of making the best with what I have. Thanks!

thank you, i was not aware of it - good work.

I've been shooting Canon for years and I always think about switching to Nikon because I shoot landscape photography, where good DR is very important. Canon's recently released 6D Mark 2 put me another step closer to switching to Nikon.

After buying Canon 800D the only thing I feel is noise photo. Darn! If I saw this video before buying the camera... I use Canon, but I feel nikon are the best.

Hey, it's Screech from Saved by the Bell.

If canon didn't have good marketing, they'd go bankrupt

The problem of this test was methodology. Why not to test overexposed images as well? In this test Canons could give a better results. As a wedding photographer shooting on f1.2 I'm not scared of overexposing the wedding dress, because I can always bring back the details. I know that better dynamic range in Nikon is raging far into shadows, which is useful, because you can save some shutter speed, but you mentioned several times that you are afraid to overflow the highlights. For me a bright day on f1.2 means that I have to use ND filter or use canon, as I can't go faster than 1/4000s. What about colours? Canon colour science is far better than what Sony or Nikon would give you out of the box. There is much more to consider in terms of sensor quality than DR and we don't buy sensors but entire ecosystem. Pentax has a great ergonomic and with Tamron's rebranded lenses is pretty useful, but if you want OCF, then the choice is limited. You won't have a problem to find even a very exotic accessories for Canon. I'm not a funboy - they suck when it comes to listen to their users and they disappoints us quite often, but at least I don't have oily sensor in my 6D which I bought after preselection were D600 was a second on my shortlist. I won't buy 6D MK2 even thou I like the screen. I don't care about filming in 4k, so 5D MK4 would be my choice, but I wish they would give us the same screen here as the one in 6D MK2.

I have a canon and it’s true about the shadows being noisy. I found and easy solution and that is to expose correctly. If a situation accuse where highlights are bright I expose for highlights and use a speed light to correctly expose subject.

Good information. Every system has its own advantages and certain disadvantages. Nothing is perfect under the sun. And that is the beauty . That is why things keep on evolving. That is why we get newer and better version of things. ...The risk with such videos is that some people feel deeply attached to a particular system and when something is said contrary to their beliefs w.r.t. their favourite brand, they don't like it.

This is very true. The one think l really like about my d810 is the sensors ability to retain shadow detail that can be recovered. I also under expose if there's any dominant highlight in the scene.

thank you dude! Going to buy Nikon next

i'm not a fan of any brand, i used both canon and nikon before and currently stick with canon now you are right with the dynamic range tho, nikon really killed canon but i love canon skin color so i stick with canon

Honestly what i love about Canon cameras is the ergonomics and the flippy screen. But aside from this Canons are plagued by artificial limitations, terrible dynamic range and locked features even for their top priced models. Anyone who'll try to convince you that Canons have good "image quality" is probably a youtuber who primarily shoots video. Nikons have incredible dynamic range (which you'll need as soon as the shooting stops btw), invariable ISO, beautiful color science and a photography-first demeanor. Canon puts profit as item 1, 2 and 3 on their priority list. Every camera is basically an ad for a higher end model that costs extra. They also make projectors, printers, binoculars, and calculators so yeah.

In my opinion one of the best demonstrations of the Dynamic Range issue . Thanks !

Canon need to improve their dynamic range at base ISO. At higher ISO, it's pretty comparable. Go back to DxOMark & view the dynamic range graph for D810 vs Canon 5D Mark IV, you'll see that Canon is slightly better from ISO 200 and up, for example.

If you know what your doing it doesn't matter. I use both systems. Nikon D3s still has best color of all. I like large pixels. I like Canon for photographing people and Nikon for everything else

Thank you, that was very helpful! I'm thinking about the Canon 6D mk II but...heard in a couple of video's about the lack of dynamic range. I need a camera with flip out screen, good autofocus, good video quality and...I just seems that there are not a lot of good options right now!

Appreciate the info and your examples. When placing charts or lists with small print, is it possible to zoom in? Even on a 4K TV or on an iPad Pro, I couldn’t read the printed info. Example, model numbers...

I see u don't know what is very common. Canon handles OVER exposing better and Nikon/Sony (same sensor) UNDER exposing. U can do same test with overexposed photos and Canon will Win. It doesn't mean that Canon DR is fine, ofc it's not, but this test is not fair also.

DR is very useful, important to me absolutely.

Dude you sound like a cool guy! This is a great video!

I have a sony A6000 and even with the kit lens I didn't get that much noise at ISO 250 and blacks are little better. I understand it's the glass that makes the difference. Tried coupling it with Sigma 30mm F1.4 and it took the overall image quality to a whole another level.

Good video man, you have 1 k of dislikes from Canon people.Realistic video with real life situations in photography.Good job man!

You need to open up the exposure and drop ISO to protect your shadows, and close down your exposure and raise ISO to protect your high lights depends on your situation and lighting, you are doing the right thing sir.

Hi Duncan, I hope you’re good:) I’m just wondering is it better to buy nikon d5600 for newbie? I’m gonna use the camera for travel and outdoor model shooting. And which lens do you prefer for them. Thank you answer. 😊

Hi Duncan, I was looking at both of these cameras, and this video was very helpful. A friend who is a terrific photographer has Canon and I was going to get the 1DX Miii. But now I'm getting the D850. I have a question about your underexposing with the sun behind or the bright windows - How do you expose for those? The last time I took a photo with the sun in the background I exposed for my model and of course the sky was bright and the sun was lost. Thanks.

Why does the d7500 crop sensor look better than the full frame Nikon cameras? that should not be

5DsR and happy

What kind of lens would you say gives the least amount of pattern and maintains the best dynamic range? I am primarily photographing flat artwork, paintings, using controlled lighting.

I just faced the same problem , the pattern problem . and after watching this video I came to know that 5d mark iii makes this kind of pattern on underexposed area. now i just love my Nikon d750 and Z6

Q. Why did you climb Everest? A. Because it was there Q. Why did you push the exposure 5 stops? A. Because it was there… LOL

I use canon because of color, shutter speed, video, comfortably and durability, and the lifespan of every camera they make

I knew it! I noticed something was lacking in comparing Nikon and Canon for video. Nikon image just "pops" - it looks more "dimensional" than relatively "flat" and "uneventful" Canon. Nikon also has much better color science reproducing colors that look more like what you see with your eyes - which also makes it easy to reproduce skin tones correctly. I found Canon to be off so as Sony camera's that I've tried - Canon with reddish tin, Sony with greenish/yellowish tint. Nikon just nails it! Thank you very much for your very informative video!

Hi. May I know the photo editor app you used in editing the photo in this video?

Happy with my D3400. I also find that you can get some interesting results when underexposing. :) Now I know why, thanks. :)

I agree.

Great video Duncan! I'm sticking to Canon because I own a lot of Canon lenses but I hate Canon for not being competitive on this aspect and for the poor implementation of auto iso. When people ask me for advice I always recommend Nikon over Canon for the sensor quality! If I had the money I would have switched years ago! I hope Canon will make sensors at least equal to sony/nikon soon.

Thnx man :) I allways had this feeling that nikon IS the way to go..now i know.

What if canon and nikon had the same sensors, if we exclude dynamic range, and judge the cameras/brands, i think Nikon would be in trouble. I shoot canon for few reasons, first when i decided to buy a dslr, i started looking for glass, and decided that canon provides better value when it comes to glass. the 50mm 1.8 stm is a great lens that is not radically different in image quality from the Nikon counterpart one, the 70-200 f4 the nikon version is worse and twice the price, also the cool pancake lens, cheep and great as i do try to carry my camera as much as i can. Also that ''made in japan'' thing tickles my ears the right way, even though Nikon are still made very well, in some cases better. So i decided to pick the brand with the slight lack of sensor performance, so i can have the kit i want for the money i could put into camera gear over time. ps: Still though... pls canon... 35mm 1.8? without IS? at a nice price? we would love that.

You have a very... 'contrast to 100 all the time' look to your photos and it's... Very interesting. I agree on the dynamic range 100%!

Well, I've got a 5D Mark IV so that's all pretty much sorted now... :D

Be careful you are messing with Canon's pitbull feelings by saying bad things about Canon. BTW who needs DR I still shooting with my film camera. Who needs digital cameras. I can nail my exposure, I need no DR

Please stop being so butthurt :) I'm a very loving and biased Canon user AND I have to admit he's right. Nonetheless I would never let go my Mark IV. Why ? Because it all depends on how you take pictures and what's your main range of subjects. I like grainy photos, so noise is my friend, and it can be too if you learn to use it. Now I'm not saying I know everything, I'm only 17 and 4 years into photography but come on that's basics. Like every sane person said in the comments : they both have their advantages and drawbacks, just pick the one that suits you the best ! That's all.

Thanks a lot for posting this video, I have been telling this since ages how far behind canon sensors are, Started with Canon, moved to Sony then Nikon because I work only with stills, Its day and night difference in both yes Canon has amazing glass and Video auto-focus but come on Its 2018 era of BSI, XTrans sensors.11-13 Stops for a full frame is a shame No I am not canon hater but fact is a fact.

Any camera you could suggest with 4k recording and great for just capturing photos/moments during concerts? Not really into landscape since I don't have the ability to explore that much :)

DR is not everything. There is ISO performance, shadow noise performance, color reproduction, color fringing, how is moire handled and so much more. Plus camera ergonomics, features and reliability! How many times has Nikon had to make recalls the past few years again? Seriously this whole Canon vs. Nikon vs. Sony vs. Fuji vs. etc.. etc.. BS is just that BS from newb people who claim to be photographers and have to much time on their hands simply because if they was a real photographer. They would be out shooting photos..

ANY PHOTOGRAPHER WHO SAYS CANON NIKON OR SONY IS WORSE THAN THE OTHER NEEDS TO EVOLVE AND TRY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY.....I HAVE USED ALL THE THREE AND THEY ALL ARE EXCELLENT....ITS EASY FOR YOU TO SIT AND TALK BUT HAVE NO IDEA WHAT GOES INTO THEIR R&D............. THEY ALL HAVE THEIR OWN ADVANTAGES AND DRAWBACKS......

Damn, this video helped. I did learn a lot. ty

You are right. I have been a canon user for many years . I have switched to the Sony Mirrorless camera and the pictures are just amazing.

Maybe it's just me but Canon still have nice blacks and colours. Nikon seems like the Jacket been bleach a bit. Dit nog like that

i totally love that why i hate canon DSLRs........

Hi @duncandimanche I am hesitating between the Canon EOS r and the Nikon D850, which one should I go with

The Canon sensors are not the problem but how the luminosity/color science works on Canon cameras. When you are comparing two different systems you can't be possibly expecting that you are comparing the same exact luminosity/color science behind the raw files, since they are two different systems that work differently. Put simply, at the time of the exposure Canon gives you a histogram based on a color profile that has more contrast than Nikon, and so you loose a part of the dynamic range. But if you understand this aspect, that Canon is processing the image differently than Nikon does, you can then adjust the Canon camera to get more DR at the time of the exposure simply by dialing down the in-camera contrast. Or simply load a different color profile like Technicolor Cinestyle and make your exposure based on it, not on standard Canon picture profiles. Then you'll see that in fact Canon is actually doing much better than you originally thought when it comes to DR. It is a rookie mistake to shoot Canon cameras with in-camera contrast activated, it should always be set to it's minimum value (0 or -4, depending on the model).

My very first camera was a Sony A7RII... I didn't know nothing about that (Canon poor HDR)... In few months my finals product was same or better than a few of "experimented photographers" (at least IQ and sharpness). One year and a half after, my composition is better. A concert photographer have to know how to recover an image from the darkness. My Sony A7RII has an amazing HDR! At this days, I was thinking that Canon also! Thanks for that, any single day I learn something new!

Just an advice - try out Fuji cameras :)

Hi! Do you have an opinion of how Fuji's compare to Nikon and Canon in this regard? Like for example Fujifilm X-T2 vs 7D II

Can you tell me what the best! Camera should i buy with just 800$ in 2020?? I need a camera good for vedio shooting and photos as well! Can you help me choose something!

Canon better color sciences , better lenses , better auto focus better video. Niko just dynamic range that’s it and also horrible on skin tones

besides the technical side, there is still purely visual how the photo is perceived. So, with Canon it is better. I don’t know what the fault is, optics, matrix ... but this is a fact.

Hi, i am wanting to get into photography (specifically landscape photography) what camera would you think to be best between the canon 6d and the nikon d800. Thank you.

I'm a 5D Mark III user for almost 4 years now i always thought that the 5D3 DR was pretty good until i take pictures with my friends D7100 and blown away with the DR it's just really good and makes me super jealous now :(

If you don't know how to get your exposure right within -1 to + 1 stops then dynamic range is not the problem, the real problem is you.

If Nikon use Sony sensor and you rate it was good.but why Sony use Toshiba sensor?canon make their own sensor,😎

Hi Duncan yes you are correct, the reply was meant for another person. I didn’t tag them (I don’t normally add comments so am inexperienced in this respect). I just find it very frustrating watching these types of KZfaq discussions hoping to learn something but end up reading people slagging one and other off.

Thanks sir, your review its Logic. And i think too, but my partner says its not about gear but it is about the person

Try doing this outside of 100 iso. Entirely different story.

If you have to push 5 stops of light you shouldn't own a camera

Duncan, do you have any recommendations to study photography in Paris? I have been looking for a good course or school. Merci!

Changed from a very loved 5DM2 because of Dynamic Range basically... (after 15 years using Canon) - Very happy with my D800e today (more of a professional tool in every way when compared to the Mark 2... many well thought controls and features) - even though it is an "old" camera About the D5: it is a very extreme compromise - very bad low ISOs for it is tuned for High ISOs... Sony Sensors are only one component - Nikon is king of SNR algorithms from the beginning of the digital age... After 15 years with Canon (film cameras and then the 5DM2), the last 2 years have been a blast using the D800e and legacy Nikon glass...

Duncan, this very well put together video shows why many top professionals prefer Nikon cameras. Canon just cannot get their dynamic range right after all of these years. Canon sells because of their video capability and clever marketing. Now with regards to some of the comments here, when you see Canon advertising agents (which we suspect but no proof) act like Nikon users and attack Nikon products, you know they are paid liars or simply being dishonest. Whatever the case both Canon and Nikon are top companies, the competition is good and I wish both of them well.

Was going great until you mentioned DXO scores then I stopped watching . Just get out and take pictures with what ever camera you have and stop reading rubbish on the internet .

Duncan very well put. That is precisely why I switched from Canon to Nikon back in 2015. Agree Canon has some really mouth watering glass but sorely lacks in dynamic range that limits full exploitation of those beautiful lenses.

Nice video. Should be noted that the so called 2 stop dynamic range is more like one stop in reality practice the base exposure (correct one) will be in the middle. Hence one stop highlight and 1 stop shadow. Also, when you compare dynamic range at higher iso, like around 1600, Canon and Nikon is essentially the same and many say Canon has an edge. Also in practice, a good landscape photographer will know to bracket the exposure out of creative necessity (come on, the camera is already on a tripod) anyway. A good portrait photographer will know to carry an external light source (no, not direct on camera flash) to compress the range as well as add more appealing light to the subject.

I have both Nikon D90 and Canon 5D mark 3. you are talking about DR, well DR is better in Nikon but, If you cannot feel right holding your own camera, why use that. So, after using D90 for years, I am using 5D mk3 now. You guys have to admit... People buy camera for different purpose. Some for taking good photos, some for show off and some for having something complete-which can reach their soul like Canon 5D mark 3 or more expensive Canon cameras. and another thing, If you want landscape go for Nikon and If you want portraits, go for Canon.

All good technical data! Misleading title wasted my time 🙄

Biggest reason for Nikon performing so well here is that they're iso agnostic. Canon are not. Fuji is also iso agnostic, sony a7 have only two gain settings, otherwise agnostic.

I learned several things about photography a long, long, time ago. First, any good photographer can take good photographs with any of the better brands. Second, we all have personal preferences: Some like the look and color of Canon, and some the look and color of Nikon. In blind tests, I usually pick the Nikon images by a wide margin, but that's me. Third, when walking around with my brand new D2x years ago, my brand new D3 years ago, my brand new D4, and now my used D810 [and probably the D850 when it arrives], I always find incredible photographs taken with other brands, and cameras of far inferior quality to mine - go figure. Finally, I also learned that using foul language in defense of one's position, insulting people who disagree with your choice of camera, or defending your choice with rude, uncivil language, demonstrates the author or speaker has a definite opinion [often on faith, not fact], and isn't worth the time, space, or bandwidth to read or listen. P.S.: Dynamic range matters to me, but I won't fight to the death over my personal preferences.

A7Rii ftw..Canon only knows how to make some good glass. Their sensor technology is so way behind in time is not even funny

I have to question your eyes & what kind of monitor & resolution you're editing with. In my eyes in the 2nd half of this video the Canon was looking much better compared to the others.

Nikon is better for still photography and canon is the best compromise for both photo and video. Canon has faster processor. So it's just the nature of work you want to take from the camera which drives the purchase decision. Personally I needed a camera for still photography, so purchased Nikon based on DXO benchmarks. Overall image quality is way higher than that of canon due to better quality sensor. But I have to accept that canon lenses are much better than Nikon in DXO benchmarks in many parameters. So you decide yourself Canon or Nikon? If you choose one over the other, you get something but also lose something.

It's Aug 2018, almost a year later and I think youve been proven right.

But Nikon color sucks compared to Canon.

i always underexpose/ bracket the exposure lower with my A55 , otherwise it gets too exposed, all the time. but yeah i worked with canons and really will nev4er exchange my sony for any of their overpriced gears.

Im using both Canon and nikon, this is true. But the Canon focus nails it all the time. I'm keeping the cabin for videos, nikon for photos.

Unfortunately many people seem to think that DR is only useful for playing with the shadow and highlight sliders in lightroom, but actually a camera with larger DR gives a more natural, flat image with nicely exposed skies and dark, but not black shadows. Also cameras with better DR tend to have better ISO performance, a must for night photography and documentary. I always loved the Canon lenses and the feel of the canon bodies but the image quality of my sony and nikon cameras were just waaay better.

no, no, no... please don´t... you won´t get more followers by spreading click baits, people were raging years upon. you are comparing one big anything to some other irrelevant something. The niche where it really makes a difference is too small. do you even understand the concept of dynamic range? how often do you shoot iso100? iso64? sadly that are the areas where the nikon dynamic range shines - look at iso200 and above and you see whole different picture - nikons dynamic range sinks whereas canon rises above it by at least 1/2 a stop - that is what dxo mark is say (D810 vs 5D4). and every time you get of your lovest iso setting you´re sacrificing your precious dynamic range and actually throws everything away you were advertising here. every camera is designed for specific needs - why Nikon D5 has such a crappy base iso dynamic range? because it´s designed for sport, and nobody cares about it´s DR at base ISO - at higher iso, where it is actually used(moving subjects, fast shutter speed, very high iso) - it shines. d810 is great at base iso DR because its really good landscape camera. but if you really care about DR you will shoot HDR anyway, with extra 12-14 DRstops, not 1/2-1. astro? yeah, could be advantageous. studio? not really, but a matter of taste. here you go a real life comparison - a friend of mine has d800 with it´s astonishing 14.4 Stops of dynamic range. i am a completely different kind of photographer who switched to m43 system. we often meet at events and exchange results - she is always confused, why my tiny cropped m43 sensor can beat her beasty ff dslr in any aspect - colour, dynamic range, iso. the answer is easy - instead of shooting iso 3200, i can comfortably shoot iso 400 (i can get f0.95 glass for affordable price, and shoot at lower shutterspeed, looking for specific moments, ibis will freeze anything static anyway) please don´t mislead uneducated people. 95% of wrong photographic knowledge is spread into the masses by people like you. please care to fix your mistaces in the video - all you are talking is on BASE ISO level.

Today I am buying Canon camera Lol.

I would rather expose properly on Canon while still being able to recover all highlights vs. underexpose and bring up shadows on Nikon.

I learned more about DR :) helpful tut!But I Bracket shots if I feel the need for HDR! I shoot NIKON's :D