The Portland Metro Photographic News

A commentary by Tom Hubbard, PMPN, July 17, 2009

The Internet debates over which DSLR camera or computer is best, rage on.  Googling "Which is better, PC or Mac?" yielded 38 million results.  Searching on the "Nikon versus Canon" question produced 19.9 million selections.  Wondering how these search results compared to other 21st century questions, I researched "Is there life on other planets?" -- 5.6 million results.  Then I tried "Is there life after death?" and was presented 94.8 million selections.  At least we seem to have our priorities in order.

But still, 57.9 million results is a lot of virtual ink to spend on two questions which, to me, have rather simple and reality-based answers.  What confounds me even more is the fact that, even though I "know" the answer, I still find myself reading these endless discussions and often heated debates.

So, which is better, PC or Mac?

Neither.  This blunt answer deserves a short explanation.  Stressing the word "short".

Given that:

• both PCs and Macs are now equipped with Intel brains;
• both systems have similar peripheral device options;
• both systems will talk to each other;
• major manufacturers of digital imaging and page layout software provide PC and Mac versions;

then:

• using a PC or Mac with equivalent technical specifications and configurations;
• using the same popular digital imaging software;
• using similar peripheral devices;

results in:

A digital imaging computer that is more than capable of handling today's digital photography demands. In the end, there is not a performance or quality difference that provides a clear winner.  Both platforms perform equally well when properly configured, and both do the photographic or graphic arts job.

The question comes down to: "Which platform provides the best operating system?"  Here the answer is much more personal.  If you grew up in the Windows world, then you may feel more productive and comfortable in this environment.  The same can be said of die-hard Mac OSX users.  In the meantime, both operating systems continue to mature at about the same pace in terms of capabilities, features and user friendliness.  (No Vista jokes please.  Every operating system, including Mac OSX, had hiccups when it was first introduced.)

In the area of price, PCs MAY have an edge.  I say MAY because of my first "then" statement above.  Make sure you are comparing apples-to-apples.  Do your price comparisons after you've added up the cost of everything required to make both systems truly equal.

So, which is better, Nikon or Canon?

Neither.  The answer is the same, but in this case, looking a little closer at overall DSLR market pricing does help address the question.

Generally speaking, DSLR cameras in the same price range from different manufacturers provide nearly identical features and levels of image quality.  When one manufacturer announces an advancement in technology that is perceived as important by the customer, it's only a blink of the marketing eye before a similar technology or feature is added to the competitions' camera lines in that same price category.  Over the relatively short run, any differences between DSLR cameras in the same price range are minor.

The real concern for someone buying a DSLR is to recognize and accept the fact that their camera choice will essentially lock the buyer into that manufacturer's system.  Unlike the major peripherals for computers that can often be used on both PC and Mac platforms, lenses and accessories from one camera manufacturer cannot normally be used on another manufacturer's camera.  Lenses are a good example, and are also the most significant on-going equipment expense a photographer faces.

It doesn't take long before a photographer begins adding a second, third and fourth lens to his camera bag.  There are good reasons for buying additional lenses, and the ability to accept many lenses is a key strength of a DSLR camera system.  However, that investment is specific to the DSLR products of your camera's manufacturer.  You are financially "locked in".

This downside only becomes apparent when a photographer decides to change camera manufacturer.  Then it's a significant concern.  For a photographer to reproduce his collection of lenses and camera-specific accessories requires a complete re-investment.  Ouch.  Fortunately, there may be some trade-in value to your old equipment that might help soften the blow to your pocketbook.  So, when making that initial camera purchase, choose the camera system that meets your requirements and is most comfortable as your daily companion.

Note: One new factor has been introduced recently to further complicate the financial picture.  With the advent of full frame sensor DSLRs, deciding to "step up" to a full frame camera made by the manufacturer of your current camera will likely require you to purchase new lenses.  (Bummer.  Should have held on to those old film-based 35mm SLR lenses.)

The Certainties:

The certainties in both the camera and computer worlds are that the evolution of these technologies is inescapable, and the introductions of new models is a given.  Judging by past performance, it's equally certain that an improvement by one manufacturer will result in a similar advancement by other manufacturers to balance the competitive scales.

Keeping up with the Joneses:

Contrary to popular belief, it is NOT necessary to purchase a new camera every time a press release appears on the Internet.  Generally speaking, technological enhancements to cameras and computers are made in small increments.  If your current equipment is doing the job, there is no urgent need to upgrade.  Wear out your equipment, and maximize your investment.

Personally, I'd much rather buy a Version 2.0 of anything than be the guinea pig who suffers through the de-bugging pains of Version 1.0 -- computers, software or cameras.  Let the Joneses blaze that trail.