Nikon/Canon-If learning from scratch, which flash system would you want?

[Jalva22]

I'm more interested in which flash system will be easiest for someone who is new to DSLR photography to LEARN, than in which system is best. I've read what seems to me a ton on which system is best and the sense I get is Nikon, but the gap is pretty narrow now. I know this is subjective, and maybe the answer is that their equally easy (or more probably) difficult to learn.

I'm interested in learning portraiture and am having a terrible time deciding between the Canon and Nikon systems.

[GaryS]

I think Nikon's on-camera system is rated more highly than Canon, but if you are buying a light kit to do portraits, then both systems are the same.

Not that it helps you to decide....

Personally, I picked Canon. I thought the systems (accessories, lens, support etc) were the same between them. I just liked the XTi best of the bodies, so Canon it is. I think both are great systems, and you will be TOTALLY happy with either.

[Jalva22]

Thanks! I also should have been more specific in saying using hotshoe mounted flashes (SB600 or SB 800 v 430EX or 580EX), not just the popup flash.

[aparmley]

Of all the things that I've learned about flash photography over the past 6 months this one thing probably stands out the most (I didn't know anything about it to begin with either):

The question you just asked is completely irrelevant.

Its a lot like asking this question; which camera system takes better photos in landscape mode?

You aren't purchasing a DSLR so you can use it in "Point and shoot" mode.

Stop by www.strobist.blogspot.com and see why you should use flash in "point 'n shoot" mode either. I bet after a few days of reading all the past articles you'll come to the same conclusion - if you understand flash - you can shoot Nikon body with Canon Flashes or Canon bodies with nikon flashes and create the exact same photo.

So, again, I offer: this question is irrelevant. please don't base your decision on the answer to this question.

[jcon]

I agree with Aparmley. I will mention though, Nikon has the better speedlights and are VERY easy to use/set up.

[timmciglobal]

I'd agree both strobe systems can work perfectly fine. I don't think it's "Strobe system" dependent.

Nikon does offer wireless commander mode in d80 which at least to start can save you from needing a shoe flash to command the off camera ones. I think if your serious into flash photography with many flashes this "benefit" becomes 0 since you'll own many flashes + hotlights.

Tim

[Jalva22]

Thank you for your responses. I was really primarily wondering which system is easiest to learn. I know flash photography is an entirely different animal and not a simple one. Basically just wondering if one system's hot shoe flashes are significantly easier than the other's to use. Just not sure how successful I'll be in learning flash photography, so wanted to give myself the best chance of sticking with it. Thanks again!

[aparmley]

Thank you for your responses. I was really primarily wondering which system is easiest to learn. I know flash photography is an entirely different animal and not a simple one. Basically just wondering if one system's hot shoe flashes are significantly easier than the other's to use. Just not sure how successful I'll be in learning flash photography, so wanted to give myself the best chance of sticking with it. Thanks again!

Jalva - your question was/is a good one - we all had it when we started out and I think there are quite a few people here who would be considered "Experienced" who still have that question. In all honesty, I myself have just recently moved past the "how easy is the system to learn" to the point where I see now that it isn't the system but, again, the photographer's knowledge and comfort in the flash system they have chosen.