Skip to main content

Nikon, Canon cameras prove to be no match for a hydraulic press

The Canon vs. Nikon camera debate is an ongoing one that permeates almost every facet of the online photography world. Normally, I’d do anything in my power to avoid unnecessary retorts about what manufacturer has a better sensor or faster read-outs than the other.

Today is different, though, and that’s because there’s a hydraulic press involved. Yes, that hydraulic press.

Recommended Videos

For its latest video, the Hydraulic Press Channel got a hold of a pair of 35mm film cameras and decided to take the Nikon vs. Canon debate to its most brutal reaches yet.

The victims of the demonstration are a Nikon FA and Canon AE–1, two of the most ubiquitous film cameras around. No matter how old or non-functioning a camera is, I’m usually not fond of watching them get destroyed or discarded. But I’ll let my conscience slide this time for the sake of pure entertainment value.

As for what camera came out on top after the destruction, we’ll leave it up to you to decide. Personally, I think the Nikon prevailed. But the reality is both cameras are nothing more than scrap metal now, so there’s not much to debate on that front since they’re both destined for a trash can.

Beyond the cameras, the Hydraulic Press Channel also put a Canon FD 70–150mm f/4.5 lens to the test. While that lens, too, was crushed, it was a bit surprising to see how well the optical elements stayed in place and relatively intact.

It should go without saying, but don’t try this at home — even if you somehow happen to have a hydraulic press sitting around.

Gannon Burgett
Former Digital Trends Contributor
The Nikon D6 camera is finally arriving on May 21
nikon d6 announced full width lifestyle flagship

After a two-month delay, Nikon’s newest flagship is getting ready to ship: The Nikon D6 will be available beginning on May 21, the company said on Friday.

The camera, Nikon’s flagship -- and thus most expensive -- DSLR was originally slated for a March release.

Read more
Phone cameras are so good, they’ve finally replaced my camera for work
Close up of the camera on the iPhone 16 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro.

For almost two decades, I’ve carried more than twenty pounds of electronics in my backpack for the slightest chance of needing to capture content for my professional life. My backpack usually contained my MacBook, a full-frame camera with a big lens, a tripod, and an assortment of video and audio gear that I always deemed essential.

As it turns out, over the past two years, many of these items were rendered obsolete, as many companies launched new products that were quickly able to replace technology that I previously considered irreplaceable.

Read more
This is what happens ‘when you get two uber-geeks in space at the same time’
NASA's Don Pettit on the space station.



During NASA’s first-ever Twitch livestream from the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday, current station inhabitant Don Pettit and recent returnee Matthew Dominick talked about what it’s like to live and work in a satellite 250 miles up.

Read more