Deciding on Nikon D90 or Canon 500D

[skibumofvt]

I am really stuck between the D90 and 500D. I realize that the 500D has more megapixels, and better HD video quality. But I'm really stuck, I currently own a nikon D40 and was thinking about just upgrading my lenses since I only have the 18-55. But the D40 doesn't have the lens motor so wouldn't it cost me alot more to get nice lenses? I am also looking for a camera that shoots HD video for skiing, and time-lapses.

[taintedwheat]

You should do a search before you post a new thread because at least one other thread comes to mind in the comparison of these cameras.

To answer your question; it depends on whether you want a more professional or consumer feeling camera. The two probably have very similar image quality (the extra ~3 mp on the Canon is negligible) but the D90 is a prosumer grade camera, being a good deal larger than the 500D and having a dedicated display for EXIF data. The 500D has the exact same body as the 450D which may be too small for some. If you like the size of your D40, the 500D is probably a smidge bigger which you might like. It really depends on what you prefer.

[SUPERSTEVE9219]

Your going to get similar image quality from both cameras, but the D90 has a much more professional interface (more dedicated buttons, larger, ect.). If you're comfortable with the D40 than I would just go with the D90.

As for the price difference older lenses are normally alot cheaper than the newer lenses with built in focusing motors. And btw you do not need a video function for making time lapses, time lapse videos are made from a series of pictures not video.

[noahc]

I struggled with this same decision (and also considered, briefly, the D5000).

Ultimately I choose the T1i (500D). HD video was an important element of my decision, since I do plan to use this feature, as was the decision to apply some of the cost savings for the 500D (as small as they may be) on a second lens. I also liked the lighter weight of the 500D since I will primarily be using this for travel.

Since you already have a Nikon lens, I think the D90 is the obvious choice -- unless you really want to make the decision based on the video and weight issues as I did.

[cube]

More megapixels does not mean better and the 500D does 1080p only at 20fps: marketing.

[thunderweb]

I personally would go with the D90. That's what I'm doing, I just like the Nikon way better than the Cannon. Go into like Best Buy or some place that you can compare them side to side and mess around with them. Find out which one you like more and go with that one.

[noahc]

More megapixels does not mean better and the 500D does 1080p only at 20fps: marketing.

Yes, but the 720p video of the T1i is still quite a bit better than the D90 video.

[MSM Hobbes]

Between these two choices, I'd go for the Nikon.

However, if ya could save up or expense a few hundred extra, I'd go for the Canon 50D. Have been quite proud owner of this camera for ~4 weeks, and am amazed at what it can do... there is much yet to learn and explore with this camera.

[gkarris]

Yes, but the 720p video of the T1i is still quite a bit better than the D90 video.

You all are choosing dSLR's based on its video performance? :eek:

:confused:

[Phrasikleia]

However, if ya could save up or expense a few hundred extra, I'd go for the Canon 50D.

At that level, I'd say the Pentax K-7 is the new king of the hill. It won't start shipping until July, though.

[LittleCanonKid]

At that level, I'd say the Pentax K-7 is the new king of the hill. It won't start shipping until July, though.Seriously. Quite a weatherproofed beast... :eek: Has the OP looked at other brands?

[jessica.]

Wait a second, do you have any cash sunk into glass? If so, stick with the Nikon.

You all are choosing dSLR's based on its video performance? :eek:

:confused:

I'm with you on this one.

[Perk]

My vote would go for the Nikon D90.

[NEiMac]

I personally love Nikon, and if you have nikon glass switching over to canon probably doesn't make much sense. Best thing you can do is handle both camera's see what feels more comfortable to you.

[noahc]

You all are choosing dSLR's based on its video performance? :eek:

:confused:

To clarify and provide the missing info -- and t I had 1 piece of Canon glass already -- so to not go with the Canon option was already an uphill battle. The better quality video and lighter weight of the Canon helped me me justify not making the additional investment in the D90, but it was not why I purchased the DSLR.

[compuwar]

At that level, I'd say the Pentax K-7 is the new king of the hill. It won't start shipping until July, though.

It's difficult to say that a camera that's not yet shipping is the king of anything.

[Phrasikleia]

It's difficult to say that a camera that's not yet shipping is the king of anything.

True, but even if its new (and supposedly improved) sensor turns out to be no better than the one in the K20D, it will be a better spec'ed camera with comparable image quality.

[DeepCobalt]

+1 for the D90. I just bought one and love it! I will also say that the higher Megapixels on the 500D make the kit lens that comes with it pretty weak...

[modular]

i vote for the canon. photo quality isnt really gonna be much of a difference. they're both great at taking photos. canon has much better video over nikon from the samples i've seen so far.

[alphaod]

Nikon: better optics and just as good sensor. Whatever either one offers in video is a not a solution—just a marketing selling-point.

And I'm a Canon owner and that's from after playing around with Nikon cameras. I know what I'm getting next. :)

[David G.]

If I were in your situation I would get the the one that felt the best in my hand. :eek:

[Cole Slaw]

If I were in your position and didn't have much invested in a particular brands lenses/accessories I wait just a bit and take a look at the Pentax K-7.
That camera looks very interesting to me.

[wheelhot]

Actually go with any of the brand that makes you happy, most people will recommend Canon or Nikon because of the lens expertise and how long they have been in the business and they seem to do well.

About the lenses, both Canon and Nikon lens are equally good especially the L lens or Nikon FX lenses, comparing between them is just being nitpicky cause the end result will still be stunning nonetheless.

So choose the brand you are happy with cause then it will be some sort of motivation to bring your camera around, you wont bring around things that you don't like right? :)

[AlaskaMoose]

Actually go with any of the brand that makes you happy, most people will recommend Canon or Nikon because of the lens expertise and how long they have been in the business and they seem to do well.

About the lenses, both Canon and Nikon lens are equally good especially the L lens or Nikon FX lenses, comparing between them is just being nitpicky cause the end result will still be stunning nonetheless.

So choose the brand you are happy with cause then it will be some sort of motivation to bring your camera around, you wont bring around things that you don't like right? :)
Good points.

[Patriks7]

I was just in a situation of choosing my first DSLR (just have to get the time to go buy it now) and got some really great advice here:
A better body will not get you better pictures if you don't have the better lens to accompany it. So it is better (and cheaper) to just upgrade your lens for the D40.
About the video, the quality of the 500D might be better, but sound is really bad on all of them (at least from what I tried). The microphone is tiny and it easily picks up the sound of the lens when it's focusing. I was also thinking about the 500D for the video, but after that experience, the 250€ difference really isn't worth it. Better to put that toward a real HD camcorder.
So just something to think about.

[Maxxamillian]

I have a cousin that is in the same boat. She is coming to stay with my wife and I for the summer...and if she picks the wrong body / brand then she misses out on getting to play with some of the photo equipment I've accumulated.

You might want to take a look around at what your friends / family are using--if you plan it right then you might be able to use their equipment which could in turn slow the expense of photography for you.

Make no mistake about it, at most levels photography is expensive. :(

Good luck!

[cube]

I would also wait for the K-7.

[mrbash]

I own a Canon 350D, 40D and a 5D. However, I feel that the Nikon bodies are better, and have more features than the Canon bodies. That's why they cost more than the Canon. For example they have a LCD projection in the view-finder, built-in remote flash transmitter. The bodies are also much more solid.

If you are looking to make a long-term investment, go with Nikon. You'll end up saving money not just on accessories (cannon has fewer features, and the accessories cost more) but the Nikon lenses are cheaper.

[aaronw1986]

I own a Canon 350D, 40D and a 5D. However, I feel that the Nikon bodies are better, and have more features than the Canon bodies. That's why they cost more than the Canon. For example they have a LCD projection in the view-finder, built-in remote flash transmitter. The bodies are also much more solid.

If you are looking to make a long-term investment, go with Nikon. You'll end up saving money not just on accessories (cannon has fewer features, and the accessories cost more) but the Nikon lenses are cheaper.

Did you just say Nikon lenses are cheaper, :confused:

[AlaskaMoose]

Deleted double post.

[AlaskaMoose]

I own a Canon 350D, 40D and a 5D. However, I feel that the Nikon bodies are better, and have more features than the Canon bodies. That's why they cost more than the Canon. For example they have a LCD projection in the view-finder, built-in remote flash transmitter. The bodies are also much more solid.

If you are looking to make a long-term investment, go with Nikon. You'll end up saving money not just on accessories (cannon has fewer features, and the accessories cost more) but the Nikon lenses are cheaper.

Feelings have nothing to do with reality. If that was the case, then all would be buying Nikon instead of Canon. The reality is that both Nikon and Canon cameras are very similar in features. One model may have something the other model doesn't have, which broadens your choices. Both have similar accessories, and the lenses from both are quite similar in IQ and price depending on which lens you choose. You aren't comparing apples and oranges here, but apples and apples or oranges and oranges.

[mrbash]

Did you just say Nikon lenses are cheaper, :confused:

Yes. Compared with Canon L series lenses the Nikon lenses are more affordable.

[luminosity]

Yes. Compared with Canon L series lenses the Nikon lenses are more affordable.

That just isn't so, or at least not straight across as you seem to be implying. If you want to compare consumer-level Nikon glass with L lenses, then sure, it's more affordable. But, if you're looking at premium glass on both sides, then Canon has better prices on some of the lenses. The Canon 24-70L retails (with rebate) for just under $1200 at B&H (meaning the cheapest and best place, generally speaking), whereas the Nikon 24-70 checks in at a bit over $1,700, assuming you're going for the USA versions.

There are other variations, like with the 17-55 2.8 for both sides. The Nikon 17-55 is a gold ring lens, a top-flight piece of glass, particularly in terms of construction. The latter is where it's superior to the Canon version, which happens to be a couple hundred dollars cheaper. You sacrifice build quality, though (it's not an L lens), and having banged my 17-55 into a brick wall adjoining a door frame (the barrel, not the actual glass), I can tell you that build is sometimes important. My lens chipped the brick. I suspect the Canon might have met its end, or suffered heavy damage.

At any rate, it goes on. The Canon 85mm 1.8 is cheaper than the Nikon 85mm 1.8. The Canon 85mm 1.2 is more expensive than Nikon's 1.4 version, but of course you're getting an extra stop too. And so it goes throughout the lineups.

[TheStrudel]

Another piece of advice:

TRY both cameras in question. Go to a camera store, pick one up, and test the feel of them. As a Nikon user (D80), I know some Canon DSLRs are superior in terms of image quality or features. But I also prefer Nikon's handle on ergonomics and find it much more usable. Other people will disagree with me and find Canon DSLRs easier to handle. This is a very personal decision and it's one you'll have to live with. If you're not invested in a lens system already, try both machines (extensively, if possible), and pick the one that will work best for you long-term. Don't go on specs or price. Go with what feels best.

[thefos.]

i recently took up surf photography and am tossing up between a nikon d90 with 2 lenses (18-55mm and 50-200mm) or a canon 500d with 1 lens (18-200mm). the nikon has an rate of 4.5 fps and the canon and a 3.4 fps rating. i will be taking quiet alot of sequence shots and would like to know what camera would be the best for this line of photography. any advice is appreciated.