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.
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Deciding on Nikon D90 or Canon 500D
- Thread starter skibumofvt
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wait a second, do you have any cash sunk into glass? If so, stick with the Nikon.
I'm with you on this one.
You all are choosing dSLR's based on its video performance?
I'm with you on this one.
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.
You all are choosing dSLR's based on its video performance?
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.
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.
+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...
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?
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.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?
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.
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.