Nikon D90 or Canon 50D

[jb60606]

I know there are dozens of polls on the internet asking the same question, but they're somewhat dated and I'd rather get current/live feedback, in case there have been any major developments, before I pick up one or the other tonight.

FYI: I don't care for the video feature of the Nikon, but the geo-tagging will be handy.

Do you prefer one brand over the other?

 

[flosseR]

Nikon man here , had the D90 and it was a great camera.. 11 AF points and very great handling...

 

[Westside guy]

We Nikon folks will probably all say "D90", and the Canon folks will all say "50D" - so really all this poll will accomplish is counting the relative number of Canon and Nikon shooters on the forum.

They're both fine cameras. I'm sure this will eventually degrade into a fanboy argument though - they always do.

 

[fiercetiger224]

We Nikon folks will probably all say "D90", and the Canon folks will all say "50D" - so really all this poll will accomplish is counting the relative number of Canon and Nikon shooters on the forum.

They're both fine cameras. I'm sure this will eventually degrade into a fanboy argument though - they always do.

Haha well I'm a Canon guy, but I say D90. Why? Because the 50D isn't as good as the D90 at high ISO performance, but not by much.

Of course, if you already have a lens lineup for a particular brand, you should stick with that. But since you're asking between two brands, it sounds like you're just starting off. So really, go play with the cameras in-store, and see which feels better to you. In the end, it's all about ergonomics, functionality, etc. It's what you're comfortable with.

If you can hold off, it sounds like both Canon and Nikon are prepping the successors to those cameras, so a D90x or whatever it's gonna be called and a 60D should be due in the next couple months.

 

[mjoshi123]

Nikon man here , had the D90 and it was a great camera.. 11 AF points and very great handling...

You cannot go wrong with either. It all depends if you already have lens collection or you are just starting. If you already have lens collection go with that brand because glass is what makes your camera system. Body can be replaced easily but glass is your investment. I've choosen Canon and I'm pretty happy with mine.

 

[amoda]

I'd say save for another month or two if need be and get yourself a 7D.

 

[AlaskaMoose]

I'd say save for another month or two if need be and get yourself a 7D.

That's the best idea so far

 

[Designer Dale]

I use Canon but won't vote because there is no "Both" option. I wound up with a used XSi out of finances. If I had more cash at the time I would have gone with the Pentax K7. Take that!

Dale

 

[El Cabong]

Do you prefer one brand over the other?

The question is: do you?

Go to a store, play with the two cameras with different lenses from the respective brands, and figure out which one you like better.

 

[puckhead193]

I picked the d90 because the canon felt weird in my hand and it wasn't comfortable...
Also look at the difference lens you might want to purchase

 

[MorganK]

I voted D90. I'm a Nikon girl though. From my first DSLR, Nikons just felt better in my hand. So many of the features are the same it is hard to pick based on that. I'd suggest going to a store and handling both then making a decision.

 

[OrangeCuse44]

Go to the store and handle each body. Comfort matters a lot. Both will give you great photos but being able to handle the camera for extended periods of time is important. I was in the same position as you, went to the camera store, used both bodies and quickly found out I'm a Nikon guy. Everyone is different.

 

[Scooterman1]

I went with Minolta back when everyone else was going with Nikon. Years ago. Then bought another (Minolta XD11). Great camera.
Then with a Nikon 35mm.
Now, with a Nikon D90. I wanted what had been considered 'The Best' for years. I love my D90. I know Canon owners seem to love their Canons.

 

[sactownbwoy]

I went the D90 because I liked the way it felt in my hands, spec wise they are about the same. I just felt more comfortable holding the d90

 

[AlexH]

Go to the store and handle each body. Comfort matters a lot. Both will give you great photos but being able to handle the camera for extended periods of time is important.

QFT. Both are fine cameras and both sport some very nice lenses within their ecosystems. Go hold them, figure out which fits you best, and enjoy taking some wonderful shots!

 

[The Mad Kiwi]

Buy the Canon because all Nikon cameras are crap.


Just joking people just joking. Still buy the Canon, because Canon owners are sexier. That's not a joke everyone knows that's the truth, Ruth.

 

[RHVC59]

Nikon would be my choice.
But then I am a nikon shooter, and don't want to replace my lens.

 

[Razeus]

I say Canon 50D (because I'm a Canon guy and own one)

But then again, you really need to look at what you want to shoot. I shoot a lot of my son's little league/soccer/karate and looking to take more action shoots. The FPS from the 50D is superior to that of the D90. I'm not concerned about ISO. I know people give Canon a hard time about ISO, but it doesn't bother me (and I don't shoot much high ISO photos). Especially after learning my system and exposing to the right 1 notch. Plus Nik Dfine is one hell of a noise reduction program and highly recommend it for any photographer.

 

[Artful Dodger]

I have a D90 and before that a D50. I went in thinking and wanting a Canon at the time but as most have mentioned, the feel in the hands is what mattered more than the name on the camera. I left with a Nikon and have remained with Nikon for the same reason.
I think the happiest photographer is the one that is able to get the picture they wanted and enjoys getting out there doing just that Enjoy!

 

[scaredpoet]

I shot Nikon when the best SLRs were Film, and shoot Canon now in Digital. I would go with the 50D. Mainly because I have the accessories and have "bought in" already But, I did, and still do, prefer the Canon features and interface.

 

[bornblind]

Canon 50D I have one. Canon has never let me down. I agree with the others get your hands on both and see which one you like the feel of better. Good Luck on you choice.

 

[oblomow]

Whatever fits better in your hands. Ergonomics is a big thing if you have to hold your camera a long time. btw if money is an issue, get the 40D. Cheap AND good.

 

[AlaskaMoose]

For some reason I don't even think how it feels in my hands, perhaps because that's not important to me (?). Instead I like the layout of the camera's controls, specially the buttons on the back of the camera. I like the button layout of the Canon 40D, although I will upgrade to a 5D II within two years, and use the 40D as backup for another year or two. Eventually it will be a 5DII for landscapes, and a 7D or so for wildlife, regardless of how they feel in my hands.

Now, I do like the way some firearms, and not others, feel in my hands

 

[oblomow]

For some reason I don't even think how it feels in my hands, perhaps because that's not important to me (?). Instead I like the layout of the camera's controls, specially the buttons on the back of the camera. I like the button layout of the Canon 40D, although I will upgrade to a 5D II within two years, and use the 40D as backup for another year or two. Eventually it will be a 5DII for landscapes, and a 7D or so for wildlife, regardless of how they feel in my hands.

Now, I do like the way some firearms, and not others, feel in my hands

That's what I meant, how it feels in your hand and that you're able to control the camera without straining yourself. I like my 30D and will dream for some more years about an upgrade. It still fits my needs.

 

[pdxflint]

You might also want to consider a mint/excellent condition slightly used D300- no video, but another level above the D90 or 50D in AF performance and durability/build quality/customization. It's basically a D700 with a DX sensor. Mid $900s, maybe even less now. Just shop around some forums and check the pricing on eBay, if you're comfortable with that.

Just something to think about...