Nikon D90 vs Canon 500d?

spongo

spongo

Messages
69
Name
Jon
Edit My Images
No
Hey guys,
I'm just about to trade up to a mid-range dslr after using a compact successfully for many years. In the interest of 'futureproofing' myself against out-growing my equipment, I have decided to stretch myself and get a good mid-range body. I have been drawn to the D90 with the 18-105 vr kit lens and have seen some really low shutter-count deals with no more than 4000 actuations At £550-£650 on fleabay. I have, however, just been offered a clean Canon 500d with 7000 actuations and the 18-55 is kit lens for £350. So here is my quandry.
I've heard that the kit glass on the 500d is not up to the 15mp job and would need to be replaced. Also that the D90 is just a better body and thought through from a point of performance rather than marketing. I've heard that the higher pixel count of the 500d is un-exploitable with the quality of glass provided in the kit, and that other areas of it's design look good on paper but do not play out in the field in the same manner.
Is this true? Has anyone used both? Is the D90's flexibility in regard to glass going to make it the best (although more expensive) long term choice? Is there anything I've missed? The answer to these questions may seem glaringly obvious to many, but I would rather ask than not, as it's a lot of money to make a mistake with. Thanks guys, opinions please........:thumbs:
 
Hi Jon

Have a look here http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/cat1.html for new prices, gives you an idea of i your looking at a bargain or not. Don't forget the classifieds on here as some good buys can be got.

With regards to the 2 bodies you mention, have you tried either model - you may prefer one over the other as choosing / using a camera is a personnal choice. Do you have any family or friends that have 1 make - means you could poss share lenses or poss at least try one their lenses before you buy a new lens.

I don't think you'd be disappointed by either model / manufactorer.

Good luck with your search :thumbs:
 
I had this dilema last March.

I went for the D90 and am really happy I did. After comparing the 2 the first thing I noticed is that the Nikon was much more comfortable to hold as the canon seemed tiny and too small.

It also seemed to me that the D90 would be more future proof out of the two. Having played with both of them I also much prefer the extra LCD screen on the D90 meaing that I dont have to keep using the rear LED screen to make adjustments.

The D90 just seems a much better thought out built camera and ticked all the boxes for what I was looking for.

But with everything its all down to personal opinion and I'm sure the Canon can take as good photos as the Nikon.

Go and have a play in a shop and see what you think.

Good luck though.
 
Interesting, but I wouldn't consider the 500D as a mid range camera. I don't know a thing about the Nikon range, so don't know how it compares to a D90. I would consider the 50D or 60D to be mid range.
 
d90 all the way, i picked mine up new from parkcameras for 589(body only). extremelly happy with my choice.
 
swag72 said:
Interesting, but I wouldn't consider the 500D as a mid range camera. I don't know a thing about the Nikon range, so don't know how it compares to a D90. I would consider the 50D or 60D to be mid range.
Click to expand...

That's the thing with trying to compare the Nikon and Canon ranges, the models don't match up exactly.
 
oldnick said:
I'd go for the 550d the D90 is starting to look very old
Click to expand...

is it? :thinking: it may have been out a couple of years but it still more than holds its own against the 'newer' models (oh...but wait...it's only got 12mpx right? :suspect:)

swag72 said:
Interesting, but I wouldn't consider the 500D as a mid range camera. I don't know a thing about the Nikon range, so don't know how it compares to a D90. I would consider the 50D or 60D to be mid range.
Click to expand...

yus..the D90 sits higher than the 500D.
Oddly though here is a quite in depth comparison of the two:
http://www.digitalreview.ca/content/Canon-Rebel-T1i-EOS-500D-Compared-to-Nikon-D90.shtml
and here is one for the D90 and 550D
http://www.digitalreview.ca/content/Canon-Rebel-T2i-EOS-550D-Compared-to-Nikon-D90.shtml

two main things on my D90 that I feel really put it a step above models such as the 500D/550D and Nikons own D5000 is a pentaprism viewfinder (going from a pentamirror D40 viewfinder the difference was IMMENSE) and a top panel LCD which to me proves invaluable.
 
Last edited:
The Canon 50D is what I would rate the D90 against. They are both fantastic cameras and easy to use. The 50D wins on build but the D90 wins on feel.
 
First of all,thanks for the input people and keep it coming, but I think I need to be clearer on my quandary. The D90 is most definitely my first choice, but the 500d is about £200 cheaper for me. It's whether the trade off in quality is worth the saving? Is there a lot of difference in actual quality or light balance processing? If not, I may go for the cheaper option. Also, the built in af motor in the D90; Will it actually make purchasing good quality glass a cheaper process in the future? I guess that these are my two main areas of concern.:suspect:
 
I would go for the Nikon. If i could afford one it would be my choice and i am a complete noob. Got the chance to try one and was blown away by it.
 
I'd love the D90 now. Unfortunately, if I decide to go that route, I'll probably wait till end of Jan/beginning of Feb to pick up a cheapie. Another thing in the 500d's favour is that I can afford it now........ Decisions, decisions.:thinking:
 
Digital Depot get a body only, pick up a cheap 18-55mm, sorted
(d90 btw)
 
I had the same problem (if you can call buying a new fancy camera a problem) a short while back and after trying them in the hand and reading every review (and been told the D90 was outdated and 'old' technology by a shop :cuckoo:) I went for the D90

Its an excellent camera and very easy to use...

Your price is a bit high for second hand. I got mine brand new with extended warranty etc for £750 (I talked the guy down from £800 :thumbs:) and there are even cheaper deals around since then so check new prices before buying second hand
 
I have to say there are very few people stepping forward in defence of the 500d. That's great though, just confirming my instincts. I think it's going to be D90 18-105. Just a few more squid to find now. Thanks guys n gals.:thumbs:
 
I would go to Jessops and pick them both up, they are very differant. The D90 is a huge heavy lump, that your unlikely to enjoy carting about. The 500D is quite small and very light. It all boils down to how you think you will use your camera. I often take mine to work, on the off chance that I might see something interesting. There is no way I would take a D90 with me. As I hinted above. The D90 must be close to being replaced, so a delay in your purchase would be a good idea, as the price will drop when the replacement hits the shops. If you want to be relatively future proof, have a look at the Canon 550D or the Nikon 3200.
 
Last edited:
oldnick said:
I would go to Jessops and pick them both up, they are very differant. The D90 is a huge heavy lump, that your unlikely to enjoy carting about. The 500D is quite small and very light. It all boils down to how you think you will use your camera. I often take mine to work, on the off chance that I might see something interesting. There is no way I would take a D90 with me. As I hinted above. The D90 must be close to being replaced, so a delay in your purchase would be a good idea, as the price will drop when the replacement hits the shops. If you want to be relatively future proof, have a look at the Canon 550D or the Nikon 3200.
Click to expand...

say waa? the D90 isn't a huge heavy lump! I take mine with kit lens and Nissin flash loadsa places in a muffintop 4000!
 
I wouldn't say the D90 was that heavy, there's probably not that much in it compared to the 500D.

Here's my D90 on a scale:

5118990276_dea0e9e449_z.jpg


(That includes the screen condom thing, strap, and standard 18-55 kit lens)
 
oldnick said:
I would go to Jessops and pick them both up, they are very differant. The D90 is a huge heavy lump, that your unlikely to enjoy carting about. The 500D is quite small and very light. It all boils down to how you think you will use your camera. I often take mine to work, on the off chance that I might see something interesting. There is no way I would take a D90 with me. As I hinted above. The D90 must be close to being replaced, so a delay in your purchase would be a good idea, as the price will drop when the replacement hits the shops. If you want to be relatively future proof, have a look at the Canon 550D or the Nikon 3200.
Click to expand...

are you sure about that brother?
 
I was considering the 550D vs D90 and I've decided to go for the D90. It just feels more comfortable, and I like the top LCD screen. Haven't got it yet, but I've been using a friend's (with 18-105 kit lens) for the past month and I love it, can't wait to get my own. :D
 
Took your advice and went into Parks in Sussex today. I tried both cameras and to be honest, the canon felt fragile compared to the Nikon. Also, the positioning of my thumb and index finger felt cramped and slightly uncomfortable on the 500d whereas they just fell into position on the d90. The Nikon felt nicely balanced with the 18-105 vr. I think my decision is made, although it may be a while until it comes home to roost as I think I'm gonna hold out for the Christmas sales. For better or worse, at least for now......

:nikon:
 
Canons maybe brilliant cameras but they feel like a bag of spanners and as user friendly as a rocket powered tampon. :gag: :gag:
 
redddraggon said:
I wouldn't say the D90 was that heavy, there's probably not that much in it compared to the 500D.

Here's my D90 on a scale:

5118990276_dea0e9e449_z.jpg


(That includes the screen condom thing, strap, and standard 18-55 kit lens)
Click to expand...


There's a lot in it, the body weight of the D90 with battery is 703 grams, the 500D only weighs 520 grams.
So the D90 is 6 1/2 ounces heavier.
Then remember that you will be adding between 300 and 800 grams worth of lenses at some point, so its really easy to end up lugging 3-5LB of kit about for the day.

For anyone who has a problem with weights, mobility or other health issues that affect fitness it can be an issue, for me it was the difference between buying the 500D rather than going for a 50D and it ruled Nikon's out completely.

At the end of the day though, they will both do an admirable job, each has its strong points/weaknesses and though the Canon lads and Nikon lads will argue the toss that one is better than the other the truth is they're pretty much on par all things considered, so just go to a shop that has both and try them out with the desired lens, see how they feel and which feels best to you.

*edit* ohhh wait... you did lol.. good man..
 
Last edited:
diggerz said:
Canons maybe brilliant cameras but they feel like a bag of spanners and as user friendly as a rocket powered tampon. :gag: :gag:
Click to expand...

messy business them rocket powered tampons :puke:
 
diggerz said:
Canons maybe brilliant cameras but they feel like a bag of spanners and as user friendly as a rocket powered tampon. :gag: :gag:
Click to expand...

FWIW changing settings etc is far easier on a friend's 500D than it is on my D90. I was able to pick up the 500D and it all seemed so much more straightforward. So I'd say the 500D was more beginner friendly.
 
redddraggon said:
FWIW changing settings etc is far easier on a friend's 500D than it is on my D90. I was able to pick up the 500D and it all seemed so much more straightforward. So I'd say the 500D was more beginner friendly.
Click to expand...

I was personally surprised how easy the settings are to change on the D90. That was one of the reasons I bought it. When taking portraits etc I did not want to have to mess with menus to change things. On the D90 you can alter the aperture with one thumbwheel and the shutter with the other thumbwheel. I would say that's pretty easy.


BUT on the flipside I cannot compare as I never altered the settings properly on the Canon
 
Last edited:
The main downside on the canon is having to go into a menu to change the metering mode, the rest of the main settings are simple and can be done whilst looking through the viewfinder and just involved pressing a button with the shutter hand thumb and rotating the command dial next to the shutter button with your forefinger.
So all the main ones such as shutter speed, aperture, ISO, exposure compensation, flash compensation, white balance, modes, shooting modes can be very easily done
 
horses for courses, I found the Canon 40D quite awkward whereas the D90 is a dream in comparison
 
oldnick said:
Glad you gave them a fair test Spongo. Having said prices will drop I can't believe that they will drop much below this:-

http://hdewcameras.rtrk.co.uk/?scid=22824&kw=5627337&pub_cr_id=5796004281
Click to expand...

Wow, that's a good price!! Are these guys decent?!? (Thinking about camerabox having great prices, but being @a bit dodgy'...).

Thanks for posting that oldnick!! :)

EDIT: just found this thread, seem to have possible issue with grey imports so no thanks...

Do people really think the D90 price will drop in the next few days?!? It doesn't normally happen does it?
 
Last edited:
Whoops sorry about the above link - It does seem that hdew deals in gray imports, so probably worth paying the extra money for piece of mind.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top