I need to get a new SLR for my wife. I got her a Canon G9 when it first came out over a year ago, but she definitely needs an upgrade. It looks like I'll put down the money on either the Nikon D90 or the Canon T1i. Any opinions on which would be better? The T1i is slightly cheaper, and it appears that it will have a better HD video recorder feature (although I don't think that's very important).

 

Price (D90) wise you could even consider the 50D

 

That was my initial reaction, too. I'm not sure about all the details of each model, but I thought the D90 was closer to the 50D in features and price (not including video).

Make sure she holds each option in her hands to see which one feels better to her. That could be the deciding factor.

 

Do you already have an SLR? In that case, keep it in the same company so that you can re-use stuff. But I'm guessing no or the choice would be obvious.

The D90 is Nikon's prosumer series. The body is going to be built a little tougher, and other such things. The Rebel is a consumer body so it's going to be built cheaper.

Nikon's D40, D50, D60 are the consumer ranges.

 

more fair comparo is the T1i and the D5005

 

The T1i isn't even out yet. Once it comes out, we'll go to B&H for a test drive.

Don't have an SLR, but I guess if we get a Canon SLR, we could swap the lens with the G9 if we wanted to.

What do you mean by tougher? It won't break as easily if you drop it?

I'll check that out, too.

I'm such a newb on this.

 

I know, but it will most likely be very similar in feeling to the other Rebels (XSi, XTi, etc). Just don't buy anything without playing with it for a little while. And I envy you for being able to go to B&H when you feel like it. I only got to spend about an hour in there before my wife said I was getting too giddy.

You won't be able to switch lenses. The G9 is a high end point and shoot that does not have interchangable lenses.

 

It's just about overall build quality. The Rebel series is Canon's entry-level line. The 40D, 50D (and D90, which is on the same level) is Canon's somewhat professional line, and so they are built better. It's much like comparing between a Toyota and a Lexus.

For one thing, prosumer cameras (which is the term for these somewhat professional cameras) are built with a magnesium alloy chassis. The Rebel has a steel base cage, but the majority of the chassis is built out of "engineering plastic."

Cameras get knocked around. I've had mine hit stuff while carrying it. No problems.

Also, you can't swap lenses between an SLR and a G9. A G9 is a point and shoot camera with an integrated lens.

 

Which one would you guys pick, the Nikon D90 or Canon 50D?

(too bad I can't change the thread title)

 

I've used Nikon cameras before and I'm not a big fan of their controls. I prefer Canon myself.

But I also used to shoot with a Canon EOS-10D before I got rid of it in favor of another system. So I am biased.

Canon lenses seem to be a tad more expensive than Nikon lenses.

Since you are starting out with nothing, I would just recommend you handle both and see which is the most comfortable for you (or your wife, as the case may be). Between Canon and Nikon, it's 6 in one hand and half a dozen in the other.

 

I'm a Canon fanboy.

There are more lenses available for Canon, there is a better community (POTN) and they are easy to use out of the box.

Their flash systems aren't as good as Noink though.

 

Nikon D90 refurb is going for $700 for anyone interested. http://www.jr.com/nikon/pe/NKN_D90_h...jqb1qcQhnfSFYQ

I think im going to be picking up the new Canon T1i today...

Just sold my XT. It held up great for the couple of years i had it. Rebel FTW

 

I agree potn is a nice forum but i'm a nikon person so nikonian.org or nikoncafe are my only options and i feel their layout is quite an eye sore.

 

Not trying to start a fight but can you prove? Show me a current bodied canon that can use lenses dating back to the 1970's

 

Lots of Nionk gear on FM, too. But I REALLY hate their layout.

 

the D90 has the wireless flash feature that's pretty cool

 

D90 FTW!! I got one 2 weeks ago and no complaints at all. The D90 feels more solid to me than the T1i, also the button configuration, plus it also has a top screen. Also, for both cameras or all DSLRs for that matter, the HD camera isn't something I would ever use for videography, so it's insignifant. I spent about 3 months researching and the D90 came out above all, for me anyways.

 

i always thought it was the other way around.

 

yeah, I thought Nikon cost MORE in general