Nikon D90 or Canon 50D? - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF Nikkor -S DX 18-105 f3.5-5.6

12/07/2008 01:19:44 PM · #1

Hi everyone. So basically, I need some help. :]

At the moment I have a Nikon D40x with about three lens. So having this camera for a while, I am ready to upgrade.

Now here comes the problem. Should I get the D90 or 50D?

Also, here are some of my considerations.

1. My Dad has all Nikon gear and lenses, therefore I borrow his stuff sometimes. Especially his nice macro lens. Therefore, by getting Canon, as he told me, I would have to start all over. Which I am okay with, yet is it worth it?

2. I really like what I have seen from Canon cameras and the vibrant colors that come from their cameras, plus, I wouldn't mind getting a 50D with just the kit lens. Since from what I have heard it is a decent walk around lens.

3. The D90 has the video option, yet is it really worth it. I mean yes it sounds cool, yet from what I have heard, it is very unstable, and isn't really worth looking into. Is that true?

So. Thank you in advance for everyone who posts their opinions here. I would really love to hear from someone who has or used one or both of these cameras. Yet feel free to post even if you haven't, I love anyone's opinions and input. :]

P.S.

If you would like to know more about what I shot, or about the lens I already have. Just ask. I don't mind answering any questions. Thank you again.

cmtc

Nikon D90

12/07/2008 01:33:37 PM · #2

1. starting over stinks so badddddddd. you may not think its gonna be that bad, but it is. you'll want to shoot something and it wont be caught right and you'll say damnnnnnn i wish i had that (insert lens). at least thats what i did.

2. i havent used the kit lens, so i cant say anything on here, sorry

3. the video option is really really cool. and its high def. which makes it even cooler.

i have used both cameras but only for a short while. i honestly really liked both of them. there both great cameras. but just ask yourself if its really worth it to start over. cause i did that and it sucked horrible.

spiritualspatula

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

12/07/2008 01:42:15 PM · #3

Depends upon how much gear your dad has and how readily you can use it, and also how much you want to rely on that. It could be nice to "test drive" his gear before getting your own in the future, as well. Think about which system you want to go with, that's the most important. Go handle both cameras at your local electronics/photography store. Another option you might consider, is to stick with the Nikon side and pick up a used D300. They are going for less than the 50D with kit, mostly because lots of people are upgrading to the D700. Here's a side-by-side of all three with your current camera listed as a reference as well.
Comparison chart

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

12/07/2008 01:59:33 PM · #4

Yes. I considered that starting over could be a bad thing. Also, my Dad has a D300 and he really likes it, yet he is looking to upgrade to a D700 or D3 soon. Therefore, having two D300's doesn't sound like the best plan, since I may just be able to borrow his when I want too.

As at this point, if the video thing is worth while. I am leaning towards the Nikon D90, since it seems to be a study camera, and great with Noise and such. Plus, I could still use all my Dad's lens and gear and such with the Nikon.

Though how does the Nikon D90 do in color and resolution, does anyone know...?

togtog

Nikon D300

12/07/2008 02:03:10 PM · #5

Perhaps give the money you would have spent on the new camera to your father to put towards the D700 in exchange you get the D300.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

12/07/2008 02:14:10 PM · #6

Well....I actually don't have the money. My Dad was just going to buy me my new camera...since he said he will let me upgrade....

togtog

Nikon D300

12/07/2008 02:19:41 PM · #7

Ah, ok, then take the money he would have given you for a camera and give it back to him to put towards the D700 and you get the D300 for free. :)

spiritualspatula

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

12/07/2008 02:22:42 PM · #8

Depending upon how long he's planning on waiting before adopting a D700/D3, and if he intends to keep the D300, what about inheriting the D300 from him at the time of his upgrade? That way you aren't putting $1000+ into a new body, which could go towards the D700/D3 for him, and you would still get a solid upgrade. What glass does he have that you can currently use?
ETA: obviously we D300 folks think alike ;)

Message edited by author 2008-12-07 14:23:16.

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM II

12/07/2008 02:55:15 PM · #9

Well when my Dad upgraded, he wanted to keep his D300 as a second body. Therefore, he was just going to upgrade me.....he doesn't mind me wanting a new body, he can see how I need an upgrade from the D40x.

arnarpall

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

12/07/2008 03:05:22 PM · #10

I really don't think It will be worth it to have 50D and use only some kit lens. Canon haven't exactly been known for good kit lenses although they are improving.

spiritualspatula

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

12/07/2008 03:11:50 PM · #11

I was wondering if he was planning on keeping the D300. Well, in that case, as others have said, and for, really, a lot of reasons, it would probably be to your advantage to stick with Nikon, video quality or not (which I have no clue about). There might be some info on that in the full review on that comparison I posted earlier (it would be at the bottom). Also, CNET might have some info on that as well.

togtog

Nikon D300

12/07/2008 03:30:19 PM · #12

Here is a side by side of the two //www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos50d%2Cnikon_d90&show=all

In a nut shell they have the following differences...
The D90 is about $200 cheaper.
The 50D has 15mp vs the D90's 12mp, the 50D sensor is slightly smaller than the D90. This may result in slightly more noise at higher ISOs.
The 50D ISO range is 100-1600, the D90 200-3200.
The 50D has 6 white balance presets, one custom preset, and Kelvin. The D90 has 12 WB presets and 5 custom, and Kelvin.
Both have the same minimal shutter at 30 seconds.
The 50D has a max shutter of 8000, while the D90 has a max of 4000.
Both have a built in popup flash, the D90 is slightly brighter.
The 50D has the following flash modes Auto, On, Red-eye reduction.
The D90 has the following flash modes Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow, Red-Eye Slow.
The 50D can shoot up to 6.3 frames per second, the D90 only 4.5.
The 50D has a self timer of 2 or 10 seconds, the D90 2, 5, 10, 20 seconds.
The D90 is able to shoot movie clips, however autofocus supposedly does not function while doing so.

Hope this is more help than confusion! Good luck! :)

Message edited by author 2008-12-07 15:30:25.

chromeydome

Nikon D7000