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Canon EOS Rebel T1i (500D) vs Nikon D90: Prosumer Battle
With the announcement of the EOS Rebel T1i / 500D, Canon was clearly putting one camera on notice, the Nikon D90. With 15.1 megpixels, higher ISO, and the ability to shoot 1080p video, the Canon clearly looks to have the upper hand over the D90. But a closer looks at the specifications of the cameras reveal the Nikon D90 to still be a fine camera, perhaps even a camera better suited to the more discerning photographer. The Nikon D90 is faster, with better build quality, and features a top-side LCD. On paper the Canon EOS 500D might appear to have an edge in ISO, but real-life results may favor the Nikon D90. The D90’s viewfinder is bigger and brighter than the 500D, and while it may not have the ability to shoot 1080p video, the 500D technically doesn’t either due to the 20 fps (meaning most users may opt to shoot video in 720p mode).
There’s likely another factor though, that will influence most consumers, and that’s the respective pricing of the two cameras. Body only, the Canon EOS 500D is $100 cheaper, and for the same price as the body only Nikon D90, Canon offers a kit with the 18-55mm IS lens. For a camera nearly as good as the D90 and the promise of higher resolution image files, it may be to good to pass up.
To find out more about just how the two cameras compare, we’ve compiled a comparative look of some of the more key specifications below. As you’ll see they’re quite close, but one thing’s clear: Canon has offered a very competitive camera at a compelling price.
Front View
Rear
Sensor
pixels |
size |
cleaning |
|
Canon EOS T1i/ 500D |
15.1 million effective pixels | 22.3 x 14.9 mm CMOS sensor |
|
Nikon D90 |
12.3 million effective pixels | 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS | Image Sensor Cleaning |
File Sizes/File Formats/Video
image size |
formats |
Video |
|
Canon EOS T1i/ 500D |
|
|
|
Nikon D90 |
|
|
|
Processing/AF Points/AF Modes
Processing |
AF Points |
AF Modes |
|
Canon EOS T1i/ 500D |
DIGIC IV | 9-point CMOS sensor |
|
Nikon D90 |
EXPEED | 11 focus points (1 cross-type sensors) |
|
Viewfinder/Display
Viewfinder |
LCD Size |
LCD Resolution |
|
Canon EOS T1i/ 500D |
|
3″ TFT LCD |
|
Nikon D90 |
|
3″ TFT LCD |
|
FPS/ISO/Live View
FPS |
ISO |
Live View |
|
Canon EOS T1i/ 500D |
3.4 fps | 100-12800 |
|
Nikon D90 |
4.5 fps | 100-6400 |
|
Dimensions/Weight/Price
Dimensions |
Weight |
Price |
|
Canon EOS T1i/ 500D |
5.1×3.8×2.4in
(129×98x62mm) |
Weight: 16.9 oz | |
Nikon D90 |
5.2×4.1×3.0in
(132×103x77mm) |
Weight: 25.2 oz
(713 g) |
For a direct image quality comparison of the 2 cameras, head no further than Imaging Resource’s invaluable “Comparometer”. To my eye, the Nikon D90 might have a slight edge at higher ISO due to its ability to maintain detail (Canon smudging more detail in order to surpress noise), though really, both cameras are performing at a level at or beyond what the enthusiast photographer might demand.
Got an opinion? Love to hear it in the comments!
The Canon EOS Rebel T1i is available for order:
or check prices at Amazon, B&H Photo, Adorama.
Nikon D90:
or check prices at Amazon, B&H Photo, Adorama.
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Where the heck did the reviewer pulled “real life result favor the d90″? ISO , Mega pixel, 14-bit colors, self cleaning are most important factors for this market(IMO). All of them are better implemented by canon.
FPS, viewfinder is the real advantage of Nikon (and if its is really Mag body which is more durable but heavier).
At $100 less Canon has slight edge on Nikon. ISO is virtually same on both now (at same settings) – you cannot give Nikon because you PERSONALLY like it better.
P.S: Movie feature shouldn’t been there on either camera in the first place – so I will not comment on that.
says the canon fan lol
hm… i’ll take nikon’s cls over canon’s superior mp count ANYTIME!
What about the built in flash commander of the D90? The fact that the TESTED results for noise performance of the D90 are better, the fact that the D90 has two wheels to enable you to much more easily adjust settings while the T1i appears to have none, 3D tracking auto focus on the D90, and the fact that the D90 at least has one cross-type sensor while the T1i has none? Truly Canon fan blindness in that post.
I agree with you mike…I tried the canon tebel T1i in bestbuy store, using my own sd card, and after that I tried the nikon d90….in all settings that I tried with Nikon and canon nikon looks better…. in the only thing that canon was outstanding, was on video..but I have already a sony HD camcorder…so I’ don’t have issues with that..also… I was a canon fan until I knew the nikon D90..
They “may favor the D90″ yes, the 50 goes higher but usable ISO is more important, that said I honestly don’t think you’ll pick one over the other based on ISO results. Still if you believe in their scores at DXO mark, the D90 does beat the 50D (and thus likely the 500D). And not a brand preference—I have a Canon and love it.
I will be testing both cameras soon though, so I’ll be able to report a bit more objectively next time, hope you keep checking back in!
Anyone who buys a Nikon is a waterhead.
How old are you, three?
To hecabic: I guess I’ve been a waterhead for over 20 years.
I had canon and just as quick went back to nikon. So I guess I’m a waterhead.
Bill,
For the record we here at NeutralDay.com, do not think you’re a waterhead.
Well I must be a waterhead then for hating my Canon so much I practically threw it out the window before I went back to Nikon. I can’t stand the way Canon does things.
Mike,
Weird, I used to agree, but D300s vs Canon 5D2, the 5D2 makes more sense now.
Canon’s are far superior over NIKON’s plastic parts, inferior china electronics inside and a shorter life span.
The D90 is larger than the T1i, but your pictures do not reflect this. I am not impressed with this comparison.
Not impressed? Please, read the comparison between the D90 and 500D at:
http://www.digitalreview.ca/content/Canon-Rebel-T1i-EOS-500D-Compared-to-Nikon-D90.shtml
The comparison on this site is brief, but fair!
NO! It’s not brief!
…nor is it fair. It seems to be written by a fanboy. It goes into greater detail talking about the d90, comparing different lenses and whatnot to the basic package of the 500d.
frozen,
fanboy? I don’t know about that, but I do think the D90 is a better camera than the 500D. Of course I think the 500D is a better camera than the D5000.
enough already, kids. I’m trying to find out which one to buy, yet reading your bickering makes me want to throw in the towel and stop looking.
Hey Marc, have you made your decision? I’m in kinda the same boat, looking for my first semi-pro DSLR, caught up on the D90 or the T1i, not sure where to go from here. I’ve owned a Nikon SLR in the past and loved it but this was many moons ago. I am now getting back into it and am quite green in the DSLR arena. Any help would be awsome.
Not Mar(C)… sorry for any confusion…
I am in the same boat as Roby. I am an amature photographer and own a Canon EOS Elan2 SLR and am planning to move to a DSLR.
I have a few accessories (zoom lens and flash) for my Elan that are apperantly compatible with the T1i. And althought I would save a bit of cash if I went down the Canon road, price is not my only concern here.
Quality is my main concern here whith value being a close second.
I am wavering between the Canon T1i or The Nikon D90 and am leaning towards the Nikon.
Any helpful information would be appreciated.
— Mark —
Roby/Marc, Have either of you guys made a decision? I’m in the same boat.
Same Boat here… price is not the issue it’s more about which camera takes better photos on average.
Leaning towards D90 because of better lens in kit and the ability to use all lenses w/ internal motor, is this good or are lenses a dime a dozen?
D90 has other advantages, like ergonomics and the very useful top side LCD. Plus better overall build. The Canon has an at edge with resolution, but overall printed on paper, the results will be very close, so for me this gives the D90 an edge given the current pricing. On the kit lens, it is a competent lens, but like all kits, won’t give you the aperture needed for real nice depth of field, etc.
I would get the D90 and go with a prime lens, or the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 lens if you have to have zoom. Much better ergonomics on the camera (meaning, it’s much easier to get the camera setup for a shot so you don’t miss the photo opportunity wading through nested menu levels just to make a quick change), and I personally like the color quality of the Nikon better.
Agreed…ergonomics is a big deal for getting shots ( and the top LCD!)
same here! im just starting … nikon d90 or canon eos 500d?
Chesca,
D90 or 500D is easy, I’d get the D90, better in nearly every way, unless you have some lenses already… But d90 feels better, built better, top side LCD which is great. Of course it seems like the D90 could get replaced soon, but the D90 is still better than the 500D.
I’m also one of those looking to upgrade from a point-and-shoot to a DSLR. Never owned an SLR of any kind before, and my choice is down to the T1i or D90. From what I’ve read (here and elsewhere), the D90 takes better pictures, period. The T1i’s advantages seem to be better video options, smaller physical size, and price.
Price is a big one. Here in Canada, the D90 with 18-105mm VR kit lens goes for around $1250. The T1i with 18-55mm IS kit lens goes for $850. If the differences was $100, I’d go D90. But the 50% price jump has me leaning T1i…
Thoughts?
I find it interesting that build quality of the D90 is cited as better even though the Canon product is made in Japan (alot more Canons are produced in Japan than are Nikons), and after playing with both at Best Buy today I can say the “feel” is almost identical between them when you pick them up. The top-side LCD on the Nikon is nice, but I’m disappointed that Nikon does so much of its production outside of Japan.
That said, using the included kit lenses, and taking photos of the same object in the same lighting, the D90 took undoubtedly sharper photos in the store, with better color saturation.
Consider by the way that I’m an untainted amateur photographer who will just be using this camera for e-commerce watch photos, and also consider that a D90 is currently in the mail and on its way to me as we speak. It’ll be interesting to see how this thing turns out.
Play,
I think you’ll like the D90, I really enjoyed it’s size and handling, and of course it takes great pictures as well…if it had weather sealing it’d be perfect for stills. Good luck!
This whole review is flawed. They should be comparing the Canon T1i with the Nikon D5000 or the Canon 7d with the Nikon D90. Obviously if they are trying to compare the D90 with the T1i it is because they feel that the Canon T1i is worthy of being compared to the more expensive Nikon D90 and falls within the same category in terms of quality. Otherwise this entire site is questionable. You might as well be comparing a Pentax K1000 with a Leica M8.
I am trying to decide between a Canon Rebel T2i (or T1i) and a Nikon D90. I plan to use it for on location portrait photography & eventually indoor photo shoots. Is there truly much difference between the two or does it come down to which brand you prefer? The Nikon lens kit is approximately $300 more than the Canon lens kit. Or would anyone recommend another camera for this type of photography? Any help is appreciated.
Kish,
You might want to look into what other lens you may want to purchase for your location or indoor shooting, you won’t want that kit lens forever…so compare the potential lenses and their prices too. As for the D90, it’s a great camera–but it seems likely to be replaced quite soon, at least wait till after PMA is over.