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Nikon D5000 vs. Canon EOS Rebel T1i (500D): Best of the Entry Level DSLRs

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Posted by Patrick on Apr 16, 2009 in Cameras

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With the announcement of the Nikon D5000 and the Canon EOS Rebel T1i (referred to here as the Canon 500D), entry-level consumers and prospective digital SLR camera purchasers now have 2 incredible choices from the number one an two camera manufacturers, both featuring the ability to shoot HD video, and both priced safely under $1000 with an included lens. Either camera would make a great first DSLR, but to help with the choosing (or perhaps to complicate it further) I’ve compiled some of the highs and lows of both cameras, as well as feature and specifications comparisons.

[Note: We've finished a comprehensive review of the Nikon D5000, available right here.]

The Nikon D5000 starts the race seemingly a bit behind the Canon 500D (at least on paper) with a 12.3 megapixel sensor, the same one in fact that Nikon uses in the D90. Like its bigger brother, the D5000 uses the same or at least very similar EXPEED processor and keeps its 12 bit A/D conversion which theoretically points to less dynamic range and color depth than provided by the Canon 500D’s 14 bit A/D. Meanwhile the Canon 500D borrows its sensor and processing from the Canon 50D, in other words a 15.1 megapixel sensor with 14 bit A/D conversion and DIGIC IV processing. The Nikon lists an ISO range of 200-3200 with a boost option of 100-6400, while the 500D lists an expanded ISO range of 100-12800. So given the specifications, we can safely assume the Canon 500D takes the better picture right? Probably not, and here’s why. If we work with the given ancestries of the 2 cameras, the Nikon D90 and the Canon 50D, its quite possible that the D5000 will meet or exceed the 500D in image quality (though in real world results the actual printed results will very likely be quite comparable). Using scores provided by DXOmark.com, the D90 has superior color depth, low light ISO, and dynamic range for an overall sensor score of 72 versus the Canon 50D’s 62.9. It’s true that the 500D does bring superior resolution to this challenge, but the very slight edge provided in image detail comes at the cost of additional noise at higher ISO sensitivities. In short when it comes to IQ, the numbers alone don’t tell the whole story and I suspect that overall, the Nikon D5000 compares quite favorably to the Canon 500D, and likely provides superior results at higher ISO.

Moving on to some other aspects of both cameras, the Nikon D5000 has a somewhat more advanced AF system using 11 points against the Canon 500D’s 9 point AF. Both utilize one center cross-hair type sensor, which typically means focusing and recomposing for best results. Both cameras also offer comparable AF area modes, and in general I suspect that the two camera are essentially equal to the task of getting sharp pictures. When it comes to live view, both camera have it and both use contrast detect for AF duties in live view. The Canon additionally offers phase detect, which normally is faster than contrast detect, but in practice on the Canon 500D, is still somewhat slow. Therefore, both cameras are somewhat slow to focus in live view, and as such, live view usage might best be used on a tripod. The edge though goes to the Canon 500D whose live view features are more robust with grid overlays, and zoom features, that when combined with its much higher resolution LCD display, allow for getting critical focus much easier.

Speaking of LCD displays, the 2 cameras have taken 2 distinct approaches. In the case of the 500D, Canon has provided a 920k resolution, 3 inch display that provides a very crisp and clear picture, ideal for analyzing photographs, viewing movies, and as mentioned before, achieving critical focus. The Nikon D5000 takes a totally different approach, and provides an articualting display that flip down and rotates. The resolution of the LCD is only 230K though, and is smaller in size at 2.7 inches. This articulated display obviously allows for more creative use of the Nikon D5000, especially when paired with shooting video. Unfortunately, it also might create some issues when used with a tripod due to the hinge location, and users will need to be careful in handling the camera, mindful of the positioning of the LCD relative to other surfaces.

Finally a few words on video. While the 500D does list 1080p as an option, just be aware that this of the 20 fps variety, in other words, playback may be less than smooth. Therefore in actual likely use, both cameras basically shoot 720p video, the Canon 500D at 30 fps, the Nikon D5000 at 24 fps. The Canon 500D has a time limit of nearly 30 minutes or 4 GB of data, while the Nikon D5000 shoots in HD for 5 minute clips. In reality though, since neither camera has AF once video begins, shooting video for longer than very short clips should be avoided. For now, video on a DSLR should be thought of as taking a moving picture and as such 5 minutes is more than enough time. Additionally– and unfortunately, neither camera records stereo sound nor anyway of capturing it via input — ala the Canon EOS 5D Mark II.

The superior camera? If fun factor is your main concern the Nikon D5000 certainly fits the bill. With built in image editing options, and the articulated LCD it seems ideal for a family looking to record trips, family events, and special occasions. On the other hand the Canon Rebel T1i (or 500D) seems ideal for the budding photographer ready to move up into the financial sink hole that is DSLR photography. With the ability to capture more detail, and beautifully large and crisp LCD display, it seems to take a more serious approach to taking great photos. More objectively though, either camera will likely lead to great results, and honestly it’s amazing what the camera makers are offering customers at this price point relative to just a couple of years ago.

Front View

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Rear View

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Sensor

	pixels	size	cleaning
Canon EOS T1i/ 500D	15.1 million effective pixels	22.3 x 14.9 mm CMOS sensor	Low-pass filter vibration at power-on Anti-static coating on sensor surfaces
Nikon D5000	12.3 million effective pixels	23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS sensor	Airflow control system Image Sensor Cleaning

File Sizes/File Formats/Video

	image size	formats	Video
Canon EOS T1i/ 500D	4752 x 3168 3456 x 2304 2353 x 1568	RAW (.CR2 14-bit ) RAW (.CR2 14-bit ) + JPEG Large/Fine JPEG (EXIF 2.21) – Fine, Normal	1920 x 1080 (1080P, 16:9) @ 20 fps 1280 x 720 (720P, 16:9) @ 30 fps 640 x 480 (4:3) @ 30 fps Quicktime MOV format (H.264 video,linear PCM audio) Up to 29 min 59 sec (or max file size 4 GB)
Nikon D5000	4,288 x 2,848 (L) 3,216 x 2,136 (M) 2,144 x 1,424 (S)	NEF (compressed RAW) JPEG: Fine (approx. 1:4), normal (approx. 1:8), or basic (approx. 1:16) compression NEF (RAW) + JPEG (any size) AVI Motion-JPEG	1280 x 720; 24fps 640 x 424; 24 fps, 320 x 216; 24 fps File format AVI (Motion-JPEG) Audio: Monaural Max Clip Length: 5 min. @ 720p

Processing/AF Points/AF Modes

	Processing	AF Points	AF Modes
Canon EOS T1i/ 500D	DIGIC IV	9-point CMOS sensor (1 cross-type sensor)	AI Focus One Shot AI Servo
Nikon D5000	EXPEED	11 focus points (1 cross-type sensor)	Single point AF Dynamic Area AF Automatic-area AF 3D Tracking AF (11 points)

Viewfinder/Display

	Viewfinder	LCD Size	LCD Resolution
Canon EOS T1i/ 500D	95% frame coverage Magnification: 0.87x	3″ TFT LCD	920,000 dots
Nikon D5000	Frame coverage 95% Viewfinder magnification approx. 0.78x	2.7 ” TFT LCD	230,000 dots

FPS/ISO/Live View

	FPS	ISO	Live View
Canon EOS T1i/ 500D	3.4 fps	100-12800	100% frame coverage (30 fps display rate) Real-time evaluative metering using CMOS image sensor Best view or exposure simulation Grid optional (thirds) Magnify optional (5x or 10x at AF point) Optional Auto-focus with mirror-down / mirror-up sequence Optional Face Detect Two modes; normal and quieter Remote live view using EOS Utility
Nikon D5000	4 fps	200-3200 with boost:100-6400	Contrast-detect AF anywhere in frame Face priority Wide area Normal area AF tracking

Dimensions/Weight/Price

	Dimensions	Weight	Price
Canon EOS T1i/ 500D	129 x 98 x 62 mm(5.1×3.8×2.4 in)	16.9 oz	$800 Body Only $900 w/ 18-55mm IS lens
Nikon D5000	127 x 104 x 80 mm (5.0 x 4.1 x 3.1 in.)	20 oz	$729.95 body only $849.95 as kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens

For a direct image quality comparison of the 2 cameras, head no further than Imaging Resource’s invaluable “Comparometer”. You’ll note the additional detail captured by the Canon 500D, and for the most part very close ISO performance.

(Note: We’re reviewing the Nikon D5000 right now and have posted some early analysis and ISO samples here)

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.