Nikon D90 or Canon D50

<p>Dear photographers,<br>

I am interested to buy a DSLR and confused between Canon and Nikon. I am interested to buy either Canon D50 or Nikon D90. In either case trying with 18-200 lens.<br>

Can you all please tell me about which is a better buy? And why?<br>

LOL,<br>

Thanks,<br>

Rajnish</p>

<p>First of all, there is no Canon D50. You probably mean 50D.<br>

Check these threads:</p>

<ul>

<li><a href="http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00QfzT">http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00QfzT</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00R8NS">http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00R8NS</a></li>

<li><a href="http://www.photo.net/canon-eos-digital-camera-forum/00RZ78">http://www.photo.net/canon-eos-digital-camera-forum/00RZ78</a></li>

</ul>

<p>My cousin was in the same situation two months ago and after much research we tried the D90 and he couldnt be happier.<br>

The D50 was also a consideration but when we tried both cameras thru peers who owned both camera, we liked the handling of the Nikon better.<br>

The picture result is subjective but we liked the color bias of the Nikon colors better.<br>

Either one will yield very good results.</p>

 

<p>Be careful what you call a D50. - I still have a Nikon D50 that I bought refurbished in 2005 and use it at work for web photos.<br>

<br /> On Canons the D follows the number, i.e. 30D, 40D, 50D - etc.</p>

<p>I have never owned or used either camera but I shoot a Nikon D200..Some of the things that I do not like about the D90 is the lightweight construction, live view, lack of weather sealing and the camcorder function. The other thing is it does not have ISO 100 which is important to me because It makes a difference when trying to achieve slower shutter speeds. As far as noise goes it makes no difference if it has ISO 100 or not. The 50D has ISO 100, and is weather resistant. It has a magnesium frame. It does not have live view, or a camcorder function..Overall the 50D is a higher end camera in my opinion. The Nikon is less expensive which can be very important. One important consideration is what is important to me is irrelavant as it's your camera..The bottom line is you decide what seems good to you. If you could go find these models so that you could hold them and fiddle with them then you would probably find one is more desirable to you.</p>

<p>Ross... so are you saying that you are lowering the value of a D90 because of an optional feature (video) that you don't ever have to use if you don't want to? It doesn't make sense in my mind to not want a camera due to a feature that it has that I don't have to use.</p>

<p>Well, you are on a Nikon forum! I shot with Canon cameras through the 40D (never used the 50D). I far prefer the D90, best camera in it's class IMHO. When I researched my switch to Nikon there seemed to be a general consensus that the Canon focused quicker but the Nikon was more accurate. In my experience, I can't really say if one is faster than another but the Nikon is Far more accurate in it's AF (and it has more AF points). The Nikon has a superior metering system. This gives the D90 better flash consistency as well. And it's cheaper! Now the Canon 50D has has fewer focus points but more cross hair type focus points. For me however, I had plenty of focus issues on all our Canons through the 40D. The Canon 50D will shoot a 14-bit Raw while the D90 is a 12-bit Raw. However, if 14-bit Raw is important to you, then I highly recommend the Nikon D300.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>Can you all please tell me about which is a better buy?</p>

</blockquote>

<p>How can we possibly know what features are important to you and which ones aren't? Whether or not you produce great images depends on your photographic and artistic abilities - either camera is just a tool.<br>

Go into a store and handle both - then buy the one that you like better. Or study the technical specs and buy the one that has the technical features you think you need.</p>

<p>To me, the only solid advantage the 50D has over the D90 is the fact that it has a metal body (and probably some weather sealing).</p>

<p>The extra pixels squeezed onto the 50D's APS-C sensor are questionable in terms of actual usefulness. On the other side, it poses a serious challenge to high ISO noise management and the usability of limited resolution many lenses can produce. It has 15.1 MPs, but since it's a APS-C format camera, it already has smaller pixels and higher pixel densities than Canon's 5D Mark 2, the D3X, and essentially all FF/FX high resolution cameras. So you may have to choose between "wasting" some of the pixels away or invest in expensive lenses to get the most out of it.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos50d/page31.asp">http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos50d/page31.asp</a></p>

<p>It seems that to an extent, the 50D could've been a attempt made by Canon marketing to challenge the very successful D300 in quantitative terms.</p>

<p>Each camera has its own sets of advantages and perhaps disadvantages. You will not be disappointed with either one.</p>

<p>I you have used both Canon and Nikon before, you know they 'work' differently and you may have a preference as to one system over the other. Or you may find one feels better in your hands. Or that one has more of the lenses and accessories you would typically use. These factors should be strongly considered. If you have used neither, the D90 possibly represents a better value.</p>

<p>@Ross. Don't knock the camera until you have tried it...</p>

<p>The D90 is superior to the D200 in many ways (most dealing with IQ and some features) while the D200 has some advantages over the D90 (mainly build). Since high image quality is always my top priority, I can easily recommend the D90 over the D200.</p>

<p><em>"The other thing is it does not have ISO 100 which is important to me because It makes a difference when trying to achieve slower shutter speeds."</em> You can easily achieve this 'need' on any camera with a filter. Also, the D90 has ISO 100 (perhaps only through the expanded ISO setting but none-the-less, it is there).</p>

 

<p>Thanks Shun and Andrew for correcting my D before N or after c ;-) sorry for the slip off.<br>

Thanks Ferd for yr straightforward opinion, I want to be a bit more than an amateur!<br>

Ross, your point on lack of weather sealing is affecting me, I was a litle bit biased towards Nikon D50 over Canon 50D; what about the magnesium body in canon, does Nikon also have it?<br>

Mike Bisom, I take your points on purchasing a slower speed for a better focus result, my budget is already stretching, so I cant afford a Nikon D300. I know its a very good one. But D700 is the ultimate one.<br>

Shuo Zhao, I think you have let the cat out of the bag, it may mean that Canon 50D is comparable to Nikon D90 you mean?</p>

 

<p>Q: Nikon D90 or Canon D50</p>

<p>A: Neither...Pentax K20D....proper weather sealing and 14.6MP.....much cheaper and as good if not better than 50D...</p>

<p>wow,<br>

steven moseley,<br>

u have taken the discussion to another level. i dont much about it, but thanks for enlightening, i will have a more open mind now, let me research abit, thanks a lot, lol,<br>

rd</p>

<p>I only suggest the D300 if 14-bit Raw is important as there isn't too much price difference between the 50D and a D300. As price is a concern, a still say the D90 can't be beat. Lens choice is far too limited on the Pentax for my taste. And I like primes! </p>

<p>Since I have personally been burned by the demise of Contax (I bought a Contax 645 camera and two lenses back in 2001, after 2, 3 years of careful consideration - great camera, but Contax has since gotten out of the camera business, thus leaving me a system with no future and a much reduced resale value), I would stick with mainstream brands that I know will be around for years to come. Both Canon and Nikon have the lion share of the DSLR market with Sony as a distant third.</p>

<p>There is also a much larger used market for Canon EOS and Nikon equipment so that it is very easy for you to buy what you need and/or sell what you no longer need.</p>

<p>The relatively limited selection of lenses in the Pentax system could be problematic.</p>

<p>Rajnish, you should try to find out whether you feel more comfortable working with Canon's Nikon's bodies in practice: which manufacturer's body design, egronomics make more sense to you. Then you should determine what lenses you'll need; as different systems offer different advantages in terms of lens' availability.</p>

<p>I think the D90 wins over the 50D hand down if the camera won't be used in bad weather/condition (heavy rain, mud, dusty environment). On the other hand, if the tougher built quality is needed, the D300 would be a good choice. If you ended prefering Canon's lens selections and would also prefer "better construction" of the camera body, Canon's 40D is also a good choice.</p>

<p>One more thing to consider is the lens: there is quite a difference between 18-200 of Nikon and Canon. While the Nikon-lens has all the nice things I love so much about "real" lenses (AF-S, VR), the Canon 18-200 looks more like a me-too-product to me. The most important thing I miss is the fast and silent ring-USM (= AF-S, as Nikon calls it), it only AF's with a micro motor. To me, this is a complete knock-out-criterium, especially with the range of the lens and the size of the glass being moved around.<br /> Even if you take a small risk in ending up in a small company that may not live forever (though this happens to big ones too these days...), I would rather take a look at the Pentax and Olympus systems. Nikon, at least to me, is perfect, but the other two haver their specialties, too.</p>

<p>Enjoy,<br /> Holger</p>

<p>Dear Mike,<br>

Thanks for putting D300 here, now I understand its importance, as now the prices of D300 is coming low, but I cant take it that D300 has weather sealing!! Even D700 has doubtful sealing for bad weather??<br>

Regarding others opinions, I did a few research and found out the same thing, Pentax has lot of limitations as far as lenses are considered and also lack of a real resale value;<br>

But when do you expect a new Nikon DSLR model? If its coming soon, better wait for sometime??<br>

I was given insight regarding the Canon ASM lenses, but Nikon doesn´t have them right??<br>

Thanks for keeping the thread open. I am still keeping my options open.<br>

Regards,<br>

Rajnish</p>

<p>RD, what exactly are you confused about (as per your Canon thread)? I can assure you that the D300 has far better built than the 50D- pick each up and see for yourself. The 50D will be closer to the build of the D90. The principle drawback to Canon's philosophy is that they reserve their best AF and metering for their top two bodies. Whereas with the Nikon you essentially get it on the D300 and up (although it gets improved as you go up the line). Even the D90 has a bettering metering system than the Canon xxD models. And you don't need to take anyone's word for it- just Google it. Nikons are down for the accurate metering and far more consistent flash exposure. Canon's are known for having the largest selection of glass (but it could be argued that Nikon has the Great glass such as the 14-24) and for being "faster": faster to focus, faster frame rates and such. As I said, for me I am not sure I notice any AF speed difference. I do notice far better accuracy with the Nikon. In terms of sharpness, I have always preferred the Nikon over the Canon. However, I have come to conclude that our Canon lenses may not have been the sharpest produced (even though we were shooting primarily with the 24-70 and the 24-105)- in my inexperience, I just never thought to blame the lens as both were fairly expensive L lenses. I can now compare a Nikon 24-85 lens I bought used on eBay to our 24-70 and definitely see a difference in favor of the 24-85. Whether that speaks to a bad copy of the 24-70 (which served many happy clients) or a great copy of a used 24-85.... I don't much care. And while I can see a difference, I think only a photographer would see the difference, knowing what to look for. I was once read somewhere that Nikon didn't make any cheap lenses, while Canon has an abundance of cheap lenses. Now that I have said all that, let me quote a wise old hobbit: "Stop Thinking and Wasting the Day". Either will serve you well- especially until YOU can decide what features matter to you most and which system will serve you better. Start shooting. Start Learning.</p>

<p>Thanks Mike Bisom,<br>

I am happy with the insightful way of approaching my dilemma. Your comments have truly been revealing to say the least. It has given me food for my hungry soul. Thanks a lot for clarifying all those points.<br>

Lets start shooting ;-)<br>

Warm regards,<br>

Rajnish</p>

 

<p>i would also like to buy i DSLR camera i had a nikon fm film camera back in the days so i have a little knowledge of cameras. i too cant decide between a nikon or a canon. after much reading i am still undecided. one of my friends just bought a canon 5d mark ii i really like his camera but its a little pricey for me. i could save up for it but i want to know if you all think its worth the money. i was all set to buy a nikon d90 until he bought the canon 5d mark ii. then i starting reading about the 5d and i liked it. i also figured i would wouldn't have to buy another camera because i would have a pro camera. but i need advise can i get some advise here. thank you </p>

<p>i would also like to buy i DSLR camera i had a nikon fm film camera back in the days so i have a little knowledge of cameras. i too cant decide between a nikon or a canon. after much reading i am still undecided. one of my friends just bought a canon 5d mark ii i really like his camera but its a little pricey for me. i could save up for it but i want to know if you all think its worth the money. i was all set to buy a nikon d90 until he bought the canon 5d mark ii. then i starting reading about the 5d and i liked it. i also figured i would wouldn't have to buy another camera because i would have a pro camera. but i need advise can i get some advise here. thank you </p>