Please help me decide...

[sarahkate]

Hello. First off sorry for the long post.

I’m new around here, however I’ve been reading previous posts and researching
DSLR’s for the past month. At one point it felt like my head was going to
explode with all the choices but I’ve narrowed it down. Nikon D90 or Canon T1i.

This will be my first DSLR camera. I plan to use the camera for taking
pictures of my newborn and our family, along with landscapes and scenery. Thus
far I’ve been the store and have held both cameras, based off paper both
camera’s seem very comparable despite a few differences. I’m leaning toward the
D90 because it seems a little more advanced over the T1i. Also the D90 felt
solid when I held it in the store, although I don’t really want to go off how
they felt I want to make sure I’m getting the right one based off my needs and
plans for the future.

Here’s what I’m thinking for both, I’d really appreciate it if someone with
the experience and knowledge could recommend what sounds be best for me. Or if
neither of these plans sound right…I’m open to others!

For the D90 I’ll buy the 50mm 1.8 lens. Since the body seems more advanced
than the T1i I’m thinking its something I could grow with therefore I wouldn’t
have to upgrade bodies for a long time (5 years or longer). Overtime I could
focus on getting some decent glass (just not right away hence the 50mm 1.8).

T1i I would buy the 50mm 1.4 lens. Again I would focus on getting some decent
glass for the next few years then upgrade to a professional grade body (2-3
years)

I found the D90 $600 body only used on craigslist, or $650 refurbished from
adorama. T1i used on craigslist for $400 or $500 on craigslist with a 50mm 1.8,
or $540 refurbished kit from adorama.

I’m thinking ahead because photography is a huge passion of mine even with my
little Nikon L100 point and shoot. I’m dreaming big, but someday I’d like to
hope my pictures are good enough to be worth something. Thanks for reading!

Sarah

[TPF Sponsor]

[Kerbouchard]

D90, but you really need to find a way to budget in a flash. I got into photography for the same reason you did. Bought a D90 kit with the 18-105 and 70-300, wasn't happy. Bought the 50mm 1.8. Still wasn't happy. Bought an SB600(flash that mounts on the hot shoe and swivels so you can control the light) and I finally started to get the pictures I was hoping for.

A DSLR and a fast prime lens is not a magic solution. Photography is all about light, and until you can control that light(either natural or flash), it will be tough to get the shots you want.

As far as the D90 vs T1i, there isn't really a comparison. They aren't really in the same class.

[MTVision]

I've never used either cameras but I personally like Nikons. Also, with the craigslist ads and the refurbished kits does it say what the cameras actuation is? Thats probably pretty important since cameras don't last forever and you don't want to spend a lot on a camera that has taken 50,000+ pictures.

[IgsEMT]

Sarah,
if you liked how D90 feels in your hand, GET IT. I shoot Nikon so naturally inclined to it, however, final print, if done at the pro lab but qualified tech, not CVS tech, will look good regardless of what body you'll use. I have 16x20 from 6 megapix bodies and have them from 12, RIGHT LAB = RIGHT PRINT.
Go w/ what feels right.
Good Luck

[sarahkate]

D90, but you really need to find a way to budget in a flash. I got into photography for the same reason you did. Bought a D90 kit with the 18-105 and 70-300, wasn't happy. Bought the 50mm 1.8. Still wasn't happy. Bought an SB600(flash that mounts on the hot shoe and swivels so you can control the light) and I finally started to get the pictures I was hoping for.

A DSLR and a fast prime lens is not a magic solution. Photography is all about light, and until you can control that light(either natural or flash), it will be tough to get the shots you want.

As far as the D90 vs T1i, there isn't really a comparison. They aren't really in the same class.

Thank you for the fast reply. I have not factored in a flash, can you recommend one? Also since you mentioned the D90 and the T1i are not comparable what would be a better comparison to the D90? Thanks again!

[IgsEMT]

flash = sb600 (if going w/ Nikon) at least.
There are other companies that make TTL compatible units, such as Metz, Nissin.

[Kerbouchard]

D90 is more in line with the Canon 50d.

As far as flash recommendations, the SB600 is a good starter external flash. With a D90, it can be used off-camera with no additional accessories required, it can swivel so that you can control the direction the light is coming from, and it's a night and day difference between the built in flash.

I think Canon's equivalent flash is the 480 ex.

[sarahkate]

flash = sb600 (if going w/ Nikon) at least.
There are other companies that make TTL compatible units, such as Metz, Nissin.

D90 is more in line with the Canon 50d.

As far as flash recommendations, the SB600 is a good starter external flash. With a D90, it can be used off-camera with no additional accessories required, it can swivel so that you can control the direction the light is coming from, and it's a night and day difference between the built in flash.

I think Canon's equivalent flash is the 480 ex.

Thank you both for the flash recommendations. I’ve also looked at the 50d, refurbished models on Canon’s website are all out of stock. And I haven’t been able to find the 50d in my price range. If I were to find this camera at a decent price…which would you recommend? D90 or 50d?

[penfolderoldo]

D90 is more in line with the Canon 50d.

As far as flash recommendations, the SB600 is a good starter external flash. With a D90, it can be used off-camera with no additional accessories required, it can swivel so that you can control the direction the light is coming from, and it's a night and day difference between the built in flash.

I think Canon's equivalent flash is the 480 ex.

Yep pretty spot on, as a Canon user i'd say the 50D is more like the D90. Canon do 2 excellent flashes - the 430EX mk II and the 580EX mk II. Given your choices, i'd reccomend the 430EX II, as i'm not sure you'd need the extra power of the 580.

Sarah, i'd maybe have a feel of a 50D and see how that feels for you, and then if you're still thinking the D90 feels more right for you then go ahead and get it. A 50mm is a good starting point, tho might be worth having a look at something like a 24-70, which would give you more options.

[sarahkate]

So before I completely rule out the T1i or anything else to its comparison I have one last question about it. All along I’ve always read to put your money into glass. My plan with the T1i was to buy a 50mm 1.4 which to my understanding is a better lens over 50mm 1.8. The 50mm 1.8 would be my lens if I purchased a D90 or 50d. So do I get a better body and forgo the better lens at first, or get an ok body and better lens? Thanks again!

[KmH]

Six months after Nikon launched the D90 (8/27/08), Canon launched the T1i (3/25/09).

The D90 is Nikon's best selling camera ever. The D90 killed T1i sales. So Canon launched the T2i (2/8/10) less than a year after launching the T1i. The D90 killed T1i and T2i sales combined. So Canon launched the T3i (2/7/11), and Nikon D90 sales still spanked all 3 combined. DxOMark - Compare cameras side by side

Get the D90, unless you can afford the D7000.

F/1.4 to f/1.8 is only 2/3 of a stop, making it hard to justify the cost of many f/1.4 lenses particularly since f/1.4 is of such limited use at a 50 mm and less focal length..

[sarahkate]

Six months after Nikon launched the D90 (8/27/08), Canon launched the T1i (3/25/09).

The D90 is Nikon's best selling camera ever. The D90 killed T1i sales. So Canon launched the T2i (2/8/10) less than a year after launching the T1i. The D90 killed T1i and T2i sales combined. So Canon launched the T3i (2/7/11), and Nikon D90 sales still spanked all 3 combined. DxOMark - Compare cameras side by side
Get the D90, unless you can afford the D7000.

F/1.4 to f/1.8 is only 2/3 of a stop, making it hard to justify the cost of many f/1.4 lenses particularly since f/1.4 is of such limited use at a 50 mm and less focal length..

Thanks for your input. I cannot afford the D7000. And I’ve been having a hard time finding a 50d either refurbished or used around my price range. However I found a D300 around the same price as a D90…I realize these camera’s are not on the same scale but if I found a D300 for the same price would you chose that to learn on instead?

[Bayouvixens]

Great thread

[KmH]

Six months after Nikon launched the D90 (8/27/08), Canon launched the T1i (3/25/09).

The D90 is Nikon's best selling camera ever. The D90 killed T1i sales. So Canon launched the T2i (2/8/10) less than a year after launching the T1i. The D90 killed T1i and T2i sales combined. So Canon launched the T3i (2/7/11), and Nikon D90 sales still spanked all 3 combined. DxOMark - Compare cameras side by side
Get the D90, unless you can afford the D7000.

F/1.4 to f/1.8 is only 2/3 of a stop, making it hard to justify the cost of many f/1.4 lenses particularly since f/1.4 is of such limited use at a 50 mm and less focal length..

Thanks for your input. I cannot afford the D7000. And I’ve been having a hard time finding a 50d either refurbished or used around my price range. However I found a D300 around the same price as a D90…I realize these camera’s are not on the same scale but if I found a D300 for the same price would you chose that to learn on instead?

Yes. I recommend choosing the D300.

The D300 has more of the setting controls on the outside of the camera than the D90 does, so you don't have to menu dive as much with the D300.

The D300 doesn't all the auto modes the D90 has, because the D300 is in the next higher prosumer tier above the tier the D90 is in (entry-level)

The D300 has an estimated longer shutter life and an all metal chassis, whereas the D90 is all plastic.

[RichardsTPF]

Couple days ago, someone asked for selling price on a used d90 on TPF.