Need advice! Canon Rebel T2i vs Nikon D90

[Tom]

Originally Posted by ualymerej

if the horse isn't dead already... like everyone else says, it's really all about how it feels in your hand. The only true advantage (i know of) that even canon users admit to is the CLS (wireless flash system for speedlights) built in to the pop up flash of the D90. If video is your thing, canon has 1080p. I personally love the D90 (though it's not used as much since i got the D700) and the nikon system overall. can't stand the ergonomics of canon, but i have plenty of friends who love the canon system and have no idea how i function with the nikon.

now, to go back to the discussion about the 5D... nikon doesn't really have a camera that matches the 5D (the D700 kind of falls in between the mk I and the mk II; definitely closer to the mk II), so if you end up liking the canon system, I'd say go for a used 5D, but keep in mind, the ergonomics of the 5D will be significantly different to the consumer level T1i/T2i. menu system and button presses should be similar (though i could be completely wrong).

on another note, the D90 maybe up for a refresh soon...

Yeah. I love the ergonomics of Canon, but have used Nikon's as well and have no complaints of that.

I haven't used Nikon's CLS, but from reading from Joe McNally and everyone, it is definitely an advantage of Nikon. If you are an old school-manual shooter like myself, it may not matter to you that much (I don't use Canon's ettl at all.)

Feel is very important. Personally, I would never buy a Rebel, D90 or any of the other small bodies. I like the feel of the full-sized, heavy body and think that the magnesium-alloy bodies are easier to stabilize.

[ldelacruz]

Not to knock what you guys are saying but I would say how it feels in my hands would be the last thing I would consider when purchasing a new camera. I really don't understand that process at all. I don't even look at the controls or layout. Funny how different we are when selecting our gear.

[lifeasart]

After physically trying them out, researching, asking questions & considering my level of skill... I'm leaning towards the Nikon D90, the 50mm f/1.4D lens & the 18-55mm II zoom lens. I have family & friends that love Canon (which are awesome) but the Nikon felt more comfortable to me, personally. It was very user friendly since I'm new to DSLR's & was easy for me to understand. I can see myself learning a lot on it. I'm so glad I found this forum because all the information & advice given has been incredibly helpful! Thanks again :)

[ualymerej]

Originally Posted by ldelacruz

Not to knock what you guys are saying but I would say how it feels in my hands would be the last thing I would consider when purchasing a new camera. I really don't understand that process at all. I don't even look at the controls or layout. Funny how different we are when selecting our gear.

So what do you look at? I'm a bit intrigued now :P I look for a camera that "feels good in my hands" because when you compare the cameras that are at comparative levels, it becomes almost pointless to judge on image quality because both are just that good. Besides what the camera finally produces, what else do you judge on the camera?

[ldelacruz]

Originally Posted by ualymerej

So what do you look at? I'm a bit intrigued now :P I look for a camera that "feels good in my hands" because when you compare the cameras that are at comparative levels, it becomes almost pointless to judge on image quality because both are just that good. Besides what the camera finally produces, what else do you judge on the camera?

Since I have all Canon glass then it is Canon all the way and only consider Canon cameras. I pick my camera based on the main type of photography I will be using it for and the same thought process goes for lenses.

I am intrigued why you would "look for a camera that feels good in your hands"? I don't think I have ever considered the layout or feel.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by ualymerej

So what do you look at? I'm a bit intrigued now :P I look for a camera that "feels good in my hands" because when you compare the cameras that are at comparative levels, it becomes almost pointless to judge on image quality because both are just that good. Besides what the camera finally produces, what else do you judge on the camera?

Spec it out. What do you need? I have different needs for different cameras.

Feel isn't the most important thing, but I'm not going to use a little plastic body anyway.

Final image, how it works in tough conditions, FPS, MP (yes, I care, dammit), AF, etc all go into it.

[ualymerej]

Originally Posted by ldelacruz

Since I have all Canon glass then it is Canon all the way and only consider Canon cameras. I pick my camera based on the main type of photography I will be using it for. I don't think I have ever considered the layout or feel.

Ok, understandable for someone that has invested in one system already and has the choice to make in terms of a camera that is more specific to what you shoot, but lets keep in mind we were discussing how to pick a camera when you're just starting out with a fixed budget and may not necessarily have a set subject that you consistently shoot. In this situation, I think the only real deciding factor is which camera you're more comfortable using. For someone just starting out, I think it's very important to pick a system that you are comfortable with and would enjoy using. When you move into the professional level with a high investment already in glass, then yeah, you want to base your decision on what you shoot and what you already own.

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

Spec it out. What do you need? I have different needs for different cameras.

Feel isn't the most important thing, but I'm not going to use a little plastic body anyway.

Final image, how it works in tough conditions, FPS, MP (yes, I care, dammit), AF, etc all go into it.

Agreed, but again, we were helping someone that was just starting out and she had already narrowed it down to two cameras. If the specs are comparable, what's left to help in the decision? :) Good discussion btw.

[panda81]

Originally Posted by lifeasart

After physically trying them out, researching, asking questions & considering my level of skill... I'm leaning towards the Nikon D90, the 50mm f/1.4D lens & the 18-55mm II zoom lens. I have family & friends that love Canon (which are awesome) but the Nikon felt more comfortable to me, personally. It was very user friendly since I'm new to DSLR's & was easy for me to understand. I can see myself learning a lot on it. I'm so glad I found this forum because all the information & advice given has been incredibly helpful! Thanks again :)

good choice kisha. no, i'm not biased at all

hope to see lots of photos from you.

[ldelacruz]

Originally Posted by ualymerej

Ok, understandable for someone that has invested in one system already and has the choice to make in terms of a camera that is more specific to what you shoot, but lets keep in mind we were discussing how to pick a camera when you're just starting out with a fixed budget and may not necessarily have a set subject that you consistently shoot. In this situation, I think the only real deciding factor is which camera you're more comfortable using. For someone just starting out, I think it's very important to pick a system that you are comfortable with and would enjoy using. When you move into the professional level with a high investment already in glass, then yeah, you want to base your decision on what you shoot and what you already own.

I see your point but I still would recommend and base it on the type of photography they plan on shooting and the lens selection for that type. Nothing wrong with your suggestion though, we just have different ideas.

[panda81]

Originally Posted by ualymerej

Ok, understandable for someone that has invested in one system already and has the choice to make in terms of a camera that is more specific to what you shoot, but lets keep in mind we were discussing how to pick a camera when you're just starting out with a fixed budget and may not necessarily have a set subject that you consistently shoot.

Not quite true...

Originally Posted by lifeasart

Photography is a hobby for me but I want to start working on my portfolio in the hopes of doing it professionally. Ideally I would specialize in on location portrait photography & indoor newborn shoots.

...so Lonnie still has a point.

[Tom]

Agreed, but again, we were helping someone that was just starting out and she had already narrowed it down to two cameras. If the specs are comparable, what's left to help in the decision?

Just because they have narrowed it down to two cameras doesn't mean it is their only choice.

Many people narrow it down based solely on price without really knowing what is available. That's where people that have been in the game for many years can help.

If someone wanted to be a sports photographer, wanted to spend ~$1000 on a body and was trying to decide between a D90 or a 50D, the obvious choice would really be a used 1D Mark IIn. But someone who doesn't know much about the industry wouldn't know that. I get that question all the time.



When deciding between companies, lens selection is probably the number one thing I would look at.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by panda81

...so Lonnie still has a point.

And with the desire to shoot on location portraits and babies, the 5D is the obvious smart choice.

[ualymerej]

Originally Posted by ldelacruz

I see your point but I still would recommend and base it on the type of photography they plan on shooting and the lens selection for that type. Nothing wrong with your suggestion though, we just have different ideas.

Lens choice for sure would be based on the type of photography. In terms of consumer and pro-sumer level cameras though, there's not as many options to choose from (i.e. there's not really a camera with much higher FPS for sports photography when looking at the D90/T1i price range). Indoor low light photography may have more of a deciding factor in terms of high iso performance, but again, I feel like each systems offerings have gotten so much better about noise that it's hard to pick based on that.

Ultimately, for newcomers into photography, if they're not comfortable with their camera, they'll probably miss the shot anyways! and in that case, not even the best camera can fix that! :P

And agreed with all who said it; always a good idea to throw in better, older, used cameras into the mix instead of just looking at what you can afford new in your price range.

[panda81]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

And with the desire to shoot on location portraits and babies, the 5D is the obvious smart choice.

Not necessarily, if you factor in Nikon's CLS

[Tom]

Originally Posted by panda81

Not necessarily, if you factor in Nikon's CLS

I was assuming that if you did this professionally, you would probably get high quality lights and light modifiers rather than a dozen speedlights.

You can get a 400 w/s Elinchrom strobe for 1/3rd less than a SB-900, and it puts out over 4 times the power.