Deciding between 2 cameras - my list of pros & cons but which matter most?

[CourtJester]

Originally Posted by Doug Pardee

That's probably because Raw files aren't images. You'd have to compare the image files that resulted from converting the Raw files, and then you've got the question of what the conversion software did differently.

The closest you'll get is DxOMark's sensor ratings:
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/eng/Image-Quality-Database/Compare-cameras/(appareil1)/319|0/(appareil2)/320|0/(onglet)/0/(brand)/Canon/(brand2)/Nikon

According to DxOMark, the sensor in the D5000 is a little bit better than the sensor in the T1i (500D) in each of the major categories that they measure. Do check out the details, though (the tabs across the top of the box). There are interactive diagrams where you can see what the approximate differences are by running your cursor over the rainbow stripe on the right side.

Let me rephrase. I was looking for unprocessed RAW shots, of course saved as a jpeg or whatever, but just to see how much processing is needed on the Nikon vs Canon..

[dcclark]

Originally Posted by CourtJester

Let me rephrase. I was looking for unprocessed RAW shots, of course saved as a jpeg or whatever, but just to see how much processing is needed on the Nikon vs Canon..

There is no such thing as an unprocessed RAW shot. A RAW file is a collection of data from the sensor which is not an image. It MUST be processed by a RAW converter to form an image. That converter must make choices about the color balance, amount of sharpening, saturation curves, etc. to apply. RAW files really can't be compared side by side.

[CourtJester]

Well, just got back from the local camera store so I thought I'd share my thoughts:

Held and messed around with the Canon T1i, Nikon D5000, & Nikon D90

-Canon was awkward to hold, almost felt as if I could only place 1 or 2 fingers on the grip and definitely could see this being an issue. The battery grip helped a little but I'd rather not rely on an extension to a camera right off the bat just to make it feel comfortable.
-The Nikons felt very comfortable to hold and although they were heavier (which I think I actually prefer), it just fit my hand so much better
-Canon's LCD was extremely impressive
-Canon & Nikon D5000 were pretty similar in ways to change the aperture settings, etc
-Hated the D5000's screen. Seemed cheap compared to the Canon and the swivel aspect was actually a drawback for me, I just don't care for it. Of course the canon boasted a bigger screen and higher resolution so I was aware of this going in, but the difference is huge when comparing side to side

The biggest thing of all - The Nikon D90 took the best features of the Canon & D5000 and put them into one body. Although I wasn't originally planning on spending so much, I really think it is worth it. You need to be comfortable shooting first and foremost, so the Nikons in general seem to be the way to go. Now, hopefully I can find a good deal on a D90!

[inkista]

Cool beans! The D90 also happily takes care of the focus motor issue. Congrats on figuring out what you want!

[n_mazur]

I would definately go with the D90 out of the three. The D90 holds it's own against much more expensive camera bodies as far as image quality, and even though it's a plastic shell over a stainless frame Nikon did a very good job with it and made a body that you can actualy call rugged. Low light perfomance is nearly as good as the D300 (from what I've seen).

[Pen]

well if your willing to spend the extra on the D90, why dont you give canon a chance as well, look at the 50D (unless you have already) from what ive looked at the 50D is about $150 more than the D90, if thats a big issue than ignore what i said but im at pretty much the same point as you except im deciding between the D90 and the 50D. Also consider the lens' offered for each company, as inkista already pointed out they both have their strong points, for me im looking for more reach and it appears as Canon's a little better there, but Nikon maybe wins on the wider stuff. You said that you liked the feel of the D90 as well, especially compared to the T1i, try out the 50D, there is a huge difference between that and the T1i.

[n_mazur]

Yes, I personaly liked the feel of the 50D much better than the D90. I liked how my fingers felt wrapped around it and the heft of it. Plus it has a faster continuous shooting speed, and there is a better selection of accessories for Canon around here. That was another HUGE factor. It's not good having a camera body if you can't try out lenses for it (or test some out to make sure that the lens isn't a lemon). I'm actualy so happy with my 50D that, until canon comes out with a better upgrade than the 7D, I won't even be fantasizing about camera bodies for quite some time.
All that said, if you're looking to take pictures of sports and action stuff, the 50D is the winner. For portait and landscape photography, the D90 takes the cake (due to better support for off camera flashes). But you can use either for anything, they just have some strong points pushing them one way or another.
Also, images taken from both cameras show that they are neck and neck as far as noise goes up to 1600 ISO. The D90 just barely takes the lead for the next two stops. However, if you print your images from both cameras at the same size, the noise artifacts from the 50D will be less obvious since they'll be much smaller, so the 50D will have less perceptible noise. Plus, you can get larger usable prints from the 50D. Those were two other selling points for me.

[RichardK]

Hi CJ.
Well I have to tell you I have had the D5000 Nikon for awhile, In a word, OUTSTANDING. I have also just bought the Canon SX20 IS as a backup, also Outstanding.
Richard.