Which camera if only choice was NikonD90 or Canon550d

[Steveed]

Hi Guys
Im brand new to the forum. I quickly checked previous threads but couldnt see anything as specific as my question.
Currently have NikonD80 but with sigma DC 18-200 lens. Not getting sharp enough images at all. Am advised for sharpest images I need to use fixed lenses, not zoom and certainly Nikon not sigma ...would you all generally agree?

So I want to upgrade but also want to incorporate video. (Cannot afford a canon d5 or d7)
So I am considering the Canon 550d or the Nikon D90. Although I am a Nikon guy I am advised by pro friends to switch to Canon. I need sharpar stills but also good quality video.
I have read reviews that leave me concerned about the D90 video capabilities and also see it only shoots in 2800x720p (as opposed to 550d's 2900x1080p)

I am inclined towards the Canon 550d for overall quality of stills and video.
Would the general consensus agree or does anyone have any convincing argument in favour of Nikon?
I also considered the Nikon D3100 but have left it out of the race ...am I right in thinking the D90 is superior?
Many thanks is anticipation. Your input will be of much value
Steveed

[irispatch]

Canon's 70-200MM f4L is one of the sharpest lenses that you can find either with or without IS. Pair that with Canon body and you should be very happy with the results.
Try renting a body and a lens in the range that you prefer and see how you like the set up. You can rent both Canon and Nikon to compare results. You are right in your thinking about the Sigma lens though there is a lot of variability with sigma products so get lucky and get a good copy others not so lucky.

[Steveed]

Thanks for the reply Irispatch.
Would you care to cast any simple comment on the question of NikD90 v Canon 550d ?
Steveed

[OsmosisStudios]

Your issue with stills isn't a body issue, it's lenses. Get better glass, then look at upgrading your body. YOure also not going to see a huge difference in a single generation.

As far as video, it depends on what youre doing with it. You know that DSLR video works best manually focused, right? And is a LOT of work to get done right? You might be better off with a small point and shoot or a camcorder instead.

That being said, if you're DEAD set on a body upgrade, at least go to the D7000, or wait for a D300s upgrade.

[Steveed]

Many thanks OsmosisS, much appreciate your thoughts !
Steveed

[inkista]

[QUOTE=Steveed;1145138]Currently have NikonD80 but with sigma DC 18-200 lens. Not getting sharp enough images at all. Am advised for sharpest images I need to use fixed lenses, not zoom and certainly Nikon not sigma ...would you all generally agree?
No, not really. Expensive zooms will definitely perform as well as primes. It's just that primes are less expensive and sharper in combination. But depending on what you plan to use the lens for, you may need the zoom. As for Nikon vs. Sigma, it depends on the individual lens. Each lens is individual. To label one brand as a whole as "soft" is sheer folly. The issue here is not so much that you got a Sigma, but that you got the 18-200. The 10x superzoom lenses always have image quality compromises to encompass the large focal length range, particularly at the ends of the zoom range.

... I need sharpar stills but also good quality video. ... I am inclined towards the Canon 550d for overall quality of stills and video. ...

As everybody above is saying, you're actually not going to get much of a gain, image quality wise. Your D90 is plenty good for the stills, and with the right glass, and good technique you can get good images out of it. If, however you need 1080p right now, then maybe a 550D is a good idea, but it will be a substantially different camera, and you'll need to buy lenses all over again. As Os says, it may just be better to wait and see what happens in March when the new product announcements come out, and see what Nikon has up their sleeve, rather than jumping systems.

On top of that, do you have the computer hard drive space, software, and processor capability to handle editing 1080p?

You'll definitely want to research what video with a dSLR is about. This is substantially different from camcorder use, and is really not much at all like videography, and more like digital filmmaking.