D90 VS 50D viewfinders

[Mefistofeles]

So I went to the store looking for my first DSLR, I'm interested in either the D90 or its equivalent from canon: the 50D.

I asked the salesman to show me both cameras, the nikon D90 with the 18-105 DX lens, and the canon with the 28-135mm USM lens.

I removed the cover of the lens and began to play with the Nikon, I used the zoom, focused here and there, it didn't have a battery so I could it turn it on. The viewfinder looked kind of dark, with a brownish cast.

Then I tried the 50D and OH MY GOD!!.. it was a world different, a skyclear viewfinder with no color cast (the 50D didn't have a battery either).

The salesman guy told me that the Nikon has to be Turned ON in order to see the viewfinder as its supposed to be...

Is the salesman right?? Will the nikon look as good as the 50D once the power its on??, Maybe the nikon they showed me has something broken...

Please help, is there such a big difference between the D90 and the 50D viewfinders??

Thanks in advance.

[OsmosisStudios]

Any camera store that doesn't put batteries in their cameras cant be trusted. Find another.

[Mefistofeles]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Any camera store that doesn't put batteries in their cameras cant be trusted. Find another.

I understand, but I'm not buying the cameras there.. too expensive, I'm buying over the internet, just went there to "feel" the cameras.

[OsmosisStudios]

You wont get a full "feel" for the cameras with actually USING them.

[Shokinen]

Regardless the viewfinder, OS is right, it's difficult to get the feel of a camera just by holding it.

If you are ready to spend that much money on a camera, I would assume you are somewhat interested in photography. Some day (maybe you are already) you may want to start shooting manualy. This is where you have to consider the ergonomics of the body, menus, accessories such has wireless flash with the D90, etc.

After using a Canon 20D for an hour, my index was hurting due to where it's place on the Canons. I rather use my thumb. Plus, the Nikon has 2 dials: 1 for the aperture and another for the shutter... sweet... Did I mentionI felt in love with the shutter sound ?

Get the guy to make them work or find another store. Obviously he doesn't want to sell his stuf... At ~1000$, you don't want to take a decision over the viewfinder only. There is so much more in a camera.

Note that I don't want you to go for Nikon. Honestly I don't care. They are both great camera. But don't make your choice based on an impulsion. You'll be the one using that body, not us.

[Mefistofeles]

Originally Posted by Shokinen

If you are ready to spend that much money on a camera, I would assume you are somewhat interested in photography. Some day (maybe you are already) you may want to start shooting manualy.

Note that I don't want you to go for Nikon. Honestly I don't care. They are both great camera. But don't make your choice based on an impulsion. You'll be the one using that body, not us.

You are 100% right. My current camera has manual modes and I just love them... But it's still an advanced P&S and I need something more.

I had the chance to use a Sony Alpha 300 for like a day and hated it... It felt so awkward in my hand from the very beginning. As for ergonomics, I like more Nikon than Canon, those two command dials are sweeeeeet! But the viewfinder is actually kind of important for me for proper composition.

Still, I know both cameras are great, and I'll take great pictures with both. I already have a Nikkor lens that I got as a gift many many years ago, a 50mm f1.8, that's why I lean towards the nikon D90. It's just that I found quite amazing to see such a big difference between 2 "similar" models. I mean, there must be something wrong... the D90 viewfinder looks... well.. DARK, even the sony Alpha looks better...

... but leaving all that aside.

Is there such a big diffrence between the viewfinders of the D90 and the 50D?? Or, in your experience: it's not such a big deal and there might be something wrong with the D90 sample I used at the store??

[OsmosisStudios]

Frankly, I think youre seeing things.

[Mefistofeles]

Somebody told me at another forum that the D90 and the D300, both need to be turned on in order to display the viewfinder properly. Otherwise, it'll look dark... is this true?

[Mefistofeles]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Frankly, I think youre seeing things.

hahahahaahaha!!

noooo.. I'm not crazy... I wish there was a way to take a photo of both viewfinders so you can see what I mean.

[Shokinen]

I did a quick search on google found some people having similar issues.

I should be home in 1hour so I'll check on mine. There should be no difference between on and off but at least we will have a confirmation.


One thing I thought, was there a filter on the lens you tested ? A Neutral Density / Polarizer could have been affecting what you are seeing.