• Welcome to the Two Wheeled Texans community! Feel free to hang out and lurk as long as you like. However, we would like to encourage you to register so that you can join the community and use the numerous features on the site. After registering, don't forget to post up an introduction!

Canon 40d VS Nikon D90

Forums New posts
T

TAPnTX

0
Joined
Aug 3, 2005
Messages
847
Reaction score
0
Location
Plano, TX
I am torn between these 2 cameras. Are there any experts out there that can shed some light, why one may be better than the other. My plans are for regular around the house shooting as well as some outdoor stuff (Track days)

What i like about the Canon:

Feels solid in your hands (Metal Body)
Has some dust protection (Seals on covers)
Seems easy enough to use.
Comes with Software to control the Camera from PC

What I like about the Nikon

Really user friendly
Nice Display
Lighter


Thanks for any help, it is greatly appreciated.

I will also add, I do not have any lenses, flash or accessories. So starting from scratch here.


Todd
 
interchangeable lens? external flash capable? largest memory card size/type? battery type/replaceable? runs on rechargeable batteries? electronic eyepiece[far easier to use than little LCD on back]? user friendly?
 
forgot: shutter speeds[you'll need/want at least 1/1000 sec for track days] selectable? auto/manual focus? video/audio capable?
anyone else?
 
Hmmm, confused by your response!

Yes both of these are mid range Higher end cameras. They both have all the capabilities that you mention. My question is more about one having an edge over the other. I have read so many reviews about both, but the problem with most are they are so biased. And since I have no other accessories for either brand I can go either way.

Todd
 
Both are great cameras so go with the one that feels best to you. Head to the store and spend a lot of time fiddling with each one to give you a better idea. I personally shoot Canon but that's just what I've used for many years.

As far as track day shutter speeds...1/250th is plenty fast for action shots so don't worry about that.

Here's a side by side comparison if you haven't seen this before.

Click Here
 
dutchinterceptor said:
Both are great cameras so go with the one that feels best to you. Head to the store and spend a lot of time fiddling with each one to give you a better idea. I personally shoot Canon but that's just what I've used for many years.

As far as track day shutter speeds...1/250th is plenty fast for action shots so don't worry about that.

Here's a side by side comparison if you haven't seen this before.

Click Here
Click to expand...

Since he's a novice, more than 1/250 sec will help him stop action. Nikon has highr megpixels, Canon has more fps. Kinda a toss up, IMHO
 
Definitely check out ken rockwells site as Buck000 recommended. I follow his advice, which states the lens makes the picture way more than the camera. I have an entry level D60 with three lens with my favorite being the 10.5 mm fisheye. The D90 or even D40 with a fast auto-focus lens would be great. I can't speak much for the canon, but I'm sure it's a great camera.
 
I hate to throw a wrench in the works but... check out the Sony Alpha cameras. In-body stabilization means you can get some serious bang-for-the-buck with older maxxum lenses.
Having said that, I have played with a 40D and a D60 owned by friends.. you will love either brand.
 
Either camera will serve your purposes as well as lesser cameras that were great just a year ago from Canon, Nikon, Sony, or Olympus. For outdoor track stuff moving, the lens will have more affect than the camera as you will need a decent zoom or telephoto, not just the kit lens.

I was planning on posting my Nikon D80 for sale with one lens (50mm 1.8) for $600. I have boxes manuals, paperwork, everything it came with.

It is clearly not the D90, but also not the price. PM if your interested.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions, I have read quite a bit over on DPreview and Ken Rockwells site.

I pulled the trigger on the Canon 40D. I figure it will be all the camera I need for the next few years. Now to find that perfect Lens :)

Thanks,
Todd
 
Congratulations, I'm sure you'll love it. I'd love their 18-200 lens and but for now I'm sticking with my 18-55, 55-200, and 10.5. I'm looking at their 50 mm 1.4 today as i shoot in a lot of low light areas where the flash can't be used. It may also prove to be a decent lens for motorsports which is the thing I shoot the most. Enjoy!
 
TAPnTX said:
I pulled the trigger on the Canon 40D. I figure it will be all the camera I need for the next few years. Now to find that perfect Lens :)
Click to expand...

Congrat's.. you'll be very satisfied.

On the "perfect" lens.... don't forget the conversion factor applied to the sensor. I believe it's x1.6 on the 40D meaning an 18-55 will behave more like a 29-88 when compared to the 35mm film standard. Of course, that means your 70-300 will really reach out there... :trust:
 
Thanks, I will post up some pics as soon as it comes in and I get a chance to use it. I am really looking forward to being able to take a picture when I push the shutter release :) My old camera I found myself saying wait wait wait too many times :(

Todd
 
I'm a little late to the party....but now that I am here and you have made a choice, here are some website recommendations for you:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/

http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/index.php


http://www.joemcnally.com/blog/

http://www.photographershandbook.com/

http://www.scottkelby.com/

http://strobist.blogspot.com/

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/12/07/50-excellent-digital-photography-photoshop-tutorials/

https://contsturegister.smu.edu/ShowSchedule.awp?~~GROUP~INFPHO~Photography+Courses~INF (SMU Continuing Education classes in photography....I am taking the "Discovering the Secrets of Great Photography" class starting in Feb...this will be the first photography class I have ever taken in over two decades of shooting)

http://www.scottbromleyphotography.com/ (my website)


Also, since you bought a Canon and I shoot with a Canon 50D, I would be willing to let you try my lenses if (when) you get the bug for new glass:

Canon 50 1.8 (currently my favorite lens)
Canon 18-200 IS
Tamron 28-75 2.8
Tamron 70-200 2.8
Sigma 150-500 5.6-6.3 OS


I didn't realize we had so many shooters on here....once the weather stabilizes I may have to organize a photo walk in either Fort Worth or Dallas (http://www.photowalklist.com/
 
Thanks, Scott for the great links. I will definitely take you up on trying some different lenses.

Thanks,
Todd
 
Good Info! I have the D90 on my wish-List, a little reading may change my mind. I am a rookie and am willing to learn with the best "Capable" camera. Thanks
 
JChef....
I have a D40x and the 18-200VR. If I had to do it again, I'd still purchase the D40x body but put the money towards some REALLY nice glass like the 105Macro or 70-200VR f/2.8.

So if I were in your shoes, I'd consider dropping down to the 40 series body instead of the 90 but upgrading the glass opportunities. Something to consider.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top