Canon 40D vs Nikon D90

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I've currently got a Canon 400D and a few cheap lenses. I've been wanting to upgrade the body for a while to get better autofocus and low light performance. I was considering the 40D/50D and I had almost decided to get a 40D last night when the Nikon D90 caught my eye.

I'll admit the main reason I'm considering the Nikon is the HD video option, I know it has limitations and it's manual focus only but this would still be enough for what I want. On further thought the 18-105 VR kit lens seems like an ideal walkabout lens. I find my Tamron 17-50 a little short sometimes although it is f2.8 and I wonder if I'll get similar results from the 18-105 VR.

I'd be interested to hear everyone's thoughts on the matter as I really dont know what I should do. Buying Nikon might mean buying another Tamron to fit it. I plan on keeping my current 400D and lenses as a backup.
 
I own a D90 and really do enjoy it. I'll be honest enough to say that I haven't used the video once (it's an added extra as far as I'm concerned). The kit lens is pretty good, on a par optically with the 18-70mm IMHO (one of the better Nikon kit lenses).

I use a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 lens on my camera so sold the kit lens on. Whilst good, the kit lens is no match for the Tamron if that's what you're used to. :)
 
whatever you decide I think you'd be better off selling your 400D as it'll just sit in the bag if you buy either of these bodies, if you go for the D90 you may as well sell the lot and start again

although i'm using Canon now i've had a D200 and a D300 and to be honest I feel more comfortable with nikon, if I hadn't got so much invested in Canon lenses i'd be hanging a D700 round my neck by now.

If it were me in your position i'd sell everything and get the D90 and some Nikkor glass
 
I can only speak from the Canon side of the fence here, but I made the switch from a 400D to a 40D in December, and it is a huge jump in performance. The high ISO noise performance is in another league, and I find it a much easier camera to use than the 400D. The menu setup is more intuitive, and it's easier to change settings with the big thumbwheel on the back of the camera.
 
In my opinion, switching systems because one camera body has a particular set of features you like is not necessarily a good move. remember, there's always a new body every 12-18 months. If you switch from Canon because you like the feature set of the Nikon 90, you might be kicking yourself because the next Canon body does it even better.

I'd suggest looking at (a) the capabilities of the systems - which has lenses and other accessories that do what you want to do? and (b) the ergonomics - does one brand of camera feel more intuitive to you? Those are features which are likely to persist long after we've all forgotten about the D90.
 
Ive been looking around for the past week and am in a bit of a tizzy...

(love that word...you dont often get the chance to use it...!!!)

I went into Jessops and tried a few cameras hands on...the Nikons felt superb and more intuative design wise...the D300 was like a glove...

The button seem to be set out more ergonomically and singular function where possible...

I am lucky enough to be in the position of stepping up from a hybrid...so the Canon 50D /Nikon D300 debate is on...

Just the lenses to sort out...

Who does offer the best...and should you go f2.8 or image stababised...

You all seem to know where you are going regards lenses...

SORRY just realised I am hijacking this thread a little bit...

WHAT I really meant to say was that I agreed with the personal feeling of touching and seeling...as I had written the D300 off...but the biggest decision is down to lenses...as these seem to have longevity...!!!

THANKS

STEVIER
 
StewartR said:
In my opinion, switching systems because one camera body has a particular set of features you like is not necessarily a good move. remember, there's always a new body every 12-18 months. If you switch from Canon because you like the feature set of the Nikon 90, you might be kicking yourself because the next Canon body does it even better.

I'd suggest looking at (a) the capabilities of the systems - which has lenses and other accessories that do what you want to do? and (b) the ergonomics - does one brand of camera feel more intuitive to you? Those are features which are likely to persist long after we've all forgotten about the D90.
Click to expand...

I appreciate what you are saying and normally I wouldn't consider a swap just for one feature. However, I'm in the market for a new body anyway as I feel the low light and autofocus in the 400D is lacking. Whatever I buy will have to stay with me for a good few years.

The video feature is very tempting for me as I have just as much interest in video as I do in photography. In fact my next purchase after a new body will be a more professional video camera, but they run into thousands and its not something I can see myself buying for at least another 12 months. I can't put my creativity on hold that long! :lol:

Items like lenses and flash don't seem to be a problem, there are options from both Canon & Nikon that will fulfil my requirements.
 
A man with a mission...

Happy Flashing...in the photo sense...

STEVIER
 
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