Which one - Nikon D5000 or Canon T1i?

I would like to purchase a camera to take pictures of my family. Don't tell anyone, but it's really to take pictures of my car. I do hope to use it for other things though, probably landscapes.

Do you ever just get so sick of reading review after review when trying to select a product? That's the point I am at today. A guy I work with does professional photography as a second profession. He said either Canon or Nikon would be a good choice. He said the best lens choice for what I plan to use the camera for would be a EF-S 17-85mm.

I worry if I get the lowest entry model of either, the D3000 or the ES, that I might be disappointed, which is why I was leaning towards the D5000 or the T1i. Thought I had decided on the D5000 body, but I can't find a Nikon 17-85mm lens. And, I just read where Canon lenses cannot be used on Nikon cameras.

It doesn't make sense to me to buy a camera with the standard 18-55mm lens if I am going get a 17-85mm lense. BTW, I don't want to spend more than $1,000. I found a used 17-85mm canon lens for $300+, leaving enough for either camera body. Also, wondered about the Canon XSi.

It seems to me that a lot of members here have Nikons. So, looking for your opinions, suggestions.

 

Nikon makes a 16-86 lens. If you do the D5000, I would go with the 18-105mm lens which is the kit lens for the D90. It has the same speed at the 16-85 plus you get a slightly longer. The reviews say the 16-86 is sharper but not likely for most to notice plus it costs 2x minimum.

I favor Nikons for their ease of use.

 

I'm a Canon boy myself but either option for you would be a good choice. IMO, I believe Canon's to be better and easier to use. Also, it might be cheaper to go with the XSi body instead of the T1i so you have more funds to play with for the lens. While the bodies are fairly important, I believe the glass is even more important.

Good luck in your search.

 

You can get adapter rings that fit either Canon or Nikon cameras that allow you to use other brands of lenses. They're about $15-20 on ebay and amazon.

I've got a Sigma 17-70 lens and its a great lens. Very sharp. Sigma's from what I've read are hit and miss. I've got lucky I guess. I've got 3 Sigma lenses and I've had pretty good luck so far.

I like Canon myself. You can find some good prices on refurbished cameras over at Adorama or BH Photo. My XSi was a refurb and it looked brand new. I had no problems with that camera. The little 18-55mm lens isnt all that bad. I think it suffers from, its a cheap lens therefore it must be junk syndrome.

 

I too have been looking at the refurbished models on Adorama's web site. I really wanted to make a decision and order last night, but I didn't.

I have been all over the board, considering these three:
1. Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera/ Lens Kit, with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens for $1,149.
2. Canon Digital Rebel XSi SLR Camera - Refurbished for $449 & used Canon Ef-s 17-85 F4/5.6 Is Usm for $289 = $738 for package.
3. Canon Digital Rebel XSi SLR Camera Body Kit - Black - with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Image Stabilizer Lens - Refurbished for $499.

 

How about a refurb XSi with 18-55mm IS lens and buy a refurb 55-250mm IS lens. They run about $209-220 refurb and are a very nice lens. It would be two lenses that cover the scope you're looking for plus you'd get a little more zoom for roughly $700-750.

Also, the Canon 28-135mm IS lens is a decent lens you can usually find used for about $250

 

The D90 is s really nice camera and my mom has one and loves her's. I also have a nikon, it is the D700 it is amazing and is really fun to use.

 

That's some pretty nice equipment.

 

5000000000000

 

i tried to PM you but your PM is full

i have a D5000 that i will be posting FS here once NICA gets back to me on how to post it FS

 

It is simple. You go to the Control Panel and pay the one month sales see and then you are set.

I have a D90 and really really like it.

To make any buying decision, I would try both of them out. The feel and ease of use can be very subjective so you should decide for yourself.

Now, if you plan to keep the camera on Auto mode it may not be that big of difference. Canon and Nikonl take good pics.

It is when you want to tinker with exposure compensation, white balance, etc. in camera processing (sharpness, color saturation) then this is where you can develop a personal preference.

 

thanks i didn't realize that. all posted up

 

Cleaned out my PM. Go ahead now.