D90 VS EOS Rebel T2i (lens kit options available and low prices are in effect)

D90 VS EOS Rebel T2i (lens kit options available and low prices are in effect)
Just as the subject says. Only here's the catch.

The d90 comes with an 18-105mm VR lense and is on clearance for $900 all inclusive (might be able to get it for $50-$100 less according the mgr). Meanwhile the Rebel T2i kit sells for $799+tax and comes with these 2 lenses listed below as well as some adobe softwear and other swag (sold as a special kit thru Costco here in Canada):

• Canon® EF-S 18-55 mm F/3.5-5.6 IS
• Canon® EF 75-300 mm F/4.0-5.6 III USM

Im new to DSLRs and have been practicing for the past year on a high-quality, self purchased Lumix P&S, shooting 100% of the time with my manual controls in order to learn all about light. Im getting good results and feeling more comfy with the idea of jumping up to a HQ pro-sumer DSLR with lens options.

I generally shoot whitewater kayaking scenes or rich env. landscapes. I most often find myself in low-lit canyons or pointing at brightly lit water, thus high contrast scenes also are a frequent challenge. Obviously, a very fast action fast shutter action (3.5+fps) is also a must.

Im leaning towards the d90 for its speed and low light capabilities but its way behind with its video options. The T2i is more modern and the lenses supplied with it are also enticing but it just feels like a cheaper camera all around?

Your thoughts? Im very new to all of this and have only really read about the d90.
Thx

I'm not sure you will find to many here that has had the Canon...If someone has they will tell you..

The best thing for you to do is read all the reviews you can find and make up your own mind...

And welcome..

Go in the store, take both cameras in your hand, play around a bit with both and then decide which one YOU like the most. I'd say that quality wise is probably at par.

Lenses will be your biggest investment. How many times has Canon changed lens mounts?

Low light capabilities and focusing speed should be big things you consider if you shoot rafting most of the time. Look at reviews on both about those factors and then make sure you (as said before) hold and handle each to see what makes sense. Either way you get a very good camera Just find the one that fits your needs and long term goals. Once you start buying lenses it's hard to switch brands....

You are on a Nikon site asking that question? You should know what the answer will be. Canon use to make nice computer printers, and the images from Canon cameras are alright. It just feels like you are shooting a TinyTykes Camera when you have one in your hands...Feels kinda like a toy compared to holding a Nikon....but I've always shot Nikon....starting with my FM2....no I owned a Fuji ST-701 before the FM2...

The D90 is an excellent choice.....or you could save some money and buy a D3100, and have about $500.00 left to buy a really nice lens...

I love the feel of the D90 in your hand, the grip and controls just work, but then I have been using Nikons for 35 years, so,, really becomes a brand preference, Plenty of people will say the exact same thing about Canon,,

frankly, you can't go wrong with either choice, so,, go handle them in person, and decide.

hint.. D90...awesome.

I used to have Rebel XTi before moving to Nikon D90. I can confirm that the feel is night and day. Rebel series camera is borderline toyish with cheap plastic and cheap grip. The price is not significant enough that D90 is a deal breaker, but the rebel will get old much quicker than the D90.


Another issue with the rebel series is the LCD screen. Everytime you take a photo, you will need to look at the view finder to change settings as well. For a D90, the LCD at the top of the camera helps you switch settings quickly. Oh and yes, lenses.

Most prosumer Canon lenses are sub par. You will only get decent/better results and colour by getting the cheaper L lens which will still cost $700-$1000. For Nikon, you can choose D or G lenses, depending on your budget and you still get quality optics within the $300-$700 range.

Looking at your options, I would actually recommend you getting a D90 body only and invest more in a better lens. 18-70mm is a decent lens, but for a little extra money, you can probably get better optics as well. Canon offers 18-55mm and 55-200mm which is ok. But you're looking at a dead-end kit. If you decide to spend more on better lens, you will still have to sell those lenses anyway and you'll be stuck with a subpar body.

Here's a funny observation: If you're the type to buy a prosumer DSLR and sell after one year of purchasing it - you're probably buying a Canon (Rebel especially). If you buy a camera and actually keep it - you most likely have a Nikon

If it was me given those choices, I would buy the D90 over ANY other brand of camera.....especially the Canons! They're very toy like. Go with Nikon for the quality and choice of lenses.

Think about this, too; why is the Canon being offered with all those other goodies? Answer.....because they're trying to SELL you the Canon! If they didn't offer those "extras", would you buy it anyway?

Thanx everyone! This is exactly the kind of stuff I needed to hear as Im VERY new to all of this. I did not realize that only the D90 had an LCD on the top while the T2i did not. That's important to me as I love knowing where my settings are at. Keep those comments rolling in as I am still short on new knowledge, mostly about such a cam of this caliber (d90). Is it not too old of a model now for what else is available on the newer market?

The technology of the D90 is still very much relevant to photography today as it was 2 years ago. The difference is made with the glass you shoot with it. Don't be misguided by all the bells and whistles of the "newer" models. There are people that use and love this camera and produce outstanding photos. You'd be hard pressed to know what camera those photos came out of. It also boils down to the skill of the photographer.

But hey....if you got the wallet, and you think it's important to keep up with the Jonses, then by all means, go for it. It's your money after all, right?

daintydeathy said:

D90 VS EOS Rebel T2i (lens kit options available and low prices are in effect)
Just as the subject says. Only here's the catch.

The d90 comes with an 18-105mm VR lense and is on clearance for $900 all inclusive (might be able to get it for $50-$100 less according the mgr). Meanwhile the Rebel T2i kit sells for $799+tax and comes with these 2 lenses listed below as well as some adobe softwear and other swag (sold as a special kit thru Costco here in Canada):

• Canon® EF-S 18-55 mm F/3.5-5.6 IS
• Canon® EF 75-300 mm F/4.0-5.6 III USM

Im new to DSLRs and have been practicing for the past year on a high-quality, self purchased Lumix P&S, shooting 100% of the time with my manual controls in order to learn all about light. Im getting good results and feeling more comfy with the idea of jumping up to a HQ pro-sumer DSLR with lens options.

I generally shoot whitewater kayaking scenes or rich env. landscapes. I most often find myself in low-lit canyons or pointing at brightly lit water, thus high contrast scenes also are a frequent challenge. Obviously, a very fast action fast shutter action (3.5+fps) is also a must.

Im leaning towards the d90 for its speed and low light capabilities but its way behind with its video options. The T2i is more modern and the lenses supplied with it are also enticing but it just feels like a cheaper camera all around?

Your thoughts? Im very new to all of this and have only really read about the d90.
Thx

Click to expand...

What are you shooting now?

Sam, the reason you felt like the 550D is more toy like than the D90 is because its more of a pro-sumer body than the D90. The Rebel 3 figure series is just above the 4 figure series in the line up. Having said that, the 3 figure series are good cameras. I've owned the 450D of the 3 figure series ( and even a 40D which is further up the rank than a 3 figure Rebel ) and got some great snaps out of them, but i just like the way Nikons work in the hand, which is why i changed over after discovering this.

You wont really go wrong with either, but you may find like me, that Nikon seem to have the ergonomics better sorted, which is the reason i changed. In fact, i even preferred my Pentaxes ergonomics to the Canons, though all take good snaps in the end.

The Canon might be cheaper but you will be much happier with the Nikon IMO the D90 is a much better build. But buy the best camera for you and that your budget will allow. What are you currently using? Is this your first dslr or just an upgrade?

Here is a comparison that may help you in your decision. Good luck and enjoy your new camera which ever you choose.
Canon T2i vs Nikon D90 - Our Analysis

To answer, yes this is my first DSLR. Im currently shooting with a Lumix LX5 that i bought after reading some reviews and a comparo article in a feb 2011 shutterbug issue that rated "top compacts a pro could love." Im obviously limited by the built in zoom but the cam has full PASM controls and can capture in RAW if desired. Its been fun but im ready to step now.
The other thing is that whatever dslr i end up with, it is going to get hammered on based on how i play. I just got off a 7 day self support river kayak trip in northern bc and a member of our group had an old d80 that was still going strong, albeit, with a few broken bits here and there. I really liked how the cam felt and had heard of this models reputation. Im really only comparing the d90 to the less superior Canon as a means of stirring the pot here - mixing old with new. Sounds like regardless of the d90's age its still a sought after cam that will serve me for some time.
thx for the feedback everyone!