Apr 29

Nikon D5000 vs. Canon T1i: Place Your Bets

Posted in: nikon, Today's Chili, top

Nikon’s D5000 and Canon’s Rebel T1i are the two hottest sub-$1000 cameras ever created. But which one is hotter? The specs and shots below say plenty—but tomorrow we give you the final verdict.

Let’s go over the basics. The cameras, with 18-55mm image stabilizer lenses, have MSRPs within $50 of each other, the Nikon at $850 and the Canon at $900. Spec-wise, that extra $50 goes a long way:

• Nikon has a 12.3-megapixel CMOS, while the Canon has a 15.1 megapixel CMOS.

• The Canon’s 3″ LCD screen has 920,000 dots; Nikon’s 2.7″ LCD only has 230,000 dots, but it gets bonus points for the “vari-angle” adjustable mount.

• HD video shooting is the selling point for both, but while the Nikon can handle 720p, the Canon can shoot up to 12 minutes per burst of full 1080p high-def video (though at a minimal 20 frames per second). Both have HDMI outputs, to prove how dedicated they are to high-def video.

• ISO wise, they’re pretty evenly matched, from 100 to 3200, with a Hi ISO bump at 6400. (The Canon has an additional ISO 12800 high setting.) The key here is which one is noisier at the higher levels; I have my guesses, but we’ll just have to see.

• Getting deeper into camera-nerd territory, the Nikon has an 11-point autofocus, compared to Canon’s 9-point AF. They both boast the usual proprietary engines, for Canon the DIGIC 4 imaging processor, and for Nikon, the “exclusive” EXPEED image processing system. And obviously, both can be fitted with a huge number of lenses from their specific manufacturer, lens compatibility usually being the deciding factor for people who already have huge glass investment.

What does it all mean? I have no doubt that both cameras are worthy sons of bitches, and like their predecessors, many of their idiosyncratic ticks—visual menus vs lists, etc.—are well known and documents. Some conclusions are already in sight, given the fact that the D5000 is a direct descendant of the D90, whereas the T1i comes straight from the 5D Mk II‘s loins, both heavily reviewed already.

Still, over the next day, I’ll be shooting hundreds of photos in different lighting conditions, in order to make sense of this two-headed temptation. Here’s some further reading While U Wait:

News announcements on Giz:
Nikon D5000
Canon EOS Rebel T1i

Product Pages:
Nikon D5000
Canon EOS Rebel T1i

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Apr 29

Canon EOS Rebel T1i vs. Nikon D5000… fight!

Posted in: camera, dslr, Features, hands-on, HandsOn, nikon, pics, pictures, Today's Chili

We can’t quite recall if the last week in April of 2008 was jam packed with camera introductions, but you can go ahead and pencil this little stretch down as quite an important time in the lives of DSLR junkies. Nary 24 hours after we gave you our pair of pennies on Nikon’s D5000, Canon’s EOS Rebel T1i (its arch enemy, just so you know) has arrived. Based on specifications alone, the T1i looks like a much more serious shooter than the D5000, though its kit package — which also includes an 18-55mm IS EF-S lens — runs you $50 more and omits that all-too-intriguing articulating display.

Gallery: Canon EOS Rebel T1i hands-on

Instead, you get a fixed 3-inch Live View display (like the more expensive D90 over on the Nikon front), a 1080p movie mode (which trumps all Nikon DSLRs at the moment and matches the mighty EOS 5D Mark II), a ISO sensitivity up to 12,800 (the D5000 tops out at 6,400) and a 15.1 megapixel sensor (compared to the 12.3MP sensor in the D90 and D5000). We’re going to run out and pit these two against each other in order to bring you a more thorough showdown soon, but for now, hop on past the break to see how the T1i — which is shipping to the public today as well — stacks up against the D5000 on paper. Oh, and check out the gallery if you’re intrigued by world class knock-down-drag-outs.

Gallery: Canon EOS Rebel T1i vs. Nikon D5000… fight!

Continue reading Canon EOS Rebel T1i vs. Nikon D5000… fight!

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Canon EOS Rebel T1i vs. Nikon D5000… fight! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apr 28

Nikon D5000 impressions, head-to-head with D90

Posted in: camera, digital camera, DigitalCamera, dslr, Features, hands-on, HandsOn, nikon, pics, pictures, review, Today's Chili

Nikon’s D5000 is a curious beast. It boasts an unorthodox model name, packs a strikingly unique display and aims at an atypically small niche. In a way, it’s a poor man’s D90, but stopping there would be selling this gem short. The D5000 kit, which ships with the same 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens that comes bundled with the D60 kit, sports an MSRP of $849.99, placing it squarely between the aforementioned D60 kit (currently streeting for $549.95) and the D90 kit (which can be found for around $1,150). ‘Course, the D90 kit lands you a nicer 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR lens, a higher resolution rear LCD, a top-mounted display for showing vital statistics, a more rugged body and a few other internal upgrades. We’ve had some time to toy with Nikon’s latest, and we’ve laid out our impressions just past the break. Join us, won’t you?

Gallery: Nikon D5000 hands-on

Continue reading Nikon D5000 impressions, head-to-head with D90

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Nikon D5000 impressions, head-to-head with D90 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apr 27

Nikon D5000 hands-on

Posted in: camera, dslr, Features, hands-on, HandsOn, nikon, pics, pictures, Today's Chili

We knew good and well Nikon’s highly anticipated D5000 was supposed to start shipping today, and ship they did. Our own unit just arrived courtesy of an altogether suspicious unmarked white van, but rather than questioning the driver, we figured it prudent to just give you a closer look at what exactly comes in the box. Obviously, we got ahold of the D5000 Kit, which runs $849.95 and comes bundled with an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Nikkor lens. Initial impressions are as follows: it’s lightweight, it’s sexy and the articulating display is downright spectacular. Sure, it lacks some resolution compared to the D90‘s fixed LCD, but it sure shines bright. Expect a more thorough rundown in the not-too-distant future; till then, enjoy the gallery below!

Gallery: Nikon D5000 hands-on

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Nikon D5000 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apr 27

Cheap Geek: Nikon Coolpix, Logitech Keyboard, iPhone Case

Posted in: digital camera, iPhone, keyboard, logitech, nikon, Today's Chili

NikonCoolpixP60.jpg

If half your wardrobe is promotional t-shirts you’ve gotten at trade shows, you might be a cheap geek.

1. Finding excellent digital cameras at around $100 is what this column is all about, and today Office Max is offering a great one. You can grab a Nikon Coolpix P60 for $99.99, which is half the list price. This baby has 8.1 megapixels, a 5x optical zoom, red-eye reduction, and face priority technology. Sounds like a great bring-along for that summer vacation you’re planning.

2. Logitech makes some of the best peripherals around, so if you’re in need of a new keyboard take advantage of this deal from Office Depot. It’s selling the Logitech Deluxe 250 keyboard for $7.95. This is a black keyboard and it connects with a USB cable.

3. iPhone owners know how slippery their favorite phone can be. If you don’t want a hard fall or a cracked screen ruining your iPhone, get OtterBox’s iPhone Defender case from Amazon. While it originally sold for $76.29, Amazon has this handsome black and yellow case for $19.25.

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Apr 27

Nikon D5000 Unboxed, Looks Sturdy

Posted in: nikon, Today's Chili, unboxing

nikon-d5000

More premature unboxulation today, this time for the video-shootin’, screen-flippin’ Nikon D5000, which has been stripped of its cardboard shell and poked, preened and, well, twisted for lucky recipient Kadath’s Flickr set.

First, isn’t is a little odd how many camera unboxings there are on Flickr? It’s not just the quantity, though — the sheer quality of them makes us wonder if the buyers actually needed a new camera after all (these were, ironically, taken with a Nikon D300).

In this case, though, we’re happy, as we get to see the first in-the-flesh photos of the new D5000; product-verité rather than the primped, powdered and photoshopped primadonna we saw pictured in the press pack.

The build looks nice, with the flecked metal finish much closer to the pro bodies than the cheaper D60. The flip-screen looks very solid, too, and we get a good look at the little speaker that is needed to play back the audio on movie clips (back panel, bottom-right). Nikon has a certain set of design cues that mean the seasoned watcher can spot models fairly accurately from afar. The D5000 has, as mentioned, the sturdy flecked finish. It also has a higher-end viewfinder and flash housing, the one which is tempting to hook a finger underneath.

On the other hand, it has the single, rear command dial, no top LCD panel and a top-mounted dial for mode selection. Finally, the pro models have the drive mode and ISO switch off on the top-left panel, where the ISO dial would have been on a film camera. Master these cues and you’ll be a nerdy Nikon-spotter in no time.

Lastly, that sturdy LCD box looks to be a handy screen protector when flipped shut — way better than the plastic screen that comes with the D700, and which you have to actually buy for the D3.

Check the whole show out on Flickr, including a few test shots taken with the camera itself.

Gallery [Flickr]

Photo: Kadath/Flickr

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Apr 26

Nikon’s D5000 DSLR unboxed ahead of schedule

Posted in: dslr, hands-on, HandsOn, nikon, pics, pictures, Today's Chili, unboxing

Well, well — what have we here? With 24 hours to go before Nikon’s D5000 hits the streets (at least at Amazon), one lucky soul has managed to stumble upon one early. The D5000 kit, which contains Nikon’s first DSLR with an articulating display, has been officially unboxed in glorious fashion, and Kadath’s Flickr account also shows a few test shots for those curious about image quality. We’re expecting one of these into our own labs any moment now, but for the time being, hit up the read link to enjoy the early-bird spoils.

[Thanks, Sam]

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Nikon’s D5000 DSLR unboxed ahead of schedule originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Apr 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apr 24

Nikon’s D5000 DSLR (and its articulating display) shipping April 27th

Posted in: 720p, amazon, available, camera, digital camera, DigitalCamera, dslr, nikon, now available, NowAvailable, on sale, OnSale, Release Date, Today's Chili

Oh, goodie goodie! Merely ten days after the D5000 was formally introduced to the world — and just hours after Amazon’s pre-order page went live — we’re now being told that Nikon’s first DSLR with an articulating display will be shipping in three short days. Starting on April 27th, the cam will begin making its way out to those who pulled the trigger early on… at least in kit form. We don’t expect the body-only configuration to leave the docks for at least a week or so later, but you can rest assured we’ll be giving one a go and letting you know if it’s worth the cheddar.

[Thanks, Jonathon]

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Nikon’s D5000 DSLR (and its articulating display) shipping April 27th originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apr 18

Nikon’s D5000 up for pre-order at Amazon

Posted in: amazon, dslr, nikon, pre-order, PreOrder, Today's Chili

If you can’t possibly wait one more moment to spend some money on Nikon’s latest DSLR — the D5000 — you’re in luck. The digicam is now up for pre-order at Amazon, so you can finally find a really good reason to max out your last credit card. Financial apocalypse? Please.

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Nikon’s D5000 up for pre-order at Amazon originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Apr 2009 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apr 15

First Nikon D5000 and Canon T1i video clips appear

Posted in: dslr, nikon, Today's Chili

It’s kind of strange that the most anticipated sample media from the latest crop of DSLRs is actually HD video, but that’s the way the market’s going, and the new Canon EOS Rebel T1i and Nikon D5000 are no exception. Demystifying Digital has footage from both, and while Nikon’s newest seems to deliver essentially the same CMOS jelly-motion results from its 12.3 megapixel sensor as the D90, the T1i is a pleasant surprise — we’re not seeing much wiggle at 720p, which might be a result of the higher-res 15 megapixel sensor. We’ll wait to see full-res samples and some actual still images before we crown a winner, but we’ll tell you right now that neither one of these is going to make us leave a dedicated camcorder behind when it’s important — the lack of autofocus and the windblown internal mics just don’t cut it. Videos after the break.

Read – Nikon D5000
Read – Canon T1i

Continue reading First Nikon D5000 and Canon T1i video clips appear

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First Nikon D5000 and Canon T1i video clips appear originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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