| Archive for Uncle AJ's Rolex, Wrist Watch & Nature Forum A place to chill out and have some fun a forum about nothing yet also about everything. An alternative wrist watch and nature forum. |
| East Bay Rider |
Canon T1i vs Nikon D90
My wife is "encouraging" me to finally get a camera and it will be a gift for Father's Day. I've decided I like the Canon T1i but then I started reading reviews and it's competition is the Nikon D90. The only complaint about the Canon is that is still uses a penta mirror but the Nikon uses a prism. I don't yet understand the difference but I'll have this camera forever so I might as well try for "better" as long as it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. The Cannon is approx. $899.00 and the D90 is over $1000.00 so that puts it out of range, unless you all know of a place where I can get it in the same price range as the Canon. Is the mirror/prism a big deal? I really can't go any higher in price? |
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| uncle aj |
One thing you need to keep in mind with a DSLR is that you will want extra lenses or other accessories and these cost money.
I don't know a lot about the Canon, apart from the reviews on the Net, on paper it sounds like a good buy. I know a couple of people who have D90's and one is thrilled to bits with his, the other less so. This is because some D90's have a tendency to lock up and the only way to reset the camera is to remove and refit the battery. The Canon may have faults but as I say, I don't know a lot about it. Now I'm a Nikon owner but fortunately I have an open mind and because of the D90's locking fault, I'd go for the Canon.
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| East Bay Rider |
Thanks, so is it your opinion that the mirror/prism is a non issue? Hate to not get the latest and greatest for similar price if I can help it. | ||||
| uncle aj |
I can't see it making too much of a difference, I suspect they are talking about the viewfinder. In my days it was a penta prism, the light from the lens was relayed to the eye piece through a prism / mirror arrangement. Possibly the prism is brighter than the mirror system but honestly I don't know. 
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| East Bay Rider |
First review, point 5
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-T1i-D..._txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1 Pretty nice camera. Thanks for the advice. |
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| uncle aj |
As I thought, it will be slightly duller in the viewfinder than a penta prism system. I expect that without the two cameras together to compare, you would not notice it.
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| Tools |
I think that either one of these cameras would make a fine choice..
You will find that SLR ownerws fall into two main camps...Canon and Nikon.. Generally, reviews will be slightly biased depending on which camp the reviewer is in, and which product he is reviewing.. For the most part, I use Canon equipment........It's never let me down or made me doubt my decision. Once you start with a system, then you will generally stay with that manufacturer as there are always upgrades, new accessories, lenses, etc... |
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| uncle aj |
Tell me about it or rather my bank manager. 
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| Letsgodiving |
I would say you can't go wrong with either choice. I haven't really looked into it to any degree and maybe Larry or Adrian will have more information on this but it's my understanding that Nikon lenses tend to be more expensive than their Canon counter-parts. I have also read that Canon has a wider selection of lenses but I'm not sure if that is the case or not. Good luck. | ||||
| East Bay Rider |
I've decided to get the Canon and I'm about to order it but also want to know which mini tripod you recommend? Are the mini tripods strong/stable enough for cameras of this size? | ||||
| uncle aj |
I use a full size tripod so can't help with too much. They should have a maximum weight specification so you need to calculate the weight of the camera and lens and make sure the tripod is capable of supporting it.
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| East Bay Rider |
I'm going to need to take this camera out and about as much as possible. I ride a motorcycle and have a bicycle path nearby. What kind of carrying bag do you use, and how would you recommend carrying this camera on a motorcycle/bicycle? I'm thinking backpack because they don't tossle around much but I'm open to other suggestions.
As always, thanks for the advice. |
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| uncle aj |
I use a backpack but it's too big for a bike etc. There are plenty around, mines a Lowepro, they are very good. In fact I have two, a mini treker in the UK and a bigger version here in Saudi. I'd check out their website.
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| East Bay Rider |
I looked at the mini trekker and the micro trekker on the Lowepro website and I like them as multi camera bags but nothing shows there use as a backpack. I'll need something multi-useful.
??? I ordered the camera today. I've ordered the camera, an 8gb class 6 SD card, UV protection filter and 2 digital photography books. Yup, pretty excited. I have an old Minolta SRT 101 that I used to carry everywhere but I haven't used it in many years. Looking forward to getting creative and recognising neat photo ops in ordinary things again. |
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| uncle aj |
The Trekkers are definitely backpacks, hence their name. I'm surprised they don't show that on their website. Incidentally, I have a few old Minolta SRT's at home in the UK.
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| East Bay Rider |
When I get my new camera I'll take some pics of my old camera. I really liked it but I love the freedom digital gives.
So the backpack has room for other stuff too? It's not just a camera bag? Excellent. Wife was concerned it would be considered a carry on by itself, without room for water bottle, daily planner, sweatshirt, book etc. If I can fit those other items as well I'll get it and have my new camera handy at all times. |
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| Tools |
There are a number of good backpacks for cameras around.. The one I travel with is actually made by Canon The whole back zips open which I like. It holds the camera with a big zoom attached, another lens, and some accessories, plus it has an additional zipped section that will hold a large book or small lap-top compputer, and another laced stretchy pocket that a windbreaker can be stuffed into.... It's bigger than most Lowepro's, which I do not use much because of their small size. Lowepro does make a bigger version than those usually seen. It is about the size of a carry-on when filled up.
I also use a Velbon 530 tripod for travelling. It is full size, but made of carbon fibre with a magnesium head, so is only 3 lbs, and easy to carry.. It is not as sturdy as an Aluminum P&B I keep around the house, but a fraction of the size. |
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| East Bay Rider |
I bought one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Tamrac-3536-Express-Camera-Black/dp/B000KLJIWK I've spent more time and energy choosing a bag than I did choosing a camera. I decided to get this bag for now and upgrade to a backpack if I find that I need to. |
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| uncle aj |
Looks nice but can you use it as a backpack? 
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| East Bay Rider |
No but it'll fit inside my backpack. Good enough for now. I want to see these things in person before buying somthing I may not like. |
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| uncle aj |
Good thinking.
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| East Bay Rider |
The new:
The old: 
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| uncle aj |
Congratulations, I know you will enjoy it.
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| East Bay Rider |
You know what really struck me? The weight of the old Minolta is so much more than the new Canon. It's so solid feeling. I suspect that if I threw a roll of film in it it would work as well as it did when I put it away10 years ago. I wonder how well my new Canon DSLR will work when it's 40 years old. I am having a blast but I think the 18-55 lens is nearly useless for anything distant and have already started searching for a 75-300mm for short money. | ||||
| uncle aj |
I still have a few old Minoltas around and they are great cameras.
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