The obvious difference in image sensors between the D90 SLR and the Canon Rebel T1i is 15.1megapixels, and 12.3MP respectively. Using those specifications and applying a bit of thinking would lead most people to arrive at the conclusion that the Rebel T1i is probably the better deal.
Unfortunately for a information deluged camera purchaser, that's simply not accurate. There exist better image sensors (Canon SLR 40D) that could have been used during the design stage.
Nikon D3000
I'm certain you've learned in some of my other discussions, that lots of megapixels doesn't necessarily render into spectacular photographs. The image sensor needs to be designed to cope with more megapixels.
The APS-C sensor used by the Rebel SLR T1i, is actually a bit smaller than the DX type image sensor used by the Nikon D90 DX. Obviously there are different approaches to get extra pixels into a smaller sensor. Using smaller pixels, and cramming them closer than ever. What were talking about here, is basically a different measurement referred to as pixel density. It's not a spec you'll find branded in plain sight on the Canon Rebel T1i packaging. The density for the Canon Rebel T1i is 4.5 megapixels per square cm, but the D90 is 3.3 megapixels per centimeter squared.
Crowded pixels is a detractor, but there's more. As you go in search of extra lenses, you'll quickly learn, that more megapixels usually means dropping more money on higher priced lenses. The lenses meant to work with high megapixel digital SLR are designed for higher resolutions, and almost always cost extra.
Strangely enough, the lens that's usually supplied (EF-S IS 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6) by the manufacturer with the Canon Rebel T1i, is not one of those that is well suited at managing large megapixel resolution cameras. I know it's quite a bit more money, but the Canon 18-200mm EF-S would have been a better lens for the T1i.
If that wasn't bad enough, you may be curious to know, that high pixel density can degrade performance of ISO, diffraction, and dynamic range. I don't know about you, but I'm beginning to think, that getting less megapixels from the Nikon D90 12.3MP for more money, may be a better deal for my bank account.
A time-honored measure of image sensors using RAW data, is offered by DxOMark. Dx-O-Mark has tested the Canon EOS 50D which employs the same image sensor as the T1i, and supports my earlier assumptions, that the Nikon D90 produces higher quality images. The Canon 50D test data should be very close to the Canon Rebel T1i DxOMark testing, once it is presented.
Is the Canon Rebel T1i Better Than the Nikon D90?Friends Link : Canon Rebel XSi Kit Camera Us Shop
