Is the Canon Rebel T1i better than the Nikon D90?

The obvious difference in image sensors between the D90 SLR and the Canon Rebel T1i is 15.1 megapixels and 12.3 MP respectively. Using those specs and applying a little thought would lead most people to conclude that the Rebel T1i is probably the best deal.

Unfortunately for a camera buyer awash in information, that’s just not accurate. There are better image sensors (Canon SLR 40D) that could have been used during the design stage.

I’m sure you’ve learned from some of my other discussions that a lot of megapixels don’t necessarily make for spectacular photos. The image sensor must be designed to handle more megapixels.

The APS-C sensor used by the Rebel SLR T1i is actually slightly smaller than the DX-type image sensor used by the Nikon D90 DX. Obviously, there are different approaches to get extra pixels on a smaller sensor. Use smaller pixels and bring them closer than ever. What we were talking about here is basically a different measure known as pixel density. It is not a specification that you will find with the naked eye on the Canon Rebel T1i packaging. The density of the Canon Rebel T1i is 4.5 megapixels per square cm, but the D90 is 3.3 megapixels per square centimeter.

Cluttered pixels are a detractor, but there is more. As you look for additional lenses, you will quickly learn that more megapixels generally means spending more money on higher priced lenses. Lenses designed to work with high megapixel digital SLRs are designed for higher resolutions and almost always cost more.

Oddly enough, the lens normally supplied by the manufacturer (EF-S IS 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6) with the Canon Rebel T1i is not a suitable one to handle high megapixel resolution cameras. . I know it’s a lot more money, but the Canon EF-S 18-200mm would have been a better lens for the T1i.

If that wasn’t bad enough, you might be curious that high pixel density can degrade ISO, diffraction, and dynamic range performance. I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to think that getting less megapixels from the Nikon D90 12.3MP for more money may be a better deal for my bank account.

DxOMark offers a traditional measurement of image sensors that use RAW data. 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 test, once presented.