canon 50d vs nikon d5000 which one?

[czerwick]

Have both.
Would like to use one.
Go to one 1st then the other.
Really frustrating.
Both have problems.
Would really like suggestions as to which will take the best picture and which I should stick to.
Thanks much for your help.
Calvin

Only have kit lenses for both.

[Amberglass]

The fundamentals of photography are the same for all cameras, but the operating systems and controls for both cameras are different. *Think of it like a Pc and Mac; both are computers and does the same thing but have different OS systems*. I highly recommend that you stick to one and not jump back and forth. There are photographers who have mastered one system before moving onto (or add on) another.

Read the owner's operations manual. The manuals do not tell you how to take photographs, but it does tells you "how to navigate" your way around the camera. I.E. how to change creative shooting modes, ISO, WB, AF focusing modes, EV -/+, and so on.

The kit lenses that comes with the bodies are only good for outdoor usage because of the small apertures. You really need to have really good indoor available lighting to use an aperture of f4, and cranking up the ISO isn't always a good idea because of "noise" in image.

A faster fixed prime lens with an aperture of f1.8-1.4 (24, 28, 30, or 50 mm), a fast aperture will allow you to understand depth of field/f stops and shooting in low lighting without flash.

What problems are you referring to? With your cameras?

[kevinbythebeach]

the 50d is a more serious and more capable camera. stick with it,

besides really good Nikon glass is really espsensive compared to Canons...

[Amberglass]

the 50d is a more serious and more capable camera. stick with it,

besides really good Nikon glass is really espsensive compared to Canons...

The Canon 50D is a semi-pro mid range camera while the Nikon 5000D is an entry level camera. Photography is expensive no matter the brand that you choose. You have to choose what works for you over all in comfort and needs (lens lineup). I use both Canons and Nikons, both are excellent cameras.

Since you already own the 50D. I would recommend that you stick with that one because it's definitely a body that you can grow with as your knowledge, and skill level, grows.

[Shadowman]

Have both.
Would like to use one.
Go to one 1st then the other.
Really frustrating.
Both have problems.
Would really like suggestions as to which will take the best picture and which I should stick to.
Thanks much for your help.
Calvin

Only have kit lenses for both.

Czerwick,

You stated that you have problems with both, are the problems similar or related to the brand? If brand related, how does it affect your photos?

[Dave Humphries]

Have both.
Would like to use one.
Go to one 1st then the other.
Really frustrating.
Both have problems.
Would really like suggestions as to which will take the best picture and which I should stick to.
Thanks much for your help.
Calvin

Only have kit lenses for both.

Hi Calvin,

My first thought is; lucky you

I suspect the problems were ergonomically or operationally related, any bit of technology is going to 'work' better for some people than others. As Amberglass says, swapping between them won't help, but is probably essential.

Kevn may well have a good point about the lens choices, so I would suggest you think about (and shaer with us):
a) what you want to photograph
b) why you want to photograph it (hobby/internet only, print sales, or even as a potential professional career choice)
c) what lenses you will want to buy further down the line, informed by a) and b), this will presummably be under some kind of budget, so how much a year do you see yourself spending on photography?

Obviously we'd all like the best 'glass' (i.e. lenses) possible, but I cannot possibly justify over a 1,000 GBP on a lens, not with other financial committments, sadly, that's where my ideal next lens are Having had a bad experience with third party lens, I'd have to be desperate, or have used a good example for a week or two before I ever ventured that way again.

There is no best brand, it's a balance of choices, benefits and personal taste and maybe not even you know yet where you want to go photographically. Giving us more information will help us advise you better and get you thinking how you need to, to stand the best chance of successfully taking this forward.

Cheers,

[czerwick]

Thanks much guys.
Reall appreciate all your knowledgeable comments.
Will stick to Canon d50 and as problems arise, will let you know.
I also do have a limited income, so expensive lenses would be a problem for me.
Once again, all you fellows are great in your very helpful responsives.
Calvin

[czerwick]

what software will process canon d50 raw files?

[Amberglass]

what software will process canon d50 raw files?

You can use the editing software that came with your camera, or you can use Photoshop Elements on a trial basis from Adobe. Elements is the watered down version of the full CS4 version. The nice thing about going to Adobe is that you can later upgrade to the full version when you're ready to do more advance editing.

Don't worry so much about Ps aspect. Master your fundamentals and basics of photography first, and focus on basic corrections and balancing in post (the Canon software is more than capable of doing that and touch ups).

[Colin Southern]

I'm a bit confused ... to the best of my knowledge, Canon made a D30 and a D60, but not a D50 ... I'm assuming that you mean 50D?

[czerwick]

Sorry, yes it was a 50d.
Would like to convert and edit my raw images, but software very expensive.
Is there any cheaper way.
Thanks,
Calvin

[czerwick]

Thanks Amberglass,much obliged.
Will do.
Calvin

[Dave Humphries]

Sorry, yes it was a 50d.
Would like to convert and edit my raw images, but software very expensive.
Is there any cheaper way.
Thanks,
Calvin

Hi Calvin,

There are many free RAW converters out there and some reasonably priced ones.

There should be a CD/DVD that came with the camera that will contain Canon's software, or I'd be surprised if you couldn't also download from their website.

OR, you could do as many of us here, and use Adobe Camera RAW (ACR) - which means you get the huge benefit of our support.

There are three ways to get ACR;
i) Photoshop Elements 8 - about 56 GBP or 76 USD
ii) Light Room 2.6 - about 198 GBP or 268 USD
iii) Photoshop CS4 - about 550 GBP or 642 USD

Prices, full version, for Windows (not Mac) from Amazon.co.uk (GBP) or ~.com (USD), sorry I don't know where you live.

To keep things cheap AND get the best support, you really can't go wrong with Elements in my view.

Cheers,

[Colin Southern]

Hi Calvin,

There are many free RAW converters out there and some reasonably priced ones.

RAW Therapee is another (Free)

[czerwick]

I have adobe photoshop 7. I don't think they support raw images.
Can I upgrade to 8.
Thanks Dave,
Calvin

[czerwick]

Thanks Colin,
Calvin

[Wirefox]

Would like to convert and edit my raw images, but software very expensive.
Is there any cheaper way.
Thanks,

If you have 2 cameras of that standard and the software cost is an issue I would personally sell one of them (doesn't matter which, they will both do the job very well) and spend the cash on some software and some decent glass....just a thought

Steve

[czerwick]

Thanks Wirefox.
Sounds like good advise.
Much obliged.
Calvin