Canon is turning the megapixel screw: the new top model of the entry-level line receives the modified 18-megapixel CMOS of the mid-range model EOS 7D in the reworked housing of the EOS 500D. Nikon goes a similar way with the line D5000 / D90 / D300s and uses its 12-megapixel sensor in the same three housings. For comparison, Nikon introduces the D90 as the top model of the entry line with a sensor derived from the higher class as well.
A look at the technical details of the 550D reveals many details that are known from the 500D: the 9-field auto-focus module, a 3-inch TFT monitor, live-view function and full-HD video recording , With the operation the large program selection wheel on the right, the four-directional rocker, but also the renouncement of the second monitor. The standards include half- and full-manual exposure control, remote control from the computer, dimming function for sharpening depth preview and sensor cleaning function. Features of the Canon 7D are the new iFLC exposure meter with color analysis and the improved video mode with 30 instead of 20 B / s at full 1920 x 1080 resolution. Because the Nikon D90, after all, the first SLR with video, no longer keep up: 1280 x 720 pixels at 24 frames per second in AVI format is only half the time. But the Nikon scores with two instead of a dial, the larger viewfinder and an additional display above, which informs about receiving relevant data. Canon, on the other hand, has an HDR function for particularly high-contrast subjects.
Housing and operation The new 550D of the 500D looks similar on the outside: Just like from an entry-level Canon camera, it is made of black fiberglass plastic. The dimensions have been maintained exactly, which makes the 550D more compact, but above all almost 200 g lighter than the Nikon D90. This is also made of plastic, but gives the feeling more in terms of solidity and feel.
The easy-to-use concept of the 500D remains faithful to the 550D: the clear menu is familiar from the predecessor, controls and buttons are located in the known places. With partly enlarged buttons on the 550D, Canon has now followed the desire of many photographers. The various direct accesses to frequently used settings are very advantageous. Thus the buttons of the 4-way switch in the shooting mode are configured to the most important setting menus. Another practical feature is the new Quick Control button to the right of the display, which accesses frequently used functions. Nikon also uses direct access buttons for all important functions, whether ISO setting, exposure compensation or white balance. In addition, the practitioner can quickly correct some functions such as AF metering control and exposure method with the second setting wheel. Whether Canon or Nikon menu remains taste, but because of some rather professional features such as second wheel and additional monitor, the Nikon decides this chapter just for himself.
Monitor and viewfinder Both cameras are equipped with a 3-inch monitor with live view, but the Canon monitor triggers a good 10 percent higher. However, none of the test candidates offers a pivot monitor. In the viewfinder, the Nikon has its nose in front with an effective search magnification of 0.6 instead of 0.52 and a fade-in grid - and so does this chapter of Nikon.
Exposure Metering In addition to the 7D, the 550D is the second Canon camera with a new iFCL AE (Focus Color Luminance) measurement system: A dual-layer sensor analyzes the focus, color and brightness of the subject in 63 zones to provide the most accurate and accurate results Uniform exposure. The ISO range can be set from ISO 100 to - as well as for the D90 - ISO 6400, in expanded mode but even to 12 800, the D90 is at ISO 6400. The 550D can also be set to a maximum ISO value in the Auto setting.
The D90 of the 550D is the same for the exposure measurement. The choice is matrix, center-weighted and spot-measuring (search average, approx. 4% of the field of the face). Canon also offers a "selective measurement" (search accuracy, approx. 9% of the field of vision). The fine-tuning of the exposure metering is controlled by the D90 in 1/6 aperture stages, the Canon in 1/2 or 1/3 steps. The exposure can be corrected by + 5 EV for both cameras, and the flash exposure by + 2 EV. The fastest shutter speed can be found every 1/4000 s as well as 1/200 s flash sync time. Equality
AF system and standard images The shutter delay including AF time is fast on both cameras, but with 0.31 s and 0.30 s at 3000 lux is not sensational. In addition, the Nikon AF at 30 lux light can double the time and comes to 0.60 s, while the 550D maintains its pace. The AF system of the Nikon D90 works with 11 AF sensors, including a cross sensor. The Canon comes with nine measuring sensors and a center-mounted cross sensor, which works up to F2.8. Despite very good values of the Canon at the picture time (in the test 3.4 pictures / s) and the low on-delay of only 0.4 s, the Nikon is here with only 0.2 s startup and 4.4 fps in front - overall Projection Canon.
Video in full-HD with stereo sound Meanwhile, a video function belongs to the SLR standard. The Nikon D90 was a novelty one and a half years ago. Canon has now taken many video functions directly from the 7D: Filmed in full HD, the exposure is manually adjustable (time, aperture, ISO). The 550D records images with a maximum of 1920 x 1080 pixels (full-HD) in mov format with 30 fps, while the Nikon D90 only produces 1280 x 720 pixels (HD) in 24-s.avi format . In addition, only Canon AF support in video mode is available: You can refocus during recording by pressing the AE lock button. However, the AF motor jerky enough to make the port unusable. In addition, you should use an external microphone - a stereo microphone port exists - otherwise the AF noise is recorded via the internal microphone. Nikon, on the other hand, offers only mono sound, and the HDMI interface is found only by the photographer at Canon. Canon's video capture is a clear decision for Canon.
Image quality What brings 18 to 12 megapixels? At the limit resolution, the Canon is clearly ahead with 1540 LP / BH, which fall to ISO 1600 by 100 LP / BH. The waste is also with Nikon 100 LP / BH, but it is only at 1215 LP / BH. True Nikon achieves true dream values in terms of texture loss: constant 0.1 to ISO 1600. In comparison, the Canon noise filter is somewhat stronger, which is usually to the detriment of particularly fine details. With the noise, the Nikon with its larger pixels at ISO 1600 has the nose ahead: Nikon 1.1 vs Canon 1.4 VN. The bottom line is that both models get nearly the same score up to ISO 800, but at ISO 1600 the Nikon is 2.5 points ahead - a nose-length advantage for the underdog.
Conclusion: With the new EOS 550D, Canon offers a technically attractive entry-level model, which offers a top-of-the-line equipment for up to 750 euros plus the highest resolution of 18 megapixels. Whos scarcely 200 grams more weight does not disturb, the Nikon D90 gets the more solid housing plus a more professional operating concept. In comparison, the Nikon won three chapters and the Canon two. Apart from the video chapter, the Canon with Full-HD clearly wins, however, all other decisions are very tight. Surprisingly: Despite 18 against 12 megapixels the Canon can not dominate the chapter picture quality. In the final calculation Nikon is a little more than Canon, and thus both get a buy tip: Nikon for the picture quality at high sensitivities, Canon for the video function.
Canon EOS 550D
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