Canon 5D Mark II

Nikon D90

It’s been a long time since I’ve used an SLR camera. The first and last one I had was a Minolta 5000 film camera. I liked it back then until I switched to point-and-shoot digital cameras. Okay, the comparison between the two DSLR isn’t really fair as the two cameras are in different classes. The reason why I’m comparing these two is because I’m planning to buy one or the other.

The Comparison

The Nikon D90 was the first DSLR to be launched with video capabilities and then The Canon 5D Mark II followed suit. While the midrange D90 has a crop factor of 1.5 times and 12.3 Megapixels, the full frame sensor 5D boosts 21.1 Megapixels.  So, not really a competition between the two different classes, but I’m evaluating these two since the video has been integrated. I have been wondering for the longest time, why DSLRs lack video.

The video difference is in the resolution: 5D Mark II supports full HD at 1080p while the D90 only supports 720p. To me, the 1080p will require a more powerful computer with a high-end video card if you plan to do lots of video editing. That’s what I intend to do and my current desktop doesn’t even play 1080p videos smoothly. Of course, this could be due to my sucky video card. Another thing is that 1080p videos will obviously come with a higher file size compared to the 720p resolution. The funny thing is that I currently have a point-and-shooter, Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 with the capabilities of capturing 720p videos. I’m quite satisfied with it, except for the crappy microphone. I get a lot of hissing noise.

The price

The D90 is selling at 1200€ or close to that with a kit lens. The 5D Mark II isn’t even in stores yet, but the price will be more than double that of the D90 since it’s a full frame camera.

Decision

I would love to get the 5D Mark II if I can afford it. I might have to settle for the D90. Then again, I’m back and forth between the two brands because I’m also investing in lens. I wouldn’t want to switch later on. Another thing is that I’m wondering if newer DSLRs will be launced in the near future with video capabilities as well. In that case, I think waiting would be wise. Let’s see if a midrange DSLR will integrate a full HD video.