Nikon D5000 vs. Canon Rebel T1i – ISO Comparison
Written by Eric Reagan on May 11th, 2009 | 45 Comments
The new Nikon D5000 and Canon Rebel T1i have stirred quite the fuss with their solid specs and entry-level price tags. The prior generation cameras from the Nikon and Canon camps were capable performers. The Rebel XSi (aka 450D) and the Nikon D60 rang in at 12.2 megapixels and 10.2 megapixels, respectively.
The Nikon D5000 features the same 12.3 megapixel sensor found in the Nikon D90, while the Canon Rebel T1i packs in 15.1 megapixels, which is similar to or the same as the sensor found in the Canon 50D. Kudos to both Nikon and Canon for staying lean on megapixels, relatively speaking.
As for sensitivity, both Nikon and Canon have extended the range. The Nikon D5000 features ISO 100-6400 range, while the Canon Rebel T1i covers a range of ISO 100-12800 for an extra stop on the high end. Both of these numbers reflect the ISO expansion features.
I’ve been shooting with both cameras side by side for a couple of days now and nabbed a few handheld shots of some orange roses, up close and under a mix of incandescent and indirect sunlight. The flowers were on my kitchen counter next to a window. This is hardly a scientific comparison, but I think is a fair representation of real world ISO performance. Additionally, you will get some taste of the stabilization capabilities of each of the lenses that come in the respective kits for the Canon and Nikon shooters.
Below you’ll find the entire quick and dirty ISO comparison throughout the range of ISOs available for both these cameras.
For reference purposes, here’s a shot of the complete scene that was captured by the Rebel T1i at ISO 3200, which you’ll get if you download any of the originals. The samples are 100% crops near the center of the image and main focus point. Again, the cameras were hand held in Program mode with all factory default settings. Lenses were set with Image Stabilization (”IS”) or Vibration Reduction (”VR”) in the ON position.
Nikon D5000 and Canon Rebel T1i Comparison Images
Note that Canon Rebel T1i images are on the left side of the samples below, and the Nikon D5000 images are shown on the right side. Below the 100% crop samples are links to download the full-size images from each camera (simply right-click and choose “Save as…”). Additionally, I’ve included a copy of the scene captured by the Canon Rebel XSi through ISO 1600 for reference purposes. Also, bear in mind that the full image files are pretty big, so dial-up readers may have some difficulty here. These images are provided for personal inspection only and may not be republished elsewhere without prior written consent, which may be obtained via email correspondence. If you want to republish the images, use the contact form to get in touch.
Canon Rebel T1i vs. Nikon D5000 at ISO 100
Canon Rebel T1i ISO 100 Original
Canon Rebel XSi ISO 100 Original
Canon Rebel T1i vs. Nikon D5000 at ISO 200
Canon Rebel T1i ISO 200 Original
Canon Rebel XSi ISO 200 Original
Canon Rebel T1i vs. Nikon D5000 at ISO 400
Canon Rebel T1i ISO 400 Original
Canon Rebel XSi ISO 400 Original
Canon Rebel T1i vs. Nikon D5000 at ISO 800
Canon Rebel T1i ISO 800 Original
Canon Rebel XSi ISO 800 Original
Canon Rebel T1i vs. Nikon D5000 at ISO 1600
Canon Rebel T1i ISO 1600 Original
Canon Rebel XSi ISO 1600 Original
Canon Rebel T1i vs. Nikon D5000 at ISO 3200
Canon Rebel T1i ISO 3200 Original
Canon Rebel T1i vs. Nikon D5000 at ISO 6400
Canon Rebel T1i ISO 6400 Original
Canon Rebel T1i at ISO 12800
Note that the Canon Rebel T1i edges out the Nikon D5000 on the spec sheet here; however, I would hardly call the T1i’s performance at ISO 12800 “usable” in just about any sense.
Canon Rebel T1i ISO 12800 Original
Bonus Real World Shots at ISO 6400
Here’s a couple shots from the dinner table a local restaurant featuring my model of choice. Light came from a nearby window around dusk and dim incandescent lights.
Nikon D5000
Canon Rebel T1i
Canon Rebel T1i ISO 6400 Original
Canon Rebel T1i and Nikon D5000 First Impressions
I don’t know about you, but I’m impressed with the performance of these two entry level cameras throughout their ISO range. In light of these sample images, particularly the available light shots at the dinner table, I could see either of these cameras opening up new opportunities for capturing usable snapshots that were either not possible before, or ran the risk of being wasted by harsh direct flash from point and shoot cameras. I would have no problem printing 4×6 and 5×7 family and other casual snapshots all the way up to ISO 6400. And seeing how these are consumer-oriented DSLRs, I would expect many of the prints made from these cameras to be smaller rather than larger.
If you’re interested in either of these cameras, check on their availability from the trustworthy folks at B&H Photo – here’s the links to the cameras: Nikon D5000 – Canon Rebel T1i.
If you’ve downloaded the images or otherwise have something to say, feel free to chime in below with your thoughts on the comparison.
May 12th, 2009 at 12:05 am
Is it me or do the T1i pictures look way blurrier than those of the D5000 and XSi? I’ve only looked at the ISO 1600 and ISO 800 pictures of the flowers, but so far it’s a very noticeable difference.
Maybe some AF issue? Or simple shaking?
May 12th, 2009 at 1:54 am
The canon is far far better!! The colors are much more clearly than the nikon!
May 12th, 2009 at 5:59 am
While the “full size” pictures at ISO 12800 are noisy, an 8*10 with a little noise reduction applied looks good to me. Most people won’t make a print at full size, so at up to 11*14 you should be ok. Yes, I’m impressed !.
May 12th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
To me, after a simple look indicates the Canon seems to have it at the lower ISO’s and the Nikon comes on strong as the ratings get up there.
The overall quality seems to pretty close.
Generally it boils down to your personal preference. I’ve found that the American public prefers a more vibrant picture, (Canon), and the European’s tend to favor a more natural look, (Nikon).
Many units now come with “in camera” color modifications. Once set they are both pretty good!
May 13th, 2009 at 10:45 am
You should have really used a tripod, the exposure was too long for a proper test..Also it seems like your white balance was set incorrectly on the d5000.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:41 am
I agree with Tim on the white balance. The roses appear sickly in all the D5000 photos.
May 19th, 2009 at 5:16 am
There is no mention of the lenses used. The comparison is invalid based on just the camera models.
May 22nd, 2009 at 11:35 pm
so wich one is better the nikon d5000 or the canon 500d?
May 27th, 2009 at 5:36 am
Canon’s color separation hundred times better than Nikon.
May 27th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
I thought I was going to buy the D5000, but now it looks like the T1i will be my choice.
May 28th, 2009 at 5:56 am
Both look unbelieveable for 6400. I have a D200 and am in the mood to upgrade but do not want to invest in a full-frame model so I’m thinking of an entry-level camera since I seemed to have more fun with my D50 as opposed to my heavier D200. Anyway, both of these cameras look better than my D200 at 1600 iso so I would be happy with either. Though, I’ll admit, the Canon looks better as far as “on screen” and I don’t like the idea of my older lenses losing auto-focus on the D5000.
May 28th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
“Canon’s color separation hundred times better than Nikon.”
More like, the tester didn’t set the WB nor the color correctly on the Nikon. The Canon is way more vivid in these shots, and more red, whether that’s a good thing or not.
May 28th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
@Eli – I used auto-WB on both cameras. Color was set to default settings on both cameras.
June 1st, 2009 at 8:04 pm
The T1i has kepofalit valence, as not with the Nikon. Take your pick should wooper be on your side.
June 23rd, 2009 at 7:29 pm
What I simply don’t understand is why the fantastic ISO’s of this new breed of camera is not getting all the accolades and raves that it justly deserves!…
I have always been searching for a camera that would allow me to shoot with no flash, in low existing light that would give me acceptable photos. My older Canon Rebel XT (350D) did fairly well at ISO 1600. But, a few days ago, I bought the Canon T1i after checking out in the store, what its ISO was capable of doing.
The camera clerk set the ISO on 3200 and I took the shot!.. I was hooked!… I bought the camera.And the shots I took at ISO 6400 was also quite acceptable to me!. And yet, you don’t hear any “hoopla” from the press about this amazing ISO achievment!.. I really think this is news!….
June 24th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
For the people with the thought ‘wow canon is so colorful’, dont let the color move you to either side. Canon has a history of pushing up their contrast therefore making the the picture colorful and drowning out the subtle differences. The power of an SLR is in the control you have with the picture and one tiny flick of the mouse in any software will make the nikon pictures equally, if not more colorful. So for a moment, ignore the colors and look at the graininess and the smoothness of the pictures.. you’ll see nikon having an edge. Thats the difference between quality and parlor tricks to sell cameras.
August 5th, 2009 at 8:12 am
in this sample canon is better. but u can see other sample
my idea is Nikon is better so Nikon have realty color and better
August 25th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
I like Nikon camera’s better than Canon. Though they both will help in obtaining great photos, Nikon gives superior technical results from their lack of noise-reduction induced smudging, ability to correct lens defect color fringes and more reliable AF system.
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:19 pm
both of the pictures are stunning in my opinion..both cameras do did great at capturing those pics..but i think that the one captured by canon T1i is more reddish(too red) than nikon..at first glance,canon seems to be better in capturing picture.however it seems that the pic doesnt seems real compared to the one captured by nikon.look at the baby hair.it is red in canon n grey in nikon.this make me think that the nikon capture real color than canon…thank u
September 12th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Its depends on personal preferences, i prefer canon colour when it is under low light. I tried using D90 and D300 and the colours seem to be dull when it is under low light.
September 14th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
something is amiss here … the Nikon pics seem a lill dull , which is not the case in real life. I tested both the cams mentioned amongst 4 others to settle for the Nikon cos its pics were more lively and real. there is something seriously with the samples.
October 3rd, 2009 at 2:30 pm
I’m not too sure about the pictures from the D5000 here. Even under lower lighting, I have seen it deliver much better quality.
Also the picture quality on the D5000 is as natural as any Nikon DSLR.
October 4th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
This was not a great “test” because the environment was not fixed (lightning, out of focus shots etc). What you can see is that Canon oversaturates pictures by default (jpg). It means you have no chance to fix them if needed. Nikon has a more conservative approache which leaves you some headroom but notice that you can change the parameters in the camera to get thos saturated pictures straight out of the camera. I’m really impressed by the Nikons ISO-performance, it would be my choice for sure.
October 13th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
So overall which of the two would you chioce if you have to by one. l have been contemplation on which to get but cannot make a decision. Can you help.
October 13th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
@Apetsi – I’d get the Canon. However, I’ve been a long time Canon user and have plenty of accessories and lenses for Canon. Flipping a coin between these two solid cameras would not produce a bad result either.
October 20th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
If you want to see real pictures of real people taking great pictures with both of these cameras, go to flickr.com and see for yourself.
October 21st, 2009 at 8:30 am
At iso 100, why is the nikon so blurry, and the canon so sharp?
I have read elsewhere that the canon provides sharper images
please advise, as I am soon to jump in and buy a digital
thank you
October 26th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Hi, I’m new in photography gadget. I’m looking to buy either D5000 or 500D.I really appreciate if someone can give a suggestion for which one the best camera for the beginner like me. many thanks
October 27th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Hi. There are great prices now on the Canon XSi and the Nikon D5000. Aside from the video capability on the Nikon D5000 and Canon T1i, is there any good reason to spend the extra bucks instead of getting the XSi. In addition, the Nikon kits come with a telephoto at 200mm vs. Canon’s kits at 250mm — any real advantage here?
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:09 am
You know I can not find clout with all the reviews on this page. As was stated time and time again the two cameras are “prosumer” products above the point-and-shoot. Yet everyone threats these cameras as point-and-shoot digitals instead of DSLRs. The people buy these DSLRs should have at least some knowledge of the dynamic range afforded by the two. You should have at least taken the pictures with the proper settings. Foliage for plants, Night scene for night time (of course), Action settings for sports . . .ect. THAT is the true way to compare these two PRO-sumer products. BTW I have the D5000 and it is by far the best in my opinion with the 18 – 200mm Nikkor VRII lens.. .but that is another story and my opinion.
November 4th, 2009 at 1:37 am
A few people have mentioned this and really, what it comes down to is what will make me feel better AND what feels good in my hand. This isn’t meant to be a sexest comment so please don’t be offended but I have found many women like the Nikon lower end models because they seem to fit their hands better…this is what I’ve heard. I have friends who love their Canon’s, I also know people who have Nikon’s and love them equally. If you have canon accessories already, go with a canon, it’s a great camera. If you are like me and have about $4,000 in Nikon lenses, stick with Nikon – they deliver superior photos. Let’s face it, it’s like arguing over which roses are prettier, Red or Yellow. When it comes down to it, aren’t you happy you have roses?
If your new, put each one in your hand and test it and buy the one that makes you feel good about spending $800 now and a lifetime of purchasing expensive lenses to get the next great shot!
November 7th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
I ve been looking on many sites (dpreview, dcresource, imaging-resource, cameralabs etc) at the full size originals from these 2 cams. For my taste Nikon (and only this one – d5000) has an amazing Dynamic Range, very natural rendition of color and no edge sharpening (enhancement). On the other hand Canon, even though pulling a little more detail, has blown highlights all over and seems very contrasty. And dont get me started on Canon’s blue skies that on more than one occasion somehow turn out greenish. And even though this maybe a kit lens fault – but there are so much CA in canon’s pix and it looks so digital.
December 7th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
For most starting photographers t1i / 500D’s main advantage over the D5000 is its large viewscreen. When you have no idea what to do with shutter and aperture, being able to verify with a ~920k pixel screen is pretty helpful. The ~320k pixel articulated is not as useful on the D5000’s side.
Regarding dynamic range, color rendition, etc… the D5000 is slightly better in this regard, and is one stop ahead of the t1i in low ISO: as you can see above, the D5000 can shoot reliably at ISO 1600, whereas 1600D is pushing it for the Canon and 800D is sometimes problematic.
All considered, if you can fork over the money, get a D90. If not, and you don’t know what you’re doing, buy a 500D and a manual. If you need to save money, are familiar with manual options, and for some reason are not trying to hunt down a used D80 or D90, pick a D5000.
December 7th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
I think if you went through what I went through in the past 2 weeks you would buy the Nikon D5000….it’s definitely the best choice for beginners!!! First of all, I’m not a photographer or camera expert but the GREAT news is you really don’t need to be a camera expert to make the choice between these two. In fact a camera expert will spend WAY too much time explaining the great technologies within each that is confusing even to an engineer…they all have bias I found out too! All I did was buy each one and compare the image quality…which hopefully I can save somebody the pain of. I had to buy a D3000 and then return it for the D5000, then return it to buy a XSI…before I realized my mistake and returned the XSI and purchase the D5000. Interesting is that none of the major reviews posted on the web point out what I believe to be some pretty good flaws with the XSI.
The XSI drove me buggy when photographing in low light…auto mode. In my case I was photographing a lighted christmas tree. I spent 4 hours and 100’s of pictures before realizing that the XSI just exxagerated the color contrasting of everything around the tree….I tried all the shooting modes. The pictures in low light almost took on a orangish color. With the D5000 on “scene mode” it captured an identical/exact replicate of the tree with no exxageration of colors. Also the bulbs looked overly bright and unrelistic with the XSI in all modes. You could actually see the glass on the bulb unlike the XSI. The D5000 is definetely a winner for the beginner here.
The live view on the D5000 is about twice as slow as the XSI….this is why I returned the D5000 originally. However I learned the XSI is faster but doesn’t give you very good quality anyway. Any its cumbersome to get it into Live mode on the XSI. If you want a decent “live mode” then go back to a point and shoot….neither the XSI or the D5000 are any good and that’s the truth!
Lastly the XSI seems to fail in normal ight conditions. I found out when shooting pictures during the day in my house that all pictures from the XSI were over exposed. Also the color of my yellowish walls wasn’t as vibrant with the XSI…rather a dull rendering. In another room (dull green) I found that the XSI again over exposed the photo making the walls less vibrant.
The picture resolution of each camera is virtually identical. I was fooled by a posting from a guy that took pictures of some orange flowers showing the better resolution of the XSI. I honestly couldn’t tell the difference in resolution.
In any case I’m sure some expert photographere could probably agjust the settings on the XSI to match the quality of the D5000….I won’t argue that. I will argue that why would you buy a camera you have to do that with if the D5000 does it automatically.
Also, I think I found out where the bias comes from with the Canon owners. Canon spends alot of time visiting local camera shops conducting clinics explaining why there technology is better. I think the average person eats up all the technology discussion without even thinking about whether the pictures are actually better!! If you attend one of those sessions ask the Canon representative for some comparative images between Nikon and Canon….bet he/she won’t even have any.
Happy buying …. hope this posts saves somebody some time. Don’t get caught in the technology stuff….just make sure the camera you buy truly gets you the best RESULTS and not a bunch of technology lingo to impress your friends with.
December 9th, 2009 at 2:25 am
at last, Thank you for this site. I have confirmed in here that Canon delivers more natural and Accurate color and a more dynamic range as stated in another website. I have been looking in different pictures from other websites. In Canon, green is really green. In Nikon, it becomes a different shade of green.
However, I would buy Canon XSi and NOT T1i as it really has far more sharper images. Thank You !!!
December 10th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
The review by Chris satisfies me to some extent. I love natural colours, so I think I wiil go for D5000.However someone could still guide me on these two cameras T1i and D5000. Thank you
December 10th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
since we can’t go any wrong with either of the models.. hence there is no issue. go out to the shop and have a good feel of both the cameras! your instinct will tell you which to buy!
December 16th, 2009 at 1:47 am
getting into my 1st dslr help?nikon cannon?? hard to tell by reviews looks like nikon but can someone please help me and email me directly.Sooo Confused
thank you russell
December 18th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Regarding the 6400 ISO shots, the Nikon seems to deliver more natural colors, while the Canon seems a little oversaturated. Without seeing the roses firsthand, I can’t comment on which color is more accurate. As for image quality, the detail and clarity are pretty much a draw. Away from the focal point, both have considerable noise (totally normal at that ISO setting), but the Canon’s noise is softer and along a tighter variance. The Nikon’s noise is all over the place, with lots of completely incorrect colors popping up all over. This difference could be caused by the difference in megapixels, but with so many factors, it’s difficult to say. Either way, I’m no closer to making a decision than I was a week ago.
December 19th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
You know the more I look into this stuff and the more sites I choose, it looks like either way you can’t lose. I have going back and forth for 3 months deciding which camera I will buy. I am no closer to a decision now than I was before. I’ve read so many sites and articles and it is driving me nuts. I will say one thing though. If I were going to do articles like this, I would NOT tell you which camera took what. I would put the pictures up in random order for each comparison and then when you were finished making up your mind based on the photos, give you a link to reveal what was what. I think a lot of people have bias towards one brand or another and this method would be the only way to block any kind of cheerleadering :)
December 19th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
@Chuck – I agree. You can’t go wrong with either camera.
Also, that’s a good idea about using a random order for the photos. I may have to try that soon and see what the feedback is like. Thanks for the idea.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:54 pm
I too read all kinds of reviews of cameras released in 2009, in the $800-$1000 range, with video capabilities. As someone already said, a person who is moving up from a basic P&S for the first time can’t go wrong with any of them. I finally narrowed down my preferences to the Nikon D5000 and the Olympus E-P1. The latter is a so-called a micro fourt-thirds. This means that it has no optical view finder, no built-in flash, allowing one of the kit lenses to retract completely into the body, all these making the camera way smaller than the D.
In one intelligent and well-thought out review, the reviewer showed comparison pictures, charts, and gave opinions from his staff. He favored the E-P1; It seemed to produce less grain, rendered color more naturally over the D5000, so I was torn between the two.
But I have my own particular values: I value aesthetics, compactness, and health in all areas of my life. I like to combine landscape/street photography/videography with exercise; I am a bicycle rider. I also value uniqueness, so I chose the Olympus E-P1.
Its excellent image quality allows me to do high end work; Its compactness allows me to carry it easily on bike rides; And its white body makes it look less threatening when taking images of strangers on the street as well as making it stand out among the black-bodied cameras that my artist friends use.
January 13th, 2010 at 2:57 am
Thanks, but all this still doesn’t make it easier to decide which camera. I would suggest, write down your preferences on a piece of paper and go through reliable websites to get an informed decision. Take your time and be SURE you’ve chosen the right one.
January 30th, 2010 at 9:53 am
The nikon is Way better, Can you see the spine or lines in the flower much much more detailed and clear, As for the over kill on the red on the canon, you just got up the red intensifier that the d5000 offers..Nikon.ty for remaining true and crisp!
February 18th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D5000/sample_images.shtml
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_500D_Digital_Rebel_T1i/sample_images.shtml
Look, this is closer to reality!