I love the video feature on the T2i but the downside to it is that it will freeze the video when taking the picture and the picture quality goes way down when taking it on video mode.  See this video I took on the T2i:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqn4lAZkLs4

I would go for the T2i over the T1i though.  Bigger image, more options, and more stable if you ever want to do the magic lantern firmware.

I personally have a T3i. I love it, but I am now wishing a almost a year later that I had gone for something bigger.....   


What camera you choose has to do with what you want to use it for, and how into photography you want to get.

If you just kind of want to have a DSLR around, but aren't MAJORLY into photography, a you will most likely be happy with a T1i, or something newer.

If you want to do a lot of tele work, like taking pics at airshows, you should go with a cropframe sensor, like the T3i, 40D, 60D, or 7D.

If you are looking to do lots of portraits or very wide-angle shots, you should probably go with a full-frame sensor like the 5d II.

Both full frame and crop sensors work well for everyday shooting.


My reccommendation:

Go with a 60D. It has the shutter speed and durabillity (along with the control over settigs) of the 40D and and it has the cool fetures of the newest camera, the T3i (like movies shooting, a screen that flips out, a ridicously high ISO speed, if you REALLY need it, etc.), and is almost as new as the T3i.

Plus, Canon is having a 15% af sale on their refurbished items. So, if you get it refurbished from Canon right now, it will cost you about $890 (the same as a new T3i) with a lens (instead of $1100).

http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_276389_-...

Remember, when you buy a DSLR, it should be something that you will be happy with a year or two down the road, not something that you wish you hadden't skimped on.   

Hope this helps! Good luck! 

Just be sure that it is a D90 and not a cheaper version if you do plan on going down that route.... The cheap Nikon bodies do not have an autofocus motor built into the body of the camera, which means you need special lenses that will focus on those bodies (or do manual focusing!). USM/HSM (sonic motor focusing) lenses will not be concerned on any of the Nikon bodies as they have their own focusing, but be aware of this if you see a good offer for D40, D60, D5000, etc. The chart of these can be found HERE


Canon get around this problem by not having an autofocus motor in the body at all, and I think it's a stupid idea to need one anyway. All their lenses must contain the autofocus mechanisms if they are to have autofocus, and 99% of them do.

As for those lenses, either one will be sufficient to start out, but they're not the best ones available. The Canon lens, if we're looking at the same one, has a type of USM (Ultrasonic Motor) focusing system. The Nikon has Silent Wave Motors (different name for the same concept). Typically Canon lenses are more expensive than their Nikon counterpart, even 3rd party ones. That said, for the lifespan of the lens, it's pennies per week in difference. Both of those lenses will struggle eventually at airshows, but once you learn to shoot the camera, you'll learn to know what I mean and what needs improving. Serious photography is a catch up game between technology and extra equipment... It can be expensive.


I do like Nikon high end cameras, but Canon make the better entry level. Canon systems have a far superior video system too - So it's up to you... If you plan to upgrade the camera body in later years and become a serious photographer, go Nikon. If you want a well rounded system with great video mode, go Canon. In the high end range, both brands will be very good - Just check the prices to see how they look.


Right, what was the question again?