Digital cameras forum: Nikon D90 vs D5000 vs Canon Rebel T1i Side by Side

Here's just one example. The specs show that both the D90 and D5000 incorporate a "Silent Wave Lens Motor (SVM)" while the Rebel T1i lacks a "No Ultrasonic motor (USM)". There is just one problem here. NO Canon DSLR has a ultrasonic motor (USM) built into the camera. That's because Canon puts the ultrasonic motor (USM) into the lense.

Take another example. The pixel size for 720 HD video is provided for all three cameras. The size is pathetic. The review is silent about the pixel size provided by 1080p which is available ONLY in the Canon. 1080p is a SUBSTANTIALLY larger. The review is biased in Nikon's favor.

Canon bodies do not contain a focus motor. The motor is within the lense. If you can provide a credible link that shows the motor within the body, that would be quite interesting.

Here is Wikipedia's discussion of Canon's USM system which states that "EF stands for "Electro-Focus": automatic focusing on EF lenses is handled by a dedicated electric motor built into the lens". That means that ALL Canon DSLRS can use USM lenses.

The same cannot be said of Nikon where, as I understand it, some cheaper Nikon lenses do not contain the focusing motor.

If the Canon focusing motor were built into the camera body, and if the review is correct that the Rebel lacks this motor, then the Rebel would not be able to use the higher end Canon USM lenses. That is not true.

Hi everyone,

Yes, I can confirm that Canon DSLR bodies does not contain a focusing motor, it is in the lens. Some of the cheaper Nikon lenses does not have a focusing motor, but that is only true for the older lenses. The newer ones will all have a focusing motor because Nikon is slowly (very slowly) phasing out bodies (models) with the focusing motor. It seems almost all camera makers are going with what Canon has been saying all along, that lenses with focusing motor built-in perform better! Just witness the proliferation of the recent crops of Lenses with names like SWM(Silent Wave Motor-Nikon), HSM(Hyper Sonic Motor-Sigma), SDM, SSM & so forth!

I just have a bone to pick with Canon: why can't Canon as the innovator of the industry give us more lenses with USM built-in? OK, maybe the diameter of some lens iare not suited to the 'Ring-type' USM, there is still the micro-USM as used in the 50mm f/1.4!Implemented right, it is just as effective as the 'Ring-type' ones! Forget the MM(Micro-Motor)-type! It is pathetic! If it is cost, I am sure Canon users aren't the cheapy-type. Just give us the choice! Come on Canon, PLEASE...!

Thanking you (Canon) in advance & everyone for listening!

j5s