Gizmodo compares the D5000 and the T1i

[Aharami]

link to article

right off the bat, he claims the Canon as the winner and while I might agree that the T1i has the D5000 beat in terms of features, I seem to prefer the Nikon shots in the ISO noise comparison. To me, Nikon pics seem to retain more detail in those shots. But then again, those shots were taken in full auto mode with default settings and maybe Nikon adds more sharpening as their default.

Im seriously considering one of these two cameras as my first DSLR. taking two trips this year - honeymoon in St. Maarten for a week, and later, India for 3 weeks. So a SLR is a must for me this year

 

[randomlinh]

I have to agree that I'd lean toward the D5000 for the ISO.. there's more noise, but it looks to retain more detail. And it's a noise I can live with. Not to mention the usefulness of the swivel LCD for video (granted, it's a PITA for quick video anyway, both of them).

To be honest, I don't think you can go wrong w/ either one. They're both good, and both companies have good systems. Try them out in the store, as ergonomics will be a big factor, too. I'd lean toward the T1i only because I have a canon system, but from a fresh start, based off the pics, I'd lean toward nikon.