Compared to...

Studio scene comparison (JPEG)

The Nikon D5000 is arguably the Canon EOS 550D's nearest competitor in Nikon's stable, but its resolution of 12Mp is significantly lower than the 18Mp on offer from the Canon. The D5000's venerable sensor has (with modifications) given sterling service in a few different Nikon models - here you can see how it compares with the brand new 550D.

Canon EOS 550D vs. Nikon D5000

Camera settings:  

• Canon EOS 550D: Canon EF 50 mm F1.4 lens, Aperture Priority, ISO 100
  JPEG Large/Fine, Manual WB, Default Parameters (Standard), Self-Timer, ALO off
  
  
• Nikon D5000: Nikkor 50 mm F1.4 lens, Aperture Priority, ISO 100, JPEG Large/Fine, Manual WB, Default Parameters (Standard), Self-Timer, ADL off
  

Canon EOS 550D	Nikon D5000
4.1 MB JPEG (3872 x 2592)	3.1 MB JPEG (3888 x 2592 )

It's no surprise that the 18 million pixel files from the Canon EOS 550D contain more detail than the 12 million on offer from the Nikon D5000. The difference isn't vast at the most common print sizes (i.e. sub-A4) but viewed at 100% on screen (as you're doing here) it's clear that the 550D is getting a lot more out of our studio scene than the D5000. It is also interesting to note the different approaches to sharpening taken by these two manufacturers at default settings - JPEG output from the D5000 is softer at a pixel level, but does not suffer from the slight haloing around high-contrast detail that can be seen in files from the EOS 550D.