I’m in the process of buying a DSLR camera but I’m not sure which one to get. I was thinking ether the Nikon d90 or d5000. I know the d90 is better but is it that big of a difference? I don’t really care about the video recording feature in terms of which one I choose, but I do want my camera to have a live action screen (which both have). I have never had a DSLR but I’m a fast learner and want to get the best for what I can afford. Which should I choose?
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I’ve never used the 5000 but I know if you get the d90 you won’t be disappointed. If I were you I’d go for that one as it’s a little more advanced.
go to dpreview.com and check out the conclusion for each camera.
but me personally i would pick the d90 for sure.
If digital, go new. Since many people ask similar questions, here is what I wrote for another person addressing the matter:
A Professional cameras run around $2200 just for the body. A D300 or D700 (I use Nikon) are pro-grade. D90 (what I have) is semi-pro… between an entry level and pro-grade.
-Camera with different lighting features – Nikon or Canon has this.
-I’m planning to take nature photos so a camera that takes pics with crisp detail – now you want a good lens that has a high focal length. I use a Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC. Does me just fine.
-can take photos with no glare (like if you’re taking a photo of water.)-think about polarizing filters then. It would be the best way to reduce such glare.
-Can take not blurry photos-honestly, this on is on you. You must learn to use the camera/lens to reduce blur. Usually blur is due to either photographer motion or subject motion.
-I’m also doing portraits of others (black and white.)-get a good prime lens or a good zoom.
-good quality-Canon or Nikon again!
-good features of being able to take crisp pics at nigh time and daytime- again, Canon or Nikon.
-many options of how to take a photo-again, Canon or Nikon.
-can zoom in and zoom out a lot-like I said, the Tamron 18-270 does alot and covers most focal ranges with more than adequate quality.
-can take photos very fast-how fast? is 1/4000 sec fast? How many frames per second (fps)? Anything more than 4fps will cost $$$
-I’m willing to spend $1000 or less- Well, I can recommend a D40 with an 18-55 f/2.8 and a 55-200 f/2.8 for around $1200.
My realistic recommendation is a D90 +Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 for around $1500 if you shop around. The D90 is probably the best upper-level entry camera Nikon has at the moment, for reasons already stated above. Use, quality, functionality and overall longevity are just a few I would add. I use one every day and love it. Video, not so much, but I did not buy if for the video capability.
Don’t go used. You don’t get the warranty. Pay for new stuff and get the 5/7 year warranty!
You’re right not to worry about older lenses, but there is one huge reason to go with the D90 as far as I’m concerned.
The D90 has a front and rear command dial for making adjustments to the shutter speed and aperture. These are used for various other adjustments that are linked. If you choose a bracket set with the rear dial, you can choose the increment with the front dial, for instance.
The D5000 has only a rear command dial and in order to access the “second set” of functions, you have to hold down one of the various little buttons on your camera to select that alternate function.
Using two dials is very quick and it is easier to learn.
The d90 is just a better camera. For the most part, the two are identical, but the d90 has a really nice high resolution LCD and a higher quality pentaprism viewfinder whereas the d5000 has a pentamirror. Which one just depends on whether these are important differences for you.
The Nikon D90 is a better choice in the long run. Unless your new, i think the D5000 has new beginner features, and so does the D3000 slr’s.
The D90 is a better choice, and it can USE older lenses, the D5000 cannot.