D5000 or D90

[vincentry]

Seems like this topic has been surfacing quite a lot. For sure most of the senior mates here would recommend D90 over D5000 for the simple fact that D90 is a intermediate level DSLR as compared to the D5000 which is catered for the beginners.

And beginner so was I that made me decide to go for D5000 without even having a second look at D90, as I always thought DSLR is too advanced for a noobie like me.

Ok, enough of crap above, I shall share just some of the few things that I didn't regret buying the D5000...

1. The swivel LCD panel allows great flexibility for taking angular shots, something which may not be used very often but definitely a good to have function. I've taken quite a few difficult shots with the help of the live view function using the swivel panel.

2. 19 scene modes allow noobie like me whom has been relying much on the pre-set modes on those point-and-shoot cameras to transit smoothly to DSLR shooting. Of course, one can argue using the Program mode allows similar ease of transition.

3. With it's relatively lighter weight, I thought it was handier to carry it around.

4. Since it's an entry-level DSLR, people would not expect me to be of any PRO standard and thus allow me to shoot with relatively less stress...(definitely a personal mentality issue here).

5. The kit lens that comes with D5000 is a decent one which allows great flexibility for beginner who are going for landscape and portrait shots.

6. Last but not least, like what I've read in many other threads, sometimes it's not about the camera but the photographer for good shots. Ultimately, you have to utilize the camera to make anything you buy worthwhile.

Only my 2 cents worth.

Happy researching and hopefully shooting

 

[aungzawwin]

..
With regards to D90 having an inbuilt motor and D5000 not having it, is it really a big limiting factor for the D5000? Purchasing lenses in the long run would render the D5000 owner having to spend more (on the assumption that he/she buys a few lenses for different purposes that is)?

Looking at the price list, the kit options for both the Dd90 and D5000 differs about S$600 in price. Are the kit lenses decent enough for starters, or would you recommend just getting the body, and looking at Tamron or other 3rd party lenses instead?
...

if S$600 difference is a concern, going for D5000 kit will be a good deal. 18-55VR is famous for its decent picture quality as a kit lens..

the in-built motor issue:
I have used D40 when it came out. It AF only with AF-S lens, it does not support FP sync or commander mode for my external flash(SB 600). It does not bracket exposure or WB.. I had to MF my 50mm f1.8D. Third party lenses that AF on D40 were Sigma HSMs. Tamron 17-50 f2.8 with internal focus motor came out only about a year later..so, despite the very good image quality of it, I changed to D200..then another problem..the body I bought was back-focussing two of my lenses..

currently AF-S 35mm f1.8 & AF-S 50mm f1.4 are available (the primes I'd like to use normally), many 3rd party lenses are now AF on D40,60,5000..so lens choice won't be a big issue IMHO. since D5000 AF electronically rather than mechanically(using the screw drive) it has less chance of back- or front- focussing problem (in theory at least)..

even I personally went for D90(my big hand fits the grip more comfortably) for some reasons, there are many in favour of D5000 if you'd stick to AF-S lenses or if you don't bother MF..
cheers

 

[Simon_84]

i'm thinking more about the d5000 as a replacement over my d40...

 

[zhaowei]

For all the improved features of the D90, I think the first thing you need to consider is how big your hands are. I don't have big hands and have never felt too comfortable holding a D90 or D300 (let alone the D3), so unless I ever become a professional, I don't think it is necessary for me to use a bigger (better?) body.

When I was buying my first DSLR less than two years ago, I tried out all the different models in the stores then -- D40/40X, D80, D300, Canon's 400D, 450D, Olympus E420, Pentax K100 (I think) etc... And nothing but the D40/40X felt right in my hands. I was also on a tight budget, but if I felt the D80's size was right for me, I suspect I might have loosened my purse strings more anyway.

What's the main advantage of a smaller camera? It's easy to stuff it in your bag without too much weight penalty. The best camera is the one with you (quoting Chase Jarvis). What's the use of a D90/D300 if you're too tired/lazy to bring it out? I'm almost always bringing my camera out, whether for work or play, and while I don't always use it, I'm thankful for the times when I can.

Some further points:
1. Lack of top LCD. Quite a few supporters of the D90 will point this out. But if you are a beginner, I suspect you will not miss this feature, because you never had it to start with. Personally, I don't think it's really an advantage because the back LCD display is bigger and brighter.

2. "Only" one command dial. Yet another important for users of D90 and above. I've used both a D90 (borrowed) and D300 (rented) before and I don't see any advantage. Most of the time I shoot in A mode. So I just use one dial. Even when I use M mode, changing aperture is a simple matter of holding the EV+/- button. In fact, I find the second dial on the D90 hard to reach because my hands are small.

3. Lack of AF motor. This is not the end of the world! There are enough AFS lenses and third party options on the market now to suit a wide range of your shooting needs. For zooms, almost all the standard zooms from Nikon are AFS lenses now. For prime lenses, try out the AFS 35mm/f1.8 and AFS 60mm/f2.8 (or 50mm/f1.4) for starters. There are many options beyond these. It's up to you to find out what focal lengths you want. It's true that you can't autofocus with some older lenses, but given that you are starting out, you won't have any of those to begin with. Why not go for the latest lenses to go with your camera?

At the end of the day, it's up to you to try out the cameras and feel them for yourself. Just sharing what I like about the smaller bodies -- I'm thinking of upgrading to a D5000 soon because of the improved features over my D40X: better ISO performance, 11 AF points and tilt screen. The best thing is, the improvements come with only a slight increase in size and weight.

All the best!

 

[Omega23]

i'm thinking more about the d5000 as a replacement over my d40...

I dun see it much of an upgrade.. i would say D90, D300 or D700 a better upgrade.

 

[wayne900]

just upgrade to a D90 from D40

 

[rainclover]

I got a headache choosing between these 2 models are well. Read many reviews, saw the comparisons and went to shops to try it out as well.

And finally, after much thought and opinions from others, I got the D90 yesterday and I am so happy with it. Haha..

D90 is solid, comfortable in the hands and love the viewfinder too.

If budget is not a concern, D90 is the choice! :thumbsup:

 

[mayhemics]

Currently i am headache of which one to buy? I having a buget around 1.8K to 2K.... and could you all mind giving some comment on which one is better to purchase? As i am going to buy within this weekend... thank......

d90's superior imho in the qualitative aspects, but d5000 is lighter/smaller by quite a bit, and d5000 comes with limited kit lens i believe.

 

[kaikibbler]

Two dials on D90. Doesn't sound like much but they're invaluable once you start setting exposure manually.

 

[LifeWorld]

Most people prefer D90. I dont know why I bought D5000 instead. Probably because of the vari-angle lcd. Very silly isn't it?

Well, this guy made the same mistake as me. Or perhaps not....

 

[rain5533]

Most people prefer D90. I dont know why I bought D5000 instead. Probably because of the vari-angle lcd. Very silly isn't it?

Well, this guy made the same mistake as me. Or perhaps not....

i think you dun care about ppl how to said.
if you just entry?
to be learn more good skill with good photo.
after you know everything just jump to D700 or the next D400.
that's dun mind. because for the D90 only have built in motor.
but D5000 everything fuction is same as D90.
why not get D5000 for entry level?

 

[kevkie]

Hi everyone,

I just came back from a 2 hour fact finding cum camera testing session at a photo shop near my home (in JB). I was introduced to a very friendly and helpful salesman who really just spent each minute explaining to me functions and features as well as general advice on camera selection, photo taking, lense options and whole lot of other stuff which I just kept asking and asking. Though he knew perfectly well I was not going to buy the camera just yet, he really did his part and I came back feeling much more "informed" and assured of my options.

I specifically asked to see and play with the D5000 and the D90, as these 2 models were the ones I have been thinking about over the past few weeks.

First impression of the D5000, I personally liked the look (looks and its appeal are personal ). It was mated with the kit lens. Once I picked it up however, it felt too small. My hands are not gigantic, but as I spent time taking shots, accessing the menu (which looks superb and is very idiot proof to me I must say) the camera felt increasingly uncomfortable to hold. Its weight was light, the build looked ok, but the camera felt like it could slip from my hands, and this bothered me a lot. Also, my fingers were grazing the lens barrel and it just felt weird. I took about 50 shots in total. I liked the vari-angle screen, but honestly did not really find it useful as I dont think I would be taking movies with the camera (the fact that the camera does not do continuous auto-focus is a real bummer, same goes for the D90 for that matter). Reviewing photos on the D5000 screen against those on the D90 does show a pretty big (to me anyway) difference. Details are so much more better on the D90 (coz of the higher resolution) and though I would think on the computer the pics should be similar, it mattered to me enough to make me feel uneasy with the D5000.

When I picked the D90 up, the difference in weight and feel was rather apparent. The D90 was fitted with the kit lens as well. Over all, the D90 felt much more comfortable and secure in my hands. Taking shots felt more natural and pleasing. Yet, I still felt a little uneasy with the way my hand held the camera, and the salesman asked me to try it with the grip (which was something I was looking at getting too for portrait shots and general extended battery life). Indeed, with the grip and just 1 battery, the added weight was significant but it made the camera feel so much more secure and "right" to hold. My fingers were not scratching the barrel of the lens and I could access all the buttons and dials easily.

Feature wise, I went there with what I had read from many online reviews so I wont go into details, and the salesman just reiterated the same, but one thing I did find out was that though the specs between the two models are pretty similar, the feel of the camera differs, quite significantly to me. The D90 feels a lot more solid.

I have yet to decide if I would be taking the plunge to purchase the D90 as my first DSLR, but I'm getting "keener" by the minute. I know that basing the purchase on features and bang for buck is important, but for anyone who is deciding between the 2, do make sure to spend time playing with them to get a real feel of how the camera feels in your hand, as it has to feel right and good before you would be keen to take it out from the bag and snap away.

 

[fotojeff]

Hi everyone,

I just came back from a 2 hour fact finding cum camera testing session at a photo shop near my home (in JB). I was introduced to a very friendly and helpful salesman who really just spent each minute explaining to me functions and features as well as general advice on camera selection, photo taking, lense options and whole lot of other stuff which I just kept asking and asking. Though he knew perfectly well I was not going to buy the camera just yet, he really did his part and I came back feeling much more "informed" and assured of my options.

I specifically asked to see and play with the D5000 and the D90, as these 2 models were the ones I have been thinking about over the past few weeks.

First impression of the D5000, I personally liked the look (looks and its appeal are personal ). It was mated with the kit lens. Once I picked it up however, it felt too small. My hands are not gigantic, but as I spent time taking shots, accessing the menu (which looks superb and is very idiot proof to me I must say) the camera felt increasingly uncomfortable to hold. Its weight was light, the build looked ok, but the camera felt like it could slip from my hands, and this bothered me a lot. Also, my fingers were grazing the lens barrel and it just felt weird. I took about 50 shots in total. I liked the vari-angle screen, but honestly did not really find it useful as I dont think I would be taking movies with the camera (the fact that the camera does not do continuous auto-focus is a real bummer, same goes for the D90 for that matter). Reviewing photos on the D5000 screen against those on the D90 does show a pretty big (to me anyway) difference. Details are so much more better on the D90 (coz of the higher resolution) and though I would think on the computer the pics should be similar, it mattered to me enough to make me feel uneasy with the D5000.

When I picked the D90 up, the difference in weight and feel was rather apparent. The D90 was fitted with the kit lens as well. Over all, the D90 felt much more comfortable and secure in my hands. Taking shots felt more natural and pleasing. Yet, I still felt a little uneasy with the way my hand held the camera, and the salesman asked me to try it with the grip (which was something I was looking at getting too for portrait shots and general extended battery life). Indeed, with the grip and just 1 battery, the added weight was significant but it made the camera feel so much more secure and "right" to hold. My fingers were not scratching the barrel of the lens and I could access all the buttons and dials easily.

Feature wise, I went there with what I had read from many online reviews so I wont go into details, and the salesman just reiterated the same, but one thing I did find out was that though the specs between the two models are pretty similar, the feel of the camera differs, quite significantly to me. The D90 feels a lot more solid.

I have yet to decide if I would be taking the plunge to purchase the D90 as my first DSLR, but I'm getting "keener" by the minute. I know that basing the purchase on features and bang for buck is important, but for anyone who is deciding between the 2, do make sure to spend time playing with them to get a real feel of how the camera feels in your hand, as it has to feel right and good before you would be keen to take it out from the bag and snap away.

Bro, I just bought my 2nd D90 last friday from MScolor.
No regrets at all man. Now my wife n i can go out for photoshoot n each have our own D90 to play with.
Especially when they are mounted with the batt grip. hehe....
No need to think.

 

[kokb3ng]

Really thank you guys for the comments.... it really help me a lot... and i know which one to get.... thank a lot.... espcially thank: Fotophilic, kevkie and weychuan.....

 

[kevkie]

Bro, I just bought my 2nd D90 last friday from MScolor.
No regrets at all man. Now my wife n i can go out for photoshoot n each have our own D90 to play with.
Especially when they are mounted with the batt grip. hehe....
No need to think.

Hey bro,

Congrats!!!! Mind sharing how much the 2nd hand D90 cost you and what the package was? I am ok to get a 2nd hand one too, and I'm scouting. Hope to get a good deal soon! Happy snapping to you and your wife!!!! Share some pics when you can ok?

 

[kevkie]

Really thank you guys for the comments.... it really help me a lot... and i know which one to get.... thank a lot.... espcially thank: Fotophilic, kevkie and weychuan.....

Hey kokb3ng,

Hope you get your camera soon yeah....good luck!

 

[ronaldlee007]

I voted D90 as i just got mine last weekend. Very nice DSLR to start with. My intial budget only D60. But after doing research, expanded to D90. haha
Reading online preview will really get us poisoned. D90 is really solid build camera. And with the Kitlen 18-105, very nice walkaround lens.

 

[MusKidd]

you should get D5000 if you're new to DSLR,
but for the betterwise, i'll pick D90 as of the autofocus with AFD lens and it can be use with old AF lens. yeap. and hope you and your new DSLR will get rolling soon!

 

[jgjonathangoh]

As you can see.. most of us are gearing towards D90 instead of D5000.
I guess the main over-whelming advantage over D5000 is the AF motor in D90 which allows it auto-focus in AF-D lenses too.
however, if i see the trend correctly, nikon is making more D40, D40x, D60, D5000 type bodies.. They r reducing the weight of bodies and transfering the focusing mechanism to the lenses instead (was told it allows faster focusing too). so in the future, we might see most lenses in AF-S format which a D5000 will be able to use. but of course, thats the future.. and I have no idea how lmany decades that might be.. but i have handled a D90 before.. its pretty itimidating to a first timer considering its size and weight. but ultimately, your choice.. with 2K budjet, u might be able to get more accessories with a D5000 thou.. u might need more than 1 lens to start of, maybe a dry cabinet, bag, tripod, extra battery etc..
dont be mistaken, both are very good camera bodies.. and nikon is not stupid, if a D90 wins in every aspect , then they wont produce a D5000.
Go feel it, grab it.. thats what everyone else always tell me.. haha

 

[czcsean]

If u r going far with the cam den D90 will be better, but if this is ur 1st time handling a DLSR den D5000 will be better for u, den save a bit more u can get the AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm for ur wide angle shots, but is all up to you and i think u know wat u want already.

All the best with ur shots!!