Beginner who is undecisive. Nikkon D60 or Nikkon D90?

[swtcherry81]

Hello all, I am new to the SLR world and I am interested in getting a Nikkon D60 or Nikkon D90 but cannot decide which is better. I really like the D90 because of the live view option; however, someone at my work told me that with an SLR camera i would not need live view and that it defeats the whole purpose of having an SLR. I am used to the live view because that is what I have on my basic digital camera. I'm just looking for suggestions on which would be better for a beginner.Any suggestions would be really appreciated.



Okay so now I have found another Nikon the D5000 cheaper than the D90 but more features than the D60 in advice about the D5000?

[dcclark]

Hi swtcherry -- and welcome!

Live view is (in my opinion) a silly feature, but if you like it, you like it! I prefer peering through a viewfinder myself -- which you should try, to see if you like it as well.

However, the D90 has some advantages over the D60, and live view is just one of them.

Perhaps the biggest difference is the D90's ability to use older Nikon lenses to their full extent -- the D60 doesn't have an autofocus motor, so only "AF-S" lenses will autofocus correctly on it. You can still use other "AF" lenses, but you'll have to focus manually. Note that the "kit" lens that comes with the D60 IS AF-S, so that's not a worry. For a beginner, this may not be that big of a deal, however -- all new lenses that you are likely to buy are AF-S. If you are going to get lenses from an older SLR (such as from a relative), this may be important however.

The D90 also has a variety of higher-level features, such as bracketing and a depth-of-field preview button. These are unlikely to matter much to you.

The D90 is also bulkier and heavier than the D60 -- the D60 really is a tiny little piece of work. If you're coming from using point-and-shoots, you may like the smaller size. No matter what, holding an SLR is going to be different for you -- they're usually much larger than you're used to.

Overall, I would say that you need to weigh the benefit of some of the "pro" features against the added size and weight. Try them in your hands, and see if you find the D90 to be too big or heavy. My bet is that the D60 (or even the D40) would be your ideal choice.

[AnnaV]

Get a D60 and save some bucks for a lens or flash a few months down the line

[DanaD]

to add to the above post, using the live view feature on an SLR isnt the same as a point and shoot. On the SLR it tends to be more shaky and doesnt necessarily reflect the true exposure of your image.

I have the D300 and the only time I use the Live View features is during a sporting event when i want a unique view but cant get my eye to the view finder.

Otherwise, I agree its a silly feature and shouldnt be a determining factor is choosing the right camera for you.

[sk66]

I wouldn't choose based on live view, but I wouldn't consider it a silly feature....it can be quite useful.
I also think Bracketing is very useful, especially if you want to mess with HDR or exposure blending.
I generally find the very small bodies become poorly balanced when used with bigger/heavier/pro lenses.
It is true most new lenses have motors in them...especially 3rd party lenses like Sigma's which give a lot of bang for the buck...BUT, if you want to get into top quality lenses cheap, older used pro lenses are quite a bit cheaper than the latest greatest and often don't have motors in them.....

So, my recommendation is to first try them both, at least in store, to see how they feel...(you might actually prefer canon)..Then, if feel isn't a big determining factor and you have the money, buy the 90....I think you'll outgrow it later, if ever....

Compared to the D60 the D90 has:
Better autofocus system
Faster FPS rate
Bracketing
Live view
MUCH better LCD
Better resolution
Can do video
Easier to manage interface (more controls, less menu diving)
Wider ISO range and better high ISO performance....
and probably some other things I don't know about

IMO, the D90 can compete with the D300 and has a couple extra tricks (video), but a much less robust (durable) body....I think it's well worth the price difference over a 40/60.

just my 2c

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by swtcherry81

Hello all, I am new to the SLR world and I am interested in getting a Nikkon D60 or Nikkon D90 but cannot decide which is better.

Nothing about the D90 will persuade you to get one unless you have the budget and the desire to get the extra features.

Why do you want a D90?
1) You don't want to worry about which of the Auto-Focus lenses (Nikon and other brands) will work with the D90.
2) You like to judge your shoots with a higher resolution LCD.
3) The D90 is more equipped to shoot low-light pictures with high ISO.
4) It can be easier to shoot fast action photos with more focusing points and faster FPS rate.
5) You can use the D90 to control other Nikon flashes when you need it.
6) You can apply Nikon Picture controls to customize the camera.
7) You don't mind the size and weight because you plan to get Nikon top models when you turn pro.
8) You can experiment with HDR using D90's auto-bracketing.
...

You do not have to start with a basic model just because you are a beginner. If you have the budget then get one with enough features to grow with rather than worry about what it cannot do.

Often you will use manual focusing and manual mode in your learning, but being a well-balanced photographer knowing modern features and basic skills is much better.

Nikon D40, D40x, D60, D5000 and D90 are fine cameras and you can take great photos with any of these bodies. However, how much money you can spend will determine the final choice.

[candleman]

D90 hands down.
a D60 will only cause you headaches when you want more lenses, off camera flash.. or low light shooting.

te D90 has the same sensor as the D300.. so it does wel in low light.

then again.. a D200 or D80 ar also great cameras and will be very at bargain prices now.

[Snowdust]

D90 all the way. It is usually cheaper to grow into something, than to grow out of and replace.

[Taallyn]

Or, split the different and get the new D5000. It's a D90 in a smaller package.

[Jim Bryant]

Get the best camera that has all the features that will allow you to build a system on. Which isn't the D60.