Which Nikon D60 or D5000 ?

[teedlepeep]

I had a friend ask me earlier today which camera she should get and I frankly don't have experience with either of these models.

The person buying is getting their first DSLR and really doesn't have a lot of knowledge, nor does she want to get super technical with it right now. Will be doing mostly snapshots of friends and the places she visits when she travels (which is extensively)

She knows she wants Nikon so that part is settled.. but just not which one.

Can anyone lend an opinion ??

Thanks

[Jennifleur79]

I don't know anything about the Nikon D5000 but I have the D60 and I am getting on very well with it.

[Dirt_Bike_Ryda]

i'd say go with the D5000. for a start it is VERY new.
The D5000 has 12.3 effective MP, where-as the D60 has 10.2MP.
The D5000 has the flippy screen which may come in handy when taking snapshots with friends.

neither D5000, nor the D60 will work with some Nikkor Lenses (i know for a fact that that the D5000 doesn't auto focus with the 80-400mm)

ok, the D5000 is a little more $$. but it does have a few more (and newer) features.
in reality they are very similar cameras, the D5000 has some of the features in the D90.

hope this helps in some way shape or form

[candleman]

the D5000 will knock the pants off the D60 in terms of Noise.. i'd go with the D5000 anyday..
that makes it a allot more forgiving to people who dont undersytand ISO and exposure triangle..

heck.. its got a better sensor than my D80..

[kirbinster]

I would skip the D60 and either get a D5000 or a used D40. If they are really just starting out and you don't know if they will stick with it go cheap and get the used D40. If you think they will really take to it then invest in the D5000 it is a much better camera.

[teedlepeep]

Thank You guys very much ! I have passed along the info and looks like she is going towards the D5000!