Advice on Buying a Nikon DSLR camera

[Lindsie Nicole]

Hello

I'm Lindsie and i'm really into photography and I am hoping to buy an SLR camera sometime soon (right now I just have a Sony point and shoot camera). I'm looking at the Nikon's and I would really like some advice about what is a good one to get. I think so far i'm looking at the Nikon D90... But I was wondering if there is a better one (not over $1000) and if there isn't, then what are the pros and cons of this camera?

Thanks for any help!
Lindsie

[sk66]

There are a lot of references/comparisons on the web.
I will say that I think the D90 is an "above average" starting point...really a pretty great camera.

BUT, PLEASE go try a few different models and makers for yourself...It is amazing how much difference the basic controls and the "logic" used in their design/layout can make...What will suit you is entirely your choice, but one maker/layout/model will just "feel right" and that's probably the one you should get.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

If you're convinced of Nikon (better glass quality, generally considered sharper, and typically better high ISO performance at the cost of fewer pixels), and you're trying to stick under $1k, then the D90 really is your best (if only) bet.

Though, if you don't mind getting used, the D300 can be had for just about $1k on ebay used, and I'd definitely argue it as far superior to the D90, but it's not much of a "beginner" camera in the least

[outamyway]

D5000 would net you similar performance to a D90 plus leave you some $ for a flash or a prime lens.

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by outamyway

D5000 would net you similar performance to a D90 plus leave you some $ for a flash or a prime lens.

maybe...but you give up a bunch for the couple hundred you save...no focus motor, no flash bracketing, no commander mode, no DOF preview, and no MB-D80...

[Lindsie Nicole]

Is the D5000 the same as the D90 but with just alittle less? I thought the D60 was the one that was one step down from the D90. I'm just a beginner but I would rather spend more money to get a really good one and grow into it then to get a beginner one....

Originally Posted by zona5101

maybe...but you give up a bunch for the couple hundred you save...no focus motor, no flash bracketing, no commander mode, no DOF preview, and no MB-D80...

Are those things worth the couple extra hundred dollars though?

[Ianzar]

Originally Posted by Lindsie Nicole

Is the D5000 the same as the D90 but with just alittle less? I thought the D60 was the one that was one step down from the D90. I'm just a beginner but I would rather spend more money to get a really good one and grow into it then to get a beginner one....

Are those things worth the couple extra hundred dollars though?

They are not the same, Lindsie. The D90 is well worth the extra bucks in relation to the D5000. Might not seem much now, as you're beginning, but I assume you're not buying another in a few months, when you realise the difference. So, if you can spend some extra money, buy the the D90 and the best lens you can get. Don't go for the kit lens if you can get a better one.

[outamyway]

Compare the 2 here.

Yeah, you are losing features. Whether or not they will be worth the extra money? I'd say the focus motor could be because it limits the camera in auto focus capabilities with specific lenses.

• AF-S, AF-I------- All functions supported
• Other Type G or D AF Nikkor------ All functions supported except autofocus
• Other AF Nikkor/AI-P Nikkor----- All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II
• Type D PC Nikkor---- All functions supported except some shooting modes
• Non-CPU --- Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster.
• IX Nikkor/AF Nikkor for F3AF------ Cannot be used

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by Lindsie Nicole

Are those things worth the couple extra hundred dollars though?

"Qu’ils mangent de la brioche". You can say "Let them eat cake" with that couple extra hundred dollars.

You don't need a D90 to take better photos but you'll gain a better 'out-of-box' experience since it has most of the essential features (such as the focusing motor).

[inkista]

Originally Posted by Lindsie Nicole

Is the D5000 the same as the D90 but with just alittle less? I thought the D60 was the one that was one step down from the D90. I'm just a beginner but I would rather spend more money to get a really good one and grow into it then to get a beginner one....

Just one thought: typically paying more for a higher-tiered camera doesn't mean it's going to last you longer, since most people upgrade to a new body on a routine basis within three to five years. Getting a less expensive camera means you'll have more money to buy lenses.

In terms of which models are up/down from the others, I'd recommend this table.