D40 to D5000?

[coombzy]

Hello,

I've been using a Nikon D40 for three-four years and absolutely love it. It's a fantastic camera to learn from and I'm starting to wonder if perhaps I can justify a leap to the D5000. I'm fully aware the camera does not make the photographer but wonder if it would help me progress further.

The cost of the D90 makes me a little hesitant and the feature of the tilt LCD is why I'm currently looking into the D5000. I used to use the Canon Powershot Pro1 and sorely miss the rotating LCD feature as I do use myself in my photos often. I'm a little shy about using volunteers. So that feature really appeals. Secondly, the quiet mode would be a huge advantage. I prefer candid shots and the obnoxious click of my D40 always, always draws attention to the fact that I just took a photo and makes some subjects self conscious. However, is the D5000 enough of an improvement on the D40 to justify the upgrade and its cost? Has anyone used both that can compare the two?

Thank you for any input.

[OsmosisStudios]

The screen on the D5000 is a gimmick, quite frankly. its fine for Macro and Studio stuff where the camera is on a tripod, or for video when the camera isnt being hand held, but otherwise... not worth much. The Quiet mode is a bit quieter, but not a whole lot. It's still very noticeable.

The D90 also has a few options that the D5000 doesnt: commander flash and AF drive motor.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

D40 and D5000 are both very much entry level- it'd be a bit of a move sideways (though you'd get the new gen sensor)

[Aegea]

I haven't used a D5000, but I moved from a D40 to a D90 a few months ago and have not regretted it. I like the user interface and controls better - not so much need to dive into the menu system. As far as cost goes, the D90 gives you full functionality access to all the nice AF glass where you can get some used bargains - I saved $100 by getting the AF Tokina 12-24 rather than their AF-S version, and expect to save more on future buys.

[coombzy]

Thank you for the replies! I had no idea how limited I would be until I saw all the amazing AF lenses that are out there. A D90 seems like the best route to go (as much as I will miss that LCD - I do use a tripod quite frequently). It was the 85mm 1.8 AF that stopped me in my tracks. It's a shame as I found a relatively new D5000 for $400 nearby. But it sounds like it will be worth it.

[coombzy]

Me again.

I overlooked the D80 as I've been researching current models and was unaware that it too has an autofocus motor. As this is the main reason for me considering the D90 I'm looking to you for comparisons if anyone's up for the task. I understand that with the advancement of technology, the D80's image quality can't be as strong as the D90's. Unfortunately for me I can't seem to find images to compare (ie. same scene shot with the same lens). Low light scenes are common for me and I suspect the D90 wins there too...

The 3D tracking intrigues me as I tend to photograph fast-moving dogs and don't always catch them with my 35mm f/1.8! I had little trouble with my kit lens (traded for the 18-70mm). I know it won't guarantee a sharp image but does anyone have any thoughts on this feature?

Cost is a factor, otherwise I wouldn't be asking. If the differences aren't that huge I thought I might spend any extra money on that aforementioned lens and settle for the D80.

Edit: http://www.dpnotes.com/nikon-d90-vs-d80-compared/ <- Brutal. Surely the D80 isn't that bad?

[kirbinster]

The D5000 is a great camera. It has the same from factor as your D40 with the image sensor of the D300/D90. While it lacks a focus motor, there are so many AF-S (HSM with Sigma) lenses these days that it should not be an issue. AFAIK, AF-S lenses focus faster than AF lenses too! The flip screen is great for taking pictures down low when you don't want to lay on the ground and when shooting with the camera overhead like shooting over people at a parade.

If money is a major factor you need to think hard what you will really get with the D90 that you don't with the D5000.

As for the D80, well it does have a motor, but is older technology and the picture quality is actually not as good as your D40 (yes it has more megapixels, but that also generates more noise).

[tekmoe]

I had a D40 several years ago but sold it because I always found myself using my Canon SD870. After realizing how crazy I am about photography I ultimately regretted my decision with selling my D40. It was such a great camera. I started doing some research about a month and a half ago. I was trying to decide if I should go for the D3000 or the D5000. I initially purchased the D3000. Only after a few days did I begin to have buyers remorse. I felt like I cheated myself because the D5000 has the better sensor, the one from the D90. I took the D3000 back and swapped it for the D5000. No regrets whatsoever. This camera can take some amazing pictures.

[coombzy]

Thanks for all your replies! Money is no longer much of a factor at all so this (oh so rapidly) turned into inclination towards the D90. I worry the D5000 will fall out of date faster than the D90 - I'd like to invest in a good body that will last years on end. I must admit it's difficult to get a gauge on this as opinions are all over the map. Many stick their noses up at the D5000 (which I'm not saying I'm going along with but it is unsettling) but others say it's quite similar to the D90 which confuses me as I've heard the D90 isn't a far cry from the D300s. Though the AF-S lenses exist, I can't help wondering how much I'd save by purchasing AF down the road.

[scootermcq]

My Sister has the D5000 and I have the D90. Both are good cameras and take great pictures. It really boils down to what features you will use more and will you benefit from the additional items the D90 brings. Don't forget the D90 benefits from AF-S / HSM lenses as well, so they are the better choice no matter the body.

Having said that, I really like the features the D90 brings to the table. The ease of use to change settings are big for me (not having to dial through menus) if you change things on the fly.