D90 or D5000?

[JerseyGirl]

Hello:

I am in the market for a new DSLR and was looking at the D90 when I started my search then went to Canon and am now back to the Nikons. However, after knowing more of what's out there, and doing a side by side comparison it looks like the only big difference in the D90 and D5000 is that the D90 has 4.5 fps and the later has 4.0 fps. I am I missing any other big differences here? The D5000 is cheaper so it seems that would be the better choice or is the D90 that much better that it is worth the extra money?

I am a bit hung up on fps, I'll admit, as I take a lot of action shots mainly animals. The lens being equal I don't know that the .5 fps is going to make much difference is it?

I have read through the rumor sites that the replacement for the D90 is most likely going to have higher fps, some have said as much as 7 fps. But they have also said that they don't anticipate the replacement coming out until late fall more likely it won't be out until 2011.

Is it worth waiting until 2011 for the fps I want given that I have a point and shoot now and want a dslr? Will I be able to get a lot of use out of the d90 or d5000 and then sell them for a decent price when the new model comes out in 2011?

Thanks for your help.

[kuvahmagh]

The D90 has the Auto Focus motor built into the body where the D5000 doesn't so you will need to buy special lenses with the motor built into them afaik.

[OsmosisStudios]

D90 has:
In-body focus motor, allowing you to use AF lenses and still get autofocus capabilities.
Commander flash, allowing you to trigger off-camera SB units wirelessly and with TTL.
More ergonomic controls, allowing faster and easier use to change settings.
Larger, tougher body, allowing for easier grasping and a vertical grip, if necessary.

D5000 has:
Tiltable LCD screen

That's about it.

The in-body focus motor, commander flash and grip options are major selling points that shouldnt be overlooked.

kuvahmagh: The D5000 can use lenses without AF-S motors, but they won't autofocus. EVerything else works the same, though.

[kirbinster]

As you can see in my sig, I have both. I don't think you will find the FPS makes any difference in real world shooting. Especially with wild animlas where focus lock will be a bigger issue.

The D90's motor may be a big issue if you will not be using AF-S type lenses. The D90 has more dedicated buttons and controls, whereas you have to use menus in the D5000. That said I probably use my D5000 more than my other two bodies because of its small size and light weight. When you are trecking in the woods that lighter smaller camera is nice to have.

[MovingStill]

I think one of the big questions is what sort of photography do you enjoy, and following on from that, will the extra external comtrols make using the D90 a more enjoyable experiance.

If you a 'shoot on auto' type person, and don't mind digging through menus occasionally, then the D5000 might be for you. However if you regularly want to make settings changes, and use wireless off-camera flash (such as for portraits), the D90 would definately be the better option.

Go in to the store and have a play with each in your hands. There's nothing better than the tactile experiance to help you decide. Often one will 'just feel right!' in your hands.

[Shokinen]

Originally Posted by MovingStill

I think one of the big questions is what sort of photography do you enjoy, and following on from that, will the extra external comtrols make using the D90 a more enjoyable experiance.

Exactly.

The biggest difference for me is the ergonomic. The D90 body allow you to change most of the setting straight on the body instead of going through the menu.

If your going to shoot mostly with A, S, P and M mode, you will enjoy the D90.

If you don't want to bother with shutterspeed and Aperture and you like using scenes modes, go with the D5000. They are using the same focus system and the same sensor.

My 2 cents

[kirbinster]

I strongly dissagree with the statement about the D5000 being for point and shoot usage. I have never used the auto or program mode one mine. I typically shoot aperature priority, many times with exposure compensation in raw mode. The D5000 is a great camera. Sure you have menus to deal with for certain things, but once you learn them it is very easy to use. I have the programmable button set to adjust ISO and have quite a lot of control. Its small size is a big plus, and the image quality is the same as the D90 or D300. I feel I am in a very good position to comment about this since I own and use all three cameras.

[JerseyGirl]

Thank you all for your thoughts it was very helpful. I will let you know which way I go, but right now I think I am leaning towards the D90.

[coombzy]

I was in your position last month and ended up with the D90. I sorely miss the LCD screen feature but other than that I think it was a decent move from the D40. Menus didn't bother me as I worked with them often enough I didn't have to think about it and it was quick to do. In other words, I probably could have gotten away with the D5000 and have been happy (though many would argue it was a sidestep). That said, I saved a few hundred by being able to buy non-autofocusing lenses with the D90 which is fantastic.

Moving from a point and shoot sounds like a big leap but I actually kind of envy you. None of the "Wait a sec, this dial is supposed to change the f/stop. Why is it not changing the f/stop?" re-learning curve.

[JohnnyC]

I have a D90 and can honestly say that I love it. I would definately recommend it to a friend ( which I have) of course you should consider what type of photograpy you want to accomplish however, overall I think the D90 is a great camera. I'd say go with it.