D5000 and D90

[cshgeorge]

Can someone tell me the difference in these two camera's? I can't decide between the two of them I think I have the numbers correct - please feel free to correct me if I dont. I just want to make the right decision when I upgrade from D40x

[candleman]

get the D90

D5000 is "nice" but all you're getting is video and better ISO performance as your upgrade.

its missing the dual command dials, built in focus motor, ability to control off camera lights.... and the list goes on...
Buying Guide: Side-by-side: Digital Photography Review

The D5000 is a very capable little camera.. but the D90 will last you longer as you progress your skills and equipment.

[RecurrentNerve]

It really depends about what kind of photography you're into.

If you're getting into more serious stuff, upgrading from another Nikon and you have the money, I would probably choose the D90. The D5000 is an excellent first-time DSLR (I use it myself), but the D90 is probably a better second camera, because:

A) it has an in-body autofocus motor. The D5000 requires lenses with in-built motors.

B) it has more hardware switches. The D90 has switches for ISO, White Balance, Metering etc, whereas the D5000 only has them for Exposure/Flash compensation and one soft button (which you can set to a particular function like ISO). The rest of the functions are accessed via the menu system so are a bit slower.

C) the D90 can remotely fire 2 groups of CLS flashes.

D) the D90 apparently has a superior viewfinder (pentaprism vs. the D5000's pentamirror)

However the D5000 is smaller, lighter, has more Scene modes, has a ninja-quiet shutter action, has an articulated LCD screen which you might find useful depending on what you shoot, and is considerably cheaper; it's perfect for more 'casual' stuff.

Image quality is reportedly identical, by the way.

[kirbinster]

Try them both out. I have both, plus a D300 and really love the D5000. It is the same size/weight as you D40x but has the image sensor of the D90 / D300. The D90 has more controls and the focus motor, but you need to decide if you need that stuff or not. You will get the same image quality out of the two bodies.

[Jonbar18]

on a budget, or for not serious photography, the D500 is better. the only big downside is the lack of an AF meter, but almost all new lenses are AF-S. The D90 is better but not by too much. if you have the money, go for it, if not i recomend the D5000. its more important to invest in lenses than cameras!

[lemonjenny]

When faced with the same decision, I chose the D5000. I only have AF-S lenses, so the no in-body focus motor doesn't matter to me. If I want to control off-camera flashes, you can buy a commander unit and it's no biggie. The vari-angle lens and longer video recording sold me. I'd save the cash if I were you and get the D5000, or wait until Photokina and see what new bodies they release! The new D3100 might even be a good option for you.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by Jonbar18

the D500 is better.

true, but it's not due for another 5 years. :P

[wannabephotographer]

Get the new D7000 which will be announce next month. It is replacing the D90. Or get the new D3100 if you want to save some $$.

[bbtom10]

I'm in the same situation and I'm swinging from one to the other - I had my D40 stolen so I have an insurance payout (hopefully!!!) to spend - either a new D5000 (£414 on EBay), or a second-hand D90 (£499-ish + cost of a kit equivalent lens).

I love the hardware specs on the D90, and the fact that I can get a 35mm prime for about £50, which was next on my list anyway, as opposed to the 35mm AF-S Prime for the D5000 which would be £150.

All in all, the hardware buttons, the top-LCD screen and the autofocus motor are giving the D90 the edge, but it tops out my budget and I would only get a second-hand one.

The functions are essentially all the same as the D5000 - great ISO performance, same sensor, video functionality, just that the detailed options are buried in a menu rather than accesible through a hardware switch - having said that I got used to it with my D40. Also, my feeble wife will use it and no doubt won't like the heavier D90 - I also like the 'ninja-quiet' shutter action too!

I am not a pro, just a hobbyist, though I may be undertaking a couple of wedding shoots next year - only a registry office second marriage and a pub reception, and my sister's wedding in Cyprus, but not sure that the difference between D90 and D5000 would really matter?

Hmmm. This is getting easier!

Advice please!!!

[lemonjenny]

Originally Posted by bbtom10

I am not a pro, just a hobbyist, though I may be undertaking a couple of wedding shoots next year - only a registry office second marriage and a pub reception, and my sister's wedding in Cyprus, but not sure that the difference between D90 and D5000 would really matter?

Advice please!!!

No, the image quality is the same between the two. What will really matter for the weddings is your lenses, for sure!