D90 body for $450

[katahdin]

I've found someone that wants to sell their "gently used" D90 body for $450. Approximately 500 shutter actuations, paper work is legitimate. I currently use a D3000 and have been thinking about an upgrade, especiallly to a camera with the in-body focusing motor. Now, KEN ROCKWELL mentions that anyone considering a D90 should get a D5100 instead due to the D5100's better "features and performance". That's all well and good, Ken, but it's also twice as much as I can get the D90 for! My wife is going to kill me whichever way I decide to go, but the beating might not be as bad at $450 instead of $900. My feeling is that there is always going to be something "better" out there, so just get the best I can afford. What do you folks think?

[dlambert]

Make sure you account for the differences in ergonomics (control layout) in addition to technical differences. The D5100 is newer, obviously, but the D90 has some really nice features that you might find valuable, like a secondary LCD, dual control dials, pentaprism viewfinder, and the ability to autofocus lenses without a built-in motor (the D90 has a drive in the body). I'm not sure the answer is quite as clear as Ken suggests, especially if you can pick up a D90 at a good price.

[kcoppock]

Originally Posted by dlambert

Make sure you account for the differences in ergonomics (control layout) in addition to technical differences. The D5100 is newer, obviously, but the D90 has some really nice features that you might find valuable, like a secondary LCD, dual control dials, pentaprism viewfinder, and the ability to autofocus lenses without a built-in motor (the D90 has a drive in the body). I'm not sure the answer is quite as clear as Ken suggests, especially if you can pick up a D90 at a good price.

Yeah, I don't always agree with Ken Rockwell's advice on things, though his website is otherwise very informative. I'm personally kinda jealous -- I just bought my D80 body for $400. :P

[RLucas]

If I saw a deal like that 6 months ago, I would be all over it. That is a good price.

[Dennismc]

if I saw this deal today I would be all over it!

I went with the d3100 in order to get more glass at the time, and really wish I would have stuck with my first idea and got the d90 to begin with!

[kirbinster]

Its a good deal and a great camera - go for it!

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by katahdin

Now, KEN ROCKWELL mentions that anyone considering a D90 should get a D5100 instead due to the D5100's better "features and performance".

Ken's an idiot. Don't let him lead you astray. Heed the good words of DPS, not that golden-tongued devil, Ken Rockwell. Get the D90.

[Aegea]

Very good price - go for it. The D90 is a very capable camera and gives you full access to all that great old Nikon AF glass.

[Shokinen]

If you only use AUTO with AF-S lenses... D5100>D90 with the same lens.

If you want to take control of your images... D90>D5100

Most of the diffences, dlambert nailed most of them, are usefull to acheive want you want. The D90 can also trigger a flash wirelessly. But even if you use your DSLR only to get "sharper" pictures than a point and shoot, the D90 combine with a 50mm f/1.8 would get you better results in my opinion.

Keep in my M.Ken is getting some income when people are using is link to buy stuff so of course he will push the new ones.

[katahdin]

Thanks for the advice all. You pretty much reinforced what I was thinking. I'm thinking $450 is a little TOO good a price for the D90, so I'm going to say to Hell with it and get a new one. My wife is going to be SOOOO proud!