Opinions regarding starting DSLR

[minaj08]

Hi guys!

I'm planning to buy my first DSLR soon and I'm stuck between 2 choices - the D90 or D5100...

I don't really care about video capabilities of both since I have a video cam handy if I ever plan to do video...I don't really mind the tilting screen on the D5100 as well (unless, you can help me decide why it's a good thing maybe?) .

I am hoping for a DSLR that is beginner friendly but even as I get out of that "beginner stage", I would still find things/features that would challenge me. I mentioned this because I have a friend who has a D3000 and was bored after she became familiar with the controls.

I'm kinda leaning towards the D90 at the moment due to:

- Flexibility with old lenses (which the D5100 can do, but can't use autofocus)
- Easier control in D90? (I wasn't sure about this part - does the D90 and D5100 have the same feature but only differs in control?)
- Room for growth...

But some others say that D5100 is better because it's much more beginner friendly, and is pretty much the newer between the two. As my dad pointed out - a company wouldn't really release something new only to be beaten by an older model.

Although I agree with what he said, I'm actually thinking that D90 and D5100 cater for different people, that's it's really hard to say that D90 can beat D5100 or vice versa...

As you can see, I kinda need your opinions about it...it would be great if you could share it (and sorry for the lengthy post)

[OsmosisStudios]

The D90 will give you better features and useability, but the D5100 has a better sensor/processor package

[Shokinen]

Originally Posted by minaj08

Easier control in D90? (I wasn't sure about this part - does the D90 and D5100 have the same feature but only differs in control?)

As my dad pointed out - a company wouldn't really release something new only to be beaten by an older model.

Easier control mean you can change more settings directly on the body. On the D5100, you will spend more time in the menu to do the same changes. If most of your photography is done using the "auto" mode, you won't be bother with this. But if you when you start controlling your pictures with the manuel modes (P A S M), you will appreciate it.

The 2 dials (one for aperture, the other for shutter speed) for me makes all the difference. I would'nt trade a better sensor for that feature (but I'm almost always using the Manual mode). The ability to trigger an external flash such as the SB600 wirelessly is also a big seller for me. The D5100 cannot do that. On the other hand, the D5100 is far ahead for videos. The D90 cannot adjust focus while filming.

Your dad is not completly wrong but as we see with many products these days, it goes by category. The D7000 has replaced the D90 which is targeting the serious amateur market. The D5100 replaced the D5000 which is the big brother in the entry level market. But don't get me wrong. The D5100 is a nice camera - and Nikon is releasing more and more AF-S lenses so this won't be a problem in a few years from now. You just have to figure how far you will push your photography...something that isn't obvious before really start getting into it.

Hope this helps

[kirbinster]

Its a hard call. I would probably go with the newer 5100 with it's better IQ which is what you really want from a camera. I had a D90, and currently have a D5000, D300 and D700. I love the D5000 and find the tilt screen very useful. True some controls are a little harder but I probably use that body more than the other two for it's size and weight. As for lenses how many old lenses will you really use? My vote D5100.

[cc3078]

I would actually lean towards the D90 (or better yet, a used D300!!) because of its ability to accommodate the non-AF-S lenses. Why purchase a 50mm 1.4 AF-S lens for $450 when you can buy the small and equally phenomenal 50mm 1.8 AF-D lens? Unless I am wrong the D5100 won't AF with AF-D lenses, correct? But the D90 will. The improvement in IQ between the D90 and D5100 would take more than your naked eye.
Given the discounted prices right now on the D90's, and the fact you don't care for video - I would still put the D90 higher on my list than a D5100. Quite frankly, I think you should consider a used D300 over the D90 and the prices on the D300 have come down so much!! The D300 is a phenomenal camera for the less than $900 now used..

Thats my 2c.

[laura1983marie]

I just bought the Nikon D5100 a few months ago, It's my first DSLR camera... so far I love it... I'm sure once I memorize the fancy lingo, and how to use it better on manual I will love it even more. I'm not getting into photography to be a professional, but I just love taking pictures. My grandfather bought a new camera when I was born and would always take pictures of me ... since I was younger and was able to take pictures with a camera I have been doing so! Even school trips to the zoo, my mother would be so irritated that I came home with 200 photos (back then on film) of just animals at the zoo! I can't really offer too much info on the D5100, I will tell you that my friends are photographers, and they told me that they would go with the D5100!