First DSLR help

[Jamie615]

Hi I'm sure this has been asked alot but I can't find enough on this to make a conclusive decision

I'm looking to get my first DSLR , my dad has a Nikon D90 so I want a Nikon so we can share lenses

I can't decide between the d90 od d5100 I don't care about video I just want good quality photos with plenty of features

Cause on paper the d5100 seems better bar here's no built in af but I've read that the d90 better

Any help would be great

[TheMoons678]

The D5100 does look great mainly for the newer sensor and high ISO performance.

The fulltime AF/live view is very disappointing, its got some bells-n-whistles that dont really appeal to me personally. My biggest beef would be the lack of buttons at my reach. I hate hunting through Nikon menus to change WB, ISO, quality (I only shoot RAW sometimes), metering, no dual command dials to change shutter/aperture quicky in manual.

I think you'll always be impressed with your picture quality of the D5100, but it seems that right when you get out of Auto mode and learn more about your camera, the more frustrated you'll get. All those options you're missing will be in the D7000 which really is the best choice (but more expensive).

[Pneguin]

hi, I'm in a similar position so I didn't want to start another similar discussions, hope it's okay to put my question here

I'm currently borrowing a Nikon D7000 with views to purchasing another Nikon, but budget restraints mean I have to go secondhand. A photographer friend uses Nikon so I'd like to be able to share lenses. People are telling me to go with a D70 secondhand as it's a great camera for a beginner to buy at a lower price (for a secondhand one) despite its age.

I'm a complete hack newbie but I get frustrated with auto modes and just pointing and shooting-- I want to be able to get in to the guts of everything and be able to configure settings easily and quickly, without having to navigate through a billion menu screens.

not fussed about video, it's not a priority for me.

[inkista]

Just me, but if budget's an issue, I'd go for a factory refurbed D80 off the Nikon website. Cost you about the same as a new D3100, and you'd still have dual-wheel controls and a commander in the pop-up flash. While it ain't the latest and greatest, it's still plenty good, and you can spend the extra cash on lenses or a flash.

[TheMoons678]

Originally Posted by inkista

Just me, but if budget's an issue, I'd go for a factory refurbed D80 off the Nikon website. Cost you about the same as a new D3100, and you'd still have dual-wheel controls and a commander in the pop-up flash. While it ain't the latest and greatest, it's still plenty good, and you can spend the extra cash on lenses or a flash.

+1

The D70 lcd screen is TINY, you only have 5 AF points.

Price difference is very small between grandpa D70 and uncle D80, get the D80. I sold my backup D80+18-55mm for $350 yesterday on craigslist.