D90 vs D5100

[Crimson_r3d]

Hello everyone,
I am new to photography and I am interested in buying my first DSLR. I am leaning to get a used D90. It is about the same price as the new d5100. Here are my thoughts. The reason I am leaning towards the D90 is that I am not interested in video and the easy access on the D90 for changing settings. From reviews I see that D5100 has better image quality. Should I risk getting a used D90, or should I go with the new D5100 that has better image quality? I am trying to be as cheap as possible starting out this new hobby, but did not want the lowest end DSLR. I know the D90 has the AF motor in the body. Is it worth getting the cheaper older lenses, or should I just man up and spend some money on new lenses then get the D5100? Sorry, about rambling but I was wondering what everyone else thought about it?

[zona5101]

I wouldn't be swayed by the video on the D90. It's more of a PITA because it's all manual focus. The focus motor in the body for me is a big deal and that would be the tie breaker (YMMV) .

[TheMoons678]

If say you are trying to be as cheap as possible just pick up a D80 for $300 on craigslist. It's a good camera, has an internal focus motor, and is half the price of a d90. Movie mode on the d90 was disappointing, and I was even more disappointed with the full time AF in movie mode on the d3100 (which I assume is the same for d5100).

If you're not wanting to spend $1000 on this hobby I'd just pick up a d80 which will save you room in your budget to pick up lenses which make a big difference in picture quality.

If I had $700 to spend I'd rather get a d80 + $400 of lenses and a flash rather than only have money for D90/D5100+18-55mm

[Crimson_r3d]

Originally Posted by TheMoons678

If say you are trying to be as cheap as possible just pick up a D80 for $300 on craigslist. It's a good camera, has an internal focus motor, and is half the price of a d90. Movie mode on the d90 was disappointing, and I was even more disappointed with the full time AF in movie mode on the d3100 (which I assume is the same for d5100).

If you're not wanting to spend $1000 on this hobby I'd just pick up a d80 which will save you room in your budget to pick up lenses which make a big difference in picture quality.

If I had $700 to spend I'd rather get a d80 + $400 of lenses and a flash rather than only have money for D90/D5100+18-55mm

Thanks Moons, I will check the D80 out on craigslist. Sounds like good advice. I love photography, and have a cheap budget so I might get the D80. Thanks again