Camera advice - Nikon D90 vs D5100?

[Omi]

I'm thinking of getting a new camera (upgrading from a very old D40) and considering either the Nikon D90 or D5100. I'm an avid photographer (although not expert) and want to focus on the functionality of the camera and capabilities rather than having a load of gimmicks with the camera.

Does anyone have any thoughts about the 2 or can advise on the better camera?

[Bruce A]

Well, the D90 is a fine camera. The D5100 has the movable LCD screen which can come in handy once in a while, but it's also prone to snapping if not handled carefully (keep kids away from it). Also I think the D90 will allow a wider range of lens (those with and without focussing motor). I believe the D5100 has no internal focus drive.

[metallion58]

Originally Posted by Bruce A

Well, the D90 is a fine camera. The D5100 has the movable LCD screen which can come in handy once in a while, but it's also prone to snapping if not handled carefully (keep kids away from it). Also I think the D90 will allow a wider range of lens (those with and without focussing motor). I believe the D5100 has no internal focus drive.

+1 on what he says. I had the same decision to make a while back and opted for the D90 because half of my lenses wouldn't autofocus on the D5100.
I must say that I'm very happy with my choice. The D90 is a great camera.

[Shawn7656]

A great site I found for comparing cameras (as I'm in the same boat as you. It's upgrade time) is Snapsort.com

Here's a link to the comparison between the two cameras you asked about
Nikon D5100 vs D90
Here are the more in-depth specs, compared
Specifications - Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D90

I'd suggest figuring out what you want to do most with your camera and trying to decide which is more capable of it. I was originally looking at the Sony a65 because of all the amazing features but I think I've settled with the Nikon D7000 because it will perform better for what I need it to do. Look up reviews on multiple websites, watch reviews on Youtube, and learn everything you can about the two cameras. Once you figure out all the differences your choice will probably become pretty clear.
Remember that numbers and specs DON'T always mean a big difference. Look at sample pictures and compare those. Decide which ones you think look the best.

As for the D5100, it does NOT have a built-in focus motor, so older-style AF lenses will not be compatible with it.

If you're willing to spend $900 on the D90, you may consider slightly more for the D7000, which in my extensive research over the last week or two has shown that it has much better quality than both camera you're looking at, with much more options for customization. It's been rated as on of the best DSLR cameras to be released. Ever. (I assume this doesn't include the pro cameras though haha)

Here are comparisons from the same site between the...
D90 and D7000
Nikon D7000 vs D90
D5100 and D7000
Nikon D5100 vs D7000

[DanielLane]

I've used the D5100 and own a D90. If you are choosing between the two, go with the D90. It is a far better camera. Or spend the extra cash and go up to the D7000. Newer technology and everything. I just got one and the leap from the D90 to the D7000 was amazing! Going form your old D40 to the D7000 may make you weep with joy.

[Bruce A]

Originally Posted by DanielLane

I just got one and the leap from the D90 to the D7000 was amazing!

Me too and I agree!

[jorf]

Get the 90 - I got the D5000 and wish I'd known a teensy bit more before I bought it - like just how limiting it is to have to stick with focusing lenses. In the long run, I think you'll be happier and can grow more with the D90 or D7000. Otherwise, tho - the 5000 is great (I don't know what they upgraded when they went with the 5100 other than video and I've yet to shoot video, but that's me).

[Madog]

D90 would be the better between the two, if you plan to buy new I would consider a 7k.
FWIW I couldn't see spending $900 on a D90 when you could get the 7k for a few hundred more. With that said, I wouldn't be above sourcing a good used D90 from one of the many who upgraded to a 7K.

(I don't know what they upgraded when they went with the 5100 other than video and I've yet to shoot video, but that's me)

The sensor from the 7K, and moved the hinge for the lcd to the side (like it should have been to start with), also a higher rez lcd I believe. The 5100 shares the multicam 1000 AF module with the D90, 5100, 5k. I also wish I knew more before getting the 5K, but mostly for the pentaprism viewfinder, and the higher rez lcd.

[ccting]

This is my favourite topic.. LOL

I hate my D5100 so much because of the below reason:
a) Need external flash commander USD 330
b) Can't support AA battery grip
c) Camera battery 4 times price of D5000 battery, around USD60-70
d) Cannot do flash channeling
f) Cannot support portrait style shooting with 2nd aperture, shutter speed adjustment
g) can't do flash channeling
h) Battery life 1/2 of D7000's or perhaps D90, video last for about 1 hour
i) shutter lifespan 1/2 D7000, and perhaps D90
j) Do dust protection
k) Don't have motor, you need USD 400 extra for 85mm len. Same for other lenses
l) 75% viewfinder (practical)
m) no PC sync port
n) flash sync 1/200s too low
o) not much equipments support
p) only 11 multicam point / autofocus point
q) Plastic made, dropped then bye bye
etc etc a lot more

I am thinking of trade in my D5100 for D90, or even D7000

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by ccting

This is my favourite topic.. LOL

I hate my D5100 so much because of the below reason:
a) Need external flash commander USD 330
b) Can't support AA battery grip
c) Camera battery 4 times price of D5000 battery, around USD60-70
d) Cannot do flash channeling
f) Cannot support portrait style shooting with 2nd aperture, shutter speed adjustment
g) can't do flash channeling
h) Battery life 1/2 of D7000's or perhaps D90, video last for about 1 hour
i) shutter lifespan 1/2 D7000, and perhaps D90
j) Do dust protection
k) Don't have motor, you need USD 400 extra for 85mm len. Same for other lenses
l) 75% viewfinder (practical)
m) no PC sync port
n) flash sync 1/200s too low
o) not much equipments support
p) only 11 multicam point / autofocus point
q) Plastic made, dropped then bye bye
etc etc a lot more

I am thinking of trade in my D5100 for D90, or even D7000

a) or a trigger system. If you don't plan on using flashes, this is meaningless
b) It CAN, you just have to find one
c) D5100, EN-EL14: $40. D90, EN-EL3e: $40. (The D7000, EN-EL15: $48)
d) Doesn't have built-in CLS control, which I'll grant you. But using any current-model flash (SB700 or SB900) or the older SB800 allows for full control. Refer to a).
e) You missed this letter
f) Can, you just need a vertical grip. Nikon does not make their own, but they are available.
g) Same point as d)
h) D5100 is CIPA rated to 660 shots per charge, the D90 to 850. Sorry, not half.
i) D5100 is 100k, D90 is 100k. both are rated the same, though that's always an estimate that doesn't really matter.
j) Neither of the D5100 or D90 has dust or environmental sealing. That's one of the reasons to go to the D300s level.
k) While the D5100 does not have a built-in AF motor, the need for it is dwindling dramatically. There are only a very few lenses that are still AF-D (or at least non-AF-S), and those that are are specialized lenses. The 85mm f/1.8D is one of them. The difference between it and the 85mm f/1.4G (which is AF-S) is more than $400; more like $1k. But there are other significant differences between the two, and, as mentioned, they're considerably more specialized lenses.
l) Neither camera has a 75% viewfinder. The D5100 is 95%, 0.78x magnification. The D90 is 96%, 0.96x magnification. The magnification is different, but in practical terms this makes little difference unless you're manually focusing.
m) Neither has a PC sync port. Again, a reason to go up from the D90/D7000 level.
n) Both cameras are at 1/200s: most are, regardless of brand. It's not as big of a limitation, unless youre using a lot of flash outdoors.
o) What does this mean?
p) Both cameras share the same AF system. Moot point.
q) Both cameras are polycarbonate bodies with metal chassis. Moot point.

What you've ignored, though, is the change in sensor, especially in terms of higher-iso noise levels and dynamic range. You're also ignoring the D5100's swivel screen, which the D90 doesn't have.

ccting: if you're going to give advice, at least give accurate advice. Of your 16 points, 1 was a repeat, 1 didn't make sense, and 11 were wildly factually inaccurate. That's 13/16. Of the 3 remaining, a) depends on usage and d) depends on a), and while k) is accurate, it's qualified by Nikon's updates.