Nikon D90 vs. Nikon D5000

[OsmosisStudios]

The D90 offers more to a growing photographer. The D5000 is fine for people that want better image quality than a superzoom or bridge, but for you I'd definitely recommend the D90. Wireless flash capabilities, seriously better ergo, better screen, screwdrive motor, etc.

[kirbinster]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

The D90 offers more to a growing photographer. The D5000 is fine for people that want better image quality than a superzoom or bridge, but for you I'd definitely recommend the D90. Wireless flash capabilities, seriously better ergo, better screen, screwdrive motor, etc.

I don't agree that the D5000 is just for people that want better quality than a superzoom. I owned a D40 and currently have a D80, D300 and just aquired a D5000. Sure the 5000 does not have a focus motor, but if you don't have older lenses that should not really be an issue. The D5000 takes far superior pictures than the D80 due to its CMOS sensor. I actually think the IQ is better than my D300. What is nice about th D5000 is its compact size - just like the D40. That factor should not be overlooked. Sure its not a "pro" camera like the D300, but it is a darn good camera in a small package. For some the D90 is more than they need and maybe too big and heavy for others. The D5000 is one killer little camera.

[autofocus]

No contest...looks like it's unanimous here. The D90 also gets my vote

[Shokinen]

I recently upgraded my D60 to a D90 so I can definitly share my homeworks

Reason I was looking for a new body:
1- wanted better picture quality in high ISO (i realised I shoot a lot inside and during evenings. My brother is also a musician so i tend to shot some shows from time to time)
2- wanted a better focus system (was looking for more than 3 "big" focus points)
3- wanted the ability to use my SB600 wireless (now I want a second one hahaha)
4- wanted a better display on the camera and the ability to see the histogram for each color.
5- wanted to access my settings faster on the camera and spend less time in the menu.

D90: 1-2-3-4-5
D5000: 1-2-4(for the histogram, not the monitor)

The real question in my opinion is: "Do you shoot in P A S M mode or mostly rely on the scene/auto mode"?

You can definitly shoot in manual with the D60/D5000 (I rarely use anything else than P A S M on mine), but I beleive this is where the D90 features shine over the D5000.

- Ability to use the built-in flash as a commander. It can be a lot of fun playing with different source of light. (you will need to upgrade your SB400 to a 600 at least to do that)
- The Information display on top of the camera is usefull and "looks cool".
- Ability to use more lens (not an issue if you are only using AF type lens)
- Ability to change ISO/Aperture/Shutter and many more settings right on the body instead of going into the menu (the biggest advantage in my opinion).

The D5000 on the other hand as the following scene to choose from :
Night Portrait, Close up, Sports, Child, Landscape, Portrait, Night landscape, Party/indoor, Beach/snow, Sunset, Dusk/dawn, Pet portrait, Candlelight, Blossom, Autumn colors, Food, Silhouette, High key, Low key.

I honestly rarely use the screen for framing since using the viewfinder helps me getting in my bubble so the swivel was not an attraction for me.

So it all depens what type of photographer you are. I don't beleive one is better than the other. Dress a list of what you are looking for in a new body and the answer will come faster. Kirbinster bought one because due to the weight factor. Maybe it's something you are looking for. Are the few different features worth spending 230$ CDN more for a D90 ? For me it was.

[Heidilyn]

Thank you so much for all of the replies.

I am mainly shooting in manual mode. Absolutely LOVE the picture quality of my D40, but was also looking for an upgrade, and something that I could use lenses on that were non AF-S and that would auto focus.

I am also wanting something that will have high quality pics with a higher ISO... without getting s grainy - for low light situations indoor situations, like school performances, etc.

I haven't checked out the D90 in-store yet, I should probably do that, to check size and weight and all that.

[kirbinster]

Hey, I bought the D5000 as a Third Body - already having a D300 and a D80. I like it so much it has become my second body, with the D80 feeling very lonely on the shelf right now.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by kirbinster

I don't agree that the D5000 is just for people that want better quality than a superzoom.

I say that because of where it is located in the lineup and the ways in which consumers approach it. I work retail in a camera store: most D5000 customers are the "I want better than a P&S but dont need it to be super powerful or expensive". They look at the D60/D5000 and the XS/XSi/T1i. When you boil it down, the only real differences between the D5000 and D90 are the focus motor, commander flash and body style. As such, most people dont see the need for the latter two, and most dont care about the first as they stick to the kit lens/maybe another one.

I know the D5000 has amazing IQ: I've tested it thoroughly. The video on it is also quite impressive. I just have a tough time advising someone to take a D5000 over the D90 if they're planning on getting seriously into it.

[candleman]

i'd go for the D90 for 3 reasons

1. better handling/ergonomics with the extra command wheel.
2. CLS
3. built ion focus motor

[kirbinster]

Those are all good points, and if it was going to be my only body I would probably get the D90 or D300. But for many the D5000 could be the better choice. The small form factor may be a big advantage for those with small hands and the weight is great. The motor may not be a big issue for someone new to photography as they don't have older lenses and these days there are plenty of lenses with motors. Last why CLS is great and I use it with my other cameras, the vast majority of people may never need it.