D90 vs D5000

[ReD~DrAgOn]

I have both of the camera's in mind as an upgrade to my D40 (I more or less want a video taking unit as well as a newer camera)

I love the battary grip that you can get with the d90 and that I dont have to use the lcd to get information. but i probably wont use much in the way of manual shooting (since i havent really learned how) Ive used my d40 on mostly automatic modes.

It might not matter to much, but I do mostly Nature shots, animals, cars. I hate taking portraits. I like night shots with extended shutter times and that kind of shooting on a tripod.


Im not looking for a  "nikons crap go canon" flame fest, just looking for some input from the photo pros here. I saw the new Rebel xti or w/e it was and the body felt cheap and i didnt like it. Also I dont feel like buying new lenses to mount them on a canon.

thank you for the help in advance.
Darian

[w00tgasm]

D90.
It's built better and faster than the D5000.
Plus it's more balanced if you put a heavy lens on it.

[dmogx]

^what he said.
what's the price difference?  How much are you willing to fork out?

[ReD~DrAgOn]

Awesome

The only 2 lenses I have are a 18-200 afs vr and a 70-300 afs vr

[w00tgasm]

I think d90 body can go as low as 975

[ReD~DrAgOn]

they are about $100 different body only.

[ReD~DrAgOn]

D90 body at photoexpert is $879

but they price higher than msrp on some stuff its odd. so it might be lower somewhere else.

[w00tgasm]

D90 body at photoexpert is $879

but they price higher than msrp on some stuff its odd. so it might be lower somewhere else.

Looks like the costs to retailers has dropped recently then.
That's a good sign

[ReD~DrAgOn]

Yes, and my friends significant other is a Manager at a retail chain in the photo dept. she told me to ask her when I started looking again for prices.

[rancid]

I'd pick the D90 over the D5000.  I have the D40 too and it works great.  It is a PITA to put it into manual mode as there are several steps to take over the D200/300.  I leave mine on aperture priority most of the time.  If the lighting conditions are consistent I'll leave it in manual mode.  I take that camera when I'm travelling and use my D200 for shots locally.  Feature wise the D90 is loaded but picture quality wise, I don't think you'll notice a huge improvement.  I've shot with the D90 and D5000 and they are both good cameras.  Have you considered a D300?  A used D300 is fairly well priced and would offer you some better features.  Also, have you considered other cameras in Canon's line?  Reason I ask is that there are some really good deals on used canon gear (40d).  Both are good systems and it really boils down to personal preferences.  Granted, I see you already have 2 fairly good lenses so switching systems may not be what you want. 

[ReD~DrAgOn]

Yeah, If I didnt have 2 lenses already and a flash, I'd consider a switch possibly, but so far I've really liked my Nikon gear and it hasnt let me down. I just wanted to upgrade my Body out of the D40 range into something easier to break into manual mode and learn how.

[derrick]

"nikons crap go canon"

[rancid]

Yeah, If I didnt have 2 lenses already and a flash, I'd consider a switch possibly, but so far I've really liked my Nikon gear and it hasnt let me down. I just wanted to upgrade my Body out of the D40 range into something easier to break into manual mode and learn how.

Have a look at the used market for a nikon camera body.  You can wait till after christmas when people get new cameras as gifts.  Nikons are expensive brand new and used....they seem to hold their value a lot better from my observation.  I ended up selling my gear for pretty much what I got it for when I was ready to let them go.  A used D80,90,200,300 are what I would look at if I were in your shoes.  Just mess around with the features and take your time.  If you're looking to get into manual modes...I'd focus more on the D200 and D300.  The D90 is very similiar to the D80 and I did shoot with the D80 for a short period before I sprung for the D200.  It's easier to get the manual settings down on the DX00 series.  The DX0 you still had to go in a do a few extra steps.  Weight and balance wise the DX00 is the winner for me.  Either way, whatever model you choose, the pics they produce won't let you down.  It's getting to the features that will probably be the deal breaker for you.

[Obiwan]

I love my D90.

[Boostslut]

Some technical garbage for choosing camera's.  D90 vs. D5000 vs. D300s

http://dxomark.com/index.php/eng/Image-Quality-Database/Compare-cameras/(appareil1)/294|0/(appareil2)/320|0/(appareil3)/336|0/(onglet)/0/(brand)/Nikon/(brand2)/Nikon/(brand3)/Nikon