I want to a buy a SLR camera..I was looking at the Nikon D90 and the Nikon D5000 I'm just a average joe when it comes to photography. Has anyone out there had experience with one or both of these cameras? Which one would you recommend?

 

The 5000 would be a good "starter" SLR, but I've heard so many positive things about the D90 that you might want to consider it as an SLR that will take you from beginner and beyond. I've seen some good work from the D90. It'll do video too, but that's not an important feature for me. I still use an old D70s, but I plan to upgrade to either the D300 or D700 this year.

Read some of the reviews out there. B&H Photo and Video is a good website.

 

Thanks for the advice. I have been reading up on both camera's and for the extra money the D90 looks the way too go..But I'm still undecided.

 

Sh*t. I just wrote a long story comparing the D90 against the D5000 but it disappeared.
Anyways, I was in the same situation as you and i got the D90.

Read this:

D90 vs. D5000 - Photo.net Nikon Forum

and this:

Nikon D5000 impressions, head-to-head with D90 -- Engadget

And make a decision. I say the D90. It has an in-body motor, shoots more frames per sec, has a higher resolution LCD screen, accepts a wider range of lenses (the D5000 only accepts AF-S lenses with a built-in autofocus motor), is more sturdy and more flexible than the D5000.

If you're willing to accept those compromises, go for the D5000. It's not a bad camera, it just doesn't have the flexibility of the D90. The swivel screen is all the rage nowadays and that's something the D90 doesn't have. So that might be something you wan to look into.

They've got the same 12.3MP sensor so in theory and in practice they should produce similar/the same quality pictures.

Oh and get the 18-105mm VR lens kit. Skip the standard 18-55 as it's not a versatile as the 18-105. It's a better multipurpose lens that you can use anywhere without having to remove it.

Or wait for the D90 replacement. But that might take a while.

Good luck.

 

Thanks again guys great info!

 

I also think you ought to get the D90 but as Dutchnick suggested, skip the 18-55 kit lens and buy some good, older used lenses. Start with a 50mm f/1.4 or 35mm f/1.8 and get the 18-105 that Nick suggested.

 

I'll chime in because of the lens that was brought up. For the sake of a college budget and a beginning photographer I opted for the little guy, the D3000. It came with the 18-55 VR kit lens, which don't get me wrong it's a great little lens, but I need more zoom. Sold it and bought an 18-105 VR for my "walk around" lens. Much better for everyday use. Now I'll be purchasing the new 35mm f/1.8 AF-S.

As state above the D5000, like my camera, doesn't have an in-body focus motor so lens choice gets cut down a lot, unless you don't mind manually focusing every shot. If I had the funds at the time I definitely would have gotten a D90. I'll keep this guy for a little while and then upgrade down the road.

Good luck with your purchase!

 

I started with a D70 which I still use all the time, and have a D90. I would recommend the D90 body ( or kit depending on final price), and as others suggested invest in some older lenses. The lenses do the heavy lifting.

Best
Jenn

 

Went to blacks tonight and looked at the D5000 and the D90.I tried both camara's . the D90 comes with the 18 105 lense. So I switched the lense's over and what difference for sure. Granted the D90 is the better camara but I really like the swivel screen on the D5000 it's a great option I wished the D90 had.. I'm Really leaning toward the D5000 with the 18-105 lense. The D90 might be just a little out of my league when it come to photography, But then again what the hell ..I can't make up my mind. I'll keep you posted.

 

did you pull the trigge yet? If not, my vote is for the D90. I bought one and love it. The tilt screen may be cool, but realistically, i dont use the liveview very often (and I dont think too many pros use it), i usually use the viewfinder. What i am trying to say is, that the tiltscreen may seem cool, but in reality, i doubt you will use it as often as you think. Maybe some of the real photographers can chime in on the usefulness of the tiltscreen.