Nikon D5000 vs D90

Gordon Scott

Gordon Scott

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My girlfriend has kicked the fags into touch and wants to spend the money she is saving on a present for herself - a camera! I've done some research and we have been to Jessops for a try some and have settled on either the Nikon D90 or D5000, it makes sense for her to have Nikon so we can share equipment and she's going for the 18-105VR lens. She is going to use my studio and tag along with me on locations and also loves taking pictures of her nephews.

But I would really like to know how much better the D90 is than the D5000... is it worth the extra £120...

Any help on choosing very welcome.
 
Gordon Scott said:
it makes sense for her to have Nikon so we can share equipment and she's going for the 18-105VR lens. .
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hope you dont mind my newbie 2p ?

some people question these reviews, but I find them factual....Ken Rockwell (c) says..
"... sharp most of the time, but if you're looking closely, the 18-105mm is Nikon's fuzziest lens in the corners at 18mm. Even the $100 18-55mm is better. "
i have the 18-55 DX GII and - though a cheaper kit lens - it's sharp..:thumbs: see his review

perhaps a body only, then a 18-55 GII new if your lens cover above 55mm ?
the 18-55 G *VR* is £110 ATM @ Bristol Cameras,
or a used 18-70 as suggested to me

would be interested in your final choice/reason of camera as looking at getting a D90 myself.......thanks
 
One difference is the lack of a motor for the focus in the body. The D90 has a motor the D5000 has none. Therefore if you connect a lens without a motor such as a AF 50mm f1.8D then the D90 will work with this lens with no problem at all. The D5000 would be manual focus only. As 50mm is a very popular lens to want/own then you would need to go to the AFS50mm f1.4G which is more like £250 over £110. This is more than the difference in bodies and in most cases there is little difference in these lenses (I have both). Having the better body means you have more choice lens wise and a better body too.
 
cowasaki said:
One difference is the lack of a motor for the focus in the body. The D90 has a motor the D5000 has none. .... Having the better body means you have more choice lens wise and a better body too.
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ooops ...just read the Ken Rockwell review (c) of the D5000
""The D5000 doesn't offer anything much more than the D40, but costs twice as much. I'd get the D40, or go the short rest of the way to the far superior D90. ""

thanks for the clarification -- D90 for me... someday...:(

Gordon..still interested in your final choice/reason of camera
 
Another difference is the easier control of the main photographic adjustments such as ISO etc via dedicated buttons. This means that you WILL actually use them rather than making do. This leads to better technique and better exposure.
 
If you can afford the D90 then you won't go wrong. Like mentioned D5000 has no Motor.

But does depend how much she wants to get into photography as d5000 might suffice. But neither can be had for a packet of fags :)
 
Thanks for the feedback... I had not picked up on the internal motor issue, it may become important if I by some lenses without motors for my D300. I did read Ken Rockwell's blog in advance of the post, but wanted more than his opinion. The 18-105 kit lens lens is the right focal range for her, she tried the 18-200 (which is much dearer) and didn't want the reach and the 18-55 was to short.

More direct buttons and the internal motor seems to be the big differences; anything else that you can think off? All help appreciated.
 
Gordon Scott said:
Thanks for the feedback... I had not picked up on the internal motor issue, it may become important if I by some lenses without motors for my D300. I did read Ken Rockwell's blog in advance of the post, but wanted more than his opinion. The 18-105 kit lens lens is the right focal range for her, she tried the 18-200 (which is much dearer) and didn't want the reach and the 18-55 was to short.

More direct buttons and the internal motor seems to be the big differences; anything else that you can think off? All help appreciated.
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There isn't really any major difference after the motor and ergonomics. They have the same IQ and basic specs. The motor is worth the difference on its own as is the better control so you're getting both for £120. I wouldn't even consider the D5000 especially as you have a D300 and are likely to get lenses that have no motors. Imagine the disappointment from her if you buy a lens and are really happy about it then find that she cannot use it! Nope just get the D90 or alternatively find a 2nd hand D300. Jessops were selling D300 cameras at £749 last week so it might be worth looking at but really I think its going to be D90 all the way!
 
D5k offers a potential invaluable vari angl LCD...though it is 3 centimetres smaller than the fixed one on the D90. Also, D5k has slightly better AF in live view mode, I am led to believe. Other that that, D90 is better. D5k is designed with the beginner in mind, so it could be quite annoying after a bit with all the simplified dispalys etc. :)
 
Just had a good hard look at a mate's D5000 that she bought while on R&R and was very impressed. Too small for my hands, but it took me only 5 minutes without a manual to set it all up to the way I'd shoot if it were mine...she was quite pleased that I liked it...lol
Feels good and solid - not too 'plasticky' - sensible layout and quite intuitive to use. Menu is very 'Nikon' so anyone with Yellow-Square experience will find it easy to use.
Having now actually had 'hands-on' I would recommend it as a starter camera to anyone.
 
Gordon Scott said:
Thanks for the further feedback. She likes the smaller size of the D90/D5000 over my larger D300 and it's good to here you got to grips with the D5000 so quickly Arkady. I'll pass on the feedback and she can decide...
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but you still have the D5000 problem fitting of any of your lens ?

new here - so say if I'm wrong - but how about a D70
it's 6Mp but will take AF lens as D90 for about £250 body on eBay
I think ?..........:shrug:
 
D90 hands down. Had one after a D40 and before my D300. The motor is worth it as Cowasaki points out, plus you have more controls on outside. For £120 I wouldnt think about it.

I thought the 18-105 was a decent enough lens, though the 18-70 was better.
 
Actually, it's a really really difficult one. The D5000 is basically a D90 with no on body motor. If you can afford the D90 and she likes the feel of it, then it wins. Otherwise, if the money will prevent you putting it towards some glass then maybe go for the D5000.
 
Actually, you know what, the feel of both cameras will make a big difference here. The D90 is slightly bigger and heavier. Make sure she's ok with that. I know some girls who have small hands and don't like the bigger cameras. (That remark could get me in trouble... :lol:)
 
Gordon Scott said:
Thanks for the all feedback... My girlfriend has received her annual bonus now and has Nikon D90 + 18-105 VR waiting for her to open when she gets in from work tonight. Cool!
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She definitely made the right decision. The D90 is clearly the one to get out of those two :thumbs:
 
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