Nikon D90 or D5100

Which would you buy?

  • Nikon D90

    Votes: 27 81.8%

  • Nikon D5100

    Votes: 6 18.2%
  • Total voters
    33
Steven001

Steven001

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Steven
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Good evening,

I have decided to upgrade my D40 and have narrowed it down to the above cameras. The question is; which one is best? Which would you choose and why?

My thoughts:

D90 has two control wheels for aperture and shutter speed (the big advantage over the D5100). It also has a built in focus motor which could be handy for any non AS-F lenses (don't current have any).

The small information screen at the top of the camera will be really helpful and has designated buttons for ISO etc.

D5100 has superior video recording to the Nikon D90 (I would like to do a little video work). It lacks of the functional controls of the Nikon D90 and seems to be mostly menu driven and as far as I'm aware, doesn't display the current ISO value in the view finder.

It has a newer sensor than the D90 (same as D7000), and believe it has better noise handling capabilities.

Nikon D5100 can be bought brand new from Jessops for £287.42 and I can get a D90 for around the same price, but second hand.

Help :bonk:
 
If I was you, I'd go for the D90. From what I've heard and read (not seen or experienced) it's the better camera. I could be wrong but I think others could agree?

The built in motor focus is cool, too. It's one of the reasons I made an upgrade from my d3000 to the d7000....

Christmas is coming, so you never know ;)
 
i would say go for D90 :) feels better in the hand and much better controls too.
 
I'd say neither....for now. Not with the D5200 just around the corner. I'd hang on a little and then take stock of your options then.

Either you can buy the D5200 or pick up a cheaper D5100 as they try to clear stock or even see if D90 prices drop further as a result.
 
I'd go for the D90.

Although the video is pants, I'm sure you would prefer the ergonomics and button layout over the D5100.

Noise - everyone worries about this when comparing the two sensors. The difference is much less than 1 stop, I really wouldn't be put off by it.

D5200...I don't think that will be an answer for you as it has the same body. Sure it has a newer sensor offering better on that part...but you wasn't worried about the sensor of the 5100 to begin with :)

Whatever decision you make I'm sure you'll love it and all cameras above are more than capable of amazing shots.
 
D90 here. I upgraded from D80 to D90 due to noise.
 
D90 all the way. Semi pro bit of kit and all the attributes you have mentioned make it the clear choice (for me at least)
 
I would go for the D90 provided high-ISO isn't a priority. The D5100 is far better at 1600 and above, it's small and plasticky and not great in terms of ease of use, but the image quality is outstanding when the light drops. The D90 has quite a few ergonomic advantages, much better viewfinder, top LCD, more dedicated buttons and front dial. I could shoot with one all day, but the 5100 was something I could only handle for an hour or so before getting frustrated with it.
 
gadgeteer said:
I'd say neither....for now. Not with the D5200 just around the corner. I'd hang on a little and then take stock of your options then.

Either you can buy the D5200 or pick up a cheaper D5100 as they try to clear stock or even see if D90 prices drop further as a result.
Click to expand...

The D5200 is dearer than a D7000 right now. Ridiculous as that seems. Check Amazon. I'm sure they'll come down like all other new bodies, but for now they're way over priced.

I would go D90 over any entry level body out there.
 
I've got both! The D90 wins on the viewfinder, fit in the hand and general usability. The D5200 has the same small viewfinder as the D5100.
The D5100 wins on the sensor and size/weight.

If I had to chose just one it would be the D90.
 
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