buying a used camera yes or a no

[robbins.photo]

If you decide to go for D90, find several much better deals online and show it to your friend, she might reconsider the price. $350 is way too much these days, unless there is an expensive lense attached.
D90 has some more useful features for an advanced or intermediate photographer, but for a beginner, in my opinion, a better low light image quality of the modern D5200 sensor outweighs it.
Bear in mind that D90 will give you less margin for error when it comes to exposure, D5200 with its higher dynamic range will allow you to make amends in post production, recovering blown highlights or pulling shadows.
Between D90 and D5200 (even D5100) there was a significant leap in sensor quality, and believe me, working ISO 800 and working ISO 6400 is a HUGE difference.
A used camera in good condition from a reputable seller is always a great deal, no problems with that whatsoever.

^^THIS^^ articulates every single thought I had about this D90 deal, and why a newer, better sensor camera makes much more sense. People can drone on about one command wheel versus a second command wheel, but the fact is Aperture-priority automatic is the fastest, easiest way to shoot, and the NEW-sensor cameras, with Sony or TOshiba sensors, sensors like the one in the D5200, have an AUTO-ISO feature that is actually, genuinely, undoubtedly USABLE across a wide ISO range; the same thing is utterly not true of the outdated sensor in the D90. There's been a huge leap in image quality since the D90 was made. Being locked at ISO 800 or lower with a D90 is a HUGE disadvantage to the beginner or owner of small,light, DX zoom lenses. Being able to shoot at ISO 6400 and not have the photos be utter feces means three more full EV of effective f/stop when the light suck, or three more full EV of shutter speed--nine more 'clicks' more of motion-stopping...this is the difference between crap images, and images you'll be proud to show people. But yeah...that D90 does have that second command wheel for the people who **insist** on shooting like it's 1977.

AUTO ISO in Manual mode is the new way to shoot smart--IF you have a camera with a new-generation sensor made by Sony or Toshiba. But even in Aperture-priority auto, one only needs to actually control one,single exposure parameter most of the time. I shoot in Aperture priority a LOT,and have 40 years' worth of experience. It works. It is much like manual, only faster, easier, and less-prone to inducing exposure errors--especially for a beginner.

So...some say the D90 has more and better features than say, a D5200. Wellll..the OPPOSITE is actually true as well.
Compare the Nikon D5200 vs the Nikon D90

The D5200 shoots Full HD video, 1080p, at 60 fps; D90 shoots 720p at 24 fps. The D5200 has 20% better image quality; the D5200 has higher resolution at 24 MP vs 12MP. The D5200 has in-camera HDR. The D5200 has a better,newer,more-capable AF system with 39 AF points and a newer module, the D90 has 11-area AF an an AF module designed in 2007 or so. The D5200 shoots faster 5 FPS vs 4.5 FPS. The D5200's ISO boost is FOUR stops higher than the D90's. The D5200 has deeper, richer color, 24.7 bits versus 22.7 bits The D5200 has wider dynamic range 13.9 stops versus 12.5 stops for the D90. The D5200 has contrast-detect autofocusing for video shooting: the D90 does not. The D5200 has an external microphone jack, so you can actually shoot and record DECENT AUDIO...the D90 has no microphone jack. THe D5200 has a flip-out screen for low-angle shooting...the D90 does not.

The D5200 has NINE...count-em, NINE cross-type autofocusing squares...the D90 has one cross-type AF square. The D5200 is around 20% lighter in weight. The D5200 is on huge price reductions right now, both new and refurbished, as well as used.

No argument here. Don't get me wrong, I really like having the second command dial on the D7100 - but if my choice was between a D90 with the second dial and the vastly improved sensor and other systems in the D5200, I'd take the D5200 every time.

Great camera, shot it a lot in both shutter priority and aperture priority and it was easy to use, always gave me good results.

To the op, as others have mentioned the price for a used D90 is pretty high, I'd probably shop around for a used D5200, my personal preference for used equipment is KEH Cameras. Bought a lot of used stuff for them (including my aforementioned D7100) and never had any problems. They are a really great bunch of folks to deal with.

 

[Joshjay2]

If you decide to go for D90, find several much better deals online and show it to your friend, she might reconsider the price. $350 is way too much these days, unless there is an expensive lense attached.
D90 has some more useful features for an advanced or intermediate photographer, but for a beginner, in my opinion, a better low light image quality of the modern D5200 sensor outweighs it.
Bear in mind that D90 will give you less margin for error when it comes to exposure, D5200 with its higher dynamic range will allow you to make amends in post production, recovering blown highlights or pulling shadows.
Between D90 and D5200 (even D5100) there was a significant leap in sensor quality, and believe me, working ISO 800 and working ISO 6400 is a HUGE difference.
A used camera in good condition from a reputable seller is always a great deal, no problems with that whatsoever.

^^THIS^^ articulates every single thought I had about this D90 deal, and why a newer, better sensor camera makes much more sense. People can drone on about one command wheel versus a second command wheel, but the fact is Aperture-priority automatic is the fastest, easiest way to shoot, and the NEW-sensor cameras, with Sony or TOshiba sensors, sensors like the one in the D5200, have an AUTO-ISO feature that is actually, genuinely, undoubtedly USABLE across a wide ISO range; the same thing is utterly not true of the outdated sensor in the D90. There's been a huge leap in image quality since the D90 was made. Being locked at ISO 800 or lower with a D90 is a HUGE disadvantage to the beginner or owner of small,light, DX zoom lenses. Being able to shoot at ISO 6400 and not have the photos be utter feces means three more full EV of effective f/stop when the light suck, or three more full EV of shutter speed--nine more 'clicks' more of motion-stopping...this is the difference between crap images, and images you'll be proud to show people. But yeah...that D90 does have that second command wheel for the people who **insist** on shooting like it's 1977.

AUTO ISO in Manual mode is the new way to shoot smart--IF you have a camera with a new-generation sensor made by Sony or Toshiba. But even in Aperture-priority auto, one only needs to actually control one,single exposure parameter most of the time. I shoot in Aperture priority a LOT,and have 40 years' worth of experience. It works. It is much like manual, only faster, easier, and less-prone to inducing exposure errors--especially for a beginner.

So...some say the D90 has more and better features than say, a D5200. Wellll..the OPPOSITE is actually true as well.
Compare the Nikon D5200 vs the Nikon D90

The D5200 shoots Full HD video, 1080p, at 60 fps; D90 shoots 720p at 24 fps. The D5200 has 20% better image quality; the D5200 has higher resolution at 24 MP vs 12MP. The D5200 has in-camera HDR. The D5200 has a better,newer,more-capable AF system with 39 AF points and a newer module, the D90 has 11-area AF an an AF module designed in 2007 or so. The D5200 shoots faster 5 FPS vs 4.5 FPS. The D5200's ISO boost is FOUR stops higher than the D90's. The D5200 has deeper, richer color, 24.7 bits versus 22.7 bits The D5200 has wider dynamic range 13.9 stops versus 12.5 stops for the D90. The D5200 has contrast-detect autofocusing for video shooting: the D90 does not. The D5200 has an external microphone jack, so you can actually shoot and record DECENT AUDIO...the D90 has no microphone jack. THe D5200 has a flip-out screen for low-angle shooting...the D90 does not.

The D5200 has NINE...count-em, NINE cross-type autofocusing squares...the D90 has one cross-type AF square. The D5200 is around 20% lighter in weight. The D5200 is on huge price reductions right now, both new and refurbished, as well as used.

Wow thanks for the well thought reply informative reply I think your right the auto ISO And Way more AF points are a big deal and I do plan to shoot video so having a mic and better video quality would be a big deal for me, I have a p500 hundred (yes I know that's a pretty bad camera lol ) but it has a flip out screen and I use it often I think going to a camera without one would be like s step back for me.
buying something that with in 2 years will be pretty much ten years old seems like I'll be taking a loss when I want to upgrade, the lens she has is worth about 2oo so she actually wats 500 for he whole deal!! I think it's a pretty big no go glad I can ask you guys here kinds of questions ..I did hold the 5200 in the store and the camera had such a better deeper grip for your hand when I tried it beside the d3300 it's the one that stands out to me for price etc
But I'm thinking of getting just the d5200 body and buy a nicer used lens and skipping the kit lens.

 

[Joshjay2]

You should be able to find a comparison web site where you can look at the technical specs for each camera or lens. Though I wouldn't personally get too hung up on specs - they exist only on paper and are not really indicative of what you can do with any piece of equipment.

I'd say it first depends on what you want from a camera purchase. Obviously an older digital camera will lack features - and specs - of a newer DSLR. Yet, as a learning tool or as a back up camera you won't worry about taking chances with, an older DSLR can be useful. What are you thinking about with this camera? A primary camera? OK for that, if you are a student. A toss it in the car and go everywhere camera? Yeah, why not? The image quality is sufficient to produce smaller prints - I easily remember when these specs were said to be all we'd ever need.

Any more than about $175 though seems too much unless your friend is tosing in a good deal on a lens and a few lessons on photography. Even then, $350 is pretty much absurd IMO.

She actually wants $500 with a $200 lens coming with it, so I now know it's not a deal at all for me

 

[Joshjay2]

If you decide to go for D90, find several much better deals online and show it to your friend, she might reconsider the price. $350 is way too much these days, unless there is an expensive lense attached.
D90 has some more useful features for an advanced or intermediate photographer, but for a beginner, in my opinion, a better low light image quality of the modern D5200 sensor outweighs it.
Bear in mind that D90 will give you less margin for error when it comes to exposure, D5200 with its higher dynamic range will allow you to make amends in post production, recovering blown highlights or pulling shadows.
Between D90 and D5200 (even D5100) there was a significant leap in sensor quality, and believe me, working ISO 800 and working ISO 6400 is a HUGE difference.
A used camera in good condition from a reputable seller is always a great deal, no problems with that whatsoever.

She wants 500 for it with a 200 dollars lens included ..

 

[Joshjay2]

LOL, with all the different contradicting replies here you really cant get any true answer.
The true answer is in your eyes only, YOU will have to decide what you want as you are the only one that knows what really is best for you.

Good luck.

Sound advice! Spend some time searching Craig's List and similar 'sites for local sales on used DSLRs, as well as contacting any local bricks and mortar stores that sell used gear. "Completed sales" on eBay is also an excellent indicator of market value. I agree with the earlier assertions that $350 for a D90, unless it has a very good lens is higher than I would think reasonable.

I sold my 16k actuation D7100 for 450$ (CAN) which is a MUCH better camera then the D90

I need that deal you gave on the 7100 to come my way !! Come on Internet don't let me down

 

[goodguy]

LOL, with all the different contradicting replies here you really cant get any true answer.
The true answer is in your eyes only, YOU will have to decide what you want as you are the only one that knows what really is best for you.

Good luck.

Sound advice! Spend some time searching Craig's List and similar 'sites for local sales on used DSLRs, as well as contacting any local bricks and mortar stores that sell used gear. "Completed sales" on eBay is also an excellent indicator of market value. I agree with the earlier assertions that $350 for a D90, unless it has a very good lens is higher than I would think reasonable.

I sold my 16k actuation D7100 for 450$ (CAN) which is a MUCH better camera then the D90

I need that deal you gave on the 7100 to come my way !! Come on Internet don't let me down

Seek and you should find

 

[Kenneth Walker]

My current gear is second hand..can't complain. Yes it hasn't got all the bells and whistles and camera snobs (plenty of those about) might sneer, but if I lost the camera, I'd be more concerned about the lens attached to it. Reputable sources are all important.....my camera dealer gives good advice, a rock solid guarantee and even takes trade ins (at their discretion). I'm currently eyeing their D7100 which has been on display in the shop window for a while, but is still too much for me.

 

[Braineack]

I need that deal you gave on the 7100 to come my way !! Come on Internet don't let me down

there's a D7000 deal in the F/S section right now. Not quite a D7100, but still better than a D90.

 

[psreilly]

I've owned used Hasselblads, Mamiyas, Canons and Nikons and not once have I ever had a problem with any of them. Even the super sensitive Hasselblads and that fragile glass. Just need to know who you're buying from

And in regards to the camera being from 2008. I shot with a Phase One P20 which is a first gen digital back from 2013-2015 just sold recently. That came out in 2002 or 2004. So that was over a decade old when I bought it and that was the best camera I had shot with in my life up until recently when I bought the Nikon D810. So don't be scared by the age of the camera

 

[robbins.photo]

My current gear is second hand..can't complain. Yes it hasn't got all the bells and whistles and camera snobs (plenty of those about) might sneer, but if I lost the camera, I'd be more concerned about the lens attached to it. Reputable sources are all important.....my camera dealer gives good advice, a rock solid guarantee and even takes trade ins (at their discretion). I'm currently eyeing their D7100 which has been on display in the shop window for a while, but is still too much for me.

Wow.. a chance to sneer. Cool. Thanks man, I love to sneer. Lol.

The 7100 is a great camera, I upgraded to it from the 5200 and I absolutely love it, the control systems are fantastic. I bought mine used from KEH - been as solid as a rock since day one.