D5000 v. D90

mrbeachbum2

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I'm torn between the two. Each would have it's advantages. If I bought the D5000, I could get another lens. If I went with the D90, I'd have less cash to spend. I'm a student now, so it'd have to be mechanically worthwhile to go with the latter. What one would serve as a better camera for the long term? I enjoy taking night photos. Additionally, in a few years I'd purchase a macro lens to photograph teeth for work. The reason I'm posting this is because I've read so many reviews that contradict each other! Unless their is a reliable place where one can purchase a used camera that's a higher model, although I'm not sure where a place like this would be...

Thanks in advance.
 
TPF's Buy/Sell forum section has many cameras and lenses for sale.

The used departments of both B&H Photo Video and Adorama are good places to find quality used gear.

KEH.com specialises is used gear.

There are authorized outlets for refurbished Nikon gear like Cameta Camera.

The D90 has more features and available accessories than the less expensive D5000.

The D90 has a lens focus motor, 2 command dials, a DOF preview button, top LCD display, CLS Commander Mode, FP flash sync mode, and Nikon makes a vertical grip for it.

All in all, the D90 is a much better value IMO.
 
I did alot of research between them both and decided to buy the D5000 a couple months ago... LOVE IT! There wasn't a huge difference in them, and wanted to use the extra $ to buy more lenses myself.... Very happy with the choice i made! :)
 
The difference in ergonomics between these two bodies is HUGE. If you have larger hands like I do, then the D5000 will feel too small in your hand. The D90 fits my hand perfectly. The lack of a front command dial is a big disadvantage as well. I suppose if you are not used to these things, you won't miss them, but you can't change the size of the body. Do yourself a favor and go hold these in the store before you buy. Also take a look at the menus and buttons. The D5000 has less options available as buttons than the D90. The focus motor might limit the lens selection but, to be honest, this is less of an issue than it used to be. Most macro users will focus manually anyway so the lack of a motor in the body may not matter for you here. But the wallet will usually have the final word.
 
The D5000 does not have the wireless flash ability. With a D90 you can set your flash somewhere and it will go off without being locked on to your hotshoe. The D5000 will not.
 
The D5000 does not have the wireless flash ability. With a D90 you can set your flash somewhere and it will go off without being locked on to your hotshoe. The D5000 will not.
It depends on the speedlight, as many are capable of being triggered by the flash from the built-in strobe.

As an example: the Nikon SB-800 can be configured in SU-4 mode allowing it to be triggered by strobed light from the built-in flash.
 
D90 ... you will love it. My friend bought D5000 and want to change to D90.
You can try to play both of them and see which one is right for you.

-Santacruz
 
I did alot of research between them both and decided to buy the D5000 a couple months ago... LOVE IT! There wasn't a huge difference in them, and wanted to use the extra $ to buy more lenses myself.... Very happy with the choice i made! :)

there is no nig difference in them but the few more things the D90 have will give you SO MUCH MORE.

the build in motor and the commander mode only worth the extra money.

some will say that the motor isnt an issue but let say you want a 50mm prime.

having the motor gives you access to cheap 150+-$ lens compared to the AF-s 400-500 $ prime lens.
 
We did quite a bit of research too, and decided on the D90 and love it. It was more up front, but we didn't want to wish later we had gotten the better camera. We are also saving our pennies for a macro lens, but in the meantime are trying to WIN a lens in a photo contest. (tamron.com wildlife contest)
 
but let say you want a 50mm prime.

having the motor gives you access to cheap 150+-$ lens compared to the AF-s 400-500 $ prime lens.
:scratch: If you want a 50mm prime lens, how does the cost of a 400mm prime feature?
 
I have the 35mm prime lens with internal focus. it was only $200. It's 35mm eq. focal length is like 52mm when you do the math. I have a D90 and I LOVE IT. However I have never used the focus motor in the camera. I also don't have my sights on any lenses that would utilize it. The internal focus is also much faster than the one in the D90 body. Look into the lenses you want.
 
^ I think he's talking about the cost of an AF-S 50mm.
 
but let say you want a 50mm prime.

having the motor gives you access to cheap 150+-$ lens compared to the AF-s 400-500 $ prime lens.
:scratch: If you want a 50mm prime lens, how does the cost of a 400mm prime feature?

NIKON AF-S 50MM F1.4 G LENS

the 50mm af-s cost 400-500 $
Now I get it! Doh!

That extra 2/3 of a stop costs quite a bit, and yes the vast majority of the cost difference is the glass and engineering, not the AF motor. If you want, I can link you to a 50mm f/0.9 MANUAL FOCUS ONLY lens that costs $10,500. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/586190-REG/Leica_11_602_50mm_f_0_95_Noctilux_M_Aspherical.html
 
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Depends on what you'll be using it for. If you're planning on shooting auto with the kit lens - go d5000 and save some money. For me the d90 was worth the extra money. More AF points, exposure bracketing (for HDR), AF on the 50mm 1.8, and the top lcd. I could have afforded the d5000 before the d90, but for me, it was worth the wait to save up and buy the camera I wanted rather than buy one and then have to upgrade later.

Basically, if you plan to grow in this hobby, go with the d90.
 

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