Bought D5100 instead of D90 - Huge Mistake

[hamlet]

For someone who only started photography half a year ago, the d90 seems like an ancient camera from the stone ages to me. I never realized that it was actually from 2008 and that it looks pretty much like my d3200. Come to think of it, i didn't know anything about the d90, all i knew is that it was old. :Joker: The viewfinder of the d3xxx and d5xxx are a really big downside, but you get used to it after a while. If you shoot enough in MF, i'm sure you won't even need the viewfinder after a while, focusing will just become second nature to you.

 

[sali]

To have photos of great nights and crisp, you need a powerful camera. Nikon D5100 qualified to do it.

 

[TheFantasticG]

For those with intentions to use your future DSLR on manual mode - don't buy any of the D3000/D5000. Go with D90/D7000. D5100 has no real advantages to me over D90. It's more of a marketing thing. Advantages of D5100: 1)Yes, the sensor is better but the difference is really insignificant. 2)Greater pixel count - really minor difference on prints compared to 12 mp. As for cropping - it's just better to take your shots more carefully and you won't need it. 3)Bells&Whistles like 1080p video and flip screen really do nothing to me Advantages of D90: 1)Much more enjoyable to hold, great ergonomic. You really want to take it out of the bag go shooting 2)Great controls layout for manual shooters 3)Viewfinder is better 4)Significantly cheaper lenses (50mm D costs almost $100cheaper than G) So i'm hunting for used D90 now and planning to sell D5100 for good and just get some nice lenses. But of course it's just my opinion.

I have to disagree in the extreme degree with you on these so called "disadvantages" you think these are.

I've used the D90 extensively for some 2+ years. When it comes to dynamic range and low light ability it is INCREDIBLY different when you have pixel peeped as much as I have. As a matter of fact when you pull the shadows back on a raw from the D90 they almost immediately go straight to ****. So much so it was the main reason I sold my D90. Yes, it is a significant difference between the sensor in the D90 and the D5100/D7000 even if you can't see it. I've used all three cameras and I will never handicap myself by going back to a D90. I'll buy a D5100 over a D90 in a heartbeat. Not to mention you can change the buttons around on the D5100 more manual control friendly. I know because I did it. The only real difference is the top LCD and front control wheel. As big as those two points are they are easily over come. My Dad had yet to complain about the manual controls on his D5100 (pst: because I set it up right for that). And the 16MP is fantastic for cropping. You would know that if you were ever balls deep in macro. Sometimes you just can't get close enough because the bug won't let you or it got spooked. It's not a crutch but just another benefit that if you don't need to crop you can get that much bigger of a print. The flip screen might not do anything for you but plenty of times I wish I had one on my D7000. Why? Macro. Bugs get high and bugs get low. Both positions are easier to deal with if you have a flip screen. Not to mention you can flip it around to protect the screen when not in use.

The things you list are disadvantages only if you want them to be. The pros of the D5100 far out weigh the cons if you care about dynamic range, high ISO, flip screen, etc.