D3000 vs D5000?

[Bru]

Anyone got opinions on the D3000 vs D5000? Is there a *huge* difference? I'm concerned about quality, but I'm also on a fairly tight budget. Wanting to get a new body (I have a D50 right now that has a heart attack every time I try to change the aperture) and a new lens, so that's going to kick my butt in savings for the next few months. I want to make sure I'm not spending it on crap, but if the difference is negligible, then I want the cheaper model.

 

[o hey tyler]

Go for the D5000 if only for the ISO performance and the CMOS sensor.

 

[Light Artisan]

How about the D3100?

 

[jamesdavidboro]

I did a bit of research into Nikons before i bought my Sony. The general consensus is that the D3000 is the worst DSLR Nikon have ever made. If you're on a tight budget then you may be better looking for a good 2nd hand D40. If price isn't a problem then go for the D5000 or even better the D90

Nikon DSLR History

 

[jamesdavidboro]

The D3100 seems to be well liked and gets good reviews.

 

[Bru]

I will have to look into the 3100, I had seen that one in passing but never gave it a true look. I'll also check out the D40. Anyone have opinions on D40 vs 3100?

 

[Blake.Oney]

I don't think the general consensus is that it's the worse Nikon ever made. That's the Ken Rockwell consensus. It's definitely not the best entry level one, though. If you're choosing between the D5000 and the D3000 I would replace the D3k with the D40x in that choice. The D5000 has a better sensor, but the D40x has faster flash sync. The D40x is nice and cheap too, and it's a great camera. If I were you I'd look more into those two camera's.

 

[jamesdavidboro]

Ken Rockwells review wasn't the only one i read. Admittedly some liked the d3000 but the majority didn't. You could have a look at the D60 aswell. You could pick one up 2nd hand on Amazon for alot less than a brand new D3100. A friend of mine has a D60 and she adores it.

 

[redtippmann]

Don't take Ken Rockwell too literally. He isn't always clear whether or not he is kidding.

I have only used the D5000 for a short time and I thought it was pretty good. It's my friends 1st camera and she really likes it.

 

[Stradawhovious]

The vast majority of the reviews out there that say the D3000 is "Nikon's worst DSLR ever" are quoting or parroting Ken Rockwell, whose advice and opinions (like most folks in the intrawebs) I have learned to take with a grain of salt. Needless to say it doesnt stand up to the D3100 or the D5000 (or from what I understand, it's predecessor the D40) performance wise, but it's an inexpensive decent camera. That said, if you can afford the D5000 or the D3100 you will be more than likely be better off in the long run. The difference in features between the D3000 and the D5000 IMHO are well worth the extra 2 bills. I have used the D3000 for a few months, then upgraded to the D7000, but mostly due to vanity and the lust for new toys. I could have done just fine with the D3000, and still keep the body in my gear bag since I'm sure to use it every now and again.

 

[robb01]

The D3100 is on sale this week, comes w/ 2 lenses as well.

INKD3100KL1 Nikon D3100 14.2 Megapixels Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm NIKKOR VR Lens, & 55mm - 200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Autofocus Zoom Lens U.S.A.

 

[Infidel]

The general consensus is that the D3000 is the worst DSLR Nikon have ever made.

One of them has GOT to be the worst, right? Consensus or not, it's a relative comparison; the worst one is still pretty darn good for the money.

 

[EddieDerbyshire]

The d3100 is in the middle, perfect!
Also i would choose it over the d5000 for the cmos!

 

[Blake.Oney]

The D5000 has a CMOS sensor. I would even look at a D80 in that price range.

 

[Kofman13]

D7000