Nikon D5100 vs D90

[jake337]

For those that don't know, the Nikon D40/D40x/D60/D3000/D3100/D5000/D5100 all have a pentamirror type viewfinder, while the Nikon D70/D70s/D80/D90/D7000 have a pentaprism type of viewfinder, like the prosumer and pro Nikon's have.

but out of those only the D7000 has 100% coverage in the finder correct?

 

[orb9220]

The D300 & D7000 has an excellent viewfinder for its class - offering 100% coverage and a magnification of 0.94x.
The D90 offers the same magnification but a lower coverage, of 96%.
.

 

[nick_cool]

Nevertheless I choose the D90 for me, the viewfinder in all these cameras is rather small, compared e.g. with my old Minolta Dinax 600.

I have the kit lens 18-105, which is already sent to the service after 1000 shots , and 50mm 1:1.8 prime.

I also change to a new focusing screen to improve manual focus and be sure about what autofocus is doing.

I wish I had a D7000, but it was a bit expensive for my budget at the time.

 

[webada]

For those that don't know, the Nikon D40/D40x/D60/D3000/D3100/D5000/D5100 all have a pentamirror type viewfinder, while the Nikon D70/D70s/D80/D90/D7000 have a pentaprism type of viewfinder, like the prosumer and pro Nikon's have.

wow, so all the mirrorless camera are screwed....

 

[webada]

To me, the fact the sensor in D5100 is the same as the D7000 along is worth picking over D90. Google this new sensor and you will be amazed how this new sensor from Nikon is kicking Canon's hinny.

Don't get me wrong, I love my D90 andI would never upgrade to D5100 (doesn't make much sense) However, we have to bring this into context of this post. If a newbie comes asking all the requirements of OP's post, I would simply recommend D5100 and I'm sure he'll enjoy it much more so than D90. Think about it, OP asked for recommendation of a leisure use and possible for work (NOT as a photographer!)..... Why would you guys recommend D90 based on all the manual controls and better viewfinder system?? Based on a simple AUTO-SETTING of a shoot on D90 and D5100, D5100 will come out more superior simply because of its new sensor.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

To me, the fact the sensor in D5100 is the same as the D7000 along is worth picking over D90. Google this new sensor and you will be amazed how this new sensor from Nikon is kicking Canon's hinny.

Don't get me wrong, I love my D90 andI would never upgrade to D5100 (doesn't make much sense) However, we have to bring this into context of this post. If a newbie comes asking all the requirements of OP's post, I would simply recommend D5100 and I'm sure he'll enjoy it much more so than D90. Think about it, OP asked for recommendation of a leisure use and possible for work (NOT as a photographer!)..... Why would you guys recommend D90 based on all the manual controls and better viewfinder system?? Based on a simple AUTO-SETTING of a shoot on D90 and D5100, D5100 will come out more superior simply because of its new sensor.

But the D5100 won't auto-focus all the Nikkor lenses, lacks the 39 point system, won't fire remote flashes, doesn't have the menu display on top, etc etc. I just oredered the D7000 for a few extra bux

 

[webada]

But the D5100 won't auto-focus all the Nikkor lenses, lacks the 39 point system, won't fire remote flashes, doesn't have the menu display on top, etc etc. I just oredered the D7000 for a few extra bux

argh, missed my point entirely.... If this is his first DSLR, you think he would miss the LCD on top, remote flashes? talk about being objective. I don't know your requirement since you are not the OP.

D7000 vs D5100? no argument there and congrats on your purchase.

BTW, D90 doesn't have 39 point system....

 

[Texas Parrothead]

Well I started with a D80 and loved it. I love the LCD on top and the ability to quickly change setting with out having to use the menu system.

It gave me the ability to quickly and efficiently manage my camera/shots.

Just upgraded to the D90 and Love It even more!!!!!!

 

[flatflip]

Why would you guys recommend D90 based on all the manual controls and better viewfinder system??

This is the very reason, and the focus motor. All three reasons, in that order, IMHO. I had a D5000 and upgraded to the D7000 for these reasons. If I could not afford a D7000 I would have upgraded to the D90.

Edit; If I could see better, I would love the tiny screen on top, then that would be another reason.

 

[webada]

I love my D90 too. I'm just being objective about my recommendations based on OP's requirement. and if you read all my posts in this thread, you would understand why.

BTW, D5100 has a flip screen which is hell lot easier to read than the LCD... D90 is over 3 years old, in my opinion, there is just no reason to purchase one if you are just starting new with zero investments in existing lense. The baby nikons are very capable and have inherit most of the technology.

The only reason any new entry should be buying a D90 today is if they get a used at about $600+kit, put another $150 to a prime lens > D5100 with a kit.

 

[webada]

Why would you guys recommend D90 based on all the manual controls and better viewfinder system??

This is the very reason, and the focus motor. All three reasons, in that order, IMHO. I had a D5000 and upgraded to the D7000 for these reasons. If I could not afford a D7000 I would have upgraded to the D90.

Edit; If I could see better, I would love the tiny screen on top, then that would be another reason.

please don't take my words out of context....... read before and after please and if you are going to quote, please quote the post. I own a D90 and love my direct buttons and dial but that's not a reason for recommendations to a newbie.... especially wireless flash...

wireless flash to a newbie, really???

You made your upgrade, OP is new to DSLR. D5000 was never a capable camera, especially with that stupid hinge design. D5100 is a different story.

maybe i should just go back to dpreview, this forum is full of thick air....

 

[Texas Parrothead]

Considering that a new in the box D90 can be purchased here for $729.00 as compared to the D7000 at $1129.00 and the D5100 at $769.00, I know what camera I would purchase. I would rather have the D90 and put the savings over the D7000 to better lenses.

Where can you get a brand new D90 for $729?

 

[flatflip]

Why would you guys recommend D90 based on all the manual controls and better viewfinder system??

This is the very reason, and the focus motor. All three reasons, in that order, IMHO. I had a D5000 and upgraded to the D7000 for these reasons. If I could not afford a D7000 I would have upgraded to the D90.

Edit; If I could see better, I would love the tiny screen on top, then that would be another reason.

please don't take my words out of context....... read before and after please and if you are going to quote, please quote the post. I own a D90 and love my direct buttons and dial but that's not a reason for recommendations to a newbie.... especially wireless flash...

wireless flash to a newbie, really???

You made your upgrade, OP is new to DSLR. D5000 was never a capable camera, especially with that stupid hinge design. D5100 is a different story.

maybe i should just go back to dpreview, this forum is full of thick air....

Wireless Flash, Oh Yea, another great reason to chose the D90. High on my list. I'm sorry I offended you but don't let the thick air hit you in the...

 

[webada]

Wireless Flash, Oh Yea, another great reason to chose the D90. High on my list. I'm sorry I offended you but don't let the thick air hit you in the...

lol, please, none taken at all. just can't to understand why ppl tend to hijack threads and make their own point..... The op is not asking why YOU purchased your D90, he is asking for recommendations. Do you even know how to make a objective recommendations? I own a D90 but I can't honestly recommend this 3 yr old technology over the D5100 for someone who have not made any investment into DSLR.

wireless flash over better sensor?! I think you have your priority wrong. You can always add a wireless command but you can't change the sensor.

D90 was the best of its time, however, its over 3 years old now. If you want all those features today, wireless flash/motored body, then you obviously know and want all these advance features then you should just save up and buy a D7000, not a D90.

Again, the OP is asking between D90 vs D5100. There are just way too many trolls here.

btw, I wonder what kinda of pictures you were taking with D5000 without the wireless flash? must be horrible.

and now back to dpreview.

 

[flatflip]

"wireless flash over better sensor?", would be out of context.

Manual controls, better viewfinder, focus motor and wireless flash over a better sensor? Yes! I am trying to be objective here. Based on how the OP described his plans or intentions, he sounded like me a year ago. I very soon became aware of the lack of these features. That's why I wanted to upgrade so soon. If I had bought the D90 to begin with last year, I would not have upgraded so soon.

Now when you say, "3 yr old technology", it does take a lot of wind out of my argument. That's why I got the D7000 instead of the D90. The OP however did not include the D7000 in his OP as a viable option. He probably does appreciate our mention of it though.