Sale at Target: Nikon D5000 kit $579.99 - how does the D5000 perform in low-light

[DukeBoom]

Target's got an awesome clearance sale on the d5000s at 580 for the kit. (at least my local Target did, not sure about the online website).

How do the d5000s perform in low-light? Specifically, I'll be using it for concert photography?

I was looking at the d300 bodies, but they're $900 or so for just the body. I wanted to know if the low-light improvement of the d300 over the d5000 is really worth double?

 

[SrBiscuit]

d5000 is still entry-level
whereas the d300 is considered prosumer.

low-light specifically...they seem to be pretty similar.
but you lose AF motor which could be big to some...among other things...

check out dpreview.com to get solid reviews on both.

*EDIT*
this seems to be fairly informative...

http://www.radiantlite.com/2009/06/want-to-upgrade-nikon-d300-d90-or-d5000.html

 

[Ginu]

I haven't had the chance to use a D5000 body, but typically beginner DSLR's have disadvantages specially in low light conditions.

You might however be able to get by with a D5000 and a fast AF prime like a 35 or 50mm f1.4. If you want quality then best option is to get a better body.

 

[quiddity]

isn't the D3100 newer and the same price at amazon

 

[o hey tyler]

Just get a D90. It has a focus motor or some ****. Problem=Solved.

 

[schwa6970]

I just bought a D3100 for 599 kit price. and its got a few advantages over the 5000 if I remember from my research before taking the plunge and buying one and it shoots in low light very well

 

[myko5]

I do not regret the purchase of my D5000, as it is a very decent entry level DSLR. However, if you plan on being a little more involved in your hobby, I would suggest the D90. I hate the menu surfing I have to do change settings that the D90 has on the outside of the body. Also, the D90 has the internal motor that allows you to pick up a better variety of lenses at less cost while maintaining the auto focus feature. As far as low light for concerts and such, I really can't help with that as I really do not have the experience with it. As far as bang for your buck, i think the D90 is only a little more, and you get a lot more capability.

Just my .02

 

[Ginu]

For low light conditions and in your situation there are two requirements:

1. need a nice open aperture 2.8 or lower (f1.4 or f1.8 would be preferable or a 2.8 if the camera can handle a high ISO)
2. camera which can handle high ISO very well

Since you don't need blurry images, there is not much give in terms of shutter speed.
For example you would want to use a min ISO of 1600 (considering its not to grainy for the camera) and a min f4 with a shutter speed of 1/250
If your lens cant go to f4 then the shutter will be slower or you would have to increase ISO sensitivity.

I found a really nifty tool to help you with camera settings called Digittal SLR Photography Toolkit for Dummies (iPhone edition) which gives you pointers on the go. Not a bad gadget to have access to.

Big downside with the entry level DSLRs is the fact that a nice cheap 50mm f1.8 can't auto focus and becomes a manual lens; in addition to this there are many other budget lenses with no internal AF motor, meaning they all become manual for any budget DSLR.

 

[KmH]

I wanted to know if the low-light improvement of the d300 over the d5000 is really worth double?

No.
it's not worth double for just the ISO performance.

But when you also consider the D300 has

• full magnesium metal body
• 51 auto focus points, 15 of them cross-type points
• 1/8000 shutter
• focus motor
• DOF preview
• 9 auto brackets
• CLS commander mode
• 2 command wheels
• a top LCD
• nearly twice the frames-per-second rate
• 1/250 flash sync speed
• Nikon Ai and Ai-s lens compatability
• and more

Then yes the D300s is easily worth twice what the D5000 costs

 

[mswiech]

wow your store must have a great deal going on cause if you check out online from there website they have the D5000 kit for 649.99 and the D300's body for 1699.99 Why you don't go for the D7000 and met in the middle

http://www.target.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=1084298&searchNodeID=1084298&rh=product_site_launch_date%3A-0a|launch-date%3A-1y|availability%3A-2|target_com_category-bin%3ADigital%20SLR%20Cameras|target_com_category-bin%3APoint%20%2B%20Shoot%20Digital%20Camera|target_com_category-bin%3APoint%20%2B%20Shoot%20Digital%20Cameras|target_com_category-bin%3ASlim%20Digital%20Cameras&releaseID=undefined