torn at which camera to buy

[jcardona1]

If you don't want to purchase a used camera, your best choice is to go examine the cameras in person yourself. This helped me a lot in making a decision. I have a Rebel XSi by the way, I'm not trying to persuade you to buy either a nikon or canon, but I personally bought the canon because I liked how it felt in my hands and thought the button layout was nice. Prior to my purchase; over 90% of my research was on nikons. So seeing and holding the camera in person will help you make the best decision. Also, when I actually go out and take pictures or take pictures of fish I never use the live view function.

Also keep in mind the cost of future lenses. AF, AF-S, EF, EF-S cost. Find out which lenses are compatible and how much they cost.

yup, best way is to hold it in person. i played with a canon again this weekend, i still dont like the look and feel lol.

as for lens costs, this is the main reason for suggesting the D90, and here's why the d90 is superior for close to the same cost:

- bigger and higher resolution rear LCD
- top view LCD screen
- slightly better and more rugged build quality
- internal AF motor (this is HUGE!!!) lets you use non af-s lenses. if you upgrade to even just one lens, this wil pay off
- built-in commander mode for speedlights. again, this is HUGE! since you can control the speedlight wirelessly
- better low light/high ISO performance. may want to look into this one, not entirely sure about this spec

 

[neoprodigy]

if youre willing to spend the money on a d5000, just get a used d90 instead. much better camera

^^ agree... d90 is the way to go...

 

[SteveR]

^^ agree... d90 is the way to go...

I see what everyone is saying. You have to decide you limit, and what you'll be happy with. What I would say to you and Jcardona, is that you made comment that if your considering a D5000 get a D90 as it's better. It's almost double the price too remember, here anyway in the UK the D5000 is 470 including the lens, and the D90 is 800 pounds! That makes big decision time between working out do i really want to spend another 330 pounds on top of what I'd be spending already. I'm considering the D5000. I'm not a pro, but I understand photography and manual control. Thoughts?

 

[jcardona1]

I see what everyone is saying. You have to decide you limit, and what you'll be happy with. What I would say to you and Jcardona, is that you made comment that if your considering a D5000 get a D90 as it's better. It's almost double the price too remember, here anyway in the UK the D5000 is 470 including the lens, and the D90 is 800 pounds! That makes big decision time between working out do i really want to spend another 330 pounds on top of what I'd be spending already. I'm considering the D5000. I'm not a pro, but I understand photography and manual control. Thoughts?

that's why i said a used D90

a new D5000 retails for $630, body only. the D90 goes for $899 new, body only. These are prices from B&H. a used D90 can be had for about the price of a new d5000. and like i said, if youre willing to get a new d5000, might as well get a used d90 which is a superior camera, its a no-brainer i got a used D90 and couldnt be happier (well that is until i decide to go full-frame )

 

[SteveR]

that's why i said a used D90

a new D5000 retails for $630, body only. the D90 goes for $899 new, body only. These are prices from B&H. a used D90 can be had for about the price of a new d5000. and like i said, if youre willing to get a new d5000, might as well get a used d90 which is a superior camera, its a no-brainer i got a used D90 and couldnt be happier (well that is until i decide to go full-frame )

Sorry, I missed that. Fair play, I see what you mean.

 

[shrimpy1]

Have you considered the canon t2i? Awesome review at dpreview.com.

 

[dookie]

I prefer nikon ergonomic over canon. I like the D90 idea the best too.

 

[SteveR]

I like the D90. But given the choice between a new D5000, or a used or reconditioned D90 for the same price I'd go with the D5000. It's just that personally I'm not pro enough to miss the features of the D90. Also I'm not that mad on buying tones of lenses, they are a fortune. I've got a nice Canon G9 which is one of the best digital cameras (non SLR) you can get so I'm happy for now.

 

[Modest_Man]

If you buy any Nikon body used (not original owner) you're SOL on the Nikon warranty. Just food for thought.

Any Nikon body can use any Nikon lens ever made (there are some issues with non-AI lenses on bodies other than the D40, D40x, and D60 but can be easily modified to AI). You loose TTL metering on the cheaper models (not a huge deal with digital), and they focus manually (again, not a huge deal once you figure it out).

I'd personally recommend the D40 as a GREAT beginner camera.

A great article to read-

http://www.bythom.com/blame.htm