D90 versus D5000
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**ModernMuseum** · 05-25-2010 09:00 AM

My brother wants to get a dSLR to capture the moments of his new kiddo. He pulled the magic number of $700 out of his behind and stated that is his budget. Doing a quick B&H search, this pulls up the D5000 and D90 (over budget) plus or minus some different lenses.

If want him to buy with the future in mind and it looks like the D500 with possibly the 18-55 or 105 will be his best bet. What sayest nsop? Is the D5000 the next gen D90? If not, what's the skinny in this price range? The reason I'm advocating Nikon is, if I'm feeling nice, I'll let him borrow some of my lenses.

**Idjiit** · 05-25-2010 09:20 AM

The D5000 isn't the replacement for the D90. The D90 retains the advantage of being able to focus with non-G lenses, has a nicer viewfinder, a nicer LCD, etc.

**blcknspo0ln** · 05-25-2010 09:48 AM

You can find used D90's for $6-700 nowadays over on FM.

**ModernMuseum** · 05-25-2010 02:06 PM

So the D5000 is more like an update of the D60? Does the D5000 not have an internal servo motor, similar to the D60?

How does the noise on the D5000 measure up the D90? Better, worse?

I know that the D90 was the first generation of dSLR's having video capabilities from Nikon's line. Were any advancements made in the D5000 in this regard?

**Tylersladen** · 05-26-2010 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by ModernMuseum

So the D5000 is more like an update of the D60? Does the D5000 not have an internal servo motor, similar to the D60?

How does the noise on the D5000 measure up the D90? Better, worse?

I know that the D90 was the first generation of dSLR's having video capabilities from Nikon's line. Were any advancements made in the D5000 in this regard?

I've played with both at work and find the d5000 better but, I'd prefer the d90 for the AF motor and shape.

D5000 feels like a toy with the swivel screen
d90 feels semi-pro

**kayone** · 05-26-2010 01:30 PM

I think choosing a D5000 over D90 would be a mistake and your brother would regret it very quickly. As mentioned before

Pros of D90 over D5000
1. D90 has built in AF motor in body allowing use of much wider variety of lenses (D5000 does not)
2. D5000 has inferior back LCD display (despite the swivel gimmick)
3. D90 has faster burst rate shooting speeds 4.5 vs 3 fps
4. D90 still has top mount LCD info display (which you will use quite often if you have it)
5. D90 has better viewfinder
6. superior kit lens if you get the 18-105mm VR lens kit
7. better feel in hands and shape despite being heavier than D5000

Pros of D5000 over D90
1. cheaper body
2. swivel LCD if you prefer that sort of thing for awkward shooting angles
3. more compact than D90 if you need a smaller, lighter camera

Tied
1. video taking capabilities exactly same, w same limitations (inability to continuously AF while shooting and 5 min cap on full 720p video clip shooting)
2. Overall image quality, shooting performance (except for fps and speed of AF using slower AF-S mount lenses), ISO sensitivity basically same as D90 (same image sensor and processor I think)

I think the thing your bro needs to consider is the lack of body AF servo motor in the D5000 like the D60, if this is a sticking point for him, definitely spend more for the D90, it is a very solid capable camera at a great price for what it does. To go the next step up D300 is a HUGE leap in price (almost $700-800) compared to the extra $200 or so for a D90 over a D5000

**ModernMuseum** · 05-28-2010 06:09 PM

kayone-

Thanks for the extensive run-down!

I've played with a D90 before and used to own one and I didn't have any qualms with it. I actually enjoyed what little bit I used the video.

I'll tell him to take the risk and buy used or up his budget. I'll probably "make" him swing for the 18-105.

**cmilaprz** · 08-27-2010 06:51 AM

As far as I think D90 fares a lot more better than D5000. The reason the better usability and the additional features provided. Though, I'm a fan of Sony but this one from Nikon, has got me to rethink about my selection.

**Alchemy-Z** · 08-27-2010 07:41 AM

clearly the d5000 is better because it has more zeros in its name.

**kayone** · 08-31-2010 03:32 PM

Originally Posted by Alchemy-Z

clearly the d5000 is better because it has more zeros in its name.

And the D3 is a useless piece of junk, I mean, ONE DIGIT? that camera must suck.

**MK19** · 08-31-2010 03:59 PM

If he can wait, D3100: 1080p auto-focus video ftw

**jm2e** · 08-31-2010 04:12 PM

If he hasn't done anything since MAY, I'm pretty sure he can wait.

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