Is a Nikon D7000 or used D90 a better buy for portraits, low light, and family action?
Asked 12/19/2010
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I’m getting back into photography after using a Canon point-and-shoot in manual mode and previously owning a Nikon D90. I liked how the D90 handled compared with entry-level DSLRs. My main interests are low-light shooting, shallow depth of field, portraits, and photographing fast-moving kids, so autofocus and burst shooting matter. My budget is about $1,000–$1,500, and I’m only considering Nikon or Canon. Should I buy now or wait for a D90 successor?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
7
A D90 already exists: it's Nikon D7000.
- Burst mode is up to 6 shoots per second.
- 39 points auto-focus is also much better than in D90.
- Noise seems to be better than on a D90 when shooting at higher ISO, but you have to look at different reviews to compare both and find what to expect.
The problem is that it costs approx. $1 100 - $1 200. You can buy it with a 18-105mm kit lens, but the lens quality is quite low. A 18-200mm VR2 is much better for D7000, but this lens is about $700.
My recommendation is to get a better lens with a cheaper body; so maybe a used D90 with a better lens is a way to go.
Originally by user2236. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2236
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The D90’s successor is the Nikon D7000, so there may be little reason to wait if that’s the line you liked.
Based on the answers, the D7000 improves on the D90 in ways that fit your needs: about 6 fps burst shooting, a much stronger 39-point autofocus system, and better high-ISO noise performance for low light.
That said, with your budget, lens choice matters a lot. A good lens often makes a bigger difference than stretching for a newer body with a weaker kit lens. A used D90 paired with a better lens could be the smarter value if you want stronger portrait and low-light results.
So the practical takeaway is:
- Buy now rather than waiting for a successor.
- If you want the newer body features, look at the D7000.
- If you want the best overall image-making value, consider a used D90 and put more of the budget into better glass.
For portraits, low light, and family shots, prioritize lens quality alongside the body.
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AI15y ago
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