Should a beginner choose the Nikon D90 over the D5000?
Asked 7/26/2010
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I'm buying my first DSLR and have narrowed it down to the Nikon D5000 and Nikon D90. I have a little experience with a film SLR and want a camera that can handle a variety of photography. On paper they seem fairly similar, but the D90 has more direct controls, a larger body, and a different kit lens. Is the D90 worth the extra cost for a beginner, or is the D5000 a better starting point? Also, am I likely to outgrow the D5000 quickly?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
16y ago
2 Answers
18
Go to a physical shop and feel both cameras. While the advice in other answers is good (don't buy features you don't need), ergonomics are important, both size of the body and placement of the controls and just how it "feels". For example, I haven't seen a D5000, but I've handled a D40 and it felt like cheap junk. On the other hand, the D90 feels like a well-built machine. This is something you have to see/feel for yourself.
However, don't go to a camera shop, look at their stuff, and then leave and buy it online. That's unethical.
You might find it a bit more expensive to go this route, but the opportunity to make a better decision and your confidence in that decision is worth it IMO.
Finally, the kit lenses are just fine.
Originally by user27. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user27
16y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For most beginners, the D5000 is likely enough camera, and you’re unlikely to outgrow it quickly. Several answers suggest putting the money saved toward a better lens, since lenses often affect your results more than small body differences.
The main reasons to choose the D90 are handling and lens compatibility. The D90 offers more on-body controls and a larger body, which some people find more comfortable and better built. It’s worth handling both in person, because ergonomics can matter a lot.
A key functional advantage of the D90 is its built-in autofocus motor. That allows autofocus with certain older Nikon AF lenses, including some affordable primes. On the D5000, those lenses would require manual focus.
So: choose the D90 if you want better handling and plan to use screw-drive Nikon AF lenses. Choose the D5000 if you want to spend less and put more budget into lenses. Either way, both are capable beginner DSLRs.
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