Upgrading from a Nikon D40: D5100 vs D90 vs D7000 for travel and video
Asked 4/23/2011
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2 answers
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I’ve used a Nikon D40 for about four years and want to upgrade before a month-long trip to India. I’d like better stills and video, but I’m unsure whether to choose the Nikon D5100, D90, or D7000.
The D7000 is the one I’d most like, but it may be more than I need or want to spend. The D5100 appeals because it is newer and offers full HD video, but it lacks an in-body autofocus motor and a 100% viewfinder. The D90 is older and has lower video specs, but it does include the autofocus motor and stronger direct controls.
I’m a fairly casual photographer, but I do use advanced features when I can. My current gear is modest: the Nikon 18-55mm kit lens, the 55-200mm lens, and an SB-400 flash. Given that setup, which body makes the most sense, and is upgrading the body even the best use of money right now?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
9
Not sure if you're looking for this sort of an answer but you should evaluate if not having a better camera body is what is holding back you photography.
Personally, I wouldn't spend a dime on a new body till I had all the lenses and tripods (and if you use them, lights) I needed. I stuck to my ancient D50 and spent money on a 18-200, a 10-20, an SB-600, a decent Manfrotto tripod before buying a D90. And I'm sure that was the right thing to do.
The D40 may be oldish but you may want to give a thought to whether a D7000 with the lenses you have will give you more satisfactory photographs than you are getting today.
Originally by user4827. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4827
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
If budget allows, the D7000 is the strongest choice overall. The community view is that it’s clearly superior to the D90 and D5100 in features, handling, and build.
If you don’t want to spend that much, the D5100 is the better value on paper than the D90: newer sensor, higher resolution, better high-ISO capability, and 1080p video. For travel and video, that makes it appealing.
The main argument for the D90 is usability: better direct controls, handling, and an in-body AF motor. If you expect to grow into older AF lenses or want faster access to settings, that matters.
That said, one answer makes an important point: with only the 18-55 and 55-200 kit lenses, a new body may not improve your photography as much as better lenses, flash, or support gear would. If the D40 isn’t actually limiting you, upgrading lenses may bring a bigger real-world benefit than changing bodies.
So: D7000 if you can comfortably afford it, D5100 if you want the best spec/value balance, D90 if you prioritize handling and the AF motor.
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AI15y ago
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