Nikon D5000/D90 - Alternatives?

[D_T_W]

Right, I'll be in the market to purchase a digital SLR camera come the new year, and in my attempts at research, I'm a little stumped as to what camera offers the best features and ability. As I know the grand total of sod all about SLR cameras, can I have a bit of advice? I basically want to learn about photography, but also be able to learn how to use a camera properly. Main focuses are likely to be cars, planes, boats and landscapes

I was reccommended the Nikon D5000, which having looked seems like an ideal camera. However, I couldn't help but notice it's bigger brother the D90. Whatever I buy I'd like to be able to hang onto for at least a few years without feeling the need to upgrade, and I don't know if the D5000 is the better camera to buy as a beginner, or if the D90 is the better camera as I won't feel the need to upgrade.

However, I'm keen to get to grips with photography, and giving myself a budget of £750, I notice this Canon EOS 500D, giving 2 lenses to experiment with rather than just the one.


So, which would be the better option given a budget of £750 (approx)? Or have a I overlooked a bargin in the form of Pentax/Olympic/Sony etc in preference of the bigger names?

[Simpo Two]

I think that if you plan to learn and improve (as opposed to just wanting idiot-proof snaps), then it would be wisest to pitch it higher rather than lower.

That means you'll have less to spend on lenses, but you can always add them later as need and budget allow.

[andy-xr]

I'd probably go D80/D90 with that sort of money, check where D300 prices are going though and see if that leaves you any cash for lenses

[Buffalo]

I have found the D80 excellent for getting to grips with DSLRs. The only thing regarding the D90 is that I simply have no desire for the video capability...

I would aim higher, with interchangeability of lens being highest priority, because that is what will mean you can keep the camera for a long time and really explore what you can do with it.

[D_T_W]

andy-xr said:

I'd probably go D80/D90 with that sort of money, check where D300 prices are going though and see if that leaves you any cash for lenses

Not really, given it's £400 more expensive for just the camera body than a D90 with a lense.

I'll start my research on the D90 then, as it would seem to be the more sensible option

[TuscNick]

D_T_W said:

Right, I'll be in the market to purchase a digital SLR camera come the new year, and in my attempts at research, I'm a little stumped as to what camera offers the best features and ability. As I know the grand total of sod all about SLR cameras, can I have a bit of advice? I basically want to learn about photography, but also be able to learn how to use a camera properly. Main focuses are likely to be cars, planes, boats and landscapes

I was reccommended the Nikon D5000, which having looked seems like an ideal camera. However, I couldn't help but notice it's bigger brother the D90. Whatever I buy I'd like to be able to hang onto for at least a few years without feeling the need to upgrade, and I don't know if the D5000 is the better camera to buy as a beginner, or if the D90 is the better camera as I won't feel the need to upgrade.

However, I'm keen to get to grips with photography, and giving myself a budget of £750, I notice this Canon EOS 500D, giving 2 lenses to experiment with rather than just the one.


So, which would be the better option given a budget of £750 (approx)? Or have a I overlooked a bargin in the form of Pentax/Olympic/Sony etc in preference of the bigger names?

I have the Nikon 5000, very excellent camera _ I am new to DSLR but have been taking photos for some time, the display etc on the 5000 is very intuative.

I for one recommend it

Nick