Nikon D5000.. Why 'shouldnt' I buy one?

[PapaHett]

I'm new to the whole camera thing, and want to pick up a DSLR.. I went to Jessops last week to check out some cameras, the Canon 1000D, 450D and Nikon D3000 and D5000.. Instantly I prefered the two higher end cameras, the 450D and the D5000. The Grip on both of them felt alot bigger, and fitted my hand better. I used them both for a bit, and overall I preferred the D5000. It felt good in my hand, and by just using it in the shop, I was able to take the sort of Macro pictures that I want.

The thing I didn't like was the price tag though.. £529, with a £50 cashback from Nikon (So £479 I think). I didn't really want to spend anymore than £400, but I found out the other day that I have £190 built up from bonus' at work; I didn't realise I had built up so much already (I work in retail). This £190 can only be claimed in the form of a voucher though.. But I can basically get the voucher for anywhere, John Lewis, PC World etc that all have the D5000.

That means i'll be able to buy a D5000 for £330~ (Will probably give some vouchers to my mum for Mothers Day)..

So, is there any real reason I shouldn't buy a D5000?

[RobDickinson]

PapaHett said:

So, is there any real reason I shouldn't buy a D5000?

Its a stiiinking nikon!

But apart from that? Dont think so, no major downfalls with the D5000 unless you want to use non AF-S lenses, it doesnt have a built in body motor so you loose autofocus ( with most shorter primes, older lenses etc).

[LightningMat]

I have a D5000 myself and it is absolutely fantastic, would recommend. I looked at all of the competition and chose the D5000 above all else.

Picture quality is brilliant and it is fairly light and is easy to use, but with all the usual DSLR options for you to get stuck into. It really is difficult to justify spending any more for the 'higher range' DSLR's unless you are a pro.

[TuscNick]

I have one too, I am very very pleased with it

Nick

[mcflurry]

Pleased with mine.

The main limitation are you are tied to AFS lenses to get auto focus. Many other Nikon lenses do fit however

[Simpo Two]

mcflurry said:

The main limitation are you are tied to AFS lenses to get auto focus. Many other Nikon lenses do fit however

In theory, every one since 1959!

[PapaHett]

That's the sort of reassurance I was looking for!

Do you guys make much use of the screen on the D5000, I really liked the idea of it..

Also, is it with the D5000 that if you want to change any of the settings; ISO etc.. You have to keep scrolling through a menu? There's not a straightforward up/down/left/right to increase or decrease them?

[Simpo Two]

PapaHett said:

Also, is it with the D5000 that if you want to change any of the settings; ISO etc.. You have to keep scrolling through a menu? There's not a straightforward up/down/left/right to increase or decrease them?

Those sorts of things do tend to be more buried in entry level cameras, yes.

Have a read at www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond5000/

[d1d215]

yeah ! I hate them for that ! the first camera that has the ISO as a normal button is D300s I guess. sooo difficult to make lets say D90 with a button on the camera, but then every amateur photographer would buy D90 instead of D300s . one of those silly marketing tricks.

[GlenMH]

d1d215 said:

yeah ! I hate them for that ! the first camera that has the ISO as a normal button is D300s I guess. sooo difficult to make lets say D90 with a button on the camera, but then every amateur photographer would buy D90 instead of D300s . one of those silly marketing tricks.

Errr - it IS a button on my D90...

[d1d215]

oh ! yeah ! sorry! it's on the left side of the menu. I was just used to changing it on the top of the camera . great discovery for me ! lol

[TuscNick]

PapaHett said:

Do you guys make much use of the screen on the D5000, I really liked the idea of it..

I think the screen is great, its easy to understand and use - as they say pictures speak a thousand words

Nick

[mcflurry]

I prefer the old fashioned viewfinder, but that's just me. You can turn liveview on and off with a single button. The f stops and timing numbers can be seen at the bottom of the viewfinder too, and move as you adjust the rear control dial under the go button, or the ambient light changes.

The ISO (as well as white balance, exposure, flash, bracketing etc) are scrollable when you push the info button at the bottom left when in full manual mode. If you are in auto then most functions are "greyed out".

[Simpo Two]

d1d215 said:

yeah ! I hate them for that ! the first camera that has the ISO as a normal button is D300s I guess. sooo difficult to make lets say D90 with a button on the camera, but then every amateur photographer would buy D90 instead of D300s . one of those silly marketing tricks.

Well, they use the space for buttons like 'Live View' and 'Info' instead, which they think beginners are more likely to use. By contrast ISO is deemed more advanced/less likely to be accessed regularly.

But no camera is perfect.