Nikon debate

[mrpbailey]

Hi,
I'm looking to buy my first 'proper' camera, and an a complete novice. Would only be used for personal use (holidays, car pics etc.
Have narrowed it down to either a Nikon D3000 or D5000.
Is the 5000 worth the extra money? I know this one has the video capability and live rotating screen where the 3000 doesnt.

Which would you recommend for a begiiner?

Thanks

Paul

[NDT]

I was about to post a very similar question.

Had a quick look at both in a Jessops yesterday. The D5000 has the ability to aim the camera with the screen, whereas I don't think the D3000 can do this.

Would anyone recommend an alternative?

[Quaint]

Unless you have a complete fixation for something brand new, you could consider the second-hand approach. This is what I did 18 months ago - I bought a friend's D70, with a bag, spare battery, CF cards and 2 lenses (Sigma 18-50, Nikkor 70-300) for less than half the price of a new D90 body. With the spare cash I bought some filters and a 50mm f/1.8 prime lens.

OK, the D70 lacks the ultimate control and "tweakability" (for want of a better word) of the newer cameras, and is a bit noisier at high ISO, etc. - but I'd argue that for a beginner these things really don't matter a whit. I've found it to be an ideal way to get into using an SLR, while maximising the use of your budget and being able to build a useful-ish collection of lenses at the same time. Eventually I will upgrade, I suppose, but at this point I'd rather spend additional money on glass than a new camera body.

In terms of image quality, IMO unless you're a pixel-picker the image quality owes more to the photographer than the camera anyway...

[Dibby]

I'd go with a D60/ D70/ D80/ D90 either new or 2nd hand depending on budget

You don't aim a DSLR with the screen at the back, that's what the viewfinder is for. Go for better image quality and wider range of ISO settings than the gimmicks they bolt on like live-view & HD video.

[NDT]

thanks for the replies - will look at 2nd hand.
Live view appeals to me just for pure convenience - as much as anything because I'm used to using a compact that way.
Being able to shoot video is a bonus too - one less gizmo to take to school plays etc.

[Quaint]

The mate who sold me the D70 bought a D90 to replace it and he has distinctly not been blown away by the quality of the video recording it offers. He ended up buying a dedicated camcorder to do the video stuff he needs. I know absolutely nothing about video so this is just a second-hand opinion, but I thought it might be useful...

As to live view, I came to DSLRs from a Panasonic mega-zoom compact which I always shot from screen. I find using the viewfinder on the SLR to be very intuitive and ergonomic - and suspect it would be much harder to control the camera if I were holding it in a position where the screen is visible. Your mileage may vary, of course, but with a bigger lens on the front I'd rather hold the camera the "traditional" way! I can see how a hinged screen would be useful if trying to get a photo over the top of a crowd, or similar - but how often does that happen?

[CVP]

Do your research and be wary of Nikon's claims re video. If you plan on shooting a lot of video then the SLR based ones may not be the best for you. For instance the D90 has it but it's not HD. Also see the reviews of the video function as it really does not get a thumbs up, in fact it gets a real panning from reviewers who tend to call ti like it is (Thom Hogan).

I'm in Simpo's camp in that a number of these were rushed to market by the camera companies thinking we all wanted new bells and whistles when in fact the tech wasn't ready. Having said that some of the Canon 5D MKII videos I have seen have been great but they are produced by someone with more than a modicum of talent (Vincent LaForette).

In terms of SLR for SLR use, Mrs CVP had a D70 that did very good service, an excellent camera to start with. Her D80 to replace the 70 has not impressed us, the image quality for some reason was nto as good as the 70. We've just replaced that with a D90 but no images yet to tell if that gives a better quality image.

I heartily recommend the second hand optino, you'll get more camera for your cash and that you can spunk on lenses

Chris

[GetCarter]

I'd agree with all that exept this bit.

CVP said:

you can spunk on lenses

[Simpo Two]

I guess that if you want video capability and live rotating screen then buy the D5000; if not buy the D3000 and spend the difference on something else. No point buying widgets you won't use.

Personally the idea of a DSLR that shoots video is like a coffee-maker with a built-in screwdriver, but each to their own

[CVP]

GetCarter said:

I'd agree with all that exept this bit.

CVP said:

you can spunk on lenses

Hey, no quoting out of context

You can really go off people quite quickly when they post good pics, selectively quote and then on top of all this go and order a new Caterham

[L33]

I had the same D3000 or D5000 debate a couple of weeks back.

I bit the bullet and paid the extra for the D5000 and have no regrets - awesome camera.

I got a refurbished camera from the Centre in Cardiff with 6 months warrenty from Nikon and 12 months from the shop.
I paid £479 which included camera, VR lens kit, 2 x genuine Nikon batteries, 2 gig memory card and a decent LowePro case.

Shop here:
http://www.cameracentrecardiff.co.uk/

Ebay link to camera here:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

Edited by L33 on Thursday 11th February 18:34

[RonJohnson]

I've also just been through the D3000 - D5000 as my first 'proper' camera debate. Settled on the D3000 to learn the ins and outs with - the limiting factor at the moment being my skill (or lack thereof).
Have put the money that I saved towards another lense (Sigma 70-300). Thought on this was that I can upgrade to a better body as and when my skills improve, and i'll still be able to use the extra lense with any later body.

[NDT]

GetCarter said:

I'd agree with all that exept this bit.

CVP said:

you can spunk on lenses

I suppose it depends what kind of photos you're taking.....

[NDT]

thanks all.
and sorry for the blatant thread hijack Paul

Nick

[mrpbailey]

Never thought of going the 2nd hand route. Any websites to look at other than ebay?

[williskwl]

I have a d90 and its amazing with the 18-105mm lens
I have used both the 3 and the 5000 models and its personal choice really both are well built and come with decent standard lenses.

[gary71]

Interesting choice, the D3000 does seem value for money, what's the catch!

I guess as has been said before, it's about personal choice. I didn't use the screen much on my D80, other than for checking the highlights on a tricky exposure, so I'd struggle to have to use the screen the whole time to check the basic settings.

New has it's benefits certainly, but does a second hand D80 and a 18-70 kit lens or similar for less money offer a better camera... discuss...

(not that I'm selling my D80 or anything... )

[V8Dom]

mrpbailey said:

Hi,
I'm looking to buy my first 'proper' camera, and an a complete novice. Would only be used for personal use (holidays, car pics etc.
Have narrowed it down to either a Nikon D3000 or D5000.
Is the 5000 worth the extra money? I know this one has the video capability and live rotating screen where the 3000 doesnt.

Which would you recommend for a begiiner?

Thanks

Paul

id read the ken rockwell site before you do anything....

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-camera...

go right to the bottom and look at his recommended cameras.... ur in for a suprise

he puts a d40 above most cameras even a d300.... and hes a Nikon nut......and uses a D40 all the time as cant warrant spending D300 money unless you do it for a living....

D40 still available just @ £280 or D90 which is newer is £619....

Dom

[cracked one off]

as above,had a D40 for 2 years for motor sport and general photography,also got a 50-200 vr lens of flee bay for £115,great pictures and very responsive.

[GetCarter]

V8Dom said:

id read the ken rockwell site before you do anything....

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-camera...

go right to the bottom and look at his recommended cameras.... ur in for a suprise

he puts a d40 above most cameras even a d300.... and hes a Nikon nut......and uses a D40 all the time as cant warrant spending D300 money unless you do it for a living....

Dom

I should point out that Ken Rockwell is from outer space (the really weird bit of outer space).