DISCLAIMER: This is from a point of view of a NOOB. I've just been using the d5k for 2 months and I'm a first time dslr user. All info i'll be pointing out from the d90 is based from infos widely available, i have not really used a d90 extensively. The purpose of this top 10 is share to those undecided First time users who cannot decide between these 2 superb dslr from a noob d5k user's point of view. I have since made some correction to some inaccuracies i posted before and toned it down a bit, thanks to some of you for pointing out. I feel the need to post these as there are valid points to consider in my opinion.
1. IF you don't own and don't plan to buy lens that won't auto focus with d5k. I suggest do a thorough research on what lens suit you. This is the most important aspect to consider, you can ignore #2-10 but not this. If you ask me, I only see myself owning at most 3-4 lens in my life time as I don't see myself becoming a serious photographer. These are my planned gears: 1 portrait/prime lens, 1 fast mid range zoom, 1 fast long range zoom. With those type of lenses, I am sure I can find good nikkor/3rd party compatible for the d5k.
2. It has all the must have qualities from d90 that d40/d60 dont have. CMOS sensor, 12.3 megapixel, HD video, Bracketing, high ISO performance, high burst rate, 11 auto focus points, dust reduction, in camera editing tools, improved active d-lighting etc.. Image quality is just similar coz they're using the same processor and sensor. (EXPEED, 3d matrix metering, CMOS sensor)
3. The controls are simpler and not intimidating from a beginners point of view. No dedicated dial for shutter speed. If you are a first time user, then there is no problem getting used to this setup. I configured ISO in the fn button as shortcut because it's the setting I often change.
4. It's smaller and lighter. Big advantage when traveling or hiking.
5. It's cheaper. The price difference can already buy you a 35mm,a 2nd hand zoom lens, sb-400.
(Based from COMEX setup price):
http://www.bootstrike.com/itfairsg/...-D3000-D5000-D90-D300-flyer-brochure-leaflet/
6. It has a swivel screen. useful for low angle shots (ex. baby crawling shots), high angle shots (ex. concerts), candid shots (with the strap, just hold your cam waist level and tilt the screen to compose). It's most useful when taking videos. Video capability is way underrated. People say you buy a video cam for videos and slr are just for pictures. But capturing moments with pictures and videos using only one gadget is just way too convenient. But take note there is a limitation when you use it in a tripod because of the design of the swivel.
7. It's fun and not intimidating, it has additional 19 automatic scenes copied from point and shoots, can let your family and friends borrow and take some shots without explaining all the aperture setting stuff. It also has quiet mode, during quiet mode, just press and hold then release at your own pace. Good when taking pix at church or if you want to be discreet.
8. User Interface is just so user friendly with all the aperture graphic illustration, screen even rotates 90 degrees when you shoot in portrait mode.
9. If you don't plan to upgrade to FX then the d5k's built is good enough. Most FX lenses are heavy and big and it's better suited to a bigger body like the d90.
10. Interval shooting mode. For stop animation movies
These are the only real reasons I could think of why I would choose a d90 over d5000 if I'm a first time user..but..
1. If I plan to buy manual focus lenses...{not planning to}
2. If I feel that pentaprism viewfinder and a 3" LCD really makes a big difference...{2.7" pretty good}
3. If my hands are big or it feels uncomfortable with the d5k's ergonomics...{too big for me}
4. If I feel External battery grip, Commander mode, DOF preview, top lcd are a must have...{can live without them}
5. If I want dedicated controls...{no i don't want}
6. If I'm bothered by the d5000 service advisory...{just a bit bothered }
If those 6 reasons outweigh the 10 reasons, then d90 is for you..
if you want more detailed, in depth, technical comparison, here is a good link:
http://www.digitalreview.ca/content/Nikon-D5000-D90-Compared-to-Canon-Rebel-T1i-500D.shtml
1. IF you don't own and don't plan to buy lens that won't auto focus with d5k. I suggest do a thorough research on what lens suit you. This is the most important aspect to consider, you can ignore #2-10 but not this. If you ask me, I only see myself owning at most 3-4 lens in my life time as I don't see myself becoming a serious photographer. These are my planned gears: 1 portrait/prime lens, 1 fast mid range zoom, 1 fast long range zoom. With those type of lenses, I am sure I can find good nikkor/3rd party compatible for the d5k.
2. It has all the must have qualities from d90 that d40/d60 dont have. CMOS sensor, 12.3 megapixel, HD video, Bracketing, high ISO performance, high burst rate, 11 auto focus points, dust reduction, in camera editing tools, improved active d-lighting etc.. Image quality is just similar coz they're using the same processor and sensor. (EXPEED, 3d matrix metering, CMOS sensor)
3. The controls are simpler and not intimidating from a beginners point of view. No dedicated dial for shutter speed. If you are a first time user, then there is no problem getting used to this setup. I configured ISO in the fn button as shortcut because it's the setting I often change.
4. It's smaller and lighter. Big advantage when traveling or hiking.
5. It's cheaper. The price difference can already buy you a 35mm,a 2nd hand zoom lens, sb-400.
(Based from COMEX setup price):
http://www.bootstrike.com/itfairsg/...-D3000-D5000-D90-D300-flyer-brochure-leaflet/
6. It has a swivel screen. useful for low angle shots (ex. baby crawling shots), high angle shots (ex. concerts), candid shots (with the strap, just hold your cam waist level and tilt the screen to compose). It's most useful when taking videos. Video capability is way underrated. People say you buy a video cam for videos and slr are just for pictures. But capturing moments with pictures and videos using only one gadget is just way too convenient. But take note there is a limitation when you use it in a tripod because of the design of the swivel.
7. It's fun and not intimidating, it has additional 19 automatic scenes copied from point and shoots, can let your family and friends borrow and take some shots without explaining all the aperture setting stuff. It also has quiet mode, during quiet mode, just press and hold then release at your own pace. Good when taking pix at church or if you want to be discreet.
8. User Interface is just so user friendly with all the aperture graphic illustration, screen even rotates 90 degrees when you shoot in portrait mode.
9. If you don't plan to upgrade to FX then the d5k's built is good enough. Most FX lenses are heavy and big and it's better suited to a bigger body like the d90.
10. Interval shooting mode. For stop animation movies
These are the only real reasons I could think of why I would choose a d90 over d5000 if I'm a first time user..but..
1. If I plan to buy manual focus lenses...{not planning to}
2. If I feel that pentaprism viewfinder and a 3" LCD really makes a big difference...{2.7" pretty good}
3. If my hands are big or it feels uncomfortable with the d5k's ergonomics...{too big for me}
4. If I feel External battery grip, Commander mode, DOF preview, top lcd are a must have...{can live without them}
5. If I want dedicated controls...{no i don't want}
6. If I'm bothered by the d5000 service advisory...{just a bit bothered }
If those 6 reasons outweigh the 10 reasons, then d90 is for you..
if you want more detailed, in depth, technical comparison, here is a good link:
http://www.digitalreview.ca/content/Nikon-D5000-D90-Compared-to-Canon-Rebel-T1i-500D.shtml
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