Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D90

[d3mckinl]

I too went with the D90 this summer. The bigger and more solid build than the 3100 and 5100 was a large factor. The in-body focus motor giving more possibilities of lens choices for the future was a plus too. I looked at the 7000 and it seemed closer to the 90 than the 5100 but the price was just outside my budget. I have no regrets with the D90 It is allowing me to get away from just snapshots and explore photography with out hardware limitations. The point that pushed me to the D90 most of all was the ergonomics. Hold the camera play with the buttons. If you have to look where the buttons are you aren't looking at your picture. The camera needs to feel right in your hands.

 

[Anne34]

I too went with the D90 this summer. The bigger and more solid build than the 3100 and 5100 was a large factor. The in-body focus motor giving more possibilities of lens choices for the future was a plus too. I looked at the 7000 and it seemed closer to the 90 than the 5100 but the price was just outside my budget. I have no regrets with the D90 It is allowing me to get away from just snapshots and explore photography with out hardware limitations. The point that pushed me to the D90 most of all was the ergonomics. Hold the camera play with the buttons. If you have to look where the buttons are you aren't looking at your picture. The camera needs to feel right in your hands.

Thanks for all the info -- went to two different Ritz camera stores and neither had the d7000 in stock. They said they fly out the door as soon as they come in. I did try the D90 and it is very comparable in size/weight to my d70, but with nicer pictures. I also tried the d5100 and it had crisp, clear pictures also, but I would need new lenses or have to manually focus everything (which doesn't work in a soccer game!)

I'm leaning toward the D7000 because the body only is only $200 more than the d90 ($899 to 1099). I can use my current lenses with both. decisions, decisions!

 

[LordAthens]

Definitely go for the D7000. $200 is nothing compared to the "extras" that you get with the D7000. The weather sealing (I've used mine in the pouring rain), FAR superior sensor and the AF are well worth it alone. 1080p is a nice little bonus as is the extra resolution, etc etc.

I FAR FAR FAR prefer the UI on my D7000 to any of my prior Nikon bodies. The "U1" and "U2" custom user presets are AWESOME.