Nikon D5000

[disneygirl_wdw]

I have recently been given a gift card to purchase a camera. I have narrowed it down to the two. I wish I could get the D300, but they don't sell it. Anyway, I have had a point and shoot for awhile and have been looking to upgrade. I have used the D300 before and I did like that. I am trying to figure out which one to get. I am hoping the gps feature on the D5000 will be of use later down my career path, but it's not for certain I will be able to make use of it. My field of study is GIS and I would love to do animal tracking using gps, I just don't know how likely that is to happen. Any recommendations?

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

I was actually torn between the two of them until I read reviews from other manufacturers entry level cameras...

 

[ukcatfan]

If those were the only two, I would go with the Nikon. It is more comparable to the T1i from Canon. I would personally go with something else, but that might not be in your cards.

Where in KY are you from? I grew up in Ashland, went to UK, then moved to Louisville. Now I live in Florida though. Less than three hours from WDW!!!

 

[VVFF]

As has been said, the T1i compares better with the D5000 than the XSi does.

 

[disneygirl_wdw]

I'm from Louisville. I really want to move to FL but my husband will not move any further south. I'm just sick of all the snow we've been getting this year with more to come.

The gift card that I got is only good at 1 store which doesn't have a good camera selection at all. It's basically the Canon XS, XSi, Nikon D40, or D5000 in my price range. I would consider the T1i if they had it.

 

[VVFF]

I'm from Louisville. I really want to move to FL but my husband will not move any further south. I'm just sick of all the snow we've been getting this year with more to come.

The gift card that I got is only good at 1 store which doesn't have a good camera selection at all. It's basically the Canon XS, XSi, Nikon D40, or D5000 in my price range. I would consider the T1i if they had it.

The D5000 is the best camera out of those listed. However, they are all capable of taking very good pictures. The XSi and D5000 are very good, the D40 and XS are a bit long in the tooth by today's standards(especially the d40).

 

[boBQuincy]

Wow, at last an easy question, Xsi!
Or D5000...it's good too.

Don't feel too bad if you have to get a Xsi. Although the D5000 is a closer match to the T1i in many specs there are some reviews that show the Xsi has better image quality under many conditions than the T1i.

 

[ukcatfan]

I'm from Louisville. I really want to move to FL but my husband will not move any further south. I'm just sick of all the snow we've been getting this year with more to come.

The gift card that I got is only good at 1 store which doesn't have a good camera selection at all. It's basically the Canon XS, XSi, Nikon D40, or D5000 in my price range. I would consider the T1i if they had it.

Of those, I would go with the D5000. Have you asked if you can special order from them to see if that opens your options? The D5000 is not a bad camera though.

I really liked Louisville. If we were to ever go back, that is probably where we would go. That is where my wife's family lives. She was up there for a week until last Tuesday and got a taste of the snow.

 

[DVC Mike]

I love my Nikon D5000...

 

[mkel34]

I love my Nikon D5000...

Me too... When torn between the two the camera salesmen pointed out that a major flaw with the Canon's was the position of the light sensor which can be easily blocked by one's right hand when shooting.

 

[ukcatfan]

Me too... When torn between the two the camera salesmen pointed out that a major flaw with the Canon's was the position of the light sensor which can be easily blocked by one's right hand when shooting.

??? That does not make any sense. I believe he either didn't know what he was talking about or he was selling you a line. The only sensor on the outside would be the remote sensor, which would not be used when you hold it.

 

[bob100]

Me too... When torn between the two the camera salesmen pointed out that a major flaw with the Canon's was the position of the light sensor which can be easily blocked by one's right hand when shooting.

??
agreed - that makes no sense !

here's a review that compares the Canon T1i (500D) and Nikon D5000
http://www.popphoto.com/Features/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T1i-vs.-Nikon-D5000

but I would seriously consider the new Canon T2i (550D)

18 megapixels
Full 1080p HD Video
63-zone metering
3-inch LCD display with 1.04 million pixels
ISO range of 100 - 6400, expandable to 12,800

 

[disneygirl_wdw]

Thanks for all your help. I decided to go with the D5000. I ended up getting a good deal on it too. It was previously sold without a lens then overnight they added a lens to it, which saves me from buying one since everywhere else it came with a lens. I was also able to price match it so I saved $300 as well. I am just hoping it come in time for my trip. I leave the 3rd and it's supposed to arrive the 1st.

 

[house of the mouse]

Just wanted to say thanks for posting this thread. I have been back and fourth on these two camera's for a while. Still trying to decide but feel a little more informed. We will be down on3/3 to visit the world. I was hoping to have it by then but I couldn't decide. Have fun on your trip and with the camera!!

 

[DVC Mike]

I'm looking for a good UWA lens for my Nikon D5000. I was thinking of picking up the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8, but since it doesn't have an integrated auto-focus motor, I'm thinking it's probably not the best choice for my D5000.

The Nikon lenses are pretty expensive, so they're out of my price range. That leaves either the Sigma or Tamron.

• Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED AF-S DX ($810)
• Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX ($1,000)
• Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X 116 Pro DX ($600)
• Tamron SP AF 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 DI II ($650)
• Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6D EX DC HSM ($480)

Thoughts? Recommendations?

I already have the Nikon 18-55mm, 55-200mm, and the 35mm f/1.8.

 

[WDWFigment]

Manual focus on a UWA is actually pretty easy. I would consider the Tokina or perhaps wait and see how the newly announced Sigma 8-16 performs.

 

[donaldduck1967]

Is there a reason you left off the Tokina 12-24 f/4? The new one will auto focus on the d5000.

 

[SamSam]

I have been reading this board the past month, and asked a few question about DSLR. I had been to a store where the had the Canon T1i that I could handle, was wanting to find a store with the Pentax (hadn't found one yet).
Well today DH and I were in a Wolfe's Camera store in KC and started looking at the Nikon D5000, long story short we ended up getting it with the 18-55 lens and the 55-200mm lens for $750.00.

I usually take way more time making a decision, and am already beginning to wonder if this was the right decision. I think between the saleman and DH, I let myself get talked into making a decision on the spot. I can return it within 10 days, no questions asked, so I've got some time to think it over.

So, please those of you that are familiar with it, tell me why I will love it.

Thanks for all and any input.

 

[YesDear]

I think you will enjoy the camera. I shoot Nikon and have for over 30 yrs. I have one question, however? Is the 55-2oo with or without vr. If it does not ask what it would be with vr.

Vr is vibration reduction. It helps you hold the lens at slower shutter speeds. For someone just starting out, I believe it would help.

Congrats on the new addition to the family. The best thing you can do is use it!

 

[VVFF]

biggest thing is that its the right size for you and comfortable to hold. Other differences between manufacturers are fairly minor.