Nikon D5000

[YesDear]

All entry level cameras will have basically the same features. I and most on this board suggest you go to a camera store and play with the different brands you are considering. Figure out which ones feel good in your hand and the controls seem easy to get to.

I have been shooting Nikon's wow for almost 40 years now. I started when I was 2!!! I have always known that there was not anything I could not do or accomplish with the Nikon system. I guess that is one of the factors you need to consider is where you think you may want to go with this hobby. If you are sure you will never go past the vacation/ family event picture just about any camera will do. If you think you might see this as a hobby then I would recommend the Nikon or Canon. With those two you have 80-90% of the marketplace. In those two brands you will have the greatest choices in the level of expertise you want to go to. The most varied choice in brand name lenses and third party lenses.

The D5000 is a good beginner level camera. It does have the limitation that it does not have a focus motor in the body so there are some lenses that will not auto focus. I would recommend that you look for the kit and spend the extra money for the VR on the second lens.

I also recommend you get an SB600 flash when you can. I hate the little flash that is on all digital cameras.

I believe you will be happy with Nikon.

 

[weich1001]

Thank you. You have been very helpful with all the info. Both inputs have said that canon is an option which models are like the nikon d5000.

 

[ukcatfan]

Thank you. You have been very helpful with all the info. Both inputs have said that canon is an option which models are like the nikon d5000.

The similar Canon is the T1i, but the T2i is also out. Right now, the T2i is probably the best entry level model, but the price reflects that. The T1i should be similar in price to the D5000 and the features slightly exceed it. If I were buying brand new, I would still have my camera as #1 in my list, but the T1i and D5000 would be a close #2 and #3. I have a Pentax. There are also some really nice cameras from others such as Sony, Olympus, etc.

I have to disagree slightly with YesDear. I believe that if you are going to consider going pro then Nikon and Canon are your main options. I however believe that any brand can now satisfy a serious hobbyist. The past few years have seen many new lenses and accessories come out for them from the manufacturers and from third party companies like Sigma, Tamron, etc.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I have the D5000 and so far have been very happy with it. The biggest drawback to me is what's already been said, the motor not being in the body. However, it's still doable to go manual focus on the older lenses it you want to practice. Another drawback is that is seems like in my area, EVERYBODY else has a canon for whatever reason . It seems like finding a good deal on a Nikon lens for me is a little harder.

Honestly, Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax are all going to take very nice pictures. I'm with YesDear 110% in the fact that you should go to a store and handle the cameras yourself. You'll know which one you should have.

 

[BVC4us]

I've been debating about these two cameras and I thought who better to give me advice but my fellow DISers.

Right now I have the Nikon D40 which I absolutely love. I was thinking of getting a Nikon D5000 but then I came across an article on the Olympus E-P1. Now I know that the Olympus is not a SLR but supposedly it has SLR qualities, can take interchangeable lenses and the image quality is outstanding. So my dilemma is do I buy another SLR , even though my D40 has given me excellent pictures or do I buy the micro-third Olympus camera that has great image quality and it is much smaller to carry around when I go on vacation.
Just curious what you guys would do.

Thanks

 

[ukcatfan]

If you are fairly invested in the Nikon system, I cannot see why you would switch. I have seen some people considering one of these mirror-less cameras as a light more compact second camera. I do not see them as a DSLR replacement yet.

 

[Uncle Greg]

I'd have to question whether the step from D40 to D5000 is really worth it. IMO, you should either go up to at least a D90 or stay with the D40.

 

[ukcatfan]

I'd have to question whether the step from D40 to D5000 is really worth it. IMO, you should either go up to at least a D90 or stay with the D40.

While my experience is not exact, it is similar. I had a Pentax K100d, which is a little better than the D40, but from the same generation and I believe the same sensor. I stepped up to the K-x, which is very similar to the D5000. All I can say is WOW what an upgrade. The better high ISO, the general speed of the camera, the faster burst rate, etc. etc. So, I would say that going D40 to a D5000 is more of an upgrade than you are expecting.

 

[Joss&Brendan'sMommy]

Well, I just had a D40 for about....oh, I guess since it first came about (probably about 4 months after that). I *LOVED* it as a beginning photographer. When I found out that they were no longer making the D40, on Ken Rockwell's website, he recommended the D5000 as a good move to make if you are familiar with the D40. I purchased a refurbished model from Adorama.

For me, it's been "so far so good." I'm by no means an expert....I do think the quality is better, but we tortured the D40....it had been dropped numerous times, etc. Surprised the D40 lasted us almost 3 years I guess! The D5000 is great.

I don't know anything about the Olympus E-P1, so I can't offer an opinion about that camera.

Good luck with your choice

 

[Pea-n-Me]

In buying a PEN, you'd have to buy lenses and other accessories to go along with it.

In sticking with Nikon (either your D40 or the D5000), you already have lenses.

You'll have to decide exactly how important the size aspect is for you, and if it's really important, are you willing to invest in lenses in a whole other system?

It would be ideal for you if Nikon were to come up with their version of the mirrorless camera, which they probably will as the other brands all are, too. Maybe you could upgrade to your D5000 now, then when Nikon introduces theirs, you could pick up an adaptor and still be able to use all your Nikon lenses on the new mirrorless camera.

They are are still evolving, so it might behoove you to wait on the mirrorless for a while anyway.

I will be picking up a PEN at some point but I already use an Olympus dSLR.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

It sounds as if you've only read about the PEN and not seen or held one? If that is correct then you should definitely do that before you buy one.

Personally though if you really love the D40 and need to get a new camera I'd suggest staying with the Nikon for the reasons everyone has mentioned. Unless you try the PEN and fall in love with it. It's good to be happy with the equipment you are shooting with.

I'm going to take a look at the new Sony NEX as a more compact option but I already shoot with Sony DSLR so I can also use lenses I have.

 

[DVC Mike]

Personally, I'd go with the Nikon D5000.

 

[ssanders79]

I would stick with a Nikon dSLR if you invested any additional money into your D40 kit. There is a neat timeline that shows the various Nikon models at the bottom of the D40's Wikipedia page for quick comparison.

 

[MichelleB]

Can you tell me which is better and why? I want to be able to take good quality pictures, low light pics (such as concerts, sports events, etc.), and quick shots which little lag time in between. Which do you find to be the most user friendly? My DH has some old lenses that would work on the canon but they're all manual lenses and I am just learning so am not sure if that should sway me or not. I also want a lens that can do normal length shots and one that can zoom.....what is a good everyday lens that can do that?

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Honestly they're pretty close in comparison. Try heading out to a shop and hold both cameras to see which one feels better.

The Cannon lenses at home would sway me that way a little but not sell me 100% unless there were many of them.

I tried the T1i out, the D90, and the D5000 out. On paper I wanted the D90 but when I held them, the D5000 felt right.

 

[disneyboy2003]

Can you tell me which is better and why? I want to be able to take good quality pictures, low light pics (such as concerts, sports events, etc.), and quick shots which little lag time in between. Which do you find to be the most user friendly? My DH has some old lenses that would work on the canon but they're all manual lenses and I am just learning so am not sure if that should sway me or not. I also want a lens that can do normal length shots and one that can zoom.....what is a good everyday lens that can do that?

They're both pretty much similar, entry-level dSLR cameras. Both cameras can "take good quality pictures, low light pics (such as concerts, sports events, etc.), and quick shots which little lag time in between."

Asking which of these 2 cameras is better is like asking, "Which is better: Coke or Pepsi?"

Both cameras are going to be able to take the kinds of pictures you mentioned above.

Both cameras should already come with "kit" lens(es), which usually include a "normal length" lens and, for a little extra $, a telephoto lens.

I agree with NateNLogansDad. Head to your local camera store (or Best Buy) and hold these cameras in your hand yourself. See which one has a more "intuitive" menu and button layout, and which one just "feels" better in your hands.

 

[MichelleB]

Went to Costco (both weren't working there) and Best Buy yesterday to see both. I have to say I kept going back to the canon but am not sure exactly why. I liked some things about the nikon but had trouble figuring out all the menus. With the canon, I was able to figure it out fairly easily. I'm not the most technological person so figure that accounts for it. I do think the nikon has a faster turn around on picture speed and the tilt screen is kind of appealing. I just can't figure out why the canon seems to hold my attention more. I have been "price shopping" both all day and have found a good deal on the canon which puts it with the 18-55 and 55-250 lens at about $730 after tax and approx. $150 less than the nikon. I just want to make sure I'm making the wisest decision since for me, this is a lot of money.

 

[MissJanice]

Does anyone know if the Nikon uses Live Mode on any setting? I just got the Cannon t1i and it only uses lets Live Mode on the non-auto settings, which is a little irritating.

 

[VVFF]

Does anyone know if the Nikon uses Live Mode on any setting? I just got the Cannon t1i and it only uses lets Live Mode on the non-auto settings, which is a little irritating.

Use it in P mode...which is advisable anyway. P mode is "virtually" auto.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Either ukcatfan is slipping, or he's busy today but you should probably check out the Pentax K-x before you make your final decision. I don't know too much about it, but apparently you get a lot of bang for your buck with it. I think your husband would be able to use his lenses with it as well, but not absolutely sure.