This statement in the review:

"Like the baby Nikons, the D5000 doesn't have an autofocus motor built into the body but does gain a tilt-and-swivel LCD."

That limits the lenses that you can use.


Pass.


Check out the Canon 500D.

__________________
You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.

I will agree with gresch about the autofocus motor. If you still would want Nikon on an entry level price, I'd look at the D80. It's getting to be older, but is still very nice at an an affordable price.

As you saw from the review, the D5000 has all the essential characteristics of the D90 except for the in-body autofocus motor. What this means in Nikon terms is that you'd have to use the AF-S lenses ('S' stands for Silentwave motor) which have the autofocus motor built into the lens. MOST of the Nikon lenses are now AF-S. Many of the remaining AF (non AF-S) lenses are carry-overs from the film cameras and you wouldn't want to use those anyway.

At this point I would not consider the D60 or D80. The D5000's low light capabilities (like the D90), the EXPEED image processing system and CMOS sensor make this a better camera.

I suggest you go to a store and hold the D5000 and Canon in your hands. Its one thing to read specs, what you don;t see on paper is how comfortable (or not) the camera is in your hands. Its a personal thing... I like the feel and ergonomics of the Nikons over the Canons.

What lens is being offered with the D5000? The 18-105mm AF-S should suffice if you wanted one lens. They might want to sell you the 18-55mm AND the 55-200mm AF-S.

I don't think it has all the essential features of the D90. I am not so worried about the focus motor, but the screen resolution is way down on the D5000 (D90 has 3" 920,000 pixel vs 2.7" 230,000 pixel articulating), and there aren't two control dials so you will find yourself using the menus more. It may be fine for some, but that would be a nuisance to me. D5000 also doesn't get the pentaprism viewfinder, or the larger battery.

I wouldn't look at the D60 or D80. I looked at the D300 but it was too heavy for me. Incredible camera, but I wouldn't use it as much.

Leaving aside the Canon/Nikon debate, I would look seriously at the D90. The good news is that there are a lot of very good cameras out there to choose from right now.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue

I need to resurrect this thread...
My budget Konica-Minolta 5d bit the dust this past week; natch,
while the Granddaughter was here.

Everything works on it with the exception of a little item called lack
of shutter release. Some GOOG'ng of the problem
turned up pages on the same issue, and even the new Sonys
are afflicted, (Sony bought the KM brand, body, and "technology").

If it was a Sony, they replace the body or fix it...my KM is only
2 years old but the warranty is gonzo and they, and other joints,
want $200-$350 to fix it, lowballing I am sure. Thus, I am seriously
in the hunt for a new DSLR.

I have been pouring over reviews, side by side comparos on DP Review,
etc. My eyes are glazed and my brush cut hurts...

I am not tied to any lens system, as I was using my old Minolta and Sigma
film cam lenses on the K-M 5d body.

I want a very good body and a couple of lenses: 17/18-55 or so, and
a 35 or 55-135 med tele. I don't think the most pixels is the deal; I do
think the best CCD/imager is the deal. I shoot 95% AV or manual. Most
of the high ends have gizmos/settings of which 90% never get used by
even the pros, imo. I know photography. I've been shooting for 55 years.

I have a budget of $2Gs max, but would prefer less than that. I am not
looking for a great body with a 55mm kit lens and, get more lenses "later".
I want a very good body, couple of very good lenses, and I'm good to go.

I am EOS'd and Nikon'd to a pulp...I really don't have a fave at this point.

If you have seen any of my stuff, you know I do views, close-in, and
occasionally snap shot stuff. The opins earlier in this thread got me
pointed in the right direction, but the more I dig, the more I am conflicted.
I really don't have a source to go hold them in hands, as I am hours away
from any still standing "camera store".

Any and all opins are welcome, but save your fingers if you want to pitch
a rig that is more than $2Gs.
Thanks,
Ol'UncleMotor

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Well, might as well start off the Nikon/Canon debate. I like Nikon, and having said that, there are some very good Canon cameras out there as well.

At that budget, I would be looking at a D90, with one of the better kit lens, and a second lens. You can get a package with the D90, an 18-105 VR, and a 70-300 VR, for $1800 complete with chargers, memory cards, etc. Those aren't the lenses I would necessarily pick, I like my 18-70 and my 80-200 F2.8 ED, but the latter would blow the budget. Benefit of the D90 is the D300 sensor, and other features over the D5000 (as listed above in this thread).

Good luck whatever you choose, and as you know, it is the photographer more than the equipment.

__________________
2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue

D300 if not then the D90

colour capture, effective pixel range and the noise reduction is better in the Nikon then the Canon.

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“Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?”

i thought you might like this pic even though it`s on an old camcorder memory stick taken with a shaky hand

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Beautiful camera. I almost got one.

Which kills the D300 option. Best part of the D90 is, you get many of the features of the D300 without the cost or weight.

__________________
2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue