Hey everyone, I have been lurking in this sub forum for awhile, and I have been trying to figure out my next step in camera gear. I currently shoot with a Sony DSC-H50, and have had that for the last 3-4 years. While it is a very nice camera, and is pretty capable, I am feeling that I have outgrown it. I just can't seem to get the crisp, noise less photos that I want. I only shoot in manual mode now, and have a good grasp on that. I am no pro in comparrision to some of you on the site, but I do fairly well. My main objects for shooting are race cars, still photos of cars, sunsets, and other landscapes. I need something that does well in low light, as well as broad daylight. I live in PHX, and it is BRIGHT out! I have been researching the two mentioned Nikon Cameras. I went to Best Buy to actually hold and look at these models, as well as the new Sony, and a couple Canon's. I was put off by something with the Canon's, I did not like the interface that much, or the button layouts compared to Sony and Nikon. I have been shooting with Sony for about 12 years now, and while I love them, I feel as though I should move on to a Nikon, or something possibly better than a Sony.

Can anyone help reccomend which camera I should get? The D5000 does have the higher frames per second, which should help with shooting race cars. It also have about twice the amount of pre-sets, which I am trying to get away from using, but perhaps they are really good. They have an actual setting for sunsets/sun rises. It is also I believe 2 mega pixels more. I know for shooting cars and landscapes I will need a larger lense as well, so that factors into the cost. II do have a budget cap, and the 3000 def fits better, but I dont want to cheap out. I want to buy something that will suit my needs, and I dont want to grow out of it. Is the 5000 really worth the extra $200? Thanks for your help!

 

might want to get one with internal motor in the body, just so you can still AF with lenses that aren't AF-S

 

honestly the D5000 is a good camera but if you're in that price bracket, you might as well spend a bit more on a D90. they have dropped in price so much and you would be much happier with it. The D3000 is a great camera as well for the money but the two don't really compare, either are solid choices for what they cost.

edit: i just noticed you said something you don't want to grow out of. definitely do the D90 if you can swing it. the D3000 and 5000 are both designed for newbies and the lack of AF motor will get tiresome

 

I was just checking some prices. D90 is def way more than I want to spend. The D5000 is my upper limit, and that will be a little bit of a stretch, but if its worth it over the D3000, than I could probably justify it. Hmmm.

 

also think about the lenses that you want to buy as some of the good, cheap ones (like the 50mm f1.8) aren't AF-S so won't autofocus. the additional cost of buying the AF version of the lenses you want (like the 50mm f1.4 instead of the 1.8) could be equal to the higher cost of the body.

again, the 5000 is a great camera and sorry if it sounds like i'm overly pushing the D90. just make sure the lack of AF motor will work for you and you'll definitely be happy with it. good luck with your decision

 

It makes sense that the cost of a good lense comes into play. What is the point in buying a cheaper camera, if you still have to upgrade to suit your needs. In this case, perhaps once everything is bought, then I could/would be at the same price as a D90.

I really did not consider or look in the AF aspects. I am new to the DSLR's. I have been reading through info on Nikon's site, and it never gets into AF motors. I see where it has a chart of compatible lenses, and some of them are AF-S. The 5000 comes with a AF-S lense. Can you explain the motor?

I would eventually want a telephoto and wide angle lense. All are listed as AF-S. So im sure if i bought the D5000, i would still buy another $400 worth of lenses.

 

Used D80 body for ~500$? Might wanna consider that.

 

when i was in the market, i wanted to upgrade from a d60 to a d90. i noticed that there were alot more lenses that would autofocus with the d90 than there were with the d60.... d90 = internal autofocusing motor, d60 = non-internal therefore the lens would have to have the 'silent wave motor' ... in my opinion, i had to spend more money to save more money, spend more on the camera body to save on the camera lens.

i've played with both the d3000 and d5000, and the d3000 was lacking quite a bit of functions that the d60 had. essentially the d3000 is a cheaper version of the d60 and the d5000 is the cheaper version of the d90.

keep in mind that the d90 shares the same sensor (if not identical) sensor to that of the d300 (which is nearly double the price of the d90) and the d5000 shares the same sensor (if not identical) to that of the d90 (which is not that much more than he d5000).

another choice, as mentioned above, is the d80... the predecessor to the d90. you'll get about 75% of the function of the d90 and the d80 can be had for 250-300, depending on where u shop. craigslist is a good venue to start off with and so are adorama and bhphoto.

in the end, i would go for the gusto and get a used d90 + 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 lens and get to clicking, if not, the d80 should be a good investment for a minimal amount.

 

If you are looking for catching some high speed objects, cars and sports, you would probably be better off with the D90 as Franchise is pushing. I have a D90 wit ha d80 as a back up and even then, after shooting with a d300 with the additional battery pack, the 8 FPS was pretty amazing. So not only consider the lens compatability but also the subject matter.

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/8006...tal_Camera.html

Is that a decent price? To me it seems like a good deal. Just honestly not sure if I want to buy something like this used. Thoughts? What lense would you guys reccomend for me? I will be shooting race cars, and landscapes/sunsets mostly right now. I think I need something with a large focal length.

AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED Lens (USA)? I could buy a refurbished D90 body for $689, and the 55-200mm lense for an additional $160 refurbished. I know I will still need a smaller focal length lense as well, but this could be a good way to get started on a budget.

Question though, with my current point and shoot, i have an effective focal length of 31-465mm. One thing I need for shooting cars is more "zoom" at the track. The 55-200mm is probably still not enough though. What would you reccomend? I am not a professional photographer, its just a hobby, so I can't go buying thousand dollar lenses.