2 months down and just shy of 1000 clicks. So far so good! I find myself progressing through settings more and more every time I go out..finding what works, what doesn't and becoming more familiar with menus. I don't regret getting the D5000 and I know eventually I might want to upgrade the body, but there is time for that. Still haven't decided on my next addition to lenses or accessories. I am kind of waiting for a new flash, but I am thinking more and more about the 60 f2.8 or 85 f3.5 macro lenses..possibly the 105 f2.8 if the funds allow. I was thinking it could double as a portrait lens?

The one thing I do sort of miss now is the in body autofocus motor. There are several older and less expensive lenses that I wish I could get, but I don't think there is too much harm in getting the newer af-s lenses...just have to save more funds for the most part.

Lastly I have to say the D5000 is probably enough for most people...especially those just entering the dSLR world. I blew up one picture already to a 20X30 and it looks great.

PB PM said:
Haha, it's easy to forget when you shoot manual a lot isn't it? I tend to use A mode a lot simply because of what I shoot, I couldn't change my shutter speed fast enough in M a lot of the time.

Lol, It's funny too because I actually broke the Aperture dial on my D90 last Octemberish from the constant scrolling. They need to make an option in the menu/firmware that allows the user to turn on skipping every 1, 2, or 4 other SS and f-stops so that your aren't beating the dial up every time the exposure or Idea changes. I'm sure you have heard my spheel about how A or S priority often don't do what I want (although I used it today)...

Here is an entry from Nikon site on D90, I have no way to test this but I believe Nikon knows his stuff:
* Compatible Non-CPU Lenses
The lenses listed above may only be used when the camera is in mode M. Selecting another mode disables the shutter release. Aperture must be adjusted manually via the lens aperture ring and the camera autofocus system, metering, electronic analog exposure display, depth of field preview, and i-TTL flash control can not be used.
So no way Hose, metering will not work and one could not trust everything one finds on Internet unless it is a really trustworthy site and not lousy sites like http://www.digitalreview.ca as I did, sorry.

Haha, it's easy to forget when you shoot manual a lot isn't it? I tend to use A mode a lot simply because of what I shoot, I couldn't change my shutter speed fast enough in M a lot of the time.

Actually you are are right PB PM. I have more Cpu lenses than I think, and the meter doesn't work with the Ai lenses. My goof. Now that I think about it, I don't really use the meter in my D90 anyway (It's all in my head) which is probably why I had that sloppy inaccurate observation.

You must have a special D90 then, either that or the one I owned was messed up. You can control the shutter speed in the body, but you have to do stop down metering.

My D90 meters with my non-CPU lenses fine on M (which as you probably know I exclusively shoot in it).

mb said:
• D90 supports non CPU lenses in [A] or [M] mode with Matrix Metering; D5000 can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function.

Wrong, the D90 does not meter non-CPU lenses, but thanks for playing. The D5000 and D3000 have the viewfinder grid.

Good for you tcole. Enjoy your new D5000.

Camera came today. It had 5 actuations on it and looks brand new. I haven't had a chance to take it outside yet since there are thunderstorms and it is pouring down rain, but maybe tomorrow.

Short D90 vs. D5000 specs:
• D90 has 3.0-inch 920,000 LCD monitor; D5000 2.7-inch 230,000
• D90 has shooting speed of 4.5 fps; D5000 4.0 fps
• D90 has illuminated top LCD; D5000 tilt–able LCD
• D90 has 94% pentaprism glass viewfinder, grid; D5000 Pentamirror 78%, no grid
• D90 has two command dials; D5000 one front command
• D90 has dedicated buttons for adjusting metering, exposure compensation, info and auto focus, D5000 dedicated buttons for exposure compensation and info
• D90 supports non CPU lenses in [A] or [M] mode with Matrix Metering; D5000 can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function.
• D90 has built-in AF motor for older D lenses
• D90 has wireless lighting supported with built-in flash acting as "commander"
• D90 has auto FP High-Speed Sync with compatible external Nikon speedlights, repeating flash and modeling
• D90 has dedicated bracketing button on side of camera to activate
• D90 has DOF button
• D90 has MB-D80 vertical grip option
• D90 Fn button has more functions
All in all I prefer D90 for more and better controls and build quality, but I do like D5000 LCD movable screen though I prefer D90 LCD quality and resolution. Viewfinder is much better on D90 and for that reason alone I would get D90.
On the other hand if you can wait 4 to 6 months for D90 replacement it will most likely have tilt-able LCD screen with better IQ then current D90.

From somebody who has the 5000, Jonny nails it above. I find the lack of a second command wheel a real pain for the same reasons he is saying. As for the size, I think it is easily possible to have a camera that is too small. If you are young, dexterous and use auto ranges and aperture or shutter priority, the D5000 is excellent.

If you want to cut a deal with me, I have a 500 click D5000 that I will sell you.....

For what it's worth, in Thom Hogan's review of the D5000 he concludes by saying that he likes his slightly better than his D90.

It seems the most frequently-discussed topic in this forum seems to be the D90 vs. D5000 debate. I've been wanting to make the switch from P&S myself, and just pulled the trigger. Not that anyone probably cares, but I'm excited about my purchase and am going to tell you about it anyway. :)

I've been researching both for the past couple of months. On paper, the D90 obviously has more features, but since I'm just getting into SLR photography, I don't see myself needing the commander mode for a few years, and I'll probably be itching for the D99 by then. The different white balance adjustment chart thing on the D5000 is weird and honestly a bigger cause of concern, but hopefully I can get the hang of it after a while.

I think the best advice I had read on these forums in the debates is to try them out in the store with the same lens. The D5000 felt lighter and more comfortable in my hands. Since I'm getting a kit, I will miss the greater range of the lens on the D90, but my first lens purchase will probably be the 55-200mm that's out there.

I considered both the D90 and D5000 and ended up going with the D5000 after playing with them in a store. The D5000 felt lighter, and B&H has a fantastic refurb deal going on right now for a $515 kit that fits my budget perfectly. I can't wait to receive it!

I cannot recall exactly, but I remember them being very similar in terms of weight. The ergonomics are noticeably different, without a doubt. I've used a D80/D90/D50, which almost feel the same, but only held the D5000 for a few minutes at Best Buy, so I might not be the best judge of the difference.

I find that the size of the D5000 is rather uncomfortable whereas the D90 fits nicely into my big hands. If you are referring to the control layout, I agree with you (for the most part)

With the grip sure, the D300 is heavier with the grip too. Without it, handling of the D90 is about the same, to me from when I picked the D5000 up in a store.

PB PM said:
The D5000 is only 100g less than the D90, hardly "low weight."

But its size and handling make the weight feel much lighter than the D90. especially for a D90 with a grip, like mine.

I need to think before I post. I would also have a hard time without the AF screw with my current lenses.

The D5000 is only 100g less than the D90, hardly "low weight." But I agree that the D5000 is more amaeurish.

The D5000 is more of a consumer, amateur, and fun camera which is better for most of it's buyers. The D90 is a low budget workhorse and shoots like one. While consumers love the light weight of the d5000 as opposed to the D90, many Pros on a budget like the weight of the the D90 over the D5000 because it handles better with large lenses and is easier to hold steady at low SS. Same with the grip. Many Pros (like me and my colleges as stated earlier) much prefer changing the Aperture and SS at the same time (on manual) than a flip screen which has no value for the job, while Hobbyists, consumers, amateurs, and Semi Pros don't manually finetune the shot to the point other pros and hobbyists do and would much rather use the flipscreen for those "over the crowd" shots. In fact although compatible with all F lenses the D90 does better with pro lenses and the D5000 with consumer lenses, in terms of size handling and features. Try using your 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII with a flipscreen on a D5000... and NO tripod!

I also am with Johnnyapple on those Dials...

I would have trouble without two command dials because I like to shoot in manual exposure all the time, but if I spent most of my time in A or P, I'm sure I would love the D5000.

I have no data to back me up, but I have the feeling (anecdotal) that the D5000 is slowly edging out the D90 in popularity. The swivel screen seems to be popular, although I rarely use mine except in the tucked in (normal) position. Its picture quality is the same as the D90, having the same sensor. With more and more people buying compatible AF lenses, the lack of in-camera AF isn't much of an issue. People are realizing that the D5000 isn't just a jumped up D40 or D60. I've had occasion to talk to people who have the D300 or D700 and they are all impressed with the D5000. It would be interesting to see Nikon data on sales tends for the two cameras (D90 vs D5000 that is). They are both excellent

Well after looking around more I found what seemed like a pretty good deal on B&H. Got a refurbished D5000 body, appears to be refurbished 18-55mm kit lens (will probably sell it), 8GB memory card and Lowepro Nova 170 AW camera bag.

It was $574 with shipping, but I figure I might be able to sell the lens for about $100 and then I will only be out $460 or so...basically get the camera bag and memory card free.

The D5000 is a great choice, it is just that my shooting style requires speed and flexibility which is why the extra dial is much more practical for me (and I only shoot manual because none of the other settings do what I want). But then again everyone's shooting styles are different and you should go with the one you are more comfortable with. For the record the sub command dial, camera size and weight, lcd size, menu setup, and Af compatibility are what turned me off at the D5000...