Hi everyone. I am very much confused over D5100 and D90. I am new to the dslr world, was using a bridge camera (Fujifilm S3300) till now. My investment is for 5 years min, and my budget restricts me to these two. The things that concerns me with D5100 is the viewfinder pentamirror size and magnification, lack of af motor. Are these genuine reason to be concerned about ?. Which one should I go for ?. Please help me out ...
D5100 or D90 ?
(17 posts) (10 voices)-
Posted 1 year ago #
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The D5100's sensor is a generation newer than the D90, so I'd probably get that if those are your options (though a D7000 would be better--same sensor as the D5100 with the higher end features and solid construction of the D90).
The lack of an AF motor is only an issue if you already have lenses without a built in motor. If you're just starting to collect lenses though, you might as well only buy the newer ones labeled AF-S. Those will autofocus just fine on a D5100, and will do it much more quickly and quietly than the old style lenses. Yes, the old screw-style AF lenses may be cheaper now, but to me, the speed that comes with the AF-S focussing system is worth it.
I also somewhat doubt you'll ever notice the viewfinder magnification or care about the pentamirror size, but you may be more discerning than I am.
You'll get great pictures with either camera, but for a beginner, I'd definitely recommend the D5100. Not only is the sensor a generation more advanced, but it has more "hand holding" settings (for example, the scene modes), that make it easier to get good shots even if you don't understand aperture, metering and all the other technical considerations of photography.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Well lets see...as far as an investment. The D90 is already outdated and will be 2 generations behind here shortly. Although it does have some features that the D5100 doesn't such as the in body screw motor for the AF lenses, flash commander modes and additional buttons for more easy adjustment of ISO and stuff, but it is now behind in technology and sensor performance. For the length you want your investment to last...which it will last 5+ years, the D90 is already outdated (although it is still capable) and the D5100 will be out of date within a couple of years. I wouldn't look at your camera body as an "investment" as they are rapidly changing...if you want a better investment buy some nice lenses. I got my D5000 in 2010 and there is likely to be an D5200 out this year...meaning I will be 2 generations behind.
As far as your budget I don't know if a dSLR is for you then. Not to say they are a money pit, but depending on what you want, what you expect, and how you plan to grow with using it they can cost way more money than you ever thought. Add a flash, tripod, bag, backup battery, and a couple lenses and you easily could spend several thousand dollars. Not to discourage you, but to be realistic.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I personally would go for the D90 namely for the more pro controls and the higher tolerance to abuse... However you may regret that due to what others have been saying around here (namely the sensor) also the video is pretty rudimentary on the D90. Instead of either how about a refurbished D7000 ($900-$1000ish) it will definitely last you 5 years and will have the best of both worlds.
As to 5 years I don't know of any camera that won't 5 years (although I haven't tested either 2). Both my D90 and D200 still get extensive use and my D90 is around 4yrs old from purchase. I know people still happy with their archaic D70's...
Posted 1 year ago # -
Hi guys. Thanks for the replies. Will it be wise enough to wait for the announcements of new dslrs this year ?.
Posted 1 year ago # -
gethinshaji said:
Hi guys. Thanks for the replies. Will it be wise enough to wait for the announcements of new dslrs this year ?.Do you need a camera now?
It's always wise to get the best you can, but if you're missing opportunities because you don't have a camera, it's not worth the wait.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Yup, you are right :), I have missed lot of opportunities. I have decided to get one. Mostly D5100 :).
Posted 1 year ago # -
Probably a good choice. I love my D5000 still. It is one my desk right now.
Posted 1 year ago # -
FWIW, I love my D5100. Purchased a Demo package through Cameta Camera. No regrets thus far.
Posted 1 year ago # -
B & H has several used or refurbished D5100s with various lenses, from the $500 to $800 range. This may allow an extra lens or the kits they have with two lenses cover a lot of ground...
Posted 1 year ago # -
Walmart Online has the D5100 with the 18-55 lens for $699.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Hi guys :)... Got D5100 :)... Got a query ... When i release the shutter release button i can hear a small "tuck" sound after some 2 to 3 seconds, (not the usual mirror movement sound)... I don't know what it is ... Should I be concerned about it ... Or is it usual ... Help me out ...
Posted 1 year ago # -
Most likely the aperture blades or VR shutting off.
Posted 1 year ago # -
What is a "tuck" sound? Does the camera work properly? Is there a reference in the manual to this? Does it correlate to the information readout disappearing at the same time? Is there any change when viewing through the camera when this occurs?
Is this a soft sound or sharp? Muffled? Snapping? Scrapping?
Most likely, if the camera functions the way it should and the controls all work, the images are consistent with your settings, the sound is nothing to worry about.
OK, try this.... or see if this is what is happening. On my D4 w' 16-35mm f/4 VR, I press the shutter release half way, the lens starts humming as it focuses, and the VR is working, then a second or so after I release the button it makes a slightly louder muffled click and is silent. I believe this is the mechanical stuff simply shutting down. I had to put my ear up to the camera body to hear this, however.
Good luck, and thanks....never knew the thing made so much noise....
Posted 1 year ago # -
Yes, I would guess VR turning off. Try switching off the VR on the lens and see if it disappears. Then switch the VR back on.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Hai guys :)... Its the VR ... Thanks :)...
Posted 1 year ago # -
I think you'll be happy with it, gethinshaji. Share some photos on the photo-a-day thread if you feel so inclined. Good luck!
Posted 1 year ago #
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