Good DSLR camera

[Geekgirl]

agree with the above. If they are refurbing YOUR camera, I'd say go for it. The refurb standards are much higher than for new build, and you will end up with a completely cleaned and calibrated unit. If they are replacing yours with a refurb unit, I would decline and wait for the exchange, since you wouldn't know exactly why it had been refurbished.

[kymidwife]

Thanks for the advice... I think they are *supposed to* be refurbishing mine and returning it to me. Message boards have indicated some dissatisfaction with the returned product... scratches/scuffs on the body, etc. I think it is a mental issue for me, that I just bought a brand new camera, and I would prefer that it be exchanged for a brand new non-buggy camera than "repaired" right out of the starting gate.

And to ask a further question, leaving the repair issue aside and focusing strictly on the 2 camera models... it was suggested to me that a D90 with the 18-105mm would be much more functional for me than the D5000 with 2 lenses. If I don't get the 70-300 zoom for the D90 right now, the cost difference will only be ~200 bucks on an exchange.

Opinions?

[Geekgirl]

check the reviews on the ISO performance for both cameras, then choose the better one. I think the 18-105 is a perfectly good lens, and certainly easier than swapping. For my money, I'd be all over the ISO, it's the main reason I really want to upgrade.

[kymidwife]

Most everything says the sensor is the same in both cameras. The ISO seems to compare favorably between the two in every review I've found. There are some sample shots here:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D ... ISO_NR.HTM

I don't know what to do... I think I want the D90, but I hate spending more money being such a photo newbie. The D5000 reviews are very good too. I liked how the D90 felt in my hands better, because the material of the body was just not as plastic, definitely more substantial... and the fit was maybe alittle nicer. But the D5000 feels nice too... and has that handy-dandy little swivel LCD screen.

Arrghhhh.

[entropyembrace]

Okay personally I would go for the D90 if I was in your situation...if the extra $200 won't hurt your finances. The sensor in the two cameras is exactly the same, it's also the same as the older, more expensive D300. The difference in the cameras is in the ergonomics, which you've already noticed, and some of the extra features like the D90 has a more advanced auto-focus system and better in camera image processing systems. Why the D90 is worth more is out of the 3 cameras using that sensor it has the best ergonomics, and most advanced firmware. It'll let you setup for your shots more quickly and easily and gives you the most options for processing your images in the camera...so you won't need to buy expensive photo editing software to adjust your photos.

You can always buy a tele zoom later 105mm is long enough for most things already.

[kymidwife]

Thanks all for your input. I'm leaning toward the D90 mostly because of the previously mentioned reasons... comfortable to hold, and seems more logical to have one nicer lens than 2 lesser ones. My one smidge of sadness is the adjustable LCD... very kewl for flexibility in shooting, especially really low or high shots. But also something else to break off in the future!

Sarah

[Geekgirl]

Once you get used to shooting by looking TTV (through the viewfinder) you will find you won't want to use the swivel screen anyways. Granted, it would be useful in rare situations, but it's not the same at all.

When I use my point and shoot, it seems like I spend 1/2 my time remembering that there's no viewfinder to look through!

[entropyembrace]

btw...about the lenses if you get Nikon's 18-200mm DX lens it will do everything that the two lenses you got with your D5000 can do in one little package...add in a fast prime like the 35mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.4 for low light shooting and you'll have all the glass you could want for a long time till you're ready to get into specialized lenses.

[kymidwife]

Yep, I looked at that 18-200 when I first started shopping... but to be honest, as a beginner, I'm not ready to put 800.00 into a lens for a hobby I haven't really explored much yet. I certainly would rather have had one lens instead of 2 for the convenience and versatility, but I saved over 600.00 by going the 2-lens route. There will still be a big price difference if I go to the D90 with the 18-105 too. I knew that if the hobby became a passion, I'd look back and regret not biting the bullet for the 18-200, but for now, my budget overrules my convenience.

Thanks also for the input on the swivel screen... I wondered if it was just a marketing ploy or something really useful and practical. That helps.

Sarah

[hooksie]

Now sure if you have made up your mind yet Sarah, but let me throw in some of my opinion as well.

You'll definitely enjoy the dedicated settings buttons on the D90. That's probably the main ergonomic feature I would like when using the D5K that the D90 has.

As a beginner I cant say I've ever been disappointed by the quality of the D5K sensor picture quality. I'm currently using the 60mm Nikkor micro lens on it and the picture quality is superb.

I myself have found the swivel screen to be useful, which is what pushed me in the direction of the D5K. Mainly for low to the ground shots, waist-level shots, and over-crowd shots. If you don't take these type of shots though, I see limited use to the swivel screen though.

I can imagine if it isn't breaking your budget, you would be quite happy getting a D90. From the advice I have heard, the D90 isn't overkill, and from beginner experience so far I would be inclined to agree.

Sorry for such late input, I've been on vacation, heh.

[kymidwife]

Decisions, decisions....