This post is for Nikon users who like to upgrade from entry level DSLR such as Nikon D40, D60 or event compact camera/superzoom camera users.
You might be confuse that there are so many Nikon dSLR camera in the market, there are Nikon D300, D90, and D5000. Their price are approx. US$1600, 950, and 750 body only. Which camera delivers the greatest value?
It is not easy, there are plus and minuses on each cameras. In general, if you are looking for image quality, they are almost identical despite the price tag. Testing labs like DXOmark (table below) confirms it. Veteran photographer/photoshop expert, Scott Kelby also said that Nikon D5000 has similar image quality compare to pricier Nikon D300. In fact, Kelby plans to sell his D300 after he uses D5000 in his family vacation to Tuscany.
Test from dxomark shows identical image quality
So why is Nikon D300 that expensive compare to Nikon D5000? There are many reasons, but here are some advantages of D300 compare to D90 and D5000:
- Fast continuous shooting: 6 fps and 8 fps (with battery grip)
- Weather sealed magnesium alloy body compare to plastic and steel body
- Better handling and control: many dedicated buttons and switches.
- 51 Auto focus points with enhance 3D tracking
From the list above, we can conclude that Nikon D300 is more suitable to photograph time-critical work, such as Sports, dance, photojournalistic assignments.
Nikon D90 and D300 also have advantages compare to the D5000:
- Compatibility with AF lens because both cameras has built-in AF in body. Because D5000 does not have this feature, it can’t auto focus when you mount it with older Nikon lenses.
- Creative Lighting System: D300 and D90 has this feature where you can adjust and trigger flash unit wirelessly (limited range and environmental condition). This is handy feature that can save you hundreds of dollar in the long run.
- 3″ hi-res LCD screen + top LCD screen compare to D5000’s 2.7″ lcd screen
If you feel above features are not something that you need, then you will be fine with D5000. In fact, D5000 also has some advantages compare to D90 and D300:
- D5000 has better AF in live view mode and movie recording
- Articulating/swivel LCD screen
- 19 scenes mode that is handy for beginners
- Ligthweight and compact
In conclusion,
Nikon D5000: Entry-intermediate camera for both experience and inexperience users. The articulating/swivel lcd and scene modes might be fun and handy to use.
Nikon D90: General purpose camera for experience users. For me, D90 provide great value for its price tag. If you are serious amateur or working pro, you might consider this.
Nikon D300: This is a camera for extreme environmental condition and time critical work. Unlike the other cameras, it does not have movie mode.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I disagree that the “articulating swivel lcd… …might be fun and handy to use.”
I won’t buy a camera without one. Do you really confine yourself to taking photos where you can look through a viewfinder or have a good angle on the back of the camera?
I guess every people have their own way on shooting. Although swivel lcd screen cameras are quite popular this year, I won’t trade it with a good bright viewfinder.
It is very different experience. Looking through viewfinder make you more focused in composing, You’re basically looking the exact image. On the contrary, looking at LCD is looking at interpreted images, it might not have the same brightness or color like the actual subject. Viewfinder will also work better in bright daylight or low light condition.
About the perspective, in low angle or high angle, swivel lcd has advantage, but i find myself only doing that less than 5% of the time. I use stairs, chairs, table, squat, laying on the floor when i feel it is necessary to get a good perspective.
Technology will keep evolving, and probably the lcd screen will be better than viewfinder one day.