Nikon D5100 or D90?

choccyfan

To all you photographers out there - would you choose the D5100 or the D90? I want to surprise my husband for Christmas, he has a very old Nikon that is now passed its best (not working properly and not digital). He used to do a fair bit of phtography so he knows a lot more about cameras than me. I know it prob would be best for him to choose but I really really want to surprise him.

Any help or comments?

PS - he 100% wants a Nikon; at least I know I won't get that wrong!!

photodgm

What is most important, that you surprise him or he gets what he would most like? May not be the best of results if you surprise him with the 'wrong' one.

choccyfan

photodgm wrote: »

What is most important, that you surprise him or he gets what he would most like? May not be the best of results if you surprise him with the 'wrong' one.

Well I will check before purchase that I can change if unopened but would ideally like to get it right so we don't have to do this and surprising him is really important.
He would mainly be using it for pics of our children and prob some landscape and wildlife shots if he gets time - any thought swould be greatly appreciated.
To be honest I know he would be thrilled with either, so maybe 'wrong' is not the correct word for me to have used but if there is a 'better' one then I would like to get it.

chorlton

I would vote for the D90 - that's what I bought myself a couple of months ago after much consideration - The D90 is a low end enthusiast camera whereas the D5100 is a high end entry level camera - For an enthusiast/advanced photographer D90 has a couple of major advantages:

A built in autofocus motor which means it is more likely to autofocus with older lenses (you'd need to check compatibility with the specific lenses your husband has but D90 will autofocus with many nikon film lenses - older lenses definitely manual focus only D5100)

More accessible manual controls and a LCD screen on top so you can see settings at a glance and a bigger brighter viewfinder.

The 5100 would give slightly better low light performance and has better quality video but difference is not that great unless video is the most important thing - and if thats the case buy a video camera!

choccyfan

Thanks Chorlton - not bothered about video, all about the pictures. Very helpful points you have made.

photodgm

I would agree with most of the points made by Chorlton except perhaps image quality, I think the D90 was released in 2009 and the D5100 in 2011. I would have expected the sensor to have improved more than a little during that time.

daveyjp

If video is of no importance consider used nikon equipment. You will get a better camera for less money than a new basic model, the rate they depreciate is frightening. Keep the money saved to invest in an extra lens.

Johnmcl7

photodgm wrote: »

I would agree with most of the points made by Chorlton except perhaps image quality, I think the D90 was released in 2009 and the D5100 in 2011. I would have expected the sensor to have improved more than a little during that time.

That is correct, the 16MP Sony sensor the D5100 uses is a big step up on the older 12MP sensor the D90 uses as the 16MP sensor is a noticeable improvement particularly in low light where its high iso performance is impressive for an APS-C sensor.

I think it's a difficult choice as both cameras are quite different, the D90 offers better handling, AF motor, better viewfinder and a top LCD display all of which are useful particularly for someone familiar with cameras but the D5100 has the better sensor and flip out display (which can be handy at times when taking awkward shots). I don't know what I'd choose as I do a lot of shooting at high iso and also prefer to have a body with decent handling, I wouldn't want to choose a camera for anyone else as it can be quite personal.

John

choccyfan

Thanks everyone - where am I best looking for refurbished models? Any reputable sites you can recommend?

photodgm

choccyfan wrote: »

Thanks everyone - where am I best looking for refurbished models? Any reputable sites you can recommend?

I've used these for lenses but not camera bodies
http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/

As far as I know they are not refurbished but the condition reports seem fair.

Also used for lenses
http://www.lcegroup.co.uk/

I would agree about not wanting to choose a camera for someone else.

scotty1971

groupon has an offer for the d90,but i do not know if it is a good price or not


http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/national-deal/ask-direct/13785213?nlp=&CID=UK_CRM_1_0_0_334&a=1664