Nikon D80 or D5000?
Discussion
I have £300 to spend on a DSLR. I've owned numerous in the past (mostly Olympus but I've also had a Canon 450d and did have a Nikon D50 too).
I've set my sights on a Nikon as I like they way they work. Had a few Nikon Film SLRs in the past and as above, a D50 too. Liked them all very much.
I originally had made my mind up on a D5000. All reviews compared it to the D90 and it seemed excellent value but this morning Ive seen that D80s are within my budget. I've always wanted a D80 and in my mind, it's the one to go for but comparing spec for spec, the D5000 is a superior, newer camera.
The D5000 does have it's flaws though. Lack of AF motor for one, plus it seems very menu based, which, for someone who likes to use the camera rather than just relying on auto, will get annoying. The D5000 also has a number of features I would never use too. Video, for one, will probably be played with for a few mins, then never used again. The swivel screen will never get used as I'm a viewfinder shooter.
So, do I go for the photographer focused D80 or the higher spec and slightly newer D5000? Will I really see a great deal of difference in the quality of images between the 2?
I've set my sights on a Nikon as I like they way they work. Had a few Nikon Film SLRs in the past and as above, a D50 too. Liked them all very much.
I originally had made my mind up on a D5000. All reviews compared it to the D90 and it seemed excellent value but this morning Ive seen that D80s are within my budget. I've always wanted a D80 and in my mind, it's the one to go for but comparing spec for spec, the D5000 is a superior, newer camera.
The D5000 does have it's flaws though. Lack of AF motor for one, plus it seems very menu based, which, for someone who likes to use the camera rather than just relying on auto, will get annoying. The D5000 also has a number of features I would never use too. Video, for one, will probably be played with for a few mins, then never used again. The swivel screen will never get used as I'm a viewfinder shooter.
So, do I go for the photographer focused D80 or the higher spec and slightly newer D5000? Will I really see a great deal of difference in the quality of images between the 2?
Edited by MysteryLemon on Thursday 1st November 10:36
MysteryLemon said:
Will I really see a great deal of difference in the quality of images between the 2?
Only at high ISO. The D80 is going to struggle at anything above about 800, the D5000 can produce usable stuff at 3200. Other than that, D80 all the way if you ask me. I'm guessing your budget is about £200? Have you considered a D200? I'd take that over either of the other two.Budget is £300 really.
High Iso isn't so much of an issue although obviously I would prefer better quality if needed.
I think my heart is set on the D80 (always wanted one) but my head is saying the D5000, but thats just based on specs alone, some of which will make no difference to me.
High Iso isn't so much of an issue although obviously I would prefer better quality if needed.
I think my heart is set on the D80 (always wanted one) but my head is saying the D5000, but thats just based on specs alone, some of which will make no difference to me.
MysteryLemon said:
Budget is £300 really.
High Iso isn't so much of an issue although obviously I would prefer better quality if needed.
I think my heart is set on the D80 (always wanted one) but my head is saying the D5000, but thats just based on specs alone, some of which will make no difference to me.
With £300, you could buy a D90. D5000 sensor in updated D80 body. Have your cake and eat it. High Iso isn't so much of an issue although obviously I would prefer better quality if needed.
I think my heart is set on the D80 (always wanted one) but my head is saying the D5000, but thats just based on specs alone, some of which will make no difference to me.
MysteryLemon said:
D90 - Body only, maybe, but not with a lens, which I don't already have.
Although seriously, point me at a d90 with lens for £300 and I will buy it now.
Ah, hadn't seen mention of a lens. What lens do you have in mind?Although seriously, point me at a d90 with lens for £300 and I will buy it now.
Edited by MysteryLemon on Thursday 1st November 11:03
MysteryLemon said:
Just looking at the kit lenses for the time being (although probably looking into a Nikkor 18-200mm at some point as a general use lens).
d5000 is the standard 18-55mm, d80 is 18-70mm I believe.
Have a trawl through MPB's site. Loads of used examples of both lenses and cameras that you're considering. FWIW I would go with the 18-70 kit lens regardless of which camera you opt for.d5000 is the standard 18-55mm, d80 is 18-70mm I believe.
I managed to pick up a D80 for 150 quid and paid 30 for a 28-100. I'd only had Sony previously and I ended up loving the D80. Now I use it more than my old trusty A230. I have been aspiring for a D90 s bit now though but decided to wait out and up my budget for a A77 but Video recording is important to me and the D90 doesn't do it very well.
MixxyMatosis said:
I managed to pick up a D80 for 150 quid and paid 30 for a 28-100. I'd only had Sony previously and I ended up loving the D80. Now I use it more than my old trusty A230. I have been aspiring for a D90 s bit now though but decided to wait out and up my budget for a A77 but Video recording is important to me and the D90 doesn't do it very well.
Yeah I've seen them well within my budget. One place I've seen though is offering the d80, 18-70mm lens, boxed with everything original and a 12 month warrenty. Its at the higher end of my budget though but the warrenty is useful considering its potentialy a 6 year old camera now!Thanks for the replies, went for the D5000 and have put an order on an 18-135mm to replace the 18-55mm it comes with.
As much as I still have second thoights about the D80, the fact it is a 6 year old camera puts me off. Still a great camera yes, but the D90 sensor in the D5000 has swung it for me. Thinking back to last Feb, shooting start trails and being disapointed by the noise in the images from my Olympus DSLR, I thought it be best to go for the one with better low light performance as I will be shooting in low light from time to time.
Anyone wanna buy a 18-55mm lens?
As much as I still have second thoights about the D80, the fact it is a 6 year old camera puts me off. Still a great camera yes, but the D90 sensor in the D5000 has swung it for me. Thinking back to last Feb, shooting start trails and being disapointed by the noise in the images from my Olympus DSLR, I thought it be best to go for the one with better low light performance as I will be shooting in low light from time to time.
Anyone wanna buy a 18-55mm lens?
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