Choosing between Nikon D5100 and D90.. Any help greatly appreciated!

Ergonomically, D90 is way better. However, as you might've already read, D5100 inherits the Sony-made sensor of D7000, which is arguably the best sensor in DX-format. However, no direct access to ISO and absence of second commander-dial can be a deal-breaker for some. If it isn't so for you, get the D5100. You won't be disappointed.

If you like the idea of a newer sensor, menu diving and crippled flash go for the D5100. If you can 'tolerate' an older sensor and more direct control over the camera and a more fully featured flash system go for the D90.

Or you could buy a really nice, low usage but secondhand D300. There's a nice one here for under £400:

http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk/products/secondhand.php?cat1=4&pg=1

David

For Nikon D90:

Built in autofocus motor- more autofocus lens support

Top LED

Better ergonomics

Flash can be used in Commander Mode

FP flash sync speed as high as 1/4000s (D5100 can used at 1/200s or slower)

For Nikon D5100:

Better Sensor

Better Low-light performance

Creative Modes (special effects)

Better video

Truthfully, D5100 is aimed at amateurs, whereas D90 is more comparable to D7000.

If you like taking pictures (in other words, you like the camera in your hand, you appreciate its utility, you like that part of the experience), then get the D90.  It is a better piece of equipment.

If you like creating images (in other words, you like post-processing, you like enlarging/cropping, you like manipulating the final image), then get the D5100.  It is 'better' technology, with more pixels and dynamic range.

Easy--right?

Hands down going away, you want the D90.

The D5100 has a better sensor...  but from ISO 200 to ISO 6400 they are within 1/3rd of an fstop of each other.  The D5100 is better at ISO 100, and the D90 only goes to ISO 6400 while the D5100 (for whatever it is worth) can go above that.  In the end you lose a little capability at ISO 100 (about 1 stop of dyanmic range) and that's it.

The D90 on the other hand has, as you are aware, a lot of features that an entry level camera doesn't.  But the biggest difference for someone on a tight photo budget is the built in AF focusing motor that allows the D90 to use older (much less expensive) AF-D lenses.

If you want a really good set of optics for the D5100, the only way is the newer and more expensive AF-S lenses.  And example is the 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom.  There are several variations.  The oldest, an 80-200mm f/2.8D with a push/pull zoom ring will cost about $600 used.  The better two ring version is about $800.  The original 70-200mm f/2.8 AFS VR runs about $1200 plus used, the new 70-200mm f/4 is $1300 plus, and the 70-200mm f/2.8 AFS VRII is hundreds more.

In addition, some day you may want a 50mm f/1.8 AFD ($100), or something like an 85mm f/1.4 or the 105 or 135mm f/2 DC lenses.  The AF-S equivalents are much more expensive.  (All prices US dollars relative to current sales on eBay and are a good indication but of course won't be specific to your location either.)

It's wrong to assume that AF-D lens are incompatible with the D5100. But the auto-focus won't work with the D5100.

It's not wrong at all. An AF lens that does not AF on the target body? Sheesh!

True. Nikon seems to cripple its low-end slrs like D3100, D3200, D5100 and even D5200 on this front. No in-body autofocus means you have to get rid of older lenses if you want to auto-focus and shell out more bucks for AF-S lens. But, truthfully, Manual Focus isn't that hard. With rangefinder turned on, it's quite easy to use MF if you have a static subject.

I have a D90, and a D7000. I can't see a big difference between them until I go over ISO 800. I recommend the D90 over the D5100 just on ergonomics alone, as the image IQ is not a night and day difference.

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Michael
http://www.flickr.com/photos/c36sailor/

the only reason i'd choose the D90 over the D5100 is because of the in body motor for screwdrive lenses, i found it pretty easy getting used to the buttons and menus, and i'm used to a lot of direct controls using a D200

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The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.

illy   go for the nikon d90  that`s  your best bet   gjr

i got a D5100 to keep my D200 company, it's a very simple camera to use with big I.Q

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The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.

Using a bridge camera, I do get slightly annoyed with having to dive through menus to get the correct settings, and I do like the sound of the two scroll wheels/LCD screen on top of the D90.

This is what I have read from a lot of places, and I think I have to agree with you there. Perhaps this could be the deal breaker for me, because I want my DSLR to last me for a LONG time, without feeling the need to upgrade the body.

In my opinion, photography for me is all about the process and the fun of creating a photo that looks great at the end.. So yes, I do like that part of the 'taking picture' experience.

On the other hand I do also like to edit/crop, but I'm not sure if this outweighs the actual process of taking a photo.

Wow! Thank you for taking your time on this response. All your points seem very fair. And I'm sure I won't be spending $1400 on a lens any time soon, I'd really like to learn the art of DSLR photography before making such a purchase. With the option of a $600 lens, the D90 sounds like a no-brainer.

One question- In terms of optics, would the 80-200mm f/2.8D lens be significantly worse than the 70-200mm f/2.8 AFS VR?

The D90 does seem to win on this aspect..

Interesting comment Would it affect things like sports/wildlife? For example if you want to lock-on to a particular subject, would you need an AF-S lens for this?

I see what you mean, of course the D90 must be a great camera- So many people swear by it!

D90 is winning me over...

Thank you all for your responses. Sorry for such a legnthy post, wanted to reply to everybody! The most interesting thing about this is that nobody recommended the D5100 over the D90, I seem to be pretty much set on the D90 now.

About the kit lenses- As you previously read, I can either go with D5100+ twin lens kit or the D90 with 18-105. Would the twin lens kit that the D5100 has to offer be able to persuade you to buy the D5100 over the D90? Or is the 18-105 perfectly fine?

Nor really crippled...folks wanted smaller, lighter, cheaper. The D7000 is the crippled camera...crippled with more weight, more complexity, more price, and bloated with pro-like features

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My opinions are my own and not those of DPR or its administration. They carry no 'special' value (except to me and Lacie of course)

D90 with 18-105mm will be a very good combination. For fast lens, you can try AF 50mm 1.8D or 1.4D. 1.8D is quite cheap now.

If you're not a megapixel freak, then you'll be quite satisfied with the D90. It's one of the best bodies Nikon has ever made in the DX format. That's why it's still quite in demand even after four years of its release.

Maybe. But this is where Canon wins. It's not worthy of upgrade from D90 to D5100 if you have a huge arsenal of AF lens. D7000 will be a more appropriate choice then. It's true that most amateurs who buy D5x00 or D3x00 will be satisfied with the kit lens. But more serious enthusiasts will find the lack of the motor quite appalling. The fast prime AF-D lens won't be of any use(well, that's exaggerating. We can still use them with MF), and their AF-S counterparts are quite expensive for poor boys like me.

It all boils down to this. Will 18-105 be the only lens you use? Or maybe throw in a 55-300 later? If so, then the in-body focus motor is of no use. But if you are going to have a huge collection of lens, then it is pivotal.

Take a look at this thread.  If these pictures are good enough for you, then I'd think your decision should be easy.  There are many other examples of cameras older than the D90 that you can compare to see whether that "old" technology is "good enough."  If not, then you want "newer" technology... and maybe you're at square one.

You want the D90 but not because of the camera.  Owning it for maybe 3 years, you will accumulate some nice lenses you will carry with you to your first upgrade.  Photography is a moving picture.

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www.flickr.com/photos/brev00