Looking for best Nikon dslr under 1000$

BattleCat · Dec 22, 2011

Since to me most of dpreviews are pretty much the same for every camera,it comes down to real world use.

SO...what do YOU feel is the best highest rated Nikon DSLR under 1000$?? Im ready to jump back in to the world of dslr and like Nikon. I had the D50 back in 07 and was impressed with it.

lovetotravel · Dec 22, 2011

Body only? What exactly do you want to use it for?

MRM4350 · Dec 22, 2011

I My Opinion Only, the best Body Only is the D90 followed by the D5100. If these were the only choices I (me) would never consider the D5100. Remember this is just MY opinion.

--
Michael

Patco · Dec 22, 2011

MRM4350 said:
I My Opinion Only, the best Body Only is the D90 followed by the D5100. If these were the only choices I (me) would never consider the D5100. Remember this is just MY opinion.

MY opinion, as well!

--
Patco
A photograph is more than a bunch of pixels

BattleCat · Dec 22, 2011

lovetotravel said:
Body only? What exactly do you want to use it for?

I mostly take pics of people. Be it just family gatherings or making some money on the side taking family pics..I dont do sports or night time shooting "except 4th of july"...Ive had 3 different dslr systems and never get more then 3 lenses and I dont buy expensive lenses. I always buy an external flash...so my setups are not expensive but I get a good bang for the buck.

BlueBomberTurbo · Dec 22, 2011

Patco said:
MRM4350 said:

I My Opinion Only, the best Body Only is the D90 followed by the D5100. If these were the only choices I (me) would never consider the D5100. Remember this is just MY opinion.

Click to expand...

MY opinion, as well!

--
Patco
A photograph is more than a bunch of pixels

+1 here, too!

kgbruce01 · Dec 22, 2011

Big Pimpin'

BattleCat said:
Since to me most of dpreviews are pretty much the same for every camera,it comes down to real world use.

SO...what do YOU feel is the best highest rated Nikon DSLR under 1000$?? Im ready to jump back in to the world of dslr and like Nikon. I had the D50 back in 07 and was impressed with it.

mgd43 · Dec 22, 2011

It's a choice between the D90 and the D5100. The D5100 is newer and has the same sensor as the more expensive D7000. Its image quality (IQ) is better than the D90 especially at high ISO's. The advantage of the D90 is that unlike the D5100 it does not require lenses with built-in focus motors. This means that it can auto focus (AF) with some lenses that the D5100 can't. This may or may not be a problem. Nikon, Sigma, and Tamron make a wide selection of excellent lenses from fisheye to long telephoto zooms that are fully compatible with the D5100. Still, there are lenses, especially older used lenses that the D90 can AF with that the D5100 can't. This can save you a lot of money.

My opinion is that if you want maximum IQ at high ISO's, go for the D5100. Otherwise, go for the D90. But before you buy either, try to handle them both. Ergonomics and the layout of the controls can be important.

BattleCat · Dec 22, 2011

mgd43 said:
It's a choice between the D90 and the D5100. The D5100 is newer and has the same sensor as the more expensive D7000. Its image quality (IQ) is better than the D90 especially at high ISO's. The advantage of the D90 is that unlike the D5100 it does not require lenses with built-in focus motors. This means that it can auto focus (AF) with some lenses that the D5100 can't. This may or may not be a problem. Nikon, Sigma, and Tamron make a wide selection of excellent lenses from fisheye to long telephoto zooms that are fully compatible with the D5100. Still, there are lenses, especially older used lenses that the D90 can AF with that the D5100 can't. This can save you a lot of money.

My opinion is that if you want maximum IQ at high ISO's, go for the D5100. Otherwise, go for the D90. But before you buy either, try to handle them both. Ergonomics and the layout of the controls can be important.

Thanks to you and the others for replying first of all..I use to be really worried about buying a camera that only a/f with certain lenses. BUT I realize I only ever had 3 lenses at best and that can be had "with in reason" very cheap.AND flash systems are pretty equal as I always buy Sigma..

I have missed my passion and really want to get back in the game. I have been asked several times over the past 3 years if I still have my cameras and do pics?..I have to always say ...NO...which means $$$ out of my pocket even if I dont make much its some money..AND I love the work..Going to really try and get something at incometax time..AND IM pretty sure its going to be Nikon again..

Thanks for all the replies and help

fotoph · Dec 22, 2011

awww hell yeah.

That's a sexy beast.

Too bad it's out of his price range. Amazon has it listed at $1299 right now.

jnoll · Dec 22, 2011

Nikon D90 hands down.(imo) It is and will always be a CLASSIC. I love mine to death.
Mine has never been unfaithful,and I will always trust it,no matter what.

PHXAZCRAIG · Dec 22, 2011

Used D300.

--
Craig
http://www.cjcphoto.net

gregf2as · Dec 22, 2011

hi battlecat you say a 1000 .00 the nikon d90 isa real good camera and you will have some leftover for lens or two yea the d5100 is nice but i don' t like that

moving lcd screen buy that 's my opinion you can always look into refurbs too
they have a warranty also from the camera dealers and nikon hope i helped gr

toomanycanons · Dec 22, 2011

D5100.

BlueBomberTurbo · Dec 22, 2011

D5100 - IQ at the expense of control
D90 - control at the expense of IQ

In the end, if you're messing with menus trying to change a simple setting and miss the shot, IQ doesn't mean a thing.

countrybutterfly · Dec 22, 2011

BlueBomberTurbo said:
D5100 - IQ at the expense of control
D90 - control at the expense of IQ

In the end, if you're messing with menus trying to change a simple setting and miss the shot, IQ doesn't mean a thing.

Put it in manual and you dont need to get into the menu. wheel does shutter, +wheel does aperture, FN does ISO.

David Lal · Dec 22, 2011

.. that's what I would choose. Heck of a lot of camera for not too much money. Maybe a refurbished or secondhand one leaving perhaps a little dosh left over for a respectable flashgun.

I couldn't be doing with any camera that involved LCD menu-diving to set it up.

David

Patco · Dec 22, 2011

David Lal said:
.. that's what I would choose. Heck of a lot of camera for not too much money. Maybe a refurbished or secondhand one leaving perhaps a little dosh left over for a respectable flashgun.

I couldn't be doing with any camera that involved LCD menu-diving to set it up.

Or... less than complete compatibility with Nikon's own "AF" lenses, or no built-in wireless compatibility with Nikon's SB-600/SB-700/SB-900/SB910 flashes, as with the D3100 & D5100.

--
Patco
A photograph is more than a bunch of pixels

FujicaST605 · Dec 22, 2011

D90 or refurb/used D300 or D300S (not sure you can get the 300S for less than $1000)

Brev00 · Dec 22, 2011

The battle between the D90 and the D5100 notwithstanding, you might be wise to actually go to a shop and get a grip on each. After all, the lack of a focus motor on the D5100 affects its size and weight. You might prefer the D5100's light weight along with the small size of its matching dx lenses (18-55. 55-200). On the other hand, I like the heft of the D90 and find it balances my lenses nicely. Physical preferences are important.
--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brev00

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