Camera Help!!!

[CheckitOut]

I'm trying to decide between the Nikon d5100 and the d90. I know the d5100 doesn't have the AF motor in the body where as the d90 does. What are the advantages to the AF motor in the body? Also what macro lens would be good with these two particular cameras? This will be my first DSLR and I have been researching for a few months now, but I just need some help from some of the more experienced photographers on here. Thanks.

 

[Brett9917]

With the AF in the body, you can save money here and there on a few lenses that don't have AF. I have the D90, and 2 of my lenses don't have AF, and having it on the body has made a world of difference. For example, my 28mm f/2.8 costs $289 brand new, but if I had to purchase the lens with AF in the lens, it would have been $589. For me, that is enough reason to justify the D90...

 

[westreef]

If you already have both types of lenses, you could buy the new D7000 which can use both kind of lenses in AF mode.

 

[CheckitOut]

What if I'm starting from scratch, with no lens. Which one would be the best option?

 

[Brett9917]

Well the D7000 is going to be about 300 more than either the D90 or the D5100. I still like the AF on the body, again because you can save money on certain lenses down the road... Between the D5100 and D90, the D90 is a little closer to a 'pro' body. I really like the ability to change the settings on the fly with the D90. There are 2 adjustment wheels and your major options (ISO, f/stop, AF, shooting mode, metering, along with quality and white balance) are all changed from a holding down the correct button and spinning the adjustment wheel. Where as the D5100, you have to go through the menus to navigate most of those options. The D5100 just seems a little more gimmicky with the moveable LCD screen, and the built in HDR mode. The D90 has auto exposure bracketing, so you can HDR on the computer.

They both have the ability to shoot video, the D90 is 720p but only autofocuses once, but the D5100 is 1080p with full time auto focus. Not sure how many videos you plan on shooting, but the D90's is more than enough for me.

 

[westreef]

I am just curious. Since you are starting from scratch, have you looked into Canon DSLR? They are also very good and even less expensive than Nikon. What make you decided on Nikon? BTW I have the D7000 and love it ( I have inherited several old and new Nikon lenses). Just an interesting observation: when I was visiting Asia, about 80% of people were using Nikon. However, here in the States, it is about 50/50.