New Nikon D5000 vs. D60 and D90
The Nikon D5000 DSLR camera was announced today and is available for preorder by all of the major outlets. The D5000 is the latest in the line of lower-end Nikon DSLRs and sits between the D60 and the D90 in terms of price and features. Like the D60, it does not come with a built in autofocus drive, which limits your lens choices to AF-S and AF-I type lenses (ones with autofocus built in). This means that while you’ll save some money up front for the cheaper camera body, you’ll pay for it as you build up your lens collection since these types of lenses tend to cost more.
It’s a 12.3 MP DX-format CMOS DSLR, which means that the focal length is multiplied by 1.5 times. This is typical for lower end models and great for telephoto lenses but not so great for wide angle lenses. It has movie mode with sound like the D90, which the D60 doesn’t have. 12.3 megapixels ends up capturing an image at 4,288 x 2,848 pixels. A RAW image at 75 pixels per inch before resampling in Photoshop up to 300ppi would thus produce a print up to 57″ x 38″ in size. Of course, since most prints aren’t made this large, it’s great for post processing cropping and doesn’t require any resampling for an 8×10 or 8×12.
The D5000 is expected to retail at around $730 for the camera body and around $850 for a basic lens. The D90 tends to run about $1000-$1200 depending on lens options, and the D60 runs $500-$700 depending on lenses purchased.
Personally, if you’re in this price range, I’d purchase the D90 because of the built-in autofocus drive. It’ll give you more options down the road in terms of lenses. If the choice was between the D60 and the D5000, I’d choose the D5000 because the increase in megapixels and the movie mode. The difference between $700 and $850 isn’t enough to justify buying the older D60.
Some great info, thanks. Was thinking of taking a look at the 5000. I have a D80. Am in need of an extra camera and not sure what to get.
Deanne,
I think what it boils down to is the type of lenses that you currently own, and which ones you plan to buy over the next 2 years. The D90 is essentially the newer version of the D80, where the D5000 is a lower model.