10-10-2009, 09:50 PM

I know this is not exactly the right forum for this kind of question, but I figured with all the expertise out here you might be able to guide me in the right direction. I am looking at buying a new DLSR and am tossed up between a Nikon D3000 in a bundled kit with two lenses (18-55 and 55-200vr), or a D90 with a 18-105vr. I have used a D80 and really liked it, but can't find a good enough deal to make me buy one now that they have dropped them from their line. The video and swiveling screen, are not a big deal to me, I'm buying this for picture quality and longevity. I like the larger size of the D90 for holding on to and it feels more solid in the hand, but the smaller size of the D3000 would be better for travel and hiking. I would mostly be shooting family, travel pics, hiking/scenery/outdoors/wildlife pics, etc.. not planning on any studio work, or anything like that. I'm trying to stay under the $1000 price point, or close to it. Any ideas, or suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.

10-11-2009, 12:03 AM

Personally I would go with the D90. It's often very frustrating having to change lenses just to get the zoom and it means wasting precious shooting time. I'd actually look into what sort of deal a shop would do you for the D90 and the 18-200mm lens. It's a much better lens and while it does cost more, it's so much more versatile.

It might be worth buying the D90 body and then just looking for a decent lens on eBay or something if you're budget is restraining you.

10-11-2009, 02:38 AM

With those two options I'd choose the D90. I personally shoot with Canon, have you tried out a 40D/50D? Anyway, for picture quality and longevity I think the D90 would be a better option over the D3000. Lens, might just check ebay or get a third party lens (Sigma/Tamron).

10-11-2009, 03:24 AM

I've used a few different Nikon camera's and lenses. I'd go for the D90 also. Or think about buying a semi-pro secondhand. A D200 can cost as little as 599 these days second hand. The magnesium alloy body also means it can take a knock without the case cracking compared to the plastic bodies of the other camera's. Also, best to buy body only, kit lenses are basic lenses, buy the best glass you can afford. (lens)

10-11-2009, 01:33 PM

Thanks for your input, I went ahead and pulled the trigger on a D3000 this morning with a 18-55vr ad a 55-200vr. I got it for a good deal ($699) and that leaves me room to buy a nice indoor 35mm f/1.8 af-s and then add a nice flash (SB-400). I have been very happy borrowing a D80 and the D3000 should have the same, or better pic quality. I also liked the smaller size to travel and hike with. The other deciding factor was that if this is something I decide to get more serious about then I will upgrade in a couple of years and keep the D3000 as a backup body. I need to learn how to really utilize a DSLR and it seems like the D3000 will be a good starting platform for that, right now I throw it in an auto mode, or a program mode and shoot with it and it should take great pics doing that.