Advice on entry/mid DSLR

tRoN said:
the d90 seems a bit dated in specs
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Don't stare yourself blind at specs ... it's a good place to start but it's not the end-all of things

If you suffer from upgradetitis or feel that video functionality is a high priority then you should go with a newer entry-level (Canon 550D / Nikon D5100) or otherwise if you want something that you will be extremely happy with for many, many years to come the mid-level "pro-sumer" D90 should at least be considered! (never mind how outdated it looks on paper ... looks can be deceiving!)

Only you can decide what is important for you but the most important advice would be to actually go handle each camera you are interested in ... ergonomics does become a huge factor when you start shooting the whole day long!!!

Edit: Sorry, missed your 2 choice post, I need to refresh the page more often :) ... as mentioned go handle both and choose the one that "feels" best, spec wise they are too similar to separate

bwana said:
Realistically you'd have to try fairly hard these days to buy a bad dslr. :)
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Very true!

D90 has been officially EOL'ed by the way but I assume stock simply hasn't been depleted yet ... D7000 (or new Sony A65/77) would also be my personal recommendation but none of them are within his budget.
 
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tRoN (the d90 seems a bit dated in specs)

It may be outdated but it sure takes better images than both your choices tRoN and have a top lcd screen for easy changes to your camera settings, it's more in line with the D7000. I can give you a whole long list but it up to you to decide.
 
GTi said:
tRoN (the d90 seems a bit dated in specs)

It may be outdated but it sure takes better images than both your choices tRoN and have a top lcd screen for easy changes to your camera settings, it's more in line with the D7000. I can give you a whole long list but it up to you to decide.
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I'm interested in how you arrived at that conclusion.
 
GTi said:
tRoN (the d90 seems a bit dated in specs)

It may be outdated but it sure takes better images than both your choices tRoN and have a top lcd screen for easy changes to your camera settings, it's more in line with the D7000. I can give you a whole long list but it up to you to decide.
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Just to add, I hate the top LCD screen and never use it: firstly, because it's on the top which makes it difficult to get to if you're not handholding; and secondly, the text is too small to read easily. I prefer to use the main LCD screen for those easy changes.
 
I think the top LCD screen is awesome - every setting at a glance without every needing to use the main LCD screen.

Initially I did think the same thing because my bridge camera never an LCD screen and I was used to using only the main screen, but I prefer the top LCD.
 
BigAl-sa said:
Just to add, I hate the top LCD screen and never use it: firstly, because it's on the top which makes it difficult to get to if you're not handholding; and secondly, the text is too small to read easily. I prefer to use the main LCD screen for those easy changes.
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There's no point adjusting the camera when it's hanging by your waist - I rely on the info as it's presented in the viewfinder 90% of the time. :)
 
Hey Guys
Thanks for all the advice.

So I went into the shops & "handled" the D5100 & EOD600D.
I preferred the Nikon as it felt lighter and more secure in my hands.

So my mind is made up ....now for the best price.

So far the best price is R9795.00 @ Orms & Govan Mani in Durbs for the twin lens, adobe Photoshop, bag, SD card & camera training.
Anywhere else that can do better?

I'm traveling overseas soon....u think I should get it there....will the local warranty apply for international purchase??
 
tRoN said:
I'm traveling overseas soon....u think I should get it there....will the local warranty apply for international purchase??
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Where?

The body won't be covered as far as I'm aware but the lens might. Maybe ask if you can buy international warranty. Someone else here should know more.
 
Ok I tested the D5100, quality of images has improved a bit with the D5100 but still has no built-in focus motor for the lenses as the D90 has, Less shutter lag and shoots slightly faster on the D90. Sorry for misleading info on the D5100 image quality.
 
tRoN said:
portugal, Greece, turkey.
With a brief transit in heathrow.
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Like SAfrica, these places are supplied by Nikon (or Canon) Europe, who set the prices. Unless you know where to go for good deals, you're not going to save too much.
 
You can get a D5100 twin lens kit from Jessops for R8700. You have have to pay local vat & claim their vat back I think though.
 
You may want to consider the free lifetime sensor cleaning that comes with every Nikon body (if you are in Jo'burg or Cape Town).
 
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