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dws1117 · 06-18-2010, 11:40 PM

I've made the decision to go back (i'll be 39 in Sept.) to school to get my BFA in photography. I love my Pentax gear and have no intentions of getting rid of it the school will only let me use Canon or Nikon. I've decided on Nikon because that is what they are using at the school and they have tons of Nikon glass, flashes, and other accessories for student use. They have a supply kit that can be purchased that includes a D3000. I've broken down the cost of the kit with and without the camera and the difference is almost $800 US. While I have no problem with the D3000, I do have a problem paying that much for that model.

Which of these two should I choose? I've handled both and both feel fine. I've even put together packages with both at B&H and Adorama and the cost is negligible. I would prefer the D90 because it is more comfortable in my hand but it's just out of my budget.

Does anyone have any help or advice? Thank you.

Unsinkable II · 06-19-2010, 06:40 AM

If you have access to legacy glass, you NEED at least the D90 as the 3000 and 5000 have no in-body focus motors.

You'll be spending more on overcoming your glass limitations than just jumping up to the D90 body.

Having said that, wait... D90 replacement is imminent. You'll be able to get a D90 cheaper then.

Oldschool · 06-19-2010, 06:40 AM

Have you thought about buying used? You can probably save some $$$.

woof · 06-19-2010, 07:12 AM

Originally posted by Unsinkable II

D90 replacement is imminent. You'll be able to get a D90 cheaper then.

+1 on D90 for too many reasons to list. Focus motor is a good start.

woof!

lpfonseca · 06-19-2010, 07:45 AM

Wayne,

Since you already have some nice Pentax equipment I would get some used Nikon equipment as Oldshool said. You can get an used D70 and be able to use all Nikon glass.

Even if you decide to go Nikon way later you could sell the D70 for almost the same price you payed for it.

Regards,

Luis

pxpaulx · 06-20-2010, 08:53 PM

try out KEH for a used body - they have 2 d70s right now under $300, or a d200 at $600 (d50 and d80 are also listed available). Ask around, best place to buy used online!

**Clarkey** · 06-21-2010, 07:09 PM

+1 on a D90 or a D80. D80 avail refurb from adorama.

I would wait for a D90. It's replacement really is imminent from all accounts.

**Aristophanes** · 06-21-2010, 07:16 PM

Originally posted by dws1117

I've made the decision to go back (i'll be 39 in Sept.) to school to get my BFA in photography. I love my Pentax gear and have no intentions of getting rid of it the school will only let me use Canon or Nikon. I've decided on Nikon because that is what they are using at the school and they have tons of Nikon glass, flashes, and other accessories for student use. They have a supply kit that can be purchased that includes a D3000. I've broken down the cost of the kit with and without the camera and the difference is almost $800 US. While I have no problem with the D3000, I do have a problem paying that much for that model.

Which of these two should I choose? I've handled both and both feel fine. I've even put together packages with both at B&H and Adorama and the cost is negligible. I would prefer the D90 because it is more comfortable in my hand but it's just out of my budget.

Does anyone have any help or advice? Thank you.

D5000 for low-light, high-ISO. D3000 for cost-savings.

D70 is a good call if you want refurb really cheap. Make sure you get a warranty and set aside another $300 if the camera is a dud and you need another body real quick.

B Grace · 06-21-2010, 07:38 PM

Direct to the point, go with the D5000. First, though, verify the Nikon gear available at the school consists of AF-S DX lenses otherwise you'll be shooting manual focus only on the D5000 (the minimum Nikon camera I'd consider). And if the school's Nikkors are manual focus, silver grooved band around the barrel lenses you'll only have "meter after the shot" metering even with the D90. Finally, the Nikon flashes must be of the SB400 thru SB900 series otherwise you lose auto-TTL control with the current Nikon DSLRs. I traded away a wonderful SB50DX only because of that reason.

Tangential questions: Why would the school care if you shoot Pentax gear and how would they know? Is it possible they recommend Nikanon only so the students' choices are easy?

alexeyga · 06-22-2010, 08:15 PM

There are so many used D90s on the market, and prices are so low in US, i woudn't even consider anything else... The built-in AF motor alone is worth getting one... Though, depending on your high-iso needs, a used D200 might be an even more attractive option...

szurinaga · 06-22-2010, 08:57 PM

Originally posted by dws1117

I love my Pentax gear and have no intentions of getting rid of it the school will only let me use Canon or Nikon.

Does anyone have any help or advice? Thank you.

What kind of Nazi school is this?!?!

dws1117 · 06-23-2010, 10:33 PM

Thanks. Pulled the trigger on the D90 which is the one I really wanted. Came across a little extra. I even get to keep my Pentax gear.

JACOBY · 06-29-2010, 02:22 AM

What kinda of school tells you that only nikon or canon must be used.

kytra · 06-29-2010, 02:30 AM

Probably they have only canikon accesories and manuals

**Aristophanes** · 06-29-2010, 04:42 AM

Originally posted by JACOBY

What kinda of school tells you that only nikon or canon must be used.

Most likely they have legacy Canikon glass and do coordinated FOV topical shoots.

06-18-2010, 11:40 PM	#1
dws1117 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Spring, TX. Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,157	Nikon D3000 or D5000? I've made the decision to go back (i'll be 39 in Sept.) to school to get my BFA in photography. I love my Pentax gear and have no intentions of getting rid of it the school will only let me use Canon or Nikon. I've decided on Nikon because that is what they are using at the school and they have tons of Nikon glass, flashes, and other accessories for student use. They have a supply kit that can be purchased that includes a D3000. I've broken down the cost of the kit with and without the camera and the difference is almost $800 US. While I have no problem with the D3000, I do have a problem paying that much for that model. Which of these two should I choose? I've handled both and both feel fine. I've even put together packages with both at B&H and Adorama and the cost is negligible. I would prefer the D90 because it is more comfortable in my hand but it's just out of my budget. Does anyone have any help or advice? Thank you.

06-29-2010, 02:22 AM	#13
JACOBY Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: PGH PENNA Posts: 340	I'm lost What kinda of school tells you that only nikon or canon must be used.

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06-19-2010, 06:40 AM	#2
Unsinkable II Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 1,352	If you have access to legacy glass, you NEED at least the D90 as the 3000 and 5000 have no in-body focus motors. You'll be spending more on overcoming your glass limitations than just jumping up to the D90 body. Having said that, wait... D90 replacement is imminent. You'll be able to get a D90 cheaper then.

06-19-2010, 06:40 AM	#3
Oldschool Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Central NJ Posts: 1,278	Have you thought about buying used? You can probably save some $$$.

06-19-2010, 07:12 AM	#4
woof Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: In the present Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,870	Originally posted by Unsinkable II D90 replacement is imminent. You'll be able to get a D90 cheaper then. +1 on D90 for too many reasons to list. Focus motor is a good start. woof!

06-19-2010, 07:45 AM	#5
lpfonseca Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lisbon Posts: 143	Wayne, Since you already have some nice Pentax equipment I would get some used Nikon equipment as Oldshool said. You can get an used D70 and be able to use all Nikon glass. Even if you decide to go Nikon way later you could sell the D70 for almost the same price you payed for it. Regards, Luis

06-20-2010, 08:53 PM	#6
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	try out KEH for a used body - they have 2 d70s right now under $300, or a d200 at $600 (d50 and d80 are also listed available). Ask around, best place to buy used online!

06-21-2010, 07:09 PM	#7
Clarkey Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Brampton, ON, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,456	+1 on a D90 or a D80. D80 avail refurb from adorama. I would wait for a D90. It's replacement really is imminent from all accounts.

06-21-2010, 07:16 PM	#8
Aristophanes Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut Photos: Albums Posts: 3,948	Originally posted by dws1117 I've made the decision to go back (i'll be 39 in Sept.) to school to get my BFA in photography. I love my Pentax gear and have no intentions of getting rid of it the school will only let me use Canon or Nikon. I've decided on Nikon because that is what they are using at the school and they have tons of Nikon glass, flashes, and other accessories for student use. They have a supply kit that can be purchased that includes a D3000. I've broken down the cost of the kit with and without the camera and the difference is almost $800 US. While I have no problem with the D3000, I do have a problem paying that much for that model. Which of these two should I choose? I've handled both and both feel fine. I've even put together packages with both at B&H and Adorama and the cost is negligible. I would prefer the D90 because it is more comfortable in my hand but it's just out of my budget. Does anyone have any help or advice? Thank you. D5000 for low-light, high-ISO. D3000 for cost-savings. D70 is a good call if you want refurb really cheap. Make sure you get a warranty and set aside another $300 if the camera is a dud and you need another body real quick.

06-21-2010, 07:38 PM	#9
B Grace Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Western Missouri Posts: 429	Direct to the point, go with the D5000. First, though, verify the Nikon gear available at the school consists of AF-S DX lenses otherwise you'll be shooting manual focus only on the D5000 (the minimum Nikon camera I'd consider). And if the school's Nikkors are manual focus, silver grooved band around the barrel lenses you'll only have "meter after the shot" metering even with the D90. Finally, the Nikon flashes must be of the SB400 thru SB900 series otherwise you lose auto-TTL control with the current Nikon DSLRs. I traded away a wonderful SB50DX only because of that reason. Tangential questions: Why would the school care if you shoot Pentax gear and how would they know? Is it possible they recommend Nikanon only so the students' choices are easy?

06-22-2010, 08:15 PM	#10
alexeyga Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 838	There are so many used D90s on the market, and prices are so low in US, i woudn't even consider anything else... The built-in AF motor alone is worth getting one... Though, depending on your high-iso needs, a used D200 might be an even more attractive option...

06-22-2010, 08:57 PM	#11
szurinaga Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: San Juan Photos: Albums Posts: 145	Originally posted by dws1117 I love my Pentax gear and have no intentions of getting rid of it the school will only let me use Canon or Nikon. Does anyone have any help or advice? Thank you. What kind of Nazi school is this?!?!

06-23-2010, 10:33 PM	#12
dws1117 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Spring, TX. Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,157 Original Poster	Thanks. Pulled the trigger on the D90 which is the one I really wanted. Came across a little extra. I even get to keep my Pentax gear.

06-29-2010, 02:30 AM	#14
kytra Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bucharest Posts: 482	Probably they have only canikon accesories and manuals

06-29-2010, 04:42 AM	#15
Aristophanes Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut Photos: Albums Posts: 3,948	Originally posted by JACOBY What kinda of school tells you that only nikon or canon must be used. Most likely they have legacy Canikon glass and do coordinated FOV topical shoots.

Nikon D3000 or D5000?

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