D5000 vs D7000

[k28slm]

Hi People,
I have been a member of this site for a while but not posted before. We bought a Sony a200 some time ago and had some great results with it. Now has come the time to step up a gear though.
We are looking to go Nikon as this is my wifes preferred brand. We can get the D7000 with kit lens for about a grandish or we can do the D5000 and get one each for £1500 plus bits, (basically buy one get one free). This includes kit lens for both, a 300mm lens, filters etc. Some advice would be appreciated please. Cheers Keith

[MattUK]

I upgraded from the D5000 to the D7000 at Christmas - and it's exactly that: an upgrade

The D5000 is an entry level DSLR, so if you've been shooting for a year or so minimum, are starting to notice the limitations, and want something that's a small notch under a pro camera, then the D7000 it is.

However, if you really like the thought of both being able to shoot at the same time, and are perfectly happy with entry level gear, then a couple of D5000's would be great.

Oh, and welcome aboard!

[silversnapper1]

I would agree with Matt. The D5000 is probably a better specced camera than the A200 in some respects as they are both entry level cameras. But, if you buy the D7000, will you end up fighting over who uses the better quality camera? lol

[wotcars]

Sorry for nicking the thread
Matt could you let us know what you found better Apart from bigger resoultion
as i too have a d5000 and was thinking off up grading some lenses or would i be better getting a new camera
many thanks

[MattUK]

Low light capability is tons better of course
Higher MP
Continuous shooting (up to 6fps or so)
Dual memory card slots are very handy

It's mainly about the quality increase to be honest - considering that 95% of the time you're not shooting in ideal lighting, having something that copes so well with low light is a real bonus. It's only really for those who work with images a lot though (bordering on semi-pro), and care about that bit of quality increase.

For people who are happy snapping away as a hobby, the D5000 is a great camera.

[johnboy125]

I also upgraded same reasons as above plus.
better rear lcd
100% viewfinder
commander mode
screw drive af (can use non AFS lenses)

One other option for you is buy a d7000 and a d5000 jessops are doing the d5000 with kit lens and 55-200vr for £499.

[wotcars]

thanks for the reply
looks like i might have to change my mind was going to get some new lenses this year
just have to save a bit more
many thanks

[MattUK]

Forget the LCD screen, apart from viewing the histogram, those things are rubbish anyway. Stick an iPhone 4 screen on it with touch capability, and then you've got a useful screen.

If only tethered capture would work in Lightroom though :\

[chris-p]

This is slightly more complicated now the D5100 is announced as it removes a lot of the differences between the D5000 and the D7000.

The D5100 now has the same sensor as the D7000, the same processor and the same ISO range which means low light performance should be identical between them.
You wouldn't get quite as high a frame rate but it won't be far off (at least 5fps) and there is little difference in the real world when you're talking less than 1 fps.

The D7000 still wins in some key areas though. The D7000 still has twin card slots and a magnesium alloy body that the D5100 doesn't. Of course, there's the viewfinder as well - a prism is FAR better than a mirror.

Overall it depends on what and where you shoot. The D7000 doesn't offer anything extra in terms of resolution and sensitivity now but it does offer more in build quality and overall useability. If your cameras have a rough life or you really need every fps you can get, the D7000 might be your better option. If not, I'd buy the D5100 and a new lens or flash...

[ian clark]

Sounds like the D5100 is the route to go dependent on price, allthough the dealers should now be putting forward some clearance offers on the 5000's.
You dont say which 300 lens was offered often those that are being pushed on packages tend to be the lower end of quality or stock that has been superceded.
I was duped into the Tamron NEVER AGAIN stuck it in the cupboard within a month and bought Nikon