More indecisive general camera advice needed

[MonkeyLove]

Right so far today I have spent 2 hours reading through various camera reviews, forums, comments etc... and am still not completely sure what to go for, after a few weeks of weighing up various options I have finally come to rest, at I think, the Nikon D90.

Now I freely admit that I am not a massively proficient photographer, I have always loved taking photos, would like to think I have a good eye for them, but no more then that. I realise the D90 is a pretty serious piece of kit but logistically to me considering all factors it stands up as the best option.

I have discounted the Canon 1000's and Nikon D3000s as they are apparently very limited functionality wise, the quality of images is not great, and people tire of them quickly.

The next level of Canon D450/D500 or Nikon D5000 I looked at but one thing that strikes me on here and on all the other forums I have read is that very often people - often within a year, seem to want to upgrade again.

Both of those are retailing at the £580 ish mark with cashback (Bit less for the Nikon) but with the current cashback on the D90 it is only 160 quid more (£740 with cashback in Jessops).

It seems to me that actually £160 quid for a camera with a load more features and where most people upgrade quickly as they exhaust those of the lower models seems a great deal. I don't really want to be in a position, or can see the point, of spending 600 odd quid on a lesser camera when pretty much every post I have read on forums someone has gone for a more entry level DSLR then upgraded at a much more significant cost so quickly.

I notice Helmet Hauser also went in to the market for a more entry level model and ended up with a D90 and with the current deal on them it seems the price gap between them and less quality cameras is much smaller.

So can anyone suggest a reason why I Shouldn't go for a D90? I am aware they can be a bit overwhelming due to all they can do but from what I gather Nikon's tutorials are second to none, it is fairly easy to use and after only a few weekends of getting out and playing around with it most make sense.

I have pretty much convinced myself that it is worth the additional £160 quid, specially with the 18-105 lens that comes with the D90 being a lot more versatile and will allow me to shoot a better range of shots before I buy additional lenses, then the 18-55 on the lesser models.

But prior to me trotting down to Jessops with my card does someone want to tell me I'm a twat, I don't need a D90 yet, and wont want to upgrade after less then a year if I buy something else ?

Jessops cashbacks deals finish tomorrow so I need go get whatever I go for then

[Mercia Blackcat]

You will not regret buying a Nikon D90.

[not spavin]

My first SLR was the entry level Nikon (D40), and within a year I was itching to upgrade. The D40 was great, but you just become aware of what it can't do once you start getting into it. I eventually went for the (then) top of the range (D2X), second hand.

However, if my current camera died, I'd be happy to go to the D90. It's that good.

It's also very easy to use. Put it on the auto settings while you get used to it, and in many ways you'll find it easier to use than a point and click. Once you get a bit more practiced, there's little (if anything) it can't do. I don't there's many photographers in the world who so advanced as to be 'held back' by the D90's limitations. In real world use, the only advantage my D2X has over the D90 is that it is built from more durable pro-level materials - and even that makes it much less comfortable to carry around.

If you can afford one, go for it.

The only caution I'd give is with the 18-105 lens. It's more versatile than that 18-55, but it's not quite as sharp. I'd have a look at how much it would cost to buy the D90 body, then the 18-55 and 50mm 1.8 (easily the 2 best value lenses Nikon make) separately - in theory it should be a little cheaper, and it'd give you a fair few more options.

Having said all that, the 18-105 is a perfectly good lens, and you'll be delighted with it if you can get the best deal on the kit.

[Roger]

Originally Posted by MonkeyLove

The next level of Canon D450/D500 or Nikon D5000

Both of those are retailing at the £580 ish mark with cashback (Bit less for the Nikon) but with the current cashback on the D90 it is only 160 quid more (£740 with cashback in Jessops).

Is that with kit lenses or body only?

They both seem to be about £450 body only online or just over £500 with the standard kit lens.

I got a 400D nearly 3 years ago now and have to say I am generally happy with it. Never really thought of upgrading, just getting more lenses.

Initially I was getting worse results than with my Sony Bridge camera , but once I got the hang of it I wasn't disappointed.

I'd also look at the second-hand market if I was you as there must be some decent dSLRs around now as people 'upgrade'