Thread: Upgrading cameras?

I don't usually make resolutions, but this year I really want to start posting here more! I used to be fairly active on this board but life has somehow gotten more hectic since I graduated last spring and I didn't have as much time. I haven't had much time to focus on photography, either and I would really like that to change. Like most people here, I've always wanted to "go pro" and this year I'd like to actually work towards that goal instead of just thinking about it.

ANYWAY, on to my question!

I currently have a Nikon D50. It's about 5 years old and it works but I'm starting to feel limited. Nikon doesn't make it anymore, but I think it's comparable to a D40 in quality although the D40 is a bit better. I can't afford a top of the line camera, but I was thinking of upgrading to the D90. For anyone that has upgraded similarly, did it really make a difference in your photography? Or would it be better to put my money into something else? I currently have my kit lens, 50mm 1.8 and a speedlight.

TIA for any and all help!

I upgraded from a D40 to a D90 and I couldn't be happier! I would highly recommend it. Some advantages are that you can use other Nikon AF lenses...they don't all have to be AF-S which will actually make your lenses a bit more inexpensive. Also, the D90 has a lot of features and abilities that the D40/50 didn't have, like bracketing, for instance. If you like to crop for composition like I do sometimes, you'll also like the upgrade because your photo files will be a LOT larger, so you'll have more flexibility when cropping! I sort of felt like I was starting all over again when I had to get to know a new camera, but now that I'm familiar with it, I love it!

If the price range of the D90 makes you nervous, The D5000 has the same sensor and resolution as the D90...for the most part, it's the D90 in the body of a D40. There are a few features it's missing, and the biggest difference is the missing AF motor in the camera, so you would still have to look for AF-S lenses.

I would personally recommend the upgrade to a 90.

Thanks for the good review! I think I'm going to go for it with my tax return (plus some amazon gift cards I got through a paid to search site). At first I thought I should wait until I can afford the D300, but the more reviews I read I think the D90 will be enough of an upgrade for me for quite some time. I think the things you listed are going to make a big difference, and I also think that there are more controls at your fingertips so I wouldn't spend half my time going through menus.

If anyone has any other experiences with a D90 I'd be happy to hear it!

I have a D90 and love it. The 11 focus points is great since I'm not good at focusing and recomposing. The buttons on the side are handy so you don't have to scroll through the menu all of the time. The movie function is pretty crappy, but I didn't get it for this function. The D300 is bigger and heavier than the D90, which wasn't good for me. The live view comes in handy sometimes. I love the big LCD monitor. I highly recommend the D90.

I have the D90, but that's what I started with, so I am not much help. Although, I am in LOVE with it!