D7000 or D90?

Hey guys,

Im looking to upgrade my trusty D40 and kit lenses. A lot of the lenses I want don't have focusing motors built in hence the need for a body upgrade.

I found some pretty good deals on D7000's and D90's so I am wondering if any of you have any experience with these bodies?

There are mostly positive reviews on the D7000 (some complain about its overexposure in sunny conditions, ergonomics blah blah blah). It does have amazing image quality and autofocus on full HD video which is great.

The D90 is a classic favourite but it is only about $300 cheaper...


What do you guys think? I know some of you have these cameras!

I have the D7000 and love it. Once you are familiar with it's quirks it takes great pictures. The overexposure is a non-issue once you learn to shoot manual, or learn how to anticipate when it wants to overexpose. Since I now shoot RAW exclusively, ovexposure is really no longer an issue.

Forget about autofocus during video. I'm wanting to do more video but I'm having a hard time figuring out how to do good video. It seems the guys making good video with DSLRs also have way more gear (steadycams, rails, etc.) than I'm willing to deal with. I don't want to be carrying anything but a camera and maybe a tripod when I'm hiking and forget the tripod even when skiing.

The video autofocus sucks. It loses focus really easily and the camera's internal mic picks up the sound of the focusing motor as the lens constantly hunts for focus. Hell, even when it's perfectly focused it'll start hunting and lose focus. Even if it keeps the focus the image "breathes" with all but the most expensive lenses as focus changes. One of the challenges for me has been to learn how to setup manual focus that will work while shooting video. Usuall means a fairly wide lens angle and small aperture. Then I forget the camera's set to manual focus and end up blowing stills shots.

Maybe I'm just a retard, too.

The D90 has an older sensor that's not as good as the D7000s in low light. The D7000 has better video options. It's also a slightly smaller and lighter body which may or may not be a plus for you. I had a D200 before and don't mind the smaller D7000 body. I don't have any problems with the ergonomics either. I suppose if you're used to a different body then the D7000 might be harder to use at first but you'll get used to the different locations of the controls and then it shouldn't be any worse. The only gripe I have with the D7000 ergonomics is the mode selector dial doesn't lock and easily gets bumped/turned as you insert/remove the camera from whatever case you're carrying it in. You'll learn to check the position of the dial each time you take it out of the case...

I'm waiting for the D600 to be released and for some folks to do some real-world testing. If it's all that it's cracked up to be I might be selling the D7000.

Your real question is whether or not you should wait until the D7000 is updated in a couple of months to buy. Then you can make a decision on whether or not to by it or the new camera. I wouldnt expect that the price will fall through the flow though.

Chainsaw- if you are interested in improving video with less gear look at getting a quality monopod w/ fluidhead made for video. It will improve free standing shots as well as shots on the move (you can learn to use it as a pseudo steadicam, its not perfect but it helps).

yea, the D7000 is a huge step up from the D90, its definitely more on the pro end of the prosumer spectrum. that being said. I love my d90. while i am sure the d7000 has way better lowlight. i have never had an issue with noise at relatively normal high iso levels, like under 1500, though i don't usually shoot higher than that.

i can't really comment on video since i don't use it that often, but it has gotten the job done for me albeit, not a very high demand.

obviously the 7000 is a newer body so it will have a lot of improvements, but the d90 is a solid performer

josef - thanks for the tip, I'll look into that.