D60 vs d5000 -- beyond specs

I feel like I've outgrown my current camera and am looking to move up to a dSLR. I have always been partial to Canon. As strange as it may seem, my one requirement is an articulated LCD ... which heavily limits my choices in the dSLR category. I'm currently looking at Canon's D60 and Nikon's d5000.

There is a significant difference in the cost of the two, so I was wondering what I'd be gaining (or possibly losing) by staying with Canon vs going with Nikon.

I know that's a loaded question in a Canon forum, but from looking at numerous other posts, I know there's a wealth of experience out perusing these boards. I'm looking for information beyond the technical specs (I've looked at those) ... a perspective I probably haven't considered.

Any information and insight would be appreciated.

--Jason

I'd like to propose Ergonomics. If you're used to how a Canon body feels and intuitively know how to control an xxD body, you might find the adjustment to Nikon a bit awkward.

Of course, it's personal, but after shooting Canon for so long, I dislike shooting Nikons simply because their bodies feel and control differently.

What r31ncarnat3d said, and if you already have a lens line up for canon then I would do that. Good lenses will normally be more costly then the body, but will deliver more IQ boost and camera performance then a new body will. If you have good lenses with the canon, then you willl have to invest in the same with nikon will cost.

Nick

just to clarify... you're referring to the NEW EOS 60D and not the old D60, right?

deanedward wrote in post #11042217
just to clarify... you're referring to the NEW EOS 60D and not the old D60, right?

You're correct ... it's the 60D I'm looking at with the d5000.

This would actually be my first dSLR camera, so I don't have any investment as far as lenses go. I guess I'm just wondering if the differences between the two justify the price difference. It's a very subjective question, I know ... just looking for some guidance on things to consider.

Thanks,
Jason

Since the 60D is newer technology you will probably gain better low light auto focus performance and noise reduction. Additionally, the 18mp gives you an opportunity to crop more should you need to.

The 60D is a step up from the D5000. The more comparable nikon option is the D90 or the new D7000.

Another thing to consider is the lens cost. Generally, a canon lens will cost less than it's nikon counterpart. (canon 17-55 2.8 IS lists for $1049 on amazon. Nikon's cost $1372). This goes for several other lenses out there.

Both companies offer their pros and cons. For a beginner DSLR...you really can't miss with either company. But since this is a canon forum, I don't see alot of people recommending a d5000.

s2kennyc wrote in post #11048386
Both companies offer their pros and cons. For a beginner DSLR...you really can't miss with either company. But since this is a canon forum, I don't see alot of people recommending a d5000.

Thanks for the input ... I understand there could be a little bias as far as opinions, but that's cool.

As for the D90 or D7000, neither have the articulated LCD ... and that's basically a requirement for me. I know they work a little differently on a dSLR vs a point-and-shoot, but the freedom and varying shot angles it allows is something I don't think I could do without.

I don't get articulating screens...

tripod76 wrote in post #11048487
I know they work a little differently on a dSLR vs a point-and-shoot, but the freedom and varying shot angles it allows is something I don't think I could do without.

Just to shake my head a little bit, but if you are looking to use the LCD to frame and take your photo's, why not stick with a P&S?? I can see the use of the display for Macro shots where you are manually focusing and using the live view to get what you want spot on, but I never really understood why anyone would want to take any other photo that way.

Please better explain why your need for an articulating screen.

matt.

mjmackinnon wrote in post #11048931
...but I never really understood why anyone would want to take any other photo that way.

To each their own ...

I don't plan on taking every picture with it, but I do want the option if needed. The same can be said for all the other features on cameras these days -- HD video, high burst rates, microadjust, dual card slots, etc. Some you'll have use for ... some you won't. I will have use for the articulated LCD.

As for staying with a P&S ... I'm coming from a PowerShot G series camera that I feel I've outgrown. Since there is no Rebel with a swivel LCD, it leads to the 60D (at least, for Canon). Based on what I've read, I think I'd enjoy the camera and wouldn't be getting in "over my head."

But do I want to go with Canon's latest or with a Nikon model that's been out a little over a year? That's my quandary...

Depending on your timing, you should also consider Nikon's D3100, which is just coming out. One problem with both the Nikon D3100 and the D7000 is that both are too new to have been reviewed. There is a lot of interest in the D7000 in particular, because on paper it looks to offer a lot of value.

mjmackinnon wrote in post #11048931
Just to shake my head a little bit, but if you are looking to use the LCD to frame and take your photo's, why not stick with a P&S?? I can see the use of the display for Macro shots where you are manually focusing and using the live view to get what you want spot on, but I never really understood why anyone would want to take any other photo that way.

Please better explain why your need for an articulating screen.

matt.

He doesnt need to explain at all if that's what he likes. A lot of people I know like using live view to take pictures which seems to be perfectly acceptable on this forum, but as soon as you adjust that screen to get a better angle and to make it easier for the photog to take a picture it just becomes strange and stupid Just because p&s had it first doesnt mean that a dslr should have had it a long time ago.

To the OP:
The new nikon camera bodies do look to be pretty awesome compared to what canon has recently released but i dont think they have the articulating screen. Now to backpeddle and give Matt some credit as its easy to isunderstand people on a forum but having an articulating screen could be nice to have but the 90+% of your pictures will probably still be shot using the viewfinder. Meaning that even though you have the option to use the live view method to compose and shoot you will most of the time still opt to use the viewfinder. Its just that the viewfinder is still quicker in the composing, auto focusing and frames per second than using the live view method. On my 50d the focusing and is nearly automatic when shooting with the viewfinder but pretty slow when using live view.

Now if this was my first camera i think i would be seriously considering the Nikon d7000, overall it seems to be better than the 60D and cheaper. Nikons lenses can be more expensive but normally for a good reason. With the wide selection of 3rd party lenses as well i just dont see this to be a huge argument as why i should get one brand over another. Nikon also has cheaper ways to get your camera to shoot off camera flash which is something that will take your pictures to another level.

Their both great systems but like i said if i was in the market today than the D7000 would be my current first choice.

The D5000 is an awesome camera. It doesn't have the manual controls of the the 60D, though. If that's not important to you, I think you will find the image quality of the D5000 to be superb. The only other consideration is that you can't use the older Nikon lenses that do not have built in focus motors.