Ability to auto focus older none DX lenses is the main thing missing from the D5000. Other than that, it's basically the same (right down to producing IMHO the best image quality of any APS-C class DSLR).
The two biggest selling points for me on the D90 are the higher resolution LCD (bigger screen and 3x the pixels) as well as the built in focus motor (I do a fair amount of shooting with the 50mm f/1.8 which wouldn't auto-focus on the D5000).
so the lens above.. the d5000 would autofocus... doesnt on my d40
Just saw your reply. No, the D5000 would not autofocus that particular lens (or other AF-D lenses for that matter). For a lens to auto-focus on D40/60/5000, it needs to be an "AF-S" lens. So the newer 50mm f/1.4 would work, but it's also more expensive...
Errr no.....
Nikon have limited their lower priced cameras for some time now. If the lens doesn't have its own auto focus motor, it will not autofocus on the D40/D60/D5000. For most users of these cameras, it shouldn't be a problem (wouldn't bother me - I find manual focusing is easy on live view LCD).
D5000 is ever so slightly slower in continuous mode. The D5000 has a smaller and much less resolution LCD display. D5000 uses a pentamirror instead of pentaprism. D5000 is lighter and (probably) less forgiving of drops. The D5000 uses a considerably smaller battery. As Internaut mentioned there is no in-body AF screw-drive for AF-D lenses.
Then again:
The D5000 has the ability to AF in Live View
The D5000 LCD is articulated
In terms of imager, image processing and resolution they are very similar indeed.
I miss a lot of good shots w/ my d40 and my 50mm 1.8 lens.. its starting to bum me out, plus my wife will not manual focus.. so I guess I should rule out the d5000 and look for a d90...
So does the D90. In fact, because it's contrast based focusing from the sensor, you can put the AF point anywhere you want when in live view mode. It won't AF when shooting video though. Perhaps that's what you meant? If the D5000 can autofocus when shooting video, it's definitely much more useful in that regard.
However, as others have said, the LCD and the built in AF motor are the big things... Remember that having an AF motor can save you hundreds of dollars in lenses. AF-S lenses are generally much more expensive than AF-D lenses of the same optical quality. They also focus faster, but unless you're a hardcore/pro sports shooter that probably doesn't matter.
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so the lens above.. the d5000 would autofocus... doesnt on my d40
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikond5000/
The two biggest selling points for me on the D90 are the higher resolution LCD (bigger screen and 3x the pixels) as well as the built in focus motor (I do a fair amount of shooting with the 50mm f/1.8 which wouldn't auto-focus on the D5000).
Just saw your reply. No, the D5000 would not autofocus that particular lens (or other AF-D lenses for that matter). For a lens to auto-focus on D40/60/5000, it needs to be an "AF-S" lens. So the newer 50mm f/1.4 would work, but it's also more expensive...
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-50mm-1-4G-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001GCVA0U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1245091487&sr=8-1
Nikon have limited their lower priced cameras for some time now. If the lens doesn't have its own auto focus motor, it will not autofocus on the D40/D60/D5000. For most users of these cameras, it shouldn't be a problem (wouldn't bother me - I find manual focusing is easy on live view LCD).
Then again:
The D5000 has the ability to AF in Live View
The D5000 LCD is articulated
In terms of imager, image processing and resolution they are very similar indeed.
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So does the D90. In fact, because it's contrast based focusing from the sensor, you can put the AF point anywhere you want when in live view mode. It won't AF when shooting video though. Perhaps that's what you meant? If the D5000 can autofocus when shooting video, it's definitely much more useful in that regard.
However, as others have said, the LCD and the built in AF motor are the big things... Remember that having an AF motor can save you hundreds of dollars in lenses. AF-S lenses are generally much more expensive than AF-D lenses of the same optical quality. They also focus faster, but unless you're a hardcore/pro sports shooter that probably doesn't matter.
http://blog.timkphotography.com