So after everyone's reassurances of not worrying about the shutter, I am not in the market for a DSLR. I'm considering the D90 at the moment but that is always subject to change. Anyone have/used one of these badboys?
nikon d90
Rasta:
I don't have a D90, but I have a Canon 40D. The 50D is the current competition with the D90, but I think the 40D is close enough to both that I can comment. First of all, this is my first DSLR and I've had it for 2 - 3 months and I simply love it. I can't imagine that you wouldn't completely love owning the D90, especially with it being your first DSLR.
Having said this, I'm not inclined to nit-pick the features like...say...the article in DPReview would when it comes to reviewing the D90 against say the D80 or the D300.
Major features I like are that the camera goes to ISO 6400, has Live View, and or course access to all the great nikor lenses. I'm less inclined to be impressed that it has in camera video capability since right now I'm more into having a separate camera that's designed specifically for that option than using my still camera as a jack-of-all-trades device. IOW, I don't want my still camera compromised for purposes of having video features...whether it's weight or design features, or just additional clunkiness in controls...albeit all things being equal, I suppose it's a convenient feature to have.
What I do love alot is Live View. I like shooting at odd angles and perspectives. Live view really helps composition when you can't peer through the viewfinder. It's awesome. I still prefer composing a normal shot using the viewfinder, but when holding the camera above my head or at my ankles, live view is simply awesome.
My only other comment is that, for the price you're looking $1000 or so new, I might give some consideration to adding another $200 and going for Sanjay's D300. All metal construction and 14bit image depth are nice features.
Regardless, if you were to go for the D90, I know that you'd love it to death.
Good luck.
Steve