Nikon D5000 vs Olympus E-620?

Question

I can't decide on which one to purchase. HELP!!!

This will be my first Digital SLR camera purchase, so I'm in the beginner category. I have done thorough research and have narrowed down my choices between:


1. Nikon D5000 with two lens kit (18-55mm VR & 55-200mm VR) $730
2. Olympus E-620 with two lens kit (14-42mm & 40-150mm) $609

Unfortunately, I'm really torn between the two.

Features I love:
1. Built in image stabilization with Olympus
2. Built in "art" filters with Olympus
3. THE PRICE with Olympus
4. Video recording in Nikon
5. Fast shutter speed in Nikon.
6. Nikon is highly rated

What I can't get over with the Olympus is the complaints of noise at high ISOs. Now, I'm not an expect photographer, but I would like the option of taking photos in low light. However, I'm not sure how much of a problem that may actually be to me. I would like to take photos in low light/night, which is one of the reasons that I'm upgrading from my point-and-shoot to a digital SLRs. Taking a decent night shot was virtually impossible.

Can someone please help guide me in the right direction? How big of a deal is high noise for a beginner like me, trying to take decent "low light/night" photos.

Answer 1

Take a look at dpreview.com. They have some reviews and sample pics that you can use. I use the Olympus E-510. The matter of noise at high ISO is overdone. My Olympus E-510 compares very well to the comparable Nikon, Canon and other DSLRs in performance even at ISO800. The two cameras you have listed perform even better.



Consider this, Practical Photography and Photo Answers magazines recently had low light features. None of the images in the magazine went above ISO800 and most were at ISO400 and ISO200. These images were taken with a variety of cameras, mostly Canon and Nikon, with some Pentax, Olympus and others. The reason for this is stated in the magazines, using a tripod and longer shutter speeds produces better results regardless of the camera you select. If you insist on taking hand night shots, you will likely be disappointed no matter which camera you select.



I have no issues with my cameras performance, even in low light. Olympus is the leading company for quality noise reduction. Olympus is also highly rated. In fact Digital Photographer magazine rated the E-600/620 the same as the Nikon D5000 and Pentax K-X overall. Giving the Olympus a 9/10 rating.



I chose Olympus because it was a better value. I paid less money, got more features and professional quality images. No doubt the Nikon is more popular in this country, and it offers great quality. From my perspective, Olympus was comparable for less money.

Answer 2

My vote is for the D5000.



The Olympus is great, but the Nikon is honestly better, mainly because it has a larger sensor (meaning better image quality, especially in terms of noise in low light) and better auto focus (if you want to shoot any kind of action). The Olympus art filters are kind of a gimmick, and even though the built-in stabilization is nice, it's not a big advantage since VR lenses come in the Nikon kit. Nikon also has a larger selection of lenses (Olympus has a bunch of old ones that will work too, but will not auto focus), and video is just a nice bonus. If you go with the Nikon kit, you should also think about getting an AF-S 35mm f/1.8 at some point for low light shooting.



By the way, I own an E-420 (bought for its small size) and had a Nikon D300 before it (same sensor as the D5000), so I have knowledge of both systems.



Good luck!

Answer 3

Below are some website links, the first one provides a side by side listing of the 2 cameras feature and specs. This has links to reviews for each camera and includes sample images from the cameras.



I favor the Nikon, not only is it the bigger sensor but it is a 3:2 ratio which I prefer to the 4:3 ration of the Olympus. See the 2nd link below about aspect ratio.



I also provided some website links to find some deals but these websites also provide customer reviews.



Hope this helps.



Mark



marksablow.com

Answer 4

NO do not get a film camera, they are going to DIE soon! If I was choosing, I would go for the nikon d5000 BUT... I say this to EVERYONE, explore the WHOLE market!!! Have a look at canon, panasonic lumix, fuji, sony, samsung and pentax!! The pentax k-x is also around the same price as the nikon d5000, and the same with quite a few canon cameras!

Answer 5

I would go for Nikon D5000 as it is age-proved quality.



You can get one for under 300$ here:



http://www.stiwin.com/