Time to upgrade///

[Gaz.]

Right, it's about time I f**ked the D40 off and upgraded. Thoughts 18months ago were on the D90, but time has changed and so has technology. I haven't used a camera in anger for a long time (nor kept an eye on the industry), but with being designated as photographer for a wedding in October, I need to get back into it.

The D40 is a bit long in the tooth really now, and I just don't feel that it takes pictures any better than a modern bridge, even some compacts can. After all, it is old hat now.

Budget, say £500 although that can be altered. Willing to buy new or used, package deals or body only etc etc. Basically, I'm open to any suggestion.

One prerequisite, it HAS to be Nikon. Don't get along with Canons at all, plus all my gear is Nikon based.

 

[Nick_P]

Hmmm, for that price I would still go with a D90 tbh. A D7000 is basically the new D90, but is also over budget... D90 is still pretty capable


Edit. Just had a look online, I still stick to the D90. Perhaps the D5100? but looks pretty gimicky.

 

[Hixle]

LOL at the automatic connotation between Upgrade > ///M3

I'm in exactly the same position Gaz, rapidly outgrowing the the D40 (especially the way it handles low light conditions) and want something that shoots video too. I'm being swayed by the D7000 tbh, trying to justify the cost to myself atm...

 

[Gaz.]

I had read about the D5100 coming out just the other day, that kicked started the thought process really. Be interesting to see what comes up 2nd hand I guess.

 

[Gaz.]

Seen some decent D5000 deals, any thoughts?

 

[Riad]

Seen some decent D5000 deals, any thoughts?

I have a D90 and D5000 as a back up, not really much difference i'd go for the D5000 and a decent lens.

 

[Gaz.]

I can see the liveview being an asset in low car shots TBH.

 

[Riad]

I can see the liveview being an asset in low car shots TBH.

It does come in handy! you also have video witch is a bonus

Modified Live @ Oulton park by Riad Ariane, on Flickr

 

[Gaz.]

Think I'll go have a play with one, see what I think.

 

[SamP]

D5000 is a POS.

 

[Gaz.]

So is your Canon. Trot along.

 

[SamP]

So is your Canon. Trot along.

Comparison wise I've got a D7000, so eat me D5000 poverty boy.

 

[Gaz.]

I have a turbo'd car that actually drives. Ta'rah

 

[SamP]

I have a turbo'd car that actually drives. Ta'rah

Alright you got me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZpV2Cor0rE

If you do buy new go through Kerso on talk photography, get a good 15% off retail which is fab.

 

[Gaz.]

Ah I forgot all about that guy.

Any good second hand sites?

 

[Gaz.]

D5000 and D3100 are now both a no go. Sick of poor AF lens choice with the D40, so no point sticking with the same poor choices with a new camera.

 

[Nick_P]

D90

 

[Gaz.]

The D90 is still getting a bit old now. I've no doubt it's a great camera, but maybe I should buy the newest technology I can if you know what I mean. Saying that, I'd love a D3 but can't see them coming up cheap enough used lol.

At the same time, spend a bit more than a D90 and I can get a D7000 body. Hmmmm.

 

[Nick_P]

Hmm I want a D7000, if you want to buy my D90

 

[The Ironist]

Gaz what did you go with in the end? I am looking at the exact same range.

Saw the 5100 and thought time to get a new camera, D90 seems to be the standard still but it seems so old now, but people still seem to recommend it above the newer models.

 

[Gaz.]

Bumping this. Never bought one but I really am fed up of the D40 now.

Say around same £500 budget, second hand is fine again. Still a D90 or D7000?

 

[Hixle]

Hi.

I went for a d5100 in the end as an impulse purchase. Had it for about a year now. Great camera, the iso performance is unreal. However, I wish I decided to spend the extra and get the d7000; purely for the inbuilt focus motor.

 

[Niall]

I’m with Luke on this one, Also I find the find the viewfinder too small on the D5100, when I had a play with a D7000 in Curry’s it was in a different world in terms of build quality and more advanced features; the 39 point AF points, more cross type focus points, magnesium alloy body, bigger viewfinder due to pentaprism not pentamiror, built in focus motor, 6 FPS Burst, and the generally more advanced layout of the buttons. After all its classed as a ‘Prosumer’ camera as a posed to ‘Advanced Beginner’.

But of course they have the same sensor so ultimately the Image Quality/ISO performance will be near identical.

 

[Gaz.]

I'm not going D5100, purely due to the limited AF lens choices.

I'd rather buy older to get access to decent lenses. So far D90 bodies are about £350-400. The next level up seems to be the D300, albeit I'm pushing the budget there.

 

[Gaz.]

Right then, D90, D300 or push the budget out and get a D7000?

 

[Hixle]

D7000 if you can mate. I'll be well jel though.

 

[Addicted]

Push the budget, with something as big as this I think you'd regret not paying the extra!

 

[Gaz.]

That's what I'm thinking. Plus full HD video is seriously tempting.

 

[Addicted]

That's it, cameras are meant to last and full hd now is a good idea for the next few years!

I know it's canon but I was torn between 550d and 600d, only real difference was the screen was hinged on the 600 so didn't bother wasting my money - this has a very worthwhile upgrade!

 

[Gaz.]

I'm sold on the D7000 now, with 18-105VR. I could have bought it tonight had Paypal not decided they'd hold onto my refunded money, will have to wait until Friday. Blown the budget well and truly wide open but sod it!

 

[Hixle]

Good lad. Will be well jealous mate.

I bought the D5100 with video in mind but hardly used it unfortunately! Still need to rig up a gliderail.

 

[Tigger]

^ Does it AF in video mode?

 

[Hixle]

It does mate but it's always easier to MF with video tbh.

 

[Scrooge]

LOL at the automatic connotation between Upgrade > ///M3

I'm in exactly the same position Gaz, rapidly outgrowing the the D40 (especially the way it handles low light conditions) and want something that shoots video too. I'm being swayed by the D7000 tbh, trying to justify the cost to myself atm...

Let me know when you do bung the D40 off dude I'm looking to purchase a starter camera to learn with.

 

[Hixle]

Let me know when you do bung the D40 off dude I'm looking to purchase a starter camera to learn with.

I sold it for £100 ages ago mate, that post's ancient

You can pick them up on eBay cheaply mate, let me know if you want a hand finding one.

 

[Scrooge]

Lol just realised that, f**king fail.

 

[Gaz.]

I've got the D7000. Really impressed, now shoot JPEG as I don't need the adjustment RAW gave for the D40. Only gripe is it not working as mass storage, so I currently have to use the D40 as I don't have a card reader.

A couple of quick shots whilst I've been playing at home with it...

Jack by gaz_roberts01, on Flickr

RX7 Side by gaz_roberts01, on Flickr

 

[fil_b]

looks good

what lens did you get with it or was it just get the body?

 

[Gaz.]

Bought the 18-105VR kit, would have preferred the 18-200mm but this cost more than enough lol.