1st REAL Visit to A Photog Store

myvinyl333 · Feb 20, 2010

I visited one of our local photography stores yesterday to look for a possible used Nikon D2 body and a photog bag. As I entered I suddenly heard conversations that I thought I understood . I was overwhelmed at all the great accessories. A clerk (who sold me point and shoot years ago) asked if I was looking for something. I froze. Uttered aaaaa Nikon D..... He showed me a D1 that was well used. I looked some more then exited. It is much more reassuring to talk and ask here. I think I need more education and self confidence before visiting the Photo Pros again. Accent on Pros~
jorge

tdiprincess · Feb 20, 2010

Generally if you ask questions they'll help you out at these places... maybe it's the whole in person thing? You're comfortable here.. at some point you'll have to break out of your comfort zone though

pcacj · Feb 20, 2010

I think you are correct in trying to get some advice form the experienced folks on here. Some are very helpful. I just purchased a new camera and lens at my local photography store, rather than going through Adorama or B&H or Amazon. I would have saved a bit by purchasing online, but my reasoning was that I can bring it back to them a lot easier if there is a problem and I should support them if I intend to rely on them for maintenance, advice, and other photographic support. They answered my questions, but I did get the feeling that they were not comfortable steering me towards a specific product. They wanted me to be solely responsible for the choices, which I totally agree with. The scary part is when you are too new to the hobby, you might make the wrong decisions simply because you did not know what to ask.

Overread · Feb 20, 2010

The other part to remember is that often sales staff might not know as much as you think and might soley want to sell you one camera over another (higher comssion) and will herd you in that direction.

Online you can at least get impartial advice about aspects and get an idea of what might be best to suit your needs and why.

this is not a knock against camera stores - some are very professional and very good and will have staff that will guide you to the right purchase - even to debate with you if a DSLR is seriously what is really best for you.

NateWagner · Feb 20, 2010

Well, I'm not sure how much Impartial advice you will get, as much of the advice often seems to be fan boy based. That being said, we don't get commission on what you purchase so you have a point there.

KmH · Feb 20, 2010

What is a photog bag? For that matter, what the heck is a photog?

myvinyl333 · Feb 20, 2010

KmH said:
What is a photog bag? For that matter, what the heck is a photog?

I got the term from my son who shoots professionally for a major television station in Raleigh, NC. So video is photgo...photography is:er:?

gsgary · Feb 21, 2010

You don't want a D2 for shooting bands there not good at handling noise

myvinyl333 · Feb 21, 2010

gsgary said:
You don't want a D2 for shooting bands there not good at handling noise

Thank you, I did not know that.... suggestions? Was also thinking of another D90, but maybe varying bodies would give more flex ability?

gsgary · Feb 21, 2010

I'm not up to speed on Nikon but the d300 is good at high iso's

Aggressor · Feb 21, 2010

A lot of it depends on your price range, and what you enjoy shooting... Tell us that and maybe we can guide you to something that works for you.

Mike_E · Feb 21, 2010

A D2/D2x is pretty pricey for it's age. A used D300 or even a D90 with a grip would probably be a better bet.

myvinyl333 · Feb 21, 2010

Aggressor said:
A lot of it depends on your price range, and what you enjoy shooting... Tell us that and maybe we can guide you to something that works for you.

Low light/concert shooting is my main focus.
Thanks~

myvinyl333 · Feb 21, 2010

Mike_E said:
A D2/D2x is pretty pricey for it's age. A used D300 or even a D90 with a grip would probably be a better bet.

What are the advantages of a grip?
Thanks~

Aggressor · Feb 21, 2010

For concert/low light situations, I would recommend the following (in order of decreasing price):

D3x/D3s/D700/D300/D90/D80

I don't think the D2/D2x is a good value because, although, they're the same price as the D300, the D300's high ISO performance is superior.

As for grip, it allows you to have two batteries and also gives you the option of holding the camera normally when shooting portrait orientation.