Camera purchase question

Raian-san · May 21, 2011

If video is not your concern at all, the used D90 is the best option if you want to budget. If you're concern about video, D7000 is definitely your choice. If you have the money, the D7000 is a nice camera. You won't need to upgrade your camera for years to come. Why only Nikon? Canon 60D is a good choice as well and it's 200$ less than D7000. Not trying to knock on the D5100 but it has limitation that you will need to upgrade to another body later on.

KmH · May 21, 2011

The 60D doesn't come close to being as usable a camera as the D7000. Compare the external controls.

Then compare the high ISO performance and dynamic range of the 2. The 60D costs less, because it's a lesser camera.

Netskimmer · May 21, 2011

I took a look at Cannon but for some reason I am drawn to Nikon. I might play with the video function a bit but it would seem that if I want to really get into that I should get a digital camcorder so I am mainly focused on photography. As for the D90 and 60D, for no more of a price difference than there is, I would prefer to go with the D7000 given it's capabilities.

So would it be a more versatile approach to get a good Xmm-200mm lens and a good teleconverter?

KmH · May 21, 2011

Even using a high quality teleconverter (TC) involves a technical price that has to be paid.

A 1.4x TC reduces the effective maximum lens aperture by a stop. So, if f/2.8 is the max lens aperture, with a 1.4x TC mounted, the effective max aperture becomes f/4.

Of course a 2x TC costs 2 stops, and a f/2.8 becomes a f/5.6.

Raian-san · May 21, 2011

Of course for still photo, the D7000 is a much better than the 60D. I'm just giving him some option to choose from. I don't know why people knock on the capability of video on DSLR. A lot of short film, and music video are shot with a DSLR. Even the Television show House, their season finale was shot with the Canon 5D mark II. If it wasn't for video, I would had gone with D7000. After a tough decision and my focus on making short film, I had to settle for 60D since 7D and 5D is out of the question budget wise. Anyways, GL on your decision.

Netskimmer · May 21, 2011

This looks interesting...

Amazon.com: Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD IF Macro Lens with Built in Motor for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo

Netskimmer · May 21, 2011

Raian-san said:
Of course for still photo, the D7000 is a much better than the 60D. I'm just giving him some option to choose from. I don't know why people knock on the capability of video on DSLR. A lot of short film, and music video are shot with a DSLR. Even the Television show House, their season finale was shot with the Canon 5D mark II. If it wasn't for video, I would had gone with D7000. After a tough decision and my focus on making short film, I had to settle for 60D since 7D and 5D is out of the question budget wise. Anyways, GL on your decision.

Thanks for the info Raian-san, but I'm not really interested in video. At best it would be something I would play with but I have no serious aspirations in that area. I have decided on the D7000 but now I need to find a good lens to go with it. The bulk of the discussion thus far has been about longer zoom lenses but I probably should start with a good "general purpose" lens. Something for shooting up close and personal.

Once I have that I can focus on getting to know the camera and work on improving my skills while I save up for more lenses.

Maybe something along theses lines:
AFB005NII700 Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II VC (Vibration Compensation) LD Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital DSLR's, 6 Year USA Warranty
or
2180 Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-S Auto Focus Nikkor Lens - with 5 Year U.S.A. Warranty

Raian-san · May 21, 2011

Both of those lens are good option for your first lens. I have the 50mm 1.4D, the older version. It's a great lens and it's usually on my camera. If you shoot in low light, indoors, it's the lens to have, also give really good bokeh. The Tamron 17-50 is a good walk around lens with constant aperture 2.8. Many people on this forums recommended that lens so this is the reason why I'm going to get that lens next.

The 50mm x 1.5 on a crop body is 75mm. In small places, it's too close to take photos sometimes. The 17-50mm give you option with zoom. It's really up to you and what you need. But if you only have one lens, I suggest getting the 17-50mm one to cover a little bit of range.

P.S. Get the D7000 if you can. It also have 1080p video. I have the 50mm 1.4D for sale since I sold my D90 and switched to Canon. Let me know if you want to get it, it'll be relatively a lot cheaper than buying the 1.4G brand new. The money you'll save, you can put it on the Tamron-17-50mm or another lens. PM me.

Netskimmer · May 21, 2011

Thanks for the offer but I was considering the lenses as an either/or situation.

So a D7000 and the Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP ZL Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens.

This would be a good starting setup?

Raian-san · May 21, 2011

Yes that's a good starting set up for you since you mention landscape and nature photography. 50mm won't allow you to take wide shots as much as 17mm. Keep us posting when you order the camera.

P.S. The D7000 is on back order on most websites if not all. I just bought my 60D from a store in SF, they are a family owned so their prices are awesome. I got the 60D for $915 out the door. The D7000 body, you can get it for 1,150 no taxes. You just have to pay for shipping. Let me know if you need it and I'll call and ask them.

Netskimmer · May 21, 2011

I really appreciate the offer but I just got one new from authorized dealer on ebay for $1,200 with free shipping.

Jay1205 · May 22, 2011

Hi all,

I'm new to photography and very serious with this, but I dont own a real camera js yet. I want to make good investment on my first camera so that I dont end up upgrading it few months down the road.
My interest is portrait, specifically wedding. I'm more confortable with Nikon. Please advise on what Nikon model and senses would give me a solid start for portrait purposes. I appreciate all your opinions/advices in advance.

Netskimmer · May 22, 2011

I don't mind sharing a thread but you may get better results if you started a fresh one. That being said, what kind of Nikons have you used? What is your budget?