I need a serious opinion pleaseD60 vs F4,F5,F100

[SamSpade1941]

I was wanting to get some input , I am hoping to get some good honest advice I have done some research and I am torn here on what to do please read all the facts as they are listed and take them into consideration then try to give me some opinions so I can figure out what to do. I recently have been wanting another camera pretty badly because I want something that will have more flexibility than my D40 affords me, the fact is I simply cant afford a nicer digital. I don't like airing all my personal details out but I feel some warrant being aired so you understand why its not feasible for me to do so. Most importantly everything really just does not matter to me and is not important, my wife is terminally ill so money so all the spare cash goes to take care of her needs.

I was looking at trading off some collectibles I own to obtain a Nikon F4 or possible a Nikon F5 or F100 . While those cameras are not digital they are professional grade 35mm SLR cameras and shooting 35mm is not that expensive. Plus those same cameras can also be bought in good useable condition for around $200 or less and all three of those cameras will mount my Nikon AF-G lenses. From what I have read all of them will use the VR feature except the F4.

The other day I had a gentleman offer to trade me a D60 along with an 18-55 mm kit lens and a 55-200mm kit lens. both lenses are actually duplicates of the lenses I currently own. My question is this, I am aware of the features of the D60, the fact that it has an ISO setting that goes down to 100 and that it has a 10.2 megapixel sensor and a few other features. But it still is essentially a D40 on steroids, it does not offer me more features than what I currently have. I also know that more megapixels does not mean better.

I have wanted a D200 for a while because they are more of a professional grade camera or prosumer camera, but the finances will not permit it. Would I be better off to just decline the D60 trade because I am not really gaining much over the D40 in practical terms? Should I just go head and get one of the F series 35mm cameras like I was planning to do at least then I would have the ability to have a much higher level of control over the camera than I do now with the D40.


Edit to add the question is this get one of the aforementioned professional film cameras or get the D60 which I am not sure is an upgrade at all over my D40??


Thanks again

 

[pixmedic]

I don't think the D60 is enough of an upgrade. the F4 is a great camera if you want to do film. I wouldn't upgrade unless you can at least get a used D90 or D200 if thats what you want.

 

[MLeeK]

Sell off the crap you aren't using, put the money in a jar until you have the money to buy something you WANT. You aren't getting enough of an upgrade there to make a difference-you said it yourself.
Adorama has a D200 in rough cosmetic condition for $200 Used Nikon D200 10.2 Megapixels Digital SLR Camera Body, camera top screen crack and grip rubber unglued. or one in "E" condition for $350. Used Nikon D200 10.2 Megapixels Digital SLR Camera Body
They're cheap

 

[orb9220]

D60 not what I would consider an upgrade. D200 yes loved mine over my D40 for the reasons you mentioned.
Seeing D200 on craigslist for $300-$400 range. Yep 2 right now going for $300
And even better iso performer would be a used D90 which is my current camera going around $500 used.

Should be able to sell off those film ones on craigslist for cash. Or even put up a WTT want to trade for posting on craigslist.

You should be able to get around $250-$350 for the F4 and F5. F100 around $150. Also selling the D40 with kit lens will net you around $300 depending on condition and what comes with.
.

 

[KmH]

My question is this, I am aware of the features of the D60, the fact that it has an ISO setting that goes down to 100 and that it has a 10.2 megapixel sensor and a few other features. But it still is essentially a D40 on steroids, it does not offer me more features than what I currently have. I also know that more megapixels does not mean better.

You left out the question.

 

[pixmedic]

My question is this, I am aware of the features of the D60, the fact that it has an ISO setting that goes down to 100 and that it has a 10.2 megapixel sensor and a few other features. But it still is essentially a D40 on steroids, it does not offer me more features than what I currently have. I also know that more megapixels does not mean better.

You left out the question.

I think hes asking whether or not the D60 is enough of an upgrade to his D40 or if he should hold out for something better, OR get one of the film cameras he mentioned.

 

[SamSpade1941]

My question is this, I am aware of the features of the D60, the fact that it has an ISO setting that goes down to 100 and that it has a 10.2 megapixel sensor and a few other features. But it still is essentially a D40 on steroids, it does not offer me more features than what I currently have. I also know that more megapixels does not mean better.

You left out the question.

I think hes asking whether or not the D60 is enough of an upgrade to his D40 or if he should hold out for something better, OR get one of the film cameras he mentioned.

That was it ...

 

[gryffinwings]

I would recommend a Film camera, but the issue is that you will need lens that are compatible with the full frame that 35mm film provides, your DX lens are not going to be of any use, so you would need to get a camera from them. I've also heard that the Nikon N90S was a pretty good 35mm as well, might want to consider it.

Check this link for listings at KEH for 35mm outfits, seem pretty good for the price and condition:

Nikon Autofocus Camera Outfits - KEH.com

 

[eric1971]

For now, I would just keep what you have. A used D90 is probably the best bang for the buck. Save your money until you can swing that.