is a Nikon D7000 worth the upgrade?

[ShutterSpeed]

I'm an American photographer living in Brazil. However, I teach english and cameras here are SUPER expensive. But since my income is limited, I won't be able to fully upgrade to a full frame camera when i arrive in the U.S. next month for vacation.

I currently have a D60 and want to upgrade to the D7000.
But since my spending money is limited, i have to choose between the following options.

2 additional SB-600s with a SU-800 Commander or 3 SB-600s with pocket-wizards.

or

Nikon D7000 with the SU-800 commander and probably 1 SB-600. (i already have 1 SB-600)

the d7000 has the following advantages that I've been interested in.
high-iso/low noise
on camera motor.

but, if i don't go with the d7000 i am investing more money in a lighting system for my small studio set up that i'm building here...so...it feels like a dilemma...

help?

 

[dallasimagery]

i would recommend getting a used 1ds2.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

It was well worth the upgrade going from a D5000 to a D7000 for me.

 

[KmH]

The D7000 has Commander mode built-in, likely negating the need for a SU-800. I realize the SU-800 has a bit more range but.....

I much prefer the versatility and range a radio triggering system offers over an IR system like CLS, and i don't much care for the inconsistant results i-TTL delivers.

I'm way smarter than a Nikon camera and flash unit, so I just use manual modes and much less expensive 3rd party lighting gear, particularly in a studio setting where FP-sync isn't needed.

 

[TordFuglstad]

i would recommend getting a used 1ds2.

YOU are a TROLL! Keeps on saying that in every thread where people are thinking of getting a D7000..
Not gonna say it again, the D7000 eats the 1ds2 for dinner and ****s it out again all over another 1ds2.

 

[Kerbouchard]

Honestly, between those two choices, I would pick up the D7000, but I would probably skip the SU-800. Maybe instead of picking up an SB-600, use the difference to pick up an SB900 or used SB800.

 

[ShutterSpeed]

The D7000 has Commander mode built-in, likely negating the need for a SU-800. I realize the SU-800 has a bit more range but.....

I much prefer the versatility and range a radio triggering system offers over an IR system like CLS, and i don't much care for the inconsistant results i-TTL delivers.

I'm way smarter than a Nikon camera and flash unit, so I just use manual modes and much less expensive 3rd party lighting gear, particularly in a studio setting where FP-sync isn't needed.

So yes...worth the upgrade? or not?

my goal with the SU-800 is kind of temporary. In december, with my christmas bonus, i will purchase the radio triggering system...but at this point, i am preferring i-TTL until i learn more about the exposures..

...but what exactly does manual involve..just adjust each flash to +3.0 or -3.0?
is that all
or is it more involved than that...?

 

[2WheelPhoto]

you realize the D7000 will fire the remote flashes without the SU-800?

 

[ShutterSpeed]

you realize the D7000 will fire the remote flashes without the SU-800?

yes...but with the same range? same strength?

 

[2WheelPhoto]

you realize the D7000 will fire the remote flashes without the SU-800?

yes...but with the same range? same strength?

No not quite. but its firing mine. I'm debating pocket wizards, the su-800 doesn't seem like a lot of bang for the buck over the pop-up flash. But my pop up flash is handling matters to the point I have other priorities for the big bux over remote i-TTL with my D7000.

 

[ShutterSpeed]

you realize the D7000 will fire the remote flashes without the SU-800?

yes...but with the same range? same strength?

No not quite. but its firing mine. I'm debating pocket wizards, the su-800 doesn't seem like a lot of bang for the buck over the pop-up flash. But my pop up flash is handling matters to the point I have other priorities for the big bux over remote i-TTL with my D7000.

will it fire up to 3 sb-600s?

 

[2WheelPhoto]

yes, it will fire two groups of 3 matter of fact

 

[ShutterSpeed]

Thanks for the info..I think i've basically made the decision with your help.

 

[Vtec44]

yes, it will fire two groups of 3 matter of fact

I tested out 1 group of 1 the other day and it worked flawlessly. Now I'm looking for a few SB600's online. :blushing:

 

[2WheelPhoto]

yes, it will fire two groups of 3 matter of fact

I tested out 1 group of 1 the other day and it worked flawlessly. Now I'm looking for a few SB600's online. :blushing:

I can make mine fail in bright sun or when I hide one behind a tree or such, but for all practical purposes its worked great for me too.