Moving up....lots of questions/advice needed!

[amylynn]

I currently have a nikon d40x. i'm actually my moms, so i can't sell it to fund my new purchase, however, it does have the 18-135 lens that i could use if i stayed with Nikon. My cousin is selling her 5d MarkII body only for $1400. If i stay with nikon i'd like a camera that has the settings on the top. I hate having to look inside my d40x to see the settings--which would be my best option? Or should i scrap the nikon and restart with my cousins canon? What lens should start with then? I would also want to get (at some time) a lens to shoot very long distances (kids programs) and then a 50mm or something similar. I know that i would have to purchase a flash at some point, too with the canon. Right now i am just looking to get some experience, with hopes of moving semi-pro in the future. Advice? Thanks in advac1e

 

[Derrel]

5M Mark II has a pedestrian autofocus system, no pop-up flash, no wireless flash commander, and is basically, a Canon EOS Elan body (a cheapish body) with what was a very good sensor in it. You can equal its image quality from a refurbished $700 D7000, or get a much better camera in the new NIkon D7100, with a 24MP sensor that's three generations newer than the one in the 5D-II. PLUS, have better autofocus, a smaller,lighter camera, with arguably better metering and better flash metering.

The 5D-II is now a four and a half year old year old camera that was developed probably six years ago. For $1400, you can do better now that it's no longer 2008.

 

[amylynn]

The main difference between the d7000 and the mark II is on is full frame, the other is not. Is there advantages/disadvantages of this? do i need a full frame?

 

[tirediron]

The main difference between the d7000 and the mark II is on is full frame, the other is not. Is there advantages/disadvantages of this? do i need a full frame?

Nooooooo... the main differences are those that are outlined above by Derrel. The full-frame/crop frame is relativley minor in this comparison, and given the choice, I would opt for the D7100.

 

[manicmike]

The main difference between the d7000 and the mark II is on is full frame, the other is not. Is there advantages/disadvantages of this? do i need a full frame?

Nooooooo... the main differences are those that are outlined above by Derrel. The full-frame/crop frame is relativley minor in this comparison, and given the choice, I would opt for the D7100.

+1

 

[goodguy]

For 1600$ you can get a refurbished D600 which is a full frame, modern, kickass Nikon camera, I would gladly spend the extra 200$ and get the D600.
I also agree and would go with the D7100 over the 5D II but as I said for this money I would go with Nikon FX body D600