Need advice on equipment upgrade/etc.

[Lilygirl4]

I've been working with a photography company for a year now and have been using photography as a hobby for going on 10 years now, but only really for the past year have I played by the "manual" rule. In the spring my boss sold me a Nikon D70 that was no longer used in the business so I could practice now, and after having done many weddings now I feel confident that I can start doing some weddings on my own (not through the company I work for).

I know I need a flash and diffuser as well as some rechargable batteries and extra cards to start doing my own weddings. My only dillema is whether to get the brand name Nikon sb-600 or to go with a more generic, yet still highly recommended flash. I also was wondering whether I should go the extra mile and upgrade my camera, to a Nikon D80 or whether I should save and go for teh Nikon D300. We use D300's for weddings now and I know they rock, but have not used a D80. I don't have a lot of extra cash, so I'd have to save for something or if I decided to upgrade possibly sell my D70.

Should I get a flash now, a good one, or get a generic and save for the camera upgrade? My mind is swimming with ideas and I'm not sure where to go. I'd appreciate any help in this matter. Thanks!

 

[Lilygirl4]

I've decided after much research to go ahead and get a Nikon sb-600. I found some on Amazon for a great price (sold through Amazon itself) and plan to get this soon. I would still like some advise on my camera upgrade.

Has anyone used a Nikon D80, and if so, what do you think? I am seriously considering this camera based on the fact that it uses SD cards, and they are much easier to come by at a much more reasonable price than the compact flash cards.

 

[K_Pugh]

I've got a D80, It'll do for weddings no problem. SD cards are cheap, a couple of 4GB ones will do. I'd keep the D70 also as a second camera if you're doing weddings.

I'd definitely keep the D70 and buy a D80, rather than sell the D70 to get a D300. The 2nd camera is invaluable if you ask me - much more important than the features the D300 will give you.